MC500 Church and Mission in a Global Context (4 units)
Ryan Bolger, Assistant Professor of Church in Contemporary Culture

Fall 2007 Pasadena

DESCRIPTION:

In this course, we connect the disciplines of ecclesiology, missiology, and postcolonial studies. Beginning with an exploration of Jesus and his proclamation of the gospel of the kingdom, we move to current contexts of the global south. We will explore such themes as diaspora, identity, race, cultural difference, hybridity, gender, sexuality, feminism, postmodernism, nationalism, globalization, and empire. We will ask, what does it mean to be the people of God at the margins? How must we proclaim the kingdom of God in light of our global situation? Many voices from the two-thirds world will be consulted as to how we might live as the people of God, working for transformation in the twenty-first century.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

1. Develop an understanding of Jesus and his announcement of the kingdom of God.
2. Explore the relationship of the kingdom of God to our twenty-first century context.
3. Gain an understanding of pressing cultural issues in our global context today.
4. Identify the characteristics of kingdom-like communities.

COURSE FORMAT:

Class will meet twice a week for ten weeks. Class will feature lectures, discussions, small groups, and various forms of media.

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 professor.

1. Ashcroft, Bill. The Postcolonial Studies Reader. New York: Routledge. 2006. 587 pp.

2. Fuellenbach, John. Church: Community for the Kingdom, Maryknoll, Orbis. 2002. 223pp.

3. Sugirtharajah, R.S. The Postcolonial Bible Reader. Oxford: Blackwell. 2006. 317pp.

ASSIGNMENTS:

1. Students will write weekly reflections based on the class material (25%).
2. Students will interact with other student’s writings (25%).
3. Students will write a 4000-5000 word term paper based on church and mission in a postcolonial context (50%).

PREREQUISITES: None.

FINAL EXAM: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: A required core competency course in the MACCS degree (CSCC). Meets Min 8 requirement for M.Div. Program.

Last Date Edited: 20 June 2007