Winter 2008/Pasadena
ST510
Watkins
ST510: INTRODUCTION TO BLACK THEOLOGY. Ralph C. Watkins.
DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to introduce students to the nature of
theological study, developing a structure of divine revelation as fundamental
to understanding how African Americans have developed a systematic theology in
America. This course will trace the development of African American theology
along with its African origins. This course will also bring Womanist thought
and theology to the center of the discussion and understanding of African
American/Black Theology.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- Students will create an appropriate assessment, analysis, and critique of a
systematic African American/Womanist/Black theology.
- Students will understand the theological issues present in the African
American community from their time of coming from Africa, up through slavery,
Jim Crow, Civil Rights, and the present post-soul/hip hop nation.
- Students will appreciate the importance of interpreting culture and how
that affects one's theology and can and should inform priorities for
ministry.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Application of theoretical course content to ministry
situations will take place through the take-home exam questions. Basic human
questions about the reality of God, the authority of Scripture, human
sexuality, and the spiritual/psychical dynamics of African Americans will be
addressed in this course.
COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet weekly for three-hour sessions.
REQUIRED READING:
- Coleman, Will. Tribal Talk: Black Theology, Hermeneutics, and
African/American Ways of Telling the Story. The Pennsylvania State
University Press, 1999.
- Cone, James. Risks of Faith: The Emergence of a Black Theology of
Liberation, 1968-1998. Beacon Press. 1999.
- Douglas, Kelly Brown. What's Faith Got to Do with It? Black
Bodies/Christian Souls. Orbis Books, 2005.
- Ware, Frederick L. Methodologies of Black Theology. Pilgrim Press,
2002.
ASSIGNMENTS: Students will be given five take-home exams throughout the term
(each 20% of the course grade). Answers will be evaluated on the basis of depth
of theological insight, appropriateness to the practice and goals of Christian
ministry, and evidence of critical reflection upon the assigned readings and
course content. Students will have to evidence that they can develop and
critique the canon that is referred to as a systematic African
American/Womanist/ Black theology.
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective. Meets requirement for African American
Church Studies concentration in MDiv (multicultural studies) and the MA in
Multicultural Ministries.
FINAL EXAMINATION: Take-home exam (see assignments).
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (10/07)