Spring 2013/Pasadena

CF531

Branson

CF531: CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AND ETHNIC DIVERSITY. Mark Lau Branson.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This is a course on biblical, theological, and practical resources for creating a learning community in the context of ethnic diversity. Many aspects of a church's life and activities (worship, small groups, story telling, education, spiritual disciplines, leadership, engaging a context) will be viewed regarding their role in forming and equipping an intercultural congregation toward gospel faithfulness. Topics include ecclesiology and missiology, the relationship between personal and corporate formation, intergenerational and intercultural life, multiple intelligences, social construction, managing programs, and spiritual formation.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: With a focus on Christian education/formation, this course offers a range of learning experiences, resources, and opportunities for personal reflection, spiritual growth, and leadership frameworks for those ministering in contexts of cultural diversity.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Cognitive: Students will learn conceptual frameworks of practical theology, intercultural church life, multiple intelligences, constructivist learning, and management and leadership, as related to shaping a learning community. Skills: Students will gain skills for discerning, experimenting with, and evaluating processes and resources for a learning community in a context of cultural diversity. Conation/affect: Students will deepen their vision for and commitment to forming intercultural congregations that embody intergenerational and missional faithfulness.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions that includes lectures, individual and group exercises, reflective discussions of materials and experiences, and group presentations. The course also required interactive work on Moodle, team visits to churches, curriculum development, and reflective writing.

REQUIRED READING:

Branson, Mark Lau, and Martínez, Juan. Churches, Cultures, & Leadership. InterVarsity, 2011. ISBN: 978-0830839261, Pub.price: $25 [275 pp.].

Everist, Norma Cook. The Church as Learning Community. Abingdon, 2002. ISBN: 978-0687045006, Pub. price: $31.00 [391 pp.].

Pazmino, Robert. Latin American Journey. Wipf & Stock, 2002. ISBN: 978-1592440344, Pub.price $23.00 [202 pp.].

Takaki, Ronald. A Larger Memory: A History of Our Diversity, with Voices. Little, Brown, 1998. ISBN: 978-0316311625, Pub.price: $20.00 [384 pp.].

Wimberly, Anne Streaty. Soul Stories: African American Christian Education, Rev. ed. Abingdon, 2005. ISBN: 978-0687494323, Pub.price: $20.00 [168 pp.].

Additional articles on Moodle.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

1. Attend class (10%);

2. Read assignments (texts, Moodle) as scheduled (10%);

3. Participate weekly on Moodle forums concerning reading and class topics (10%);

4. Write a cultural autobiography; interact with others on the web (5%);

5. In groups, develop a multifaceted curriculum that attends to diversity in congregational life. Provide a “briefing” to the class (15%);

6. Journal at least weekly on your personal and professional learning and reflection on the course; submit midterm reflective essay (10%);

7. and continued reflections in final portfolio (10%);

8. FINAL paper that follows the PT method and provides a curriculum for several church subgroups that deepens intercultural life and promotes engagement with context (30%).

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Christian Formation & Discipleship (MIN4), General Ministry/Spirituality (MIN1), and SOT MA Ethnicity requirement (ETHN).