DESCRIPTION: The course uses a theological/sociological approach designed to enhance the student's understanding of the complexities of doing ministry in the urban Hispanic/Latino context, particularly working with urban poor. The professor and guest lecturers will expose students to a variety of disciplines, such as social/cultural studies, missiology, and theology, in search of an integrative model of ministry in the city. The course involves doing theological reflections and designing practical ways of developing ministries geared towards effective social transformation in the Hispanic/Latino communities.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: The unmistakable realities characterizing the Hispanic/Latino community require an expression of ministry that responds to the demands of this community and empowers it to attain civic engagement.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Completion of the course should allow students to

1. have a foundational understanding of a ministry model for Latino/a communities in the urban setting;

2. gain an understanding of how a variety of disciplines and Hispanic/Latino theologies interpret the Hispanic/Latina condition and make significant contributions toward civic engagement from a contextual-urban perspective;

3. gain exposure to Hispanic/Latino ministries that are being effective in the urban context of Los Angeles.

Arreola, Daniel., ed. Hispanic Spaces, Latino Places: Community and Cultural Diversity in Contemporary America. Austin: University of Texas Press, 2004.

Befus, David. Negocios para el Reino: La empresa productiva como herramienta para el avance del Reino de Dios. Miami: Latin America Misión, 2000.

Davey, Andrew. Cristianismo Urbano y Globalización: Recursos teológicos para un futuro urbano. España: Sal Terrae, 2003.

Yamamori, Tetsunao, Gregorio Rake, and C. René Padilla, eds. Servir con los Pobres en América Latina: Modelos de Ministerio Integral. Buenos Aires: Ediciones Kairos, 1997.

1. Initial paper on one's personal view of the city and prospective for urban ministry (10%).

2. Reading assignments to be completed before each class.

3. A one-page reflection paper on the reading assignments due each week (25%).

4. Minimum of 10 hours of volunteer work (25%).

5. Volunteer work reflective journal (10%)

6. A final paper that should incorporate a theology of the church in the city and a proposal for civic engagement from a Hispanic/Latino perspective (30%).