Course Overview:
Theologies are shaped through dynamic processes, dialogically engaging people through politics, science, history, natural disasters, religions, families, or communities. In other words, theologians are fully products of their times as they raise or answer questions about human meaning in spiritual contexts. Today, the shifts in social structures continue to be reflected in theological discourse and the resulting constructions. Similar to a foundations of theology approach, this course will be an opportunity to inspect some of the dynamic layers of contemporary theological constructions.
Learning objectives:
Students who successfully complete the course should be able to:
- identify how current questions shape contemporary fields of religious studies;
- critically analyze trends in religious studies;
- define personal directions for future studies in religion;
- understand how personal story intersects with and shapes theological construction and,
- use multiple disciplines as components of scholarly analyses of our religious and spiritual world.
Required Reading:
Stone, Howard W., and James O. Duke. 2006. How to Think Theologically. Minneapolis: Fortress Press. (will be made available in class)
Holland, Joe, and Peter Henriot. 1984. Social Analysis: Linking Faith and Justice. Maryknoll: Orbis Books.(will be made available in class)
Rieger, Joerg. 2001. God and the Excluded. Minneapolis: Fortress Press.
Mitchem, Stephanie. 2007. Name It and Claim It? Cleveland: Pilgrim Press. (will be available on blackboard.)
Perkinson, James. W. 2004. White Theology: Outing Supremacy in Modernity. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
Schneider, Laurel. 2008. Beyond Monotheism: A Theology of Multiplicity. New York: Routledge.
Wonhee Anne Joh. 2006. Heart of the Cross: A Postcolonial Christology. Louisville: WJK Press.
Required Assignments:
1. Reading/participation are critical.
2. Class preparation as assigned. Specific information shown below on dates items are due.
3. Lead discussion of text as student selects. Include a brief overview of the text. Student chooses how best to engage key or contentious points. Handouts are not required but may be necessary.
4. FINAL PAPER due December 7th: EITHER trace one theme that you believe is important through some of the readings used throughout the class and discuss how different thinkers craft it in a particular direction. OR research paper on topic of your choice (Mitchem must approve!)
Grading:
The greatest weight is given to the final paper; discussion leadership; and overall reading and participation.
100-91% = A
90-81% = B
80-71% = C
70-61% = D
Below 60% = F
Due dates:
August 24:
Introductions and introduction to class
August 31:
- Discussion: How views of Jesus (and implied theologies!) have changed over time
- Class preparation: What are the differences you have from you parents/grandparents’ worlds? What do you like about your grandparents/parents’ worlds? Why? What do you dislike? Why? What is different in your world/life today from theirs? What do you like/dislike and why?
- Each student selects text to lead discussion on assigned day for the reading
September 7 LABOR DAY, NO CLASS!
September 14:
- Components of theological construction (Stone and Duke)
- Class preparation: Defining theology
September 21:
- Class preparation, scholar’s work: personal story, beliefs, and bracketing
- Why social analysis (Holland and Henriot)
- Social analysis and theological construction
- God and the Excluded, selected readings
September 28:
Class preparation: pick one topic that could have or already has significance for theological discourse. Without exclusion (ie, not just your favorite view) and not beginning an analysis (yet), collect raw data about the topic over 10 days (so, begin from first day of class!) For instance, health care with topics of euthanasia and abortion may offer news reports, op ed pieces, and legislative action, as well as papers and commentary by religious leaders directed to their congregations. We will work with your topics during class.
and
Continue discussion of God and the Excluded
October 5 and 12: Name it and Claim it
October 19 and 26: White Theology
November 2 and 16: Heart of Cross
November 9 is AAR; No class held
November 23 and 30: Beyond Monotheism
December 7: FINAL PAPER due.
N.B. Another date of interest—September 30th, the Solomon Tenenbaum lecture, Ruth Messenger
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