Fall 2006/Pasadena
PM856/556
Branson
PM856/556: PRACTICAL THEOLOGY METHODS. Mark Lau Branson.
DESCRIPTION: This is a required methods seminar for all PhD students in
Practical Theology, a graduate-level seminar also offered to a limited number
of master's level students as approved by the professor. The seminar will
introduce students to recent studies of practical theology with a focus on
ecclesiology and mission in a Western context. The hermeneutical implications
of a praxis-based theology of ministry will be considered in an integrative,
interdisciplinary manner, with attention to matters of leadership appropriate
to participation in God's mission in both the church and the world.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Cognitive: conceptual work in contemporary
practical theology and the integration of ecclesiology, missiology, leadership,
and ministry. Skills: individual and corporate skills in hermeneutics
and theological reflection regarding texts and contexts. Conative:
vision for and commitment to theology in service of congregations as learning,
missional, spiritual communities of faith.
SEMINAR FORMAT: The seminar will meet for three hours weekly, for ten weeks.
Class times will include lectures, individual and group exercises, reflective
discussions of materials and experiences, and student presentations.
REQUIRED READING: PhD and ThM students will read a minimum of 3500 pages, and
MA/MDiv students will read a minimum of 1500 pages (indicated by +). The
primary texts are indicated by *:
- *+Anderson, Ray. The Shape of Practical Theology.
InterVarsity Press, 2001.
- Branson, Mark Lau. Memories, Hopes, and Conversations. Alban
Institute, 2004.
- *Browning, Don. A Fundamental Practical Theology. Fortress, 1991.
- *+Groome, Thomas. Sharing Faith. Wipf & Stock, 1999.
- Heifetz, Ronald, and Marty Linsky. Leadership on the Line. Harvard
Business School, 2002.
- *Heitink, Gerben. Practical Theology. Eerdmans, 1999.
- Linthicum, Robert. Transforming Power. InterVarsity Press, 2003.
- Roxburgh, Alan. The Sky Is Falling. ACI, 2005.
- +Schreiter, Robert. Constructing Local Theologies. Orbis, 1985.
- Toulmin, Stephen. Cosmopolis. University of Chicago Press, 1990.
- Walsh, Brian, and Sylvia Keesmaat. Colossians Remixed. InterVarsity
Press, 2004.
- Class Reader.
ASSIGNMENTS: (1) Read assignments as scheduled plus approved material to meet
total page requirements; keep a reading log for submission; arrive ready to
discuss readings. (2) Select a topic for additional reading, provide class
presentation/discussion integrating material with course texts. (3) Complete a
4-6 page review of a book selected from required readings, in conversation with
a primary text. (4) PhD/ThM students write a 30-40 page paper; MA/MDiv
students write a 20-25 page paper; Students will be able to select from a
variety of topics in the area of practical theology as well as develop papers
related to major dissertation research and writing.
PREREQUISITES: Master's level students must have completed a minimum of 48
quarter units of course work and have permission of the professor.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective; required for CATS Practical Theology
students.
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.