Spring 2011/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.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND 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 texts, and the spiritual/psychical dynamics of African Americans and their theology will be addressed in this course.

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.

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. 210 pages. ISBN-13: 978-0933121621. Amazon price: $17.17.

Burton, Keith Augustus. The Blessings of Africa: The Bible and African Christianity. IVP Academic, 2007. 294 pages. ISBN-13: 978-0830827626. Amazon price: $15.00.

Bynum, Edward Bruce. The African Unconscious: Roots of Ancient Mysticism and Modern Psychology. Teachers College Press, 1999. 355 pages. ISBN-13: 978-0807737743. Amazon price: $150.00.

Carter, J. Cameron. Race: A Theological Account. Oxford University Press, 2008. 504 pages. ISBN-13: 978-0195152791. Amazon price: $28.00.

Diop, Cheikh Anta. The African Origin of Civilization: Myth or Reality. Chicago Review Press, 1974. 336 pages. ISBN-13: 978-1556520723. Amazon price: $10.91.

Hood, Robert E. Must God Remain Greek? Afro Cultures and God-Talk. Augsburg Fortress, 1994. 288 pages. ISBN-13: 978-0800624491. Amazon price: $21.00.

Keita, Maghan. Race and the Writing of History: Riddling the Sphinx. Oxford University Press, 2000. 224 pages. ISBN-13: 978-0195112740. Amazon price: $85.50.

Oden, Thomas. How Africa Shaped the Christian Mind: Rediscovering the African Seedbed of Western Christianity. InterVarsity Press, 2010. 204 pages. ISBN-13: 978-0830837052. Amazon price: $11.56.

REQUIRED VIEWING: Sankofa (Mypheduh Films, 1993).

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT: Students will be given two take-home exams (50% 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. The other half of the student's assessment will be on class participation, attendance, and weekly posts/blogs (50% of total grade).

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. (January 2011)