Fall 2008/Pasadena
PM856/556
Branson

PM856/556: PRACTICAL THEOLOGY METHODS. Mark Lau Branson.


DESCRIPTION: This is a 6-unit required methods seminar for all PhD students in Practical Theology; at the 500-level, the 4-unit course is 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.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: 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.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Those who teach and practice Christian ministry need clarity and competency concerning methods that connect theories and practices. Such competencies include being able to draw on the interpretation texts (biblical, historical, theoretical), engage the resources and challenges of cultures, and develop habits of thoughtful and faithful praxis, including teaching and leadership.

SEMINAR FORMAT: The seminar will meet for three hours weekly, for ten weeks, and will utilize web-based media and interaction. 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 all required books; MA/MDiv students need to scan all books and read a minimum of 1500 pages, including books indicated by +. The primary theoretical 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.

 +Budde, Michael. The (Magic) Kingdom of God. Westview, 1997.

*+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.

 +Roxburgh, Alan. The Sky Is Falling. ACI, 2005.

   Schreiter, Robert. Constructing Local Theologies. Orbis, 1985.

   Toulmin, Stephen. Cosmopolis. University of Chicago Press, 1990.

 +Van Gelder, Craig. The Missional Church in Context. Eerdmans, 2007 (chs. 1, 3, 4).

   Papers posted on moodle.

ASSIGNMENTS: (It is assumed that students are familiar with a standard guide to writing research papers, like Wayne Booth et al., The Craft of Research (2nd ed.; University of Chicago Press, 2003.) (1) Read assignments as scheduled; keep a reading log for submission; arrive ready to discuss readings. (2) For 3 of the 4 main textbooks, write a 500-700 word paper that summarizes the conceptual framework and works with a ministry story to demonstrate the PT method (MDiv/MA, only 1 paper). (3) By week 5 select a theme for the term paper, provide a 2 page outline that includes topic/question, method, and tentative arguments/sources. (4) Provide a class presentation related to your term paper. (5) PhD/ThM students write a 10,000 word paper; MA/MDiv students write a 3000 word paper; papers need to demonstrate competence in a PT method with reference to at least one additional PT method.

PREREQUISITES: Master's level students must have completed a minimum of 72 quarter units of course work and have permission of the professor.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective; required for CATS Practical Theology students.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.

This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (7/08)