S-205 - Bartlet
Antony Alumkal
Office: Iliff Hall 405
Email: aalumkal@iliff.edu
R. J. Hernández-Díaz
Office: Iliff Hall 102
Email: rhernandez-diaz@iliff.edu
By appointment.
Reading American Protestantism uses bestselling religious books as a lens through which to think about theological similarities and differences in American Protestantism, the ways in which religious ideas are packaged for popular consumption, and the ways in which different academic disciplines (sociology, history, religious studies, theology, ethics, etc.) can be used to study religious phenomena. The course is designed to build core skills necessary to be a successful student at Iliff, such as basic thesis writing using graduate-level research skills.
A first year introductory course is required in the MTS, MDiv, MASC, and MAPSC programs. The purpose of these courses is to:
Reading American Protestantism uses bestselling religious books as a lens through which to think about theological similarities and differences in American Protestantism, the ways in which religious ideas are packaged for popular consumption, and the ways in which different academic disciplines (sociology, history, religious studies, theology, ethics, etc.) can be used to study religious phenomena. The course is designed to build core skills necessary to be a successful student at Iliff, such as basic thesis writing using graduate-level research skills.
Students are expected to attend every class, except for cases of illness or family emergency. It is not possible to pass the class if you miss more than two classes. Assigned readings should be completed before class meetings. Students are expected with prepared notes and questions ready to participate in class discussion. Participation is worth 20% of the total grade.
The written assignments fulfill the goals of the class by providing you an opportunity to engage in a more detailed critical theological and religious analysis of one of the books for the course. The assignments build on each other, providing you with the opportunity to engage in a layered approach to your analysis.
Short Paper #1: 15%
Short Paper #2: 15%
Final Paper: 50%
All written assignments must use an accepted method of citation. (Hint: Go to http://www.oxfordjournals.org/our_journals/socrel/for_authors/instructions.html to see the citation method commonly used by sociologists. This is one of the easiest methods.)
The course introduces theories and methods in the study of religion and theology, and provides learning experiences able to support the following learning outcomes for students: Students identify and describe characteristic approaches to the academic study of religion related to at least four of the six curricular areas identified in the core curriculum.
Students demonstrate critical reading skills, such as the capacity to identify the thesis of a text, its methodology, the contextual situation of the author’s argument in a larger discourse, the contours of its argument, and the implications of its constructive work.
Students demonstrate the capacity to write a brief, thesis-driven paper drawing on textual resources with appropriate academic citation and a writing style appropriate to the genre.
Students are able to identify appropriate academic resources through library research in order to address a research question of significance to them.
Students engage in critical, respectful, and constructive academic dialogue and reflection in a diverse cultural setting (the classroom).
Student motivation, curiosity, and commitment to the engaged academic study of religion and theology increases.
Incompletes: If incompletes are allowed in this course, see the Master's Student Handbook for Policies and Procedures.
Pass/Fail: Masters students wishing to take the class pass/fail should discuss this with the instructor by the second class session.
Academic Integrity and Community Covenant: All students are expected to abide by Iliff’s statement on Academic Integrity, as published in the Masters Student Handbook, or the Joint PhD Statement on Academic Honesty, as published in the Joint PhD Student Handbook, as appropriate. All participants in this class are expected to be familiar with Iliff’s Community Covenant.
Accommodations: Iliff engages in a collaborative effort with students with disabilities to reasonably accommodate student needs. Students are encouraged to contact their assigned advisor to initiate the process of requesting accommodations. The advising center can be contacted at advising@iliff.edu or by phone at 303-765-1146.
Writing Lab: Grammar and organization are important for all written assignments. Additional help is available from the Iliff Writing Lab, which is available for students of any level who need help beginning an assignment, organizing thoughts, or reviewing a final draft.
Inclusive Language: It is expected that all course participants will use inclusive language in speaking and writing, and will use terms that do not create barriers to classroom community.
Bolz-Weber, Nadia. 2013. Pastrix: The Cranky, Beautiful Faith of a Sinner & Saint . New York: Jericho Books.
Borg, Marcus J. 2003 . The Heart of Christianity: Rediscovering a Life of Faith . San Francisco: HarperSanFranciso.
Jakes, T. D. 2012. Let It Go: Forgive So You Can Be Forgiven . New York: Atria Books.
McLaren, Brian D. 2010. A New Kind of Christianity: Ten Questions that Are Transforming the Faith . San Francisco: HarperOne.
Warren, Rick. 2002. The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? Grand Rapids: Zondervan.
See Taylor Library's list of online book sellers for purchasing options.
Wellman—
Evangelical vs. Liberal
Balmer—
Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory
Marti and Ganiel—
The Deconstructed Church
Griswold—
Culture and Societies in a Changing World
Tinker—“Why I Do Not Believe in a Creator”
Recommended: Hernández-Díaz—"Five Things Iliff Professors Want You to Know About Writing"
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