DESCRIPTION: This course introduces the student to the major themes and
specialized disciplines that deal with U.S. Latino(a)/Hispanic communities. The
approach is practical and intends to forge a critical environment for
interpreting religious practices, culture, ministry models, and social
structures that so far have shaped the contours of Latino living. The end
product is an ecclesial-action-proposal for churches whose constituency is the
Latina community or whose intention is to embrace such a community and issues
at some point.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will have demonstrated: (1)
cognitively, a foundational understanding of the main issues affecting
Latinos in the U.S. and beyond as well as the acknowledgment of the disciplines
used to interpret these realities (i.e., cultural anthropology, sociology of
religion, aesthetic philosophy, intercultural studies, Local theologies, etc.);
(2) ministry-related, a hermeneutics of religious practices, leadership,
and missions; (3) contextually, a social ethics situated in Latino
context but shaped by biblical values; (4) spiritually, a domestic
spirituality for the people of God--a communal expression of faith shaped by
the historical-transcendent Spirit of God.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Doing ministry among Latinos encompasses a set of
multicontextual, polyvalent, polyglot, interdisciplinary skills, to name some.
We believe this course is foundational for ministers, leaders, students, and
theologians involved (or wishing to be) with Latinos in the U.S.
COURSE FORMAT: Given the practical methodology of this course, the class
environment will allow for a variety of learning experiences including
lectures, debates, films, lyric analysis, group blogs, etc. The class will meet
weekly for three-hour sessions. Students are expected to study beforehand the
required readings for the week and take part in the ensuing discussion. It will
require a great deal of independent study and presentations.
REQUIRED READING: