MP520/620: Transforming Contemporary Cultures I – Macro
(4 units)
Ryan K. Bolger, Assistant Professor of Church in Contemporary Culture
DESCRIPTION:
In this course, students map the macro
structures of contemporary culture on a global scale. Students examine the
environment, population concerns, health issues, technology, media, popular
culture, sexual identities, war/violence, economics, and race/ethnicity. As
this is a macro level course, students explore these themes at the “production
level” of culture.
Students will look for ways to redeem these same cultures both as “insiders”
and outsiders. We focus on both Western and non-Western communities and their
engagement of these “powers”. Students examine those communities that look to transform
these powers within the rubric of Jesus and the reign of God. Finally, students
participate in a community that addresses these powers and will reflect on
their experience.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
• Exegeted macro
structures of contemporary culture missiologically.
• Compared and analyzed various community approaches to social transformation
in light of the reign of God.
• Participated in a community that engages these modern “powers”.
• Students will have demonstrated competence in an online learning community
and its tools.
COURSE FORMAT:
This course will be offered twice a week
for ten weeks. Lectures and special presentations will examine key themes and
characteristics at the macro level of contemporary culture. Students will form
learning communities with other students, both face-to-face and online.
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.
Claiborne, Shane. 2006. The Irresistable Revolution. Zondervan.
Gingerich, Ray and Ted Grimsrud, eds. 2006. Transforming
the Powers. Fortress Press.
Goodwin, Jeff and James M. Jasper, eds., 2003. The Social Movements Reader. Blackwell.
Klein, Naomi, 2002. Fences and Windows.
Picador.
Lasn, Kalle. 2000. Culture Jam.
Quill.
Linthicum, Robert. 2003. Transforming
Power. IVP.
1. Students will complete a
500 word reading review for all six books; they will post these entries on
their blog along with other weekly reflections. In addition, students will read
other student blogs and post feedback in response.
2. Students will contribute to a social transformation encyclopedia. They will
do this through participation in blogs, wikis, and an online classification
system. They will work on this weekly and this will serve as their final
project.
3. Students will participate in a social transformation community project and
reflect on it. They will add this to the class encyclopedia as well.
RELATIONSHIP
TO CURRICULUM: Elective in SIS. Meets Min 8 requirement for SOT. Optional
course in the MAT Theology and the Arts program.
FINAL
EXAM: None.