DESCRIPTION:

This course will explore (1) contemporary attitudes toward the "spiritual" found in selected American novels and (2) the means of theological dialogue with these works. Writings by such authors as Barbara Kingsolver, Anne Lamott, Chaim Potok, Bernard Malamud, John Updike, Flannery O'Conner, Peter DeVries, and Toni Morrison will be read. While debunking or listening, symbolizing or secularizing, arguing or affirming, current American fiction is often found interacting with the religious currents that pervade our culture. As such, it invites dialogue from a theological perspective.

Preparation for ministry too often assumes students possess skills in cultural analysis and interaction. This course helps students read their "culture" by having them read in their culture. In the process it provides tools and insight necessary (though not sufficient) for engaged, effective ministry.

Discussion and lecture. One novel will be read and discussed each week. Because the enrollment will be limited to forty, students will have the opportunity for active participation in the discussion. Class will meet once a week for a three-hour session.

DeVries, Peter. Blood of the Lamb. Wipf & Stock, 1982.

Kingsolver, Barbara. Small Wonder. HarperCollins, 2003.

___________. Animal Dreams. Harper Perennial, 1993.

Lamott, Anne. All New People. Counterpoint, 1989; OR

__________. Traveling Mercies. Doubleday, 2000.

Malamud, Bernard. The Assistant. Harper Perennial, 2000.

O'Connor, Flannery. A Good Man is Hard to Find. Rutgers, 1993.

Potok, Chaim. My Name is Asher Lev. Fawcett, 1996.

Updike, John. Pigeon Feathers. Fawcett Columbine, 1996.

Course Reader of selected critical essays (Morrison, Gunn, Hansen, Eliot, etc.).

1. Class presentation on a selected novel/critical essay.

2. Three- to five-page critique of Flannery O'Connor's A Good Man is Hard to Find.

3. Eight- to ten-page paper on a novel by Barbara Kingsolver or Anne Lamott.

None.

Meets the interdisciplinary course requirement for the M.A.C.L. in Integrative Studies; the theology and art requirement for the M.A. in Theology (Theology and Arts format); and specialized requirements for the M.A. in Worship, Theology, and the Arts, and for the M.Div. Concentration in Worship, Theology, and the Arts.

None.