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Introduction to Systematic Theology Syllabus
2.301 Introduction to Systematic Theology
Spring 2009
Tuesdays, 1:30 – 4:30 pm
Office Hours: by appointment
Dr. Kristin Johnston Largen
Rationale
Welcome to the wonderful world of Systematic Theology! Systematic Theology is not only a central component of every aspect of public ministry, it is also one of the most interesting, engaging subjects you will be privileged to study during your time in seminary. In this course, you will begin a study of theology that will be life-long, giving you a strong foundation that not only will nurture your own spiritual development, but also enable you to meet the challenges of a faith active in love that lives at “the intersection of the church and global society.” A strong grasp of Systematic Theology will facilitate your ability to be faithful to God’s word in both speech and praxis, communicate the gospel in your preaching and teaching, and provide faithful public leadership in your ministry, all stated objectives of the Master of Divinity degree in the Gettysburg catalog.
Course Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the students should be able to:
1) Define and describe the various theological loci
2) Analyze and discuss important theological texts
3) Develop and articulate one’s own theological arguments
4) Integrate the study of theology into one’s own understanding of public ministry
Strategies for achieving course objectives
Students will be expected to meet the following course requirements:
- Required Reading:
The students are expected to read all assigned readings carefully and thoroughly. Please note that we will go through the “when” of reading assignments in class—SO PLEASE BRING ALL YOUR TEXTBOOKS TO CLASS ON THE FIRST DAY!!
The assigned reading consists of the following essay & three books:
ü “Reflections on the Right Use of School Studies with a View to the Love of God,” in Waiting for God, by Simone Weil [on Blackboard]
ü Constructive Theology, edited by Serene Jones & Paul Lakeland
OR Faith Seeking Understanding, by Daniel Migliore
ü EITHER Sexism & God-Talk, by Rosemary Radford Ruether
OR A Black Theology of Liberation, by James Cone
OR A Theology of Liberation, by Gustavo Gutiérrez [note how Gutierrez organizes his theology differently…]
ü EITHER The Asian Jesus, by Michael Amaladoss
OR Saving Jesus from Those Who Are Right, by Carter Heyward
OR The Scandalous God, by Vitor Westhelle
Recommended but not required: [*available for 50 points extra-credit]
ü Modern Christian Thought, vol. 1 & 2, by James Livingston
ü The Christian Theology Reader, ed. by Alister McGrath
ü *The Cross in our Context, by Douglas John Hall
ü *Lift Every Voice, ed. by Susan Brooks Thistlethwaite & Mary Potter Engel
ü *The Crucified God, by Jürgen Moltmann
- Class Attendance & Preparation:
Students are expected to attend class regularly, listen to lectures attentively and take notes, and actively engage in both large and small group discussion. Repeated absences will be reflected in the student’s final grade.
In this class, and in this seminary, we respect the rules of inclusivity, as stated in the academic catalog, pages 13-14. Please note that written work that does not conform to these standards will be returned for a re-write; and in the classroom, we will practice referring to both human beings and God in ways that are respectful of personhood and inclusive in terms of gender, race and class.
*A word about laptop computers: The use of a laptop in the classroom is a privilege, not a right, and this privilege can be revoked at any time during the semester by the instructor, if any student is found to be using his/her computer for personal business. Such action is a distraction to the class, and disrespectful both to the instructor and one’s classmates: forewarned is forearmed!
- Class Assignments:
Timely completion of all assignments is expected of all students. Late work
may or may not be accepted, at the instructor’s discretion. A reduction in the
grade should be expected for late work.
a) Theological Reflection Papers
Several times throughout the semester, the students will receive a question that they will answer using their required readings [and other theological resources as they so choose]. Each question will necessitate a three/four page response. The student will bring these papers to class on the due dates assigned, and will use them as a basis for small group discussions. They will be turned in to the instructor at the end of the class session. Each of these short papers will count 10% toward the final course grade.
b) Small Group Soteriology Project
On March 31st, the students will meet together in small groups during regularly scheduled class time. At this time, each student will bring to his/her group one image/video/song/poem/piece of art that, in the student’s opinion, depicts the heart of what salvation in Jesus Christ looks like. The student also will bring a one page explanation of what it is about the piece that says “salvation”—what is present that is critical, what is emphasized that is key, and perhaps also what is not there that isn’t necessary. The students will share these in small groups, and then together each small group will write up a one-page summary of what aspects/components of salvation the group agrees upon, and where they found lingering places of disagreement. The students will turn in their group paper, as well as their own piece [can be emailed to the instructor] & one page description, to the instructor the following week. This assignment counts for 20% of the student’s grade.
c) Final Exam
The final exam will be a take-home exam, distributed to students on the penultimate day of class. It will be due at the start of the last class period. The exam will be worth 30% of the student’s grade in the course. Evidence of the assigned class reading should be readily apparent in your work!
d) Dialog Review
One of the long-term goals of this course is to inspire interest and enthusiasm for systematic theology that will continue on into the student’s public ministry. One excellent means of developing and sustaining such interest is through the reading of quality theological journals. To that end, one of the course requirements is a short review of any Dialog article from the past five years.
This review should be no more than 2-3 pages, and simply summarize the article read, including the main points of the author, and conclude with a short response by the student. This assignment is due on April 14th, but may be submitted at any point in the semester.
Assessment
1. Theological Reflection papers: 30%
2. Small Group Project: 20%
3. Final Exam: 30%
4. Dialog Review: 10%
5. Class attendance & participation: 10%
Course Outline:
January 27th Class Introductions
Review of Syllabus & Schedule of Reading Assignments
Introduction to Systematic Theology
February 3rd Theology in Context: The 21st century Christian in the 21st century “post-” context: post-modern, post-colonial, post- Christian
February 10th The Christian Faith:
Scripture, Creeds, Symbols
February 17th The Doctrine of God
*First Theological Reflection Paper Due
February 24th The Doctrine of Creation
March 3rd Anthropology & Hamartiology
*Second Theological Reflection Paper Due
March 10th READING DAYS: NO CLASS
Begin your particular Christology book
March 17th Religious Pluralism
March 24th Christology: The Person of Jesus Christ
March 31st Small Group Project on Soteriology
April 7th Soteriology: The Work of Jesus Christ
*Soteriology Projects Due
April 14th Pneumatology: The Presence of the
Holy Spirit
*Dialog Review Due!!
April 21st SPRING CONVOCATION
[class will be held in the chapel]
April 28th Ecclesiology: The Life of the Church
*Third Theological Reflection Paper Due
May 5th Eschatology: The Last Things
*Take Home Exams Due!!!
