DESCRIPTION: This course will deal with the spiritual, psychological, sociological, and physiological aspects of gender and human sexuality. The focus will be on specific issues relevant to persons in Christian ministry.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Every person in ministry will benefit from having a solid integrated theological and psycho-socio-cultural understanding of gender and human sexuality. There are a variety of issues that come up in the context of ministry whether this is in the church, mission field, or secular community. This course will equip students with a capacity to embrace God's good gift of gender and sex as they minister to others.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: By the end of the course students should (1) demonstrate an integrated theological and psycho-socio-cultural understanding of gender and human sexuality, (2) be able to articulate and put in practice basic principles of authentic sexual relationships, (3) have an understanding of the development of femininity and masculinity, (4) be able to identify sexual struggles and sexual abuses that occur in our world today, and (5) be able to demonstrate the ability to provide effective preventative and or transformational services to individuals, couples, families, the church and the wider community in the area of gender and sexuality. Graduates will be equipped with insights from Christian theology regarding their understanding of masculinity and femininity, and the relationship between genders.

COURSE FORMAT: The course will be conducted on the Internet using a 10-week lesson program aligned with Fuller's academic calendar. Lectures for each lesson will be available online. Students and instructors will interact with the material weekly through homework assignments and threaded discussions.

REQUIRED READING:

Balswick, Judith K. & Jack O. (2008). Authentic Human Sexuality: An Integrated Christian Approach. 2nd ed. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press. ISBN 978-0-8308-2883-8. $25.

Balswick, Jack. (1992). Men at the Crossroads: Beyond Traditional Roles and Modern Options. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press. ISBN 0-8308-1385-3. $8.

Bilezikian, Gilbert. (2006). Beyond Sex Roles: What the Bible Says about a Women's Place in Church and Family. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic. ISBN 9-780801-031533. $10.

1. Weekly threaded discussions (30%).

2. A midterm exam (20%). Exam questions will consist of case studies in which students will analyze and reflect upon hypothetical issues regarding gender, sexuality, and ministry.

3. Four 2-page papers analyzing influences on students' views on gender and sexuality (20%).

4. A 10-page final project (30%). The final project will consist of developing a practical ministry program on any aspect of gender or sexuality suitable for a church or community setting. Examples of project topics include sex and singleness; gender issues in ministry; sexual fulfillment in marriage; gender and interpersonal relationships; dating after divorce; infidelity; and Internet addictions.