Fall 2004/Pasadena
TC510
Taylor
TC510: THEOLOGY, POP CULTURE AND THE EMERGING CHURCH. Barry Taylor.
DESCRIPTION:
- This course will focus on the intersections between theology,
popular culture and new forms of church emerging around the globe. The student
will explore how popular culture has enabled the emergence of new incarnations
of the Christian faith uniquely focused on meeting the needs of postmodern
society. The class will focus on three main areas: (1) contemporary theologies
which are engaging postmodernity and exegeting popular culture; (2) new
paradigm church expressions from around the globe (with particular emphasis on
models in North America and Europe); (3) contemporary theories of the emerging
global culture.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- New forms of church are appearing everywhere in response to the
emerging global context. This class will equip those seeking to engage, or
already at work in it, by providing a deepening understanding of the dynamic
intersections between theology and popular culture as expressed in the emerging
global context. Learning outcomes include the following:
- Awareness of new theological positions engaging with postmodernity and
popular culture.
- Understanding of the new church forms in the emerging global context.
- Development of the necessary skills for analysis of popular culture, its
role in the emerging context and the theological intersections raised by
it.
COURSE FORMAT:
- The class will meet weekly, for three and a half-hour sessions.
Classes will be lecture-driven with multimedia presentations and small group
discussions.
REQUIRED READING:
- Baker, Jonny and Doug Gay. Alternative Worship. Baker,
2004.
- Browning, Don S. A Fundamental Practical Theology. Fortress Press,
1996.
- Hyman, Gavin. The Predicament of Postmodern Theology. Westminster
Press, 2001 (U.K.: 2003).
- King, Ursula, ed. Faith and Praxis in a Postmodern Age. Cassell,
2000.
- Skelton, Tracy. Culture and Global Change. Routledge, 1999.
- Ward, Pete. Liquid Church. Hendrickson, 2002.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Anderson, Walter Truett. The Next Enlightenment. St. Martins
Press, 2003.
- Grenz, Stanley. Renewing the Center. Baker, 1999
- Lynch, Gordon. After Religion: `Generation X' and the Search for
Meaning. Darton Longman & Todd, 2002.
- McGrath, Alister. The Future of Christianity. Blackwell, 2002 (U.K.:
Routledge, 2001).
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Two three-page, typed and double-spaced book reviews from the required
reading list.
- One two-page, typed and double-spaced book review from the recommended
reading list.
- A final paper, fifteen to twenty pages in length on a topic to be approved
by the class instructor, related to issues raised by class material. Topics
need to be discussed and approved by class instructor by Week 4 of class
schedule.
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Meets the interdisciplinary course requirement for the M.A.C.L. in
Integrative Studies; specialized requirements for the M.A. in Worship,
Theology, and the Arts; and theology and culture requirements for the M.A. in
Theology (Theology and Arts format).
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.