Course Schedule:

Guidelines for Book Analysis:

(2000 words / 100 points / Due Mar 27)

Demonstrate the ways in which distinct themes and claims of postmodernism are represented in McLaren, A New Kind of Christian.  Further, show how McLaren (through his characters) represents postmodern culture, and indicate how he suggest Christians should best respond to such a cultural shift.  Be as specific as possible.  Your essay should cite, integrate, and interact with assigned texts (such as Ward and Penner), as well as show further research -- do not use course texts exclusively as your resources.  You may also wish to use emerging church internet sites and blogs as resources.  The extent of your research should be reflected in your bibliography.  Students will be evaluated according to their overall grasp of the subject matter, the clarity of explanation, the fairness and depth of analysis, and the quality of research demonstrated in their paper.  Grammar and spelling are important. See Writing and Submission Guidelines.

Guidelines for Oral Presentations:

(30 minute max. / 50 points):

The objective of the oral presentation is to teach your classmates about your given subject.  Therefore your presentation should be clear, concise, persuasive, and informative.  Demonstrate your superior grasp of the subject, and be prepared to respond to questions.  Please pass out a handout with an outline and any other pertinent information covered in your presentation; at top of handout include your name, REL 472, date, and title of presentation (give me a copy at least one half hour in advance of class time and I will copy it free of charge).  You may use OHP, video, PowerPoint, marker board, or any other media available to enhance the learning process.  Students may be graded on the material you present to them, so strive for accuracy.

In preparation you should thoroughly research your subject.  You should consult theological dictionaries and encyclopedias, works treating your subject, and journal articles.  Read various sources; be sure to read sources from alternate viewpoints on your subject (e.g. there are differing views on the nature, limits, and value of natural theology).  You should also read relevant portions of primary sources (e.g. actually read relevant parts of Calvin’s Institutes and commentaries)!  You may use a few key quotations but do not flood your presentation with quotes.  As always, do not plagiarize!  You must explain the subject in your own words.

Pick out and focus on key, crucial areas in your subject.  Be discerning.  Put emphasis on main themes (“best”) rather than less-central (“good/interesting”) issues; you do not need to say everything there is to say on your subject.  Include very brief historical background only if necessary, but omit if unnecessary.  Historical background, if given at all, should be at most five minutes of oral presentation.  Focus on the views and arguments of your subject.  Be fair, nuanced, and sensitive to all views on your subject.  This presentation is not designed to be an assault on “false views.”  Carefully present your subject, noting various differing views, then analyze and evaluate (e.g. specify the strengths and weaknesses of Moltmann on creation).  Try to empathize with and understand the persuasive power of the view you are evaluating, even if you do not finally agree with it.  However, do not be afraid to state any fair criticisms of the view.  Evaluation should be based on Scripture, church tradition (key theologians, creeds, and confessions), reasonable arguments, findings from general revelation (other disciplines, science, etc.), and Christian experience (but take care that you do not lapse into mere feelings or opinions).

This is a 400 level, capstone course – the standard is high!  Demonstrate excellence in your presentation.  Be well prepared.  If you have difficulties come see Prof. Andres ASAP.

Guidelines for Integration Paper:

(3000 words / 200 points / Due May 10)

This paper consists in two parts:  (1) state and argue for your own view of the the relation of Christianity to postmodernism, including to epistemology and authority, and (2) demonstrate how your view relates, integrates, and influences the appropriation of postmodernity in other subjects in both religion and the liberal arts.  You need not discuss every single topic and issue listed below, but you should discuss several of the most significant from each paragraph.

(1) Articulate carefully your evaluation of the emergent church and theology.  Make sure to include discussion of postmodern thought and culture, epistemology, (meta)narratives, ecclesiology and community, mission (kingdom of God), view of Jesus, and so on.

(2) Explain and demonstrate how your view of the key themes of the emergent church interacts, integrates, supports, challenges, forms and is formed by the following, and give at least one fully developed example of each:

     (a) one theological doctrine (God, humanity, sin, Christ, salvation, sanctification, last things, etc.);

     (b) by other disciplines within the study of religion; e.g. church history, missiology, New and Old Testament studies, Christian ethics, Christian education, youth ministry, philosophy of religion, and so on;

     (c) other disciplines in the liberal arts (e.g. world or American history, psychology, sociology, political science, philosophy, literature, music, arts, and hard sciences like biology, chemistry physics, etc.).

Your essay should show significant research, do not use only course texts as resources.  The extent of your research should be reflected in your bibliography.  Students will be evaluated according to their overall grasp of the subject matter, the clarity of explanation, the extent and depth of integration, and the quality of research demonstrated in their paper.  See Writing and Submission Guidelines.