Winter 2006/Pasadena
TM507
Branson/Martínez
TM507: ETHNICITIES & CHURCHES: U.S. NARRATIVES & INTERCULTURAL LIFE.
Mark Lau Branson and Juan Martínez.
DESCRIPTION: This course will introduce students to the narratives of U.S.
ethnic groups with theoretical materials from cultural/social anthropology and
intercultural communication. Students will be given means for perceiving,
understanding, and developing ministry in the context of the multicultural U.S.
environment. The course will attend to theological and spiritual resources that
support church leadership, with heuristic foci on African-American,
Hispanic-American, Asian-American, and Euro-American experiences.
COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: The course seeks the following goals for
each student: Cognitive: Historical and theoretical knowledge about
social anthropology, intercultural communication, and the interpretation of
artifacts, in conversation with Christian theology, with special attention to
the United States; Affective: Deepened appreciation for cultures,
personal and communal responsibility and ownership regarding ethnic histories,
and increased commitment to overcoming racism in society and in churches;
Skills: Culturally-informed interpretive skills regarding social
histories, personal relationships, and church life.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: All churches in the United States, especially those in
urban environments, need to have a life and ministry that is faithful to the
presence of peoples from various cultures.
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:
- Branson, Mark Lau and Martínez, Juan. Churches and
Ethnicities: Leading Toward Intercultural Life. Unpublished manuscript,
2005.
- Emerson, Michael O. and Christian Smith. Divided by Faith: Evangelical
Religion and the Problem of Race in America. Oxford University Press,
2000.
- Law, Eric. The Wolf Shall Dwell with the Lamb. Chalice, 1993.
- Takaki, Ronald. A Larger Memory: A History of Our Diversity, with
Voices. Little, Brown & Co., 1998.
- Course Reader on Ecclesial Practices: Hospitality, Christian Education,
Preaching, Worship, Spirituality, Friendship, Outreach.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- DeYoung, Curtis, et al., United by Faith: The Multiracial
Congregation as an Answer to the Problem of Race. Oxford University Press,
2003
- Stewart, Edward and Milton Bennett. American Cultural Patterns: A
Cross-Cultural Perspective. Revised edition. Intercultural Press,
1991.
ASSIGNMENTS: (1) Be prepared and participate in class (20%). (2) Read
assignments plus 200 additional approved pages; submit a reading log (20%).
(3) Based on Branson & Martínez, write four 500-word papers
synthesizing cultural comparisons and provide personal illustrations (4 papers,
10%). (4) Write a personal "cultural autobiography" noting history,
transitions in understanding & practices, the interaction of faith,
identity, church, and world. Present highlights in class (1000-1200 words,
10%). (5) Participate in a group presentation on one ethnic group and its
transition since 1950 (5%). (6) Visit a worship service of a culture other
than your own. Write a 500-600 word reflection paper (10%). (7) Write a
research paper (2500-3000 word) integrating course lectures and materials
(25%). (8) For pursuit of an A/A-: Read Acts, noting treatment of cultural
issues, and write a 1000-1200 word observation and reflection paper.
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Missions (MIN 8);
meets MA in Theology (General Format) requirement for Globalization (GLBL).
FINAL EXAMINATION: No.