GM518
P. Pannell/Colletti/G. Dyrness
GM518: INTRODUCTION TO URBAN STUDIES. Phil Pannell, Joe Colletti, Grace
Dyrness.
DESCRIPTION:
- The purpose of the class is to challenge students' perspectives of
the city. This course is designed to introduce students to the complexity of
urban studies from the fields of missiology, psychology, and theology.
Instructors will expose the class to a wide variety of topics, theories, and
methods which relate to the field of urban studies. Instructors also will
relate all of the materials to some central themes and issues confronting
Christianity today. Students will interact with professionals who are involved
in urban life. Such persons will be guest lecturers and panelists who, along
with instructors, will integrate social responsibility and religion from
various points of view. Perspectives will include politics, business and
economics, health and human services, law enforcement, race relations,
immigration, and arts and leisure.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- gain an understanding of how the disciplines of anthropology, sociology,
psychology, and theology are needed as a basis for urban ministry.
- gain an introductory understanding of urbanology: the city, its peoples,
and its systems.
- acquaint themselves with a wide array of urban leaders.
- familiarize themselves with the three major sectors of urban life--private,
government, and voluntary (non-profit)--as they contribute to our understanding
of the processes of urban continuity, growth, and decay.
- examine differing viewpoints on community development and conflict.
- orient and motivate themselves for an urban ministries program.
- familiarize themselves with possible placements and practicums in urban
ministry.
COURSE FORMAT:
- The course will meet once a week for 3 hours of lectures and
discussions.
REQUIRED READING:
- Caves, Robert W. Exploring Urban America: An Introductory
Reader. Sage Publications, 1995.
- Schorr, Lisbeth B. Within Our Reach: the Cycle of Disadvantage.
Anchor Books, 1989.
- Steinberg, James B., David W. Lyon, and Mary E. Vaiana, eds. Urban
America: Policy Choices for Los Angeles and the Nation. Rand, 1992.
- West, Cornel. Race Matters. Vintage Books, 1994.
- A collection of readings developed by the instructors.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Initial paper on one's personal view of the city and prospective for urban
ministry.
- Reading assignments to be completed before each class.
- A one page reflection paper on the reading assignments due each week.
- Keeping a personal journal that is to be submitted on the sixth and tenth
week of classes.
- Minimum of 10 hours of volunteer work that is reflected in personal
journal.
- A paper following instructions given in class.
PREREQUISITES:
- None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Meets M. Div. core requirement in Missions (MIN8).
FINAL EXAMINATION:
- None.