MM545/645 Immigration, Religion and the American Church (4 units)

Jehu J. Hanciles, Associate Professor of Mission History and Globalization
Summer 2008 Pasadena

 

 

DESCRIPTION:

Massive post-1965 immigration is radically transforming American society and religious life, with profound implications for the ministry and witness of the church.  This course is intended to introduce students to the concepts, major trends, critical issues and variety of challenges associated with this new reality from a Christian perspective.  It combines classroom lectures and interactions with guided ethnographic research (principally among immigrant Christian communities).  Among other things, particular attention will be given to a biblical understanding of migration; the importance of South-North migration for understanding long term developments within global Christianity; the formation and missionary significance of proliferating new immigrant congregations (African, Asian, and Hispanic); Christian ministry in a context of vibrant religious plurality; and the de-Europeanization of American Christianity. 

 

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Student should expect to 1) gain an understanding of theories and structures of global migrations; 2) acquire some knowledge and practical experience of ethnographic research; 3) comprehend the link between migration and missionary expansion from a biblical perspective; 4) appreciate the need for new models of ministry and mission in connection with America’s changing religious landscape.

 

COURSE FORMAT:

Class meets twice a week for a period of three hours each session.  At least forty minutes of each session will be devoted to class discussion of recommended readings, student presentations and progress reports.

 

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.

1.  Ebaugh Helen R & Chafetz, Janet S., Religion and the New Immigrants. AltaMira, 2000.
2.  Fetterman, David M., Ethnography: Step by Step. Sage, 1998.
3.  Haddad, Y. Smith, J. & Esposito, J. (eds.), Religion and Immigration. AltaMira, 2003.
4.  Hanciles, Jehu J., Beyond Christendom: Globalization, African Migrations, and the Transformation of the West. Orbis, 2008.
5.  Portes, Alejandro and Rumbaut, Rubén G., Immigrant America: A Portrait. University of California, 1996.
6.  Spellman, W. M., The Global Community: Migration and the Making of the Modern World. Sutton, 2003.

 

RECOMMENDED READING:

1.  Crane, Ken R., Latino Churches: Faith, Family, and Ethnicity in the Second Generation. LFB Scholarly Publishing, 2003.
2.  Eck, Diana L., A New Religious America…. HarperCollins, 2001.
3.  Foley, Michael W. & Hoge, Dean R., Religion and the New Immigrants: How Faith Communities Form Our Newest Citizens. Oxford Univ. Press, 2007.
4.  Hirschman, C., Kasinitz, P. & DeWind, J. (eds.), The Handbook of International Migration: The American Experience. Russell Sage, 1999.
5.  Olupona, Jacob, K. & Gemignani, R. (eds.), African Immigrant Religions in America. New York University, 2007.
6.  Wind, James P. & Lewis, James W. (eds.), American Congregations. University of Chicago, 1994.
7.  Yoo, David, K., New Spiritual Homes: Religion and Asian Americans. University of Hawai’i, 1999.

 

Assignments**:

1.  Read at least 1200 pages from required and recommended books.
2.  Identify and attend an immigrant church/congregation for at least three consecutive weeks.
3.  Write and submit three (3-4 page) seminar papers based on related topics, assigned readings, and individual research.
4.  Write and submit two (3-4 page) reports based on ethnographic research and study.
5.  Submit one (2-3 page) final paper proposal addressing a pertinent topic/issue and outlining ethnographic study.
6.  Write a 15-20 page final paper (excluding bibliography) based on research proposal and incorporating ethnographic research findings.. 
7.  (Th.M. students will write a review of a book related to the course and submit a 20-25 page final paper).

 

** Students are advised that the details of these assignments are subject to last minute change.

 


COURSE FORMAT:

Class meets twice a week for five weeks, three hours each session.  At least forty minutes of each session will be devoted to class discussion of recommended readings, student presentations and progress reports.

 

PREREQUISITES: None.  NO AUDITS; maximum capacity of 25 credit students.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective. Meets ETHN requirement for SOT MAT program.

FINAL EXAM: None.

 

Note:  This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design, but is subject to modification.      Last Date Edited:  27 May 2008