MP520/620:
Ryan K. Bolger, Assistant Professor of Church in
Contemporary Culture
Winter 2008
DESCRIPTION:
In this course, students
examine the cultural structures of contemporary culture. Students explore cultural
dynamics such as youth subcultures, technology, postmodernism, feminism, gender
issues, race/ethnicity, media, popular culture, and race/ethnicity. Drawing on
theological insights from many sources, students will look for ways to serve as
transformative change agents within these same cultures.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
1. Exegeted structures of contemporary culture missiologically
2. Acquired new ways to perceive a broad
variety of cultural practices.
3. Imagined approaches to cultural
transformation in light of the reign of God.
COURSE FORMAT:
This
course will be offered twice a week for ten weeks. Lectures and special
presentations will examine key themes and characteristics of contemporary
culture. Students will form learning communities with other students, both
face-to-face and online.
REQUIRED
1. Barker,
Chris. Cultural Studies: Theory and
Practice.
2. Bevans,
Stephan. Models of Contextual Theology
(Revised edition). Maryknoll: Orbis,
2002. (186 pp.)
3. Cobb, Kelton.
Blackwell Guide to Theology and Popular
Culture.
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 light of
cultural studies (50%).
PREEQUISITES:
None.
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.