Summer 2009/Pasadena
Two-week Intensive: June 22 - July 2
SP559
Smith
SP559: AFRICAN-AMERICAN SPIRITUALITY. J. Alfred Smith Sr.
DESCRIPTION: Beginning with a brief introduction of the religion of slaves,
the class will survey the influence African-American women and men have had and
now have upon African-American spirituality. Attention will be given to
sermons, songs, prayers, poetry, novels, and theology that emanate from the
souls of Black people. The themes of call, conversion, commitment,
connectedness, community, and communion will be explored in the context of
African-American spirituality.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: The relevance of the course for ministry
is that each student will be challenged to harmonize the professional and
technical skills of ministry with a lifestyle of piety, prayer, and spiritual
discipline.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: The student will display a mastery of the historical
tradition and the theological movements within African American Spirituality.
The student will show the ability to integrate within the practice of his/her
own spirituality the insight that has been gleaned from the course.
COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet daily for four hours for two weeks. The
basic format will include lectures, discussion of the texts and the required
readings, and student presentations of their research. A field trip to The West
Angeles Church of God in Christ or another approved church will be required of
all students.
REQUIRED READING:
- The Bible in a modern translation.
- Hopkins, Dwight. Shoes That Fit Our Feet: Sources for a Constructive
Black Theology. Orbis, 1993. ISBN 0-88344-848-3
- McMickle, Marvin A. The Audacity of Faith: Christian Leaders Reflect on
the Election of Barack Obama. Valley Forge, PA: Judson Press, 2009. ISBN
978-0-8170-1554-1
- Stewart, Carlyle Fielding, III. Black Spirituality and Black
Consciousness. Krenton, NJ, Africa World Press, Inc., 1999. ISBN
0-86543-663-0
- ________. Soul Survivors: An African American Spirituality.
Westminster John Knox, 1997.
- Thurman, Howard. Jesus and the Disinherited. Beacon Press, 1976.
ISBN 978-0-8070-1029-7
- Washington, James Melvin. Conversations with God. Harper Collins,
1994.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Smith, J. Alfred, Sr. Falling in Love with God. Chicago:
Urban Ministries, Inc., 1997.
- ________. No Other Help I Know. Judson Press, 1996.
- ________. On the Jericho Road: A Memoir of Racial Justice, Social Action
& Prophetic Ministry. InterVarsity Press, 2004.
- ________. Speak Until Justice Wakes: Prophetic Reflections from J.
Alfred Smith, Sr. Judson, 2006.
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
- Class attendance.
- Completion of reading assignments (worth 15 points).
- Completion of field trip evaluation (worth 10 points).
- Completion of take-home examination due on Monday of the second week (worth
25 points).
- Completion of a fifteen-page reflection paper that utilizes the insights
gleaned from texts, required and recommended readings, field trips, class
discussions, and the interaction with the instructor. The paper should also
address the goals of the course (worth 50 points). Due September 15,
2009.
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets Spirituality (SPIR) or SP2 requirement for MA
programs.
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (6/09)