DESCRIPTION: This course will survey the contemporary landscape in theology
informed by Continental postmodernity, ranging from deconstructive
"a/theologies" to Radical Orthodoxy. Key figures engaged will include
Heidegger, Derrida, Levinas, Foucault, J.-L. Marion, Luce Irigaray, Alain
Badiou, Slavoj Zizek, and John Milbank. We will address both contemporary
postmodern challenges to Christian faith as well as opportunities for
confessional theology afforded by a postmodern context--both with a view to
ministry in a postmodern context.
COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: Knowledge: to increase
understanding of contemporary continental postmodern philosophy and theology
and discern its relation to culture and ministry; Skills: to foster
critical reading skills by engaging challenging texts and to develop skills in
academic writing; Attitudes: to promote appreciation for scholars and
church members whose views differ from the student's own.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Contemporary culture has undergone significant shifts
that are, to some extent, the "trickle down" effect of postmodern philosophy.
And the church--particularly the "emergent" conversation--has begun to tackle
both the cultural issues and the intellectual sources. This course will equip
ministers with the intellectual tools to be able to read "the signs of the
times."
COURSE FORMAT: Informal lecture and seminar-type discussion; students will be
expected to participate in discussion on the basis of careful completion of
assigned readings. The class will meet daily for four-hour sessions for two
weeks.
REQUIRED READING: