Spring 2015/Houston

IS500

Parchman

IS500: TOUCHSTONE (4 Units: 160 hours). Karen Parchman.

DESCRIPTION: This course focuses on vocation. It teaches students the meaning of vocation and then invites them to plan a course of study that will prepare them for that calling. The course will also address issues that regularly arise as students investigate vocation (e.g. finances).

LEARNING OUTCOMES: (1) Students will demonstrate an understanding of the theological concept of vocation; (2) students will demonstrate an ability to use practical theology to make sense of everyday situations; (3) Students will demonstrate knowledge of personal finance; (4) Students will investigate spiritual practices.

COURSE FORMAT: This class meets Monday-Friday of Week 3, from 1:00-5:00 for a total of 28 hours of classroom instruction for lecture and discussion (this includes 8 hours of participation in vocation and formation groups) plus 12 hours of directed learning activities online during the remaining 9 weeks of class for a total of 40 instructional hours.

REQUIRED TOOLS FOR LEARNING:

Branson, Mark and Juan Martinez. Churches, Cultures & Leadership. IVP, 2011. ISBN: 978-0830839261, Pub. Price $25.00 [270 pp.].

Scharen, Christian, Faith as a Way of Life. Eerdmans, 2008. ISBN: 978-0802862310, Pub. Price $16.00 [152 pp.].

Online Reader (58 articles; 29 teaching videos).

Strength Finders Assessment and Coaching Tool: $40.00

“Incredibles” Movie ($2.99 rental through Amazon/iTunes)

“A Man Called Peter” Movie ($2.99 through Amazon/Netflix)

“The West Wing” Episode, Take this Sabbath Day ($1.99 through Amazon)

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

  1. 422 pages of required book reading. [28 hours]

  2. 58 online articles. [15 hours]

  3. Viewing 29 videos of Fuller Professors. [10 hours].

  4. Completion of four 750 word essays using practical theology to address everyday issues (50%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #2]. [55 hours].

  5. Completion of spiritual exercises including Examen and writing a lament (10%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #4]. [3 hours].

  6. Completion of a written financial plan and a money autobiography (10%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #3]. [7 hours]

  7. Completion of an essay on vocation and a written curricular plan (20%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1]. [6 hours].

  8. Completion of Interview on vocation (10%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1]. [6 hours].

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets an integrative requirement in the 120 MDiv Program.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.


NOTE: This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. Textbook prices are set by publishers and are subject to change.

For your convenience, order these texts online through the Archives Bookshop.