MP520: Transforming Contemporary Cultures I –
Macro (4 units)
Ryan K. Bolger, Assistant
Professor of Church in Contemporary Culture
Fall 2005
Pasadena
DESCRIPTION:
In this course, students will map the macro
structures of contemporary culture on a global scale. Students will 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, we will explore these themes at the “production
level” of culture.
While residents of these cultures, students will
look for ways to redeem these same cultures as “insiders”. Our exploration will
focus on both Western and non-Western communities and their engagement of these
“powers”. Students will examine those communities that look to transform these
powers within the rubric of Jesus and the reign of God. Finally, students will
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”.
COURSE FORMAT: This course will be offered twice a
week for ten weeks. Lectures and special presentations will examine key themes
and characteristics of modern/postmodern culture.
REQUIRED READING: A minimum of
1,100 pages of reading from the following books:
Held, David et al. 1999. Global Transformations: Politics, Economics,
and Culture.
Macedo, Donaldo, and Panayota Gounari, ed. 2005. The Globalization of Racism. Paradigm Publishers.
Juergensmeyer, Mark. 2005. Religion in
Global Civil Society. Oxford Univ. Press
Pieterse, Jan Nederveen. 2003. Globalization
and Culture. Rowman and Littlefield.
Storey, John. 2003. Inventing Popular
Culture. Blackwell.
RECOMMENDED
READING:
Jacobsen, Dennis A. 2001. Doing Justice: Congregations and Community
Organizing. Fortress Press.
Linthicum, Robert. 2003. Transforming
Power: Biblical Strategies for Making a Difference in Your Community. IVP.
Shenk, Wilbert, ed. 1993. Transfiguration
of Mission. Herald Press.
Wright, N.T. 1996. Jesus and the Victory
of God. Fortress Press.
1.
Students will complete a one-page (250 words) reading review for all five
books.
2. Students will participate in a social transformation project.
3. Students will write a social transformation paper, addressing the topics of
the course (3000 words).
4. Students will create a blog reporting on their experiences with the mission
strategy as well as their spiritual activities for the quarter. They will also
participate in a class ‘wiki’ and a podcast.
· Grading will be based on 40% class, blog, wiki,
and podcast participation, 20% reading reports, and 40% final paper.
RELATIONSHIP
TO CURRICULUM: Elective in SIS. Meets Min 8 requirement for SOT. Optional
course in the MAT Theology and the Arts program. An option to meet Theology and
Culture requirement in the Master of Arts in Theology (Theology & Arts).
FINAL
EXAM: None.