Syllabus  

COS 512, “Contemporary Theology” 

Claremont School of Theology

Instructor:  John M. Sweeney, Ph.D.

  June 28, 2010-July 6, 2010; 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. 

Course Description:

      This class will provide the opportunity for critical reflection upon some movements in  contemporary theology, demonstrating a few of the ways in which theology has relevance for the interaction between theory and practice, as well as between secular and church life.   

Student Learning Outcomes: 

Students will be able to:

      1.  recognize some of the movements that have occurred, or are occurring, in contemporary theology.

      2.  compare these contemporary movements with more traditional theology

      3.  identify aspects of  contemporary theology in daily life and in their own lives and vocations. 

Readings:   

      Baker-Fletcher, K.  Sisters of Dust, Sisters of Spirit:  Womanist Wordings on God and Creation

  Mesle, C. R.  Process Theology: a Basic Introduction

      Niebuhr, H. R.  Christ and Culture 

      Park, A. S.  The Wounded Heart of God:

                                The Asian Concept of Han and the Christian Doctrine of Sin

      Pelikan, J. J.  Vindication of Tradition

      Suchocki, M. H. “What is Process Theology?” (A Process & Faith Booklet) 

Probable Schedule:  (Changes in the following schedule will be announced in class.)

      June 28: Introductory matters; Pelikan, Vindication of Tradition; written homework due.

      June 29:  Niebuhr, Christ and Culture, Chapters 1, 2, & 3; written homework due.

      June 30:   Niebuhr, Christ and Culture, Chapters 4, 5, 6, & 7; written homework due.

      July 1:   Suchocki, “What is Process Theology?”

                   Mesle, Process Theology, Parts I & II; written homework due. 

      July 2:  Mesle, Process Theology, Parts III & IV; written homework due;

                  short papers due.

      July 5:  Baker-Fletcher, Sisters of Dust, Sisters of Spirit; written homework due;    distribute final exam.

      July 6:  Park, The Wounded Heart of God; written homework due.     

Pre-Assignment(s): For each of the seven (7) reading assignments listed above, please write an ‘interaction’ paper; that is, for each of the reading assignments interact with some aspect, or a few aspects, of the reading assignment that you found inspiring, aggravating, intriguing, confusing, helpful, etc.  Both the specific due date and reading assignment are indicated above. Each written homework assignment is worth up to 30 points, is due at the beginning of the designated class period, is to be typed, using a consistent format, such as MLA or APA, and is to be 500-750 words (2-3 pages) in length. Spelling and grammar are important and will be included in the grading of each assignment. 

Contact Information:

      Center for Process Studies, Lower Mudd; 909-621-5330;

  e-mail:  sweeney@ctr4process.org. Office hour: by appointment 

Class Requirements:

      1.  Daily attendance and participation in class discussion.

      2.  Reading the assigned selections for each class session.

      3.  A brief (2-3 page) interaction paper for each reading assignment, due at the beginning of the

          appropriate class session; these interaction papers can be done before the class begins.

      4.  A presentation &/or a 4-5 page paper &/or the final exam—student choice. 

Grading:  In this course 475+ points will be available. Probable distribution of available points: 

                  1. Daily Participation  = 215 pts.

                  2. Written Homework  = 210 pts.

                  3.  Presentation and/or Paper  

                        and/or Final Exam  = 50 pts.

                  Total    = 475 pts. 

      Probable Scale: 360 +     = A

                        320 - 359 = B

                        280 - 319 = C

                        240 - 279 = D

                            0 - 239 = F 

1. Daily participation includes participation in both class discussions and small-group exercises.

      At least 25 points are possible for each class meetings. 

2.   Written Homework: Please see Pre-assignment section on page 1. 

3.  Presentation and/or Short (4-5 pages) Paper and/or Final Exam (student choice):

      a.  Presentation:  For a presentation the student must provide a one-page outline for the other students, as well as a more detailed outline for the instructor.  The presentation, including

           a question and answer session, can range from 20 to 30 minutes in length.  The topic and date   of the presentation must be approved by the instructor.  Up to 50 points possible.

      b.  Short Paper: Papers are due at the beginning of class on July 14 announced in on the first day of class.  The paper is to be 4-6 pages (1000-1500 words) in length, typed, using an appropriate style such as MLA or APA.  Spelling and grammar count. Each paper topic must be  approved by the instructor.  Up to 50 points possible.

      c.  Final Exam:  A final exam will be distributed in class; the due date for the final exam will be announced on the first day of class.  This exam will consist of two essay questions, from  which one question is to be selected and discussed.  The essay must be typed, using an appropriate form such as MLA or APA, and be 1000-1250 words in length.  50 pts. possible. 

Extra credit opportunities may occur at any time throughout this course.