Spring 2009/Pasadena
TH544
Watkins

TH544: THE AFRICAN ROOTS OF 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 theology influenced the development of an organized, coherent, relevant theology in the African Diaspora. This course will trace the relationship of African American theology with its African origins by focusing on ancient African theology.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

  1. Students will create an appropriate assessment, analysis, and engagement of the systematic African antecedents to African American/Black Theology.

  2. Students will understand the theological issues present in the African American community from their time of coming from Africa up through slavery.

  3. Students will appreciate the importance of interpreting culture and how that affects one's theology; this should inform priorities for ministry, especially in the African American context.

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, the use of ancient African text, and the spiritual/psychical dynamics of African Americans and their theology will be addressed in this course.

COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet weekly for three-hour sessions.

REQUIRED READING:
Ben-Jochannan, Yosef A. A. Black Theologians and Black Seminarians without a Black Theology. Black Classic Press, 1978.

Bynum, Edward Bruce. The African Unconscious: Roots of Ancient Mysticism and Modern Psychology. Teachers College Press, 1999.

Cone, Cecil. Identity Crisis in Black Theology. Orbis, 1975.

Diop, Cheikh Anta. The African Origin of Civilization: Myth or Reality. Chicago Review Press, 1974.

Hollaway, Joseph E. Africanism in American Culture. Indiana University Press, 1990.

Hood, Robert E. Must God Remain Greek? Afro Cultures and God-Talk. Fortress, 1994.

Keita, Maghan. Race and the Writing of History: Riddling the Sphinx. Oxford University Press, 2000.

Watkins, Ralph C. An African Centered Approach for the Construction of Black Theology. Unpublished manuscript.

RECOMMENDED READING:
Baldick, Julian. Black God: The Afroasiatic Roots of the Jewish, Christian and Muslim Religions. Syracuse University Press, 1997.

Browder, Anthony T. Exploding the Myths, Vol. 1: Nile Valley Contributions to Civilizations. The Institute of Karmic Guidance, 2004.

Hood, Robert E. Begrimed and Black: Christian Traditions on Blacks and Blackness. Fortress, 1994.

Williams, Chancellor. The Destruction of Black Civilization: Great Issues of Race from 4500 B.C. to 2000 A.D. Third World Press, 1990.

ASSIGNMENTS: Students will be given five take-home exams throughout the term (20% each for 100% of total 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 cannon that is referred to as an organized, coherent, relevant African/African American/Black theology.

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.

FINAL EXAMINATION: Take-home exam (see assignments).

This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (1/09)