Summer 2017/Fuller Live!

Pasadena and Menlo Park

TM507

Martínez

TM507: ETHNICITIES & CHURCHES: U.S. NARRATIVES & INTERCULTURAL LIFE (4 Units: 160 Hours). Juan Martínez.

DESCRIPTION: This course will introduce students to the narratives of U.S. ethnic groups with theoretical materials from cultural/social anthropology and intercultural communication. Students will be given means for perceiving, understanding, and developing ministry in the context of the multicultural U.S. environment. The course will attend to theological and spiritual resources that support church leadership, with heuristic foci on African-American, Hispanic-American, Asian-American, and Euro-American experiences.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: The course seeks the following goals for each student:(1)Ability to articulate the relationship between theories and practices for sympathetic engagement with cultures. (2) Understand the specific challenges of intercultural relations in the United States, in conversation with Christian theology, with special attention to the United States. (3)Critically reflect on race and ethnic diversity for transformational discipleship, mission and ministry. (4) Develop intercultural interpretive and relational skills for use in church and mission settings.

COURSE FORMAT: This class meets as a two-week intensive for three-hour sessions each day for a total of 30 hours of classroom instruction and interaction plus 10 hours of directed learning activities for a total of 40 instructional hours.

REQUIRED READING: 1034 pages required.

Branson, Mark Lau and Martínez, Juan. Iglesias, culturas y liderazgo: Una teología práctica para congregaciones y etnias. InterVarsity Press, 2013. ISBN: 978-0829760958. Pub. Price: $13.99. [304 pp.]

Takaki, Ronald. A Different Mirror: A History of Multicultural America. Back Bay Books, 2008. ISBN: 978-0316022361, Pub. Price $18.00 [529 pp.].

Course Reader on Ecclesial Practices: Hospitality, Christian Education, Preaching, Worship, Spirituality, Friendship, Outreach. [200 pp.]

RECOMMENDED READING:

Emerson, Michael O. and Christian Smith. Divided by Faith: Evangelical Religion and the Problem of Race in America. Oxford University Press, 2000. ISBN: 978-0195147070, Pub. Price $19.99 [224 pp.].

Livermore, David. Leading with Cultural Intelligence: The Real Secret to Success.AMACOM, 2015. ISBN: 978-0814449172, Pub. Price $26.95 [272 pp.]

Moreau, A. Scott, Campbell, Evvy Hay and Greener, Susan. Effective Intercultural Communication: A Christian Perspective (Encountering Mission).Baker Academic, 2014. ISBN: 978-0801026638, Pub. Price $29.99 [416 pp.]

Plueddemann, James, Leading Across Cultures: Effective Ministry and Mission in the Global Church. IVP Academic, 2009. ISBN: 978-0830825783, Pub. Price $22.00 [230 pp.].

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

1. Be prepared and participate in class (10%). [30 hours]

2. Directed Learning Activity: Interview a pastor who works among an ethnic minority group, not your own. Develop a series of questions, based on your readings and class experience for the interview. The report (5-8 pages) should include a description of the ethnic group and the specific issues faced by the pastor in ministering within that group. (20%) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1 & 3]. [30 hours].

3. 1034 pp. of required reading. Read assignments plus 200 additional approved pages; submit a reading log (10%) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1, 2, 3]. [40 hours].

4. Based on Branson & Martínez, write four 500-word essays addressing issues of intercultural competence. Provide personal illustrations of the challenges or the practices addressed (4 papers, 5% each, 20% total) [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1]. [10 hours].

5. Write a personal “cultural autobiography” noting history, transitions in understanding & practices, the interaction of faith, identity, church, and world. Present highlights in class (1000-1200 words, 10%) [This assignment is related to learning outcome #2]. [10 hours].

6. Participate in a group presentation on one ethnic group and its transitions since 1950 (10%) [This assignment is related to learning outcome #2]. [10 hours].

7. Write a research paper (2500-3000 word) integrating course lectures and materials. This paper will have cultural, theological, and ministry components. It will serve as the signature assignment for the class. (20%) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1, 2, 3]. [30 hours].

PREREQUISITES: Spanish.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Option to meet the C2 or C5 requirement in the 120 MDiv and 80 MATM Programs (Fall 2015). Meets 144 MDiv core requirement in Missions (MIN 8); meets MA in Theology (General Format) requirement for Globalization (GLBL). Serves as a course substitute for MB501.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.