Winter 2004/Pasadena
TM505
Branson/Martínez
TM505: MULTICULTURALISM TODAY. Mark Lau Branson and Juan Martínez.
DESCRIPTION:
- This course will bring to bear the disciplines of biblical studies,
theology, and cultural anthropology on how churches can better perceive,
incorporate and minister in the midst of the numerous cultures of our society.
The development of "multicultural studies" will be examined in light of the
gospel's call on the church. Special attention will be given to church
leadership, with a heuristic foci on African-American, Hispanic-American,
Asian-American and Euro-American experiences.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- Biblical, historical, and theoretical studies, along with our own
experiences, inform how we perceive contexts, conceive of Christian ministry,
and behave as disciples and ministry leaders. All churches in the US,
especially in urban environments, need to have a life and ministry faithful to
the presence of peoples from various cultures. The course seeks the following
goals for each student: Cognitive: Historical and theoretical knowledge
about cultures and social anthropology, especially concerning the US;
Affective & conative: Deepened appreciation for cultures, personal
and communal responsibility and ownership regarding cultural histories, and
increased commitment to overcoming racism in society and in churches and to
forming multicultural relationships and churches; Skills:
Culturally-informed interpretive skills regarding social histories, personal
relationships, and church life.
COURSE FORMAT:
- The class will meet weekly for three hours. Students will need to
complete reading and other assignments on schedule and participate fully in
class. Assignments will be the basis for class discussions, lectures, and
student presentations. Class time may include guests, videos, and shorter
articles. Students will also visit a worship service of a culture other than
one's own.
REQUIRED READING:
- DeYoung, Curtis. et al. United by Faith: The Multiracial
Congregation as an Answer to the Problem of Race. Oxford University Press,
2003.
- Emerson, Michael O., and Christian Smith. Divided by Faith: Evangelical
Religion and the Problem of Race in America. Oxford University Press,
2000.
- Stewart, Edward, and Milton Bennett. American Cultural Patterns: A
Cross-Cultural Perspective. Revised edition. Intercultural Press, 1991.
- Takaki, Ronald. A Different Mirror: A History of Multicultural
America. Little, Brown & Co., 1993.
- Course Reader.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Be prepared and participate in class. (20%)
- Read assignments; keep a reading log for submission. (20%)
- Based on Stewart & Bennett, write four 1-2 page papers synthesizing
cultural comparisons and provide personal illustrations. (4 papers, 10%)
- Write a personal "cultural autobiography" noting history, transitions in
understanding and practices, the interaction of faith, identity, church, and
world. Present highlights in class. (5-6 pages, 10%)
- Participate in a group presentation on one ethnic group using Takaki.
(5%)
- Visit a worship service of a culture other than your own. Write a 2-3 page
reflection paper. (10%)
- Write a research paper (10-15 pp.) integrating required and selected
readings. (25%)
- For pursuit of an A/A-: Read Acts, noting how cultural issues of are
treated, and write a 4-5 page paper of observations and reflections.
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Meets M. Div. core requirement in Missions (MIN 8); meets M.A. in
Theology (General Format) requirement for Globalization (GLBL).
FINAL EXAMINATION: No.