GM559
Smith
GM559: AFRICAN AMERICAN SPIRITUALITY. J. Alfred Smith, Sr.
DESCRIPTION:
- Beginning with a brief introduction of the religion of slaves, the
class will survey the influence African American women and men have had and now
have upon African American spirituality. Attention will be given to sermons,
songs, prayers, poetry, novels, and theology that emanate from the souls of
Black people. The themes of call, conversion, commitment, connectedness,
community, and communion will be explored in the context of African American
Spirituality.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- The relevance of the course for ministry is that each student will
be challenged to harmonize the professional and technical skills of ministry
with a lifestyle of piety, prayer, and spiritual discipline.
COURSE FORMAT:
- The course will meet daily for four hours for two weeks. The basic
format will include lectures, discussion of the texts, and the required
readings, and student presentations of their research. A field trip to First
A.M.E. and West Angeles Church of God in Christ or another approved church will
be required of all students.
REQUIRED READING:
- The Bible in a modern translation.
- Smith, J. Alfred, Sr. Falling in Love With God. Chicago: Urban
Ministries, Inc., 1997.
- Sterling, Dorothy. Black Foremother: Three Lives. 2nd edition. New
York: Feminist Press, 1988.
- Washington, James Melvin. Conversations with God. New York:
HarperCollins, 1994
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Andrews, William L. Sisters of the Spirit. Bloomington, IN:
Indiana University Press, 1986.
- Costen, Melva Wilson. African American Christian Worship. Nashville:
Abingdon Press, 1993.
- Riggs, Marcia Y. Awake, Arise and Act: A Womanist Call for Black
Liberation. Cleveland: Pilgrim Press, 1994.
- Smith, J. Alfred, Sr. No Other Help I Know. Valley Forge: Judson
Press, 1996.
- Townes, Emile M. In a Blaze of Glory: Womanist Spirituality as Social
Witness. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1995.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Class attendance.
- Completion of reading assignments.
- Completion of field trip evaluation.
- Completion of take home examination due on Monday of the second week.
(Worth 25 points.)
- Completion of a fifteen (15) page reflection paper which utilizes the
insights gleaned from texts, required and recommended readings, field trips,
class discussions, and the interaction with the instructor. The paper should
also address the goals of the course. (Worth 50 points.)
PREREQUISITES:
- None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Meets M.A.T. (General Format) requirement in Spirituality
(SPIR).
FINAL EXAMINATION:
- Fifteen (15) page reflection paper. See assignments.