Spring 2012/Pasadena
SP500
Peace

SP500: SPIRITUAL TRADITIONS AND PRACTICES. Richard Peace.


DESCRIPTION: Spiritual practices emerge out of spiritual traditions which, in turn, often emerge from the life and experience of spiritual pioneers. In this course we will explore the lives of eight spiritual pioneers from the contemplative tradition (Patrick of Ireland, Benedict of Nursia, Hildegard of Bingen, Francis of Assisi, Clare of Assisi, Julian of Norwich, Ignatius of Loyola, and Frances DeSales) and the spiritual traditions they founded (or influenced). Within each tradition a spiritual practice will be examined (and often experienced) with an eye to its use in the postmodern church. In addition, these traditions will be put in conversation with contemporary spiritual traditions from the worldwide church. All this will be set in the context of the broad sweep of the history and theology of Christian spirituality.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Interest in spirituality is growing both in the church and outside the church. This course will not only explore the nature of spirituality, but will also seek to assist students to engage in various spiritual practices and disciplines designed to foster the way of love.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: The student will

  1. understand the life, ministry, and spiritual practices of eight spiritual pioneers in the context of a broad understanding of the history and theology of Christian spirituality;

  2. explore and experience various spiritual disciplines and practices from these traditions;

  3. develop a deeper understanding of one particular school of spirituality;

  4. develop skills that enable the student to lead others in the practices of Christian spirituality.

COURSE FORMAT: A mixture of lecture, discussion, small groups, media, case studies, and interactive dialogue. The class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions. In addition, participation in a spiritual retreat at the Immaculate Heart Sisters Retreat Center in Los Angeles on Friday, May 11, 9:00am-3:30pm, is required. There will be an additional charge of $25 for the retreat, which will be charged to your account at the time you register.

REQUIRED READING: Students are required to read 1000 pages from the two required books plus materials drawn from a particular spiritual tradition (reading lists included in the syllabus).
Maas, Robin, and Gabriel O'Donnell. Spiritual Traditions for the Contemporary Church. Abingdon, 1990. 459 pages. ISBN: 978-0687392339. Pub.Price $33.00.

Chan, Simon. Spiritual Theology: A Systematic Study of the Christian Life. InterVarsity Press, 1998. 239 pages. ISBN: 978-0830815425. Pub.Price $23.00.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
  1. Regular attendance and participation in all aspects of the course including active involvement in a small group (10%).

  2. Attendance at a six-hour retreat plus reflection paper (10%).

  3. Research paper on a particular spiritual tradition and its implications for the postmodern church (10 pages) (40%).

  4. Personal engagement in weekly spiritual exercises with journal reflections (20%).

  5. Reading (20%).

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets program requirement for MAT, MATM, MACL, MAIS (2010); meets the following MA spirituality requirements: FSP, SP2, or SPIR.

This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (January 2012)