MD550/650: Introduction to HIV/AIDS (4 units)
DESCRIPTION:
The HIV/AIDS pandemic has become one of the most pressing social issues of the coming century. As infection rates continue to rise among vulnerable populations in the U.S., Asia, Europe, and Africa, the Christian church is becoming increasingly mobilized to respond in effective ways. This course will equip practitioners to address five primary dimensions of HIV/AIDS: theological/spiritual, medical, psychological, sociological, and economic. The course will take special interest in the plight of children in each of these five areas.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
• Reflect theologically on issues
related to HIV/AIDS, including the body and sexuality, providence and
suffering, theological anthropology, and the church in society.
• Learn to analyze and address the social, cultural, and economic forces
driving the spread of HIV/AIDS in specific locations.
• Gain introductory-level knowledge and skills for addressing the medical,
psychological, and economic issues of adults and children infected and affected
by HIV/AIDS in the developing world.
COURSE
FORMAT: One week intensive course will meet daily for 7 hours, taught by a
variety of specialists in HIV/AIDS.
REQUIRED READING: If you have previously read any of the required texts, please select an alternative text from the recommended reading list or a book approved by the instructor.
Facing AIDS: The Challenge and the Churches Response, WCC. Download or order from: http://www.wcc-coe.org/wcc/what/mission/ehaia-documents-e.html#mapping
Green, Edward. Rethinking AIDS Prevention.Westport, Conn:
Praeger, 2003.
A Guide to HIV/AIDS Pastoral
Counseling, WCC. Download
or order from: http://www.wcc-coe.org/wcc/what/mission/ehaia-documents-e.html#mapping
Reaching Out to Africa’s Orphans: A Framework for Public Action, World
Bank. Download or order from: http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTHIVAIDS/Resources/375798-1103037153392/ReachingOuttoAfricasOrphans.pdf
What Religious Leaders Can Do About HIV/AIDS: Action for Children and
Young People.UNICEF, 2003. Download or order on UNICEF website or: http://media.e-alliance.ch/combatstigma/docs/4.41%20RL%20Action%20Kit%20English-final.pdf
Yamamori, Tetsuno, David Dageforde and Tina Bruner, eds. The Hope Factor:
Engaging the Church in the HIV/AIDS Crisis. Waynesboro, GA: Authentic
Media, 2003.
Course Syllabus containing articles and essays by authors from a diversity of
cultural backgrounds.
ASSIGNMENTS:
1. Theological Research/Reflection
Paper (2500 words).
2. Research Paper on Case Study (2500 words).
3. Reading Log of 1500 pgs. Students strongly encouraged to have completed the
required reading prior to the course.
4. Reflective paper on Interview of HIV+ patient or AIDS orphan (1000 words).
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective; may be taken in conjunction with Healthcare in Missions conference.
FINAL EXAM: None.