Summer 2014/Pasadena

PH530

Newson

PH530: ANGLO-AMERICAN POSTMODERNITY (4 Units: 120 hours). Ryan A. Newson.

DESCRIPTION: ‘Postmodern’ is a buzzword in contemporary theology, but can be used in ways that are less-than-clear. Sometimes referring to developments in art and architecture, other times deconstructive analysis associated with Continental philosophy, other times just a word to help spruce up a title or sell a book – perhaps there is not one thing called ‘postmodernity’ so much as ‘postmodernities.’ This course focuses on one way to describe “postmodernity” as the gradual moving on from thought patterns and cultural habits that dominated Western thought over the past 400 years. This course explores how an “Anglo-American” postmodern philosophy changes our approach to theology, biblical studies, evangelism, pluralism, ethics, apologetics, and science.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of this course, students will have demonstrated (1) an understanding of the broad contours of ‘modern’ philosophical approaches to epistemology, linguistics, and metaphysics, as well as ‘postmodern’ alternatives; (2) the ability to articulate the difference these philosophical shifts make for theology and ministry; and (3) an increased aptitude for careful, critical, and charitable thinking, especially concerning views that differ from one’s own.

COURSE FORMAT:This class meets daily for four-hour sessions for two weeks for a total of 40 instructional hours in the classroom for lecture and discussion.

REQUIRED READING: 600 total pages of required reading.

Cilliers, Paul. Complexity and Postmodernism: Understanding Complex Systems. Routledge, 1998. ISBN: 978-0415152877, Pub. Price $40.86 [89 pp. assigned].

Markham, Paul. Rewired: Exploring Religious Conversion. Wipf and Stock, 2007. ISBN: 978-1556352942, Pub. Price $28.00 [80 pp. assigned].

Murphy, Nancey. Beyond Liberalism and Fundamentalism: How Modern and Postmodern Philosophy Set the Theological Agenda. Trinity Press International, 1996. ISBN: 978-1563381768, Pub. Price $34.95 [156 pp. assigned].

Placher, William. Unapologetic Theology: A Christian Voice in a Pluralistic Conversation. Westminster/John Knox, 1989. ISBN: 978-0664250645, Pub. Price $29.95 [63 pp. assigned].

Smith, James K. A. Who’s Afraid of Relativism? Community, Contingency, and Creaturehood. Baker, 2014. ISBN: 978-0801039737, Pub. Price $19.99 [133 pp. assigned].

Course reader.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Murphy, Nancey. Anglo-American Postmodernity: Philosophical Perspectives on Science, Religion, and Ethics. Westview, 1997. ISBN: 978-0813328690, Pub. Price $14.99.

Seech, Zachary. Writing Philosophy Papers, any edition. Wadsworth, 1999. ISBN: 978-0534520960, Pub. Price $23.95.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

1. Regular attendance at lectures and participation in small group discussion (one “point” per day) [15%] [40 hours of instruction in classroom]. (Includes one short response (500 words) meant to aid the day’s small group discussion [This assignment relates to learning outcome #2].

2. 600 pages of required reading [40 hours].

3. Completion of one 8-10 page (circa. 2,500 words) paper demonstrating knowledge of the material, due at end of two-week period (in place of final exam) (30%) [This assignment relates to learning outcomes #1 and 3] [15 hours].

4. One research essay (10 pages; 3,000-3,200 words) demonstrating the difference one postmodern “shift” makes to one theological practice, due on last day of term (40%) [This assignment relates to learning outcomes #2 and 3] [20 hours].

5. One quiz covering basics of reasoning, from Murphy’s Reasoning and Rhetoric in Religion (15%) [This assignment relates to learning outcome #3] [5 hours].

A grade will be given according to the following criteria:

Content – accuracy of description, development of a thesis, consideration of objections

Style – transitions, structure of paper, clarity of formulation

Mechanics – spelling, punctuation, correct citation

PREREQUISITES: Auditors do not have to complete assignments 3 and 4.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in philosophy (PHIL).

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.