Spring 2018/Pasadena

TM507

Branson

TM507: ETHNICITIES & CHURCHES: U.S. NARRATIVES & INTERCULTURAL LIFE (4 Units: 160 Hours). Mark Lau Branson

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: Upon successful completion of this course, students will have demonstrated: (1) an ability to articulate the relationship between theories and practices for sympathetic engagement with cultures. (2) an understanding of the specific challenges of intercultural relations in the United States, in conversation with Christian theology, with special attention to the United States. (3) an ability to critically reflect on race and ethnic diversity for transformational discipleship, mission, and ministry. (4) an ability to develop intercultural interpretive and relational skills for use in church and mission settings.

COURSE FORMAT: This class meets once per week for three-hour sessions for a total of 30 hours of classroom instruction for lecture and discussion plus 10 hours of directed learning activities for a total of 40 instructional hours. The course includes off-campus activities.

REQUIRED READING: 1100 pages required.

Branson, Mark Lau and Martínez, Juan. Churches, Cultures and Leadership: A Practical Theology of Congregations and Ethnicities. InterVarsity Press, 2011. ISBN: 978-0830839261. Pub. Price: $27.00. [304 pp.]

Kim, Grace Ji-Sun and Jann Aldredge-Clanton (eds.). Intercultural Ministry. Judson, 2017. ISBN: 978-0817017798. Pub. Price: $19.99. [220 pp.]

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

Articles on Canvas [47 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. Required reading; report weekly on Canvas (10%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1, 2, 3, 4] [55 hours].
  2. Active participation in weekly class; students cannot pass the course without a minimum of 7 classtimes (10%). [This assignment is related to LOs # 1-4] [30 hours]
  3. Directed Learning Activity: Select an ethnic minority group that is not your own; visit a cultural site; interview a pastor who works among that group. Develop a series of questions, based on your readings and class experience for the interview. The report (1000-1200 words) 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]. [15 hours].
  4. Write a personal “cultural autobiography” noting history, transitions in understanding & practices, the inter­action of faith, identity, church, and world (1000-1200 words); present highlights to the class. (10%) [This assignment is related to LOs #2, 3]. [10 hours].
  5. Based on Branson & Martínez, write four 300-word Canvas posts addressing issues of specific intercultural elements and your intercultural competence. Provide personal illustrations of the challenges or the practices addressed and specific steps you will take along with reports on previously specified steps; read the posts of your group and respond to at least 3 (4 posts plus responses, 5% each, 20% total) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1, 3, 4]. [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 critical reflection paper on personal and ministry intercultural competencies (2000-2500 word) rooted in course resources. 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, 4]. [30 hours].

PREREQUISITES: None

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.

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.