Summer 2014/Pasadena
CN558
Laaser
CN558: PASTORAL CARE AND SEXUALITY (4 Units: 120 hours). Mark R. Laaser.
DESCRIPTION: This course will examine human sexuality from a Christian perspective. The biblical foundations for sexuality will be covered as well as a variety of topics within the field. We are living in a time of great cultural confusion about sex. The church has been silent, except for negative admonitions, for centuries. Students will develop tools for dealing with sexuality in the local church.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will (1) gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which sexuality impacts Christian formation, discipleship, and ministry; (2) gain an increased appreciation of the biblical foundations for healthy sexuality; (3) develop practical ministry skills which might be helpful when assisting people whose sexuality has become impacted by abuse, addiction, or trauma.
COURSE FORMAT: Class sessions will consist of lectures by the professors and guest lecturers, discussion, case study analysis, video tape presentations, and small group participation. The class will meet for four-hour sessions for two weeks.
REQUIRED READING:
Fortune, Marie. Is Nothing Sacred? United Church Press, 1999. ISBN: 978-0829812701, Pub. Price $17.00 [163 pp.]. ***Out of Print
Laaser, Mark. Healing the Wounds of Sexual Addiction. Zondervan, 2004. ISBN: 978-0310256571, Pub. Price $12.99 [240 pp.].
Laaser, Mark, and Tim Clinton. Sexuality and Relationship Counseling. Baker Books, 2010. ISBN: 978-0801072369, Pub. Price $24.99 [288 pp.].
Nelson, James B., and Sandra Longfellow. Sexuality and the Sacred. Westminster John Knox, 1994. ISBN: 978-0664255299, Pub. Price $30.00 [428 pp.].
Penner, Joyce and Cliff. The Gift of Sex. Word, 1981. ISBN: 978-0849944154, Pub. Price $15.99 [352 pp.].
West, Christopher. Theology of the Body for Beginners, Ascension Press, 2004. ISBN: 978-1934217856, Pub. Price $11.99 [174 pp.].
RECOMMENDED reading will be listed in the course syllabus.
ASSIGNMENTS:
Read all required texts plus additional reading for a total of at least 1200 pages. Submit brief one-page critiques of each of the required books; the first critique due on the third day of class, the second due the first Friday of class, the remaining two due the last day of class (20% of grade).
Write an 8-10 page research paper including both a personal reflection on a model of healthy sexuality and this model’s relevance for the local church, due September 7 (40% of grade). Students may elect to construct the outline of a teaching curriculum for some local church group (youth, young adult, singles, married couples, etc.)
FINAL exam, multiple choice and true and false, on last day of class (25% of grade).
Class attendance and participation (15% of grade).
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.