Spring 2009/Pasadena
TH884/554
Martínez
TH884/554: CRITICAL APPROACHES TO LATIN AMERICAN AND LATINO THEOLOGY.
Juan
F. Martínez G.
DESCRIPTION: The seminar will introduce students to the development of
theological perspectives in Latin America and among US Latinos. It will set a
historical and theological framework for understanding indigenous and African
background theologies, Latin American Liberation Theology,
evangélico theology, and the various forms of Latin American
Pentecostal and Charismatic movements. It will also address US Latino theology
within US and Latin American contexts. This is a 6-unit seminar intended for
PhD and ThM students; the 500-level, 4-unit course is open to a limited number
of master's level students by special permission.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Cognitive: conceptual work in understanding
theological development in Latin America and among US Latinos. Skills:
hermeneutics and theological reflection regarding texts and contexts of
Latin American and US Latino theologies. Conative: vision for and
commitment to understanding Latin American and US Latino theologies as a
framework for teaching and service in Latin American or US Latino communities
of faith.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Those who teach and practice Christian ministry among
US Latinos or among Latin Americans need clarity and competency concerning the
development of Christian theological perspectives in this context.
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 2700 pages, and
MA/MDiv students need to scan all texts and read a minimum of 1200 pages
(including books indicated by +). The primary texts are indicated by *:
- Álvarez, Carmelo, ed. Pentecostalismo y
liberación: Una experiencia latinoamericana. DEI, 1992.
- *+De la Torre, Miguel, and Edwin Aponte. Introducing Latino/a
Theologies. Orbis, 2001.
- Escobar, Samuel. Changing Tides: Latin America and
World Mission Today. Orbis, 2002.
- +Míguez Bonino, José. Rostros del protestantismo
latinoamericano. Nueva Creación, 1995.
- Núñez, Emilio Antonio, and William Taylor.
Crisis and Hope in Latin America ... an Evangelical Perspective. William
Carey Library, 1996.
- *+Penyak, Lee M., and Walter J. Petry, eds. Religion in Latin America: A
Documentary History. Orbis, 2006.
- +Petrella, Ivan, ed. Latin American Liberation Theology: The Next
Generation. Orbis, 2005.
- * Tamayo, Juan, and Juan Bosch, eds. Panorama de la teología
latinoamericana: Cuando vida y pensamiento son inseparables. Verbo Divino,
2000 (selections).
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Regular attendance, preparation for, and participation in class
discussions, with assigned short presentations on passages to be discussed for
the week (10%).
- Weekly short 2-page papers, as described in the syllabus. Master's students
are required to do four papers (40%).
- Research paper, topic to be approved by professor (50%); for CATS students,
25-30 pages; for master's students, 10-15 pages.
PREREQUISITES: (1) Master's level students must have permission of the
professor. (2) Students who are not conversant in Latin American church history
will benefit from reading an introductory text before the first class session
(see syllabus bibliography). (3) Ability to read in Spanish or Portuguese
preferred.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (1/09)