ML548: Transition and Transformation
of the Christian Leader (4 units)
Susan Plumb Takamoto, Adjunct
Assistant Professor of Leadership
Spring 2004 Pasadena
DESCRIPTION:
Modernized culture,
including many churches, has lost its appreciation for the significance of
rites of passage. Often Christian leaders are ill equipped to guide themselves
and others through the uncharted territory of difficult life transitions. This
course provides an overview of rites of passage theory, and focuses on such key
themes as isolation, liminality, community, symbols, ritual, and
mentor/leaders. Based on the foundational work of Arnold Van Gennep and Victor
Turner, we will apply these concepts to the role of Christian leaders and
expand on J. Robert Clinton’s Leadership Emergence Theory of the “boundary.”
Attention is given to transitions in cross-cultural settings, particular the
initial adjustment phase. Because all rites of passage include transformation,
this course will explore how God is uniquely at work in our lives during times
of transition.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
•
Gain a clear understanding of rites of passage theory as it applies to major
transitions in the lives of Christian leaders, particularly in cross-cultural
settings.
• Increase awareness of
God’s transforming work during adult transitions by studying biblical,
historical, and contemporary case studies
• Understand and apply the
concepts of liminality, ritual, and transformation as they occur in the midst
of transitions
• Provide leaders with practical
tools to navigate themselves and others through major life passages and emerge
as transformed persons
COURSE FORMAT:
This
course will meet for three hours one evening a week and will include
interactive lectures, discussion, presentations, and small groups to help
students process course content, experience community, and work together on
several group projects.
REQUIRED READING:
Bass, Dorothy C., ed. Practicing Our Faith. San Francisco:
Jossey-Bass, 1997.
Carson, Timothy L. Liminal Reality and
Transformational Power. Lanham: University Press of America, 1997.
Driver, T. F. Liberating Rites:
Understanding the Transformative Power of Ritual. Boulder: Westville Press,
1998.
Turner, V. W. The Ritual Process:
Structure and Anti-Structure. Ithaca, New York: Cornell University Press,
1966.
A novel listed in syllabus that highlights a person in the midst of
liminality/transition.
Selected articles/chapters from Reader/library reserve shelf.
RECOMMENDED READING:
Bell, Catherine. Ritual Theory, Ritual Practice. New York:
Oxford University Press, 1992.
Clinton, J. Robert. The Making of a Leader. Colorado Springs, CO: Navpress, 1988.
Hofstede, G. Culture’s
Consequences: International Differences in Work-Related Values. 2nd
edition. Thousand Oaks: Sage, 2001.
Jones, Marge, and E. Grant Jones. Psychology
of Missionary Adjustment. Springfield, MO: Logion Press, 1995.
Lingenfelter, Sherwood G. Agents of
Transformation: A Guide for Effective Cross-Cultural Ministry. Grand
Rapids, MI: Baker, 1996.
Loder, James. The Transforming Moment. San Francisco: Harper and Row, 1989.
McVann, Mark. “Rituals of Status
Transformation in Luke-Acts: The Case of Jesus the Prophet.” In The Social World of Luke-Acts. Jerome H.
Neyrey, ed. Pp. 332-360. Peabody, MA:
Hendrickson Publishers, 1991.
Takamoto, Susan P. “Liminality and the North American Missionary Adjustment
Process in Japan.” PhD Dissertation, Fuller Theological Seminary, 2003.
Van Gennep, A. The Rites of Passage.
M.B. Vizedom & G.L. Caffee, trans. Chicago: Univ. of Chicago Press, 1960.
ASSIGNMENTS:
(1) One 1000-word paper
(4 pages) that analyzes 3-4 case studies (from a novel, contemporary movie,
interviewed cross-cultural leader, and biblical character) of leaders going
through a major transition, looking for common threads and incorporating class
lectures and reading; (2) Syllabus and group exercises; (3) Reading log; (4)
Final project—one 3000-4000-word reflection paper that analyzes a major
transition in the student’s own life, incorporated class exercises, assigned
readings, and lectures; (5) Final class presentation creating a “ritual” based
upon the final project.
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.