Winter 2016/Pasadena

SP500

Peace

SP500: SPIRITUAL TRADITIONS AND PRACTICES (4 Units: 160 Hours). Richard V. 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.

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

COURSE FORMAT: This class meets twice weekly for two hour sessions for a total of 40 instructional hours in the classroom for lecture and discussion. Class consists of a mixture of lecture, discussion, small groups, media, case studies, and interactive dialogue. In addition, participation in a spiritual retreat at the Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center in Sierra Madre is required. There will be an additional charge for the retreat, which will be charged to your account at the time you register.

REQUIRED READING: Students are required to read a total of 1,016 pages from the three required books plus 200 pages of material drawn from a particular spiritual tradition (reading lists included in the syllabus).

Fadling, Alan. An Unhurried Life: Following Jesus’ Rhythms of Work and Life. InterVarsity Press, 2013. ISBN: 978-0830835737, Pub. Price $15.00 [199 pp. assigned].

Maas, Robin, and Gabriel O’Donnell. Spiritual Traditions for the Contemporary Church. Abingdon, 1990. ISBN: 978-0687392339, Pub. Price $33.00 [459 pp. assigned].

Peace, Richard. Noticing God. InterVarsity Press, 2012. ISBN: 978-0830838219, Pub. Price $15.00 [158 pp. assigned].

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

  1. Read 1,050 pp. of required reading (20%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1, 2, 3, 4]. [58 hours].

  2. Class retreat [This assignment is related to learning outcome#2, 4]. [10 hours].

  3. Regular attendance and participation in all aspects of the course including active involvement in a small group (10%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1, 2, 3, 4]. [40 hours].

  4. A two-page reflection paper on the silent retreat (10%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #2, 4]. [2 hours].

  5. Research paper on a particular spiritual tradition and its implications for the postmodern church (10 pages) (40%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #3, 4]. [25 hours].

  6. Personal engagement in weekly spiritual exercises with journal reflections (20%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #2, 4]. [25 hours].

PREREQUISITES: None.

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

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.


NOTE: This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. Textbook prices are set by publishers and are subject to change.

For your convenience, order these texts online through the Archives Bookshop.