Study Abroad in the Global South: South Africa ‘07

Sponsored by PLNU’s Center for Justice and Reconciliation

THE490: Christian Tradition from African Perspectives

Professor Harry Maluleka and Dr. Jamie Gates

Spring 2007 Office: 105 Culbertson
Room: TBA (619) 849-2659
jgates@pointloma.edu

Syllabus

Course Summary:

This course seeks to provide a survey of the ideas, practices and institutions of Christianity from the beginnings of European colonialism to the present with a special focus on the history of Christianity on the continent of Africa. Special attention will be given to the history of Christianity in South Africa. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the contemporary theological concerns from current readings and one of the church’s important African scholars, Prof. Harry Maluleka. Professor Maluleka has written on the challenges facing the African church and has tackled controversial issues such as how Christians can relate to polygamy and ancestral worship.

Course Objectives:

• To examine the repetition of the Christian tradition within the various social, economic, and political settings of modern Africa.
• To introduce students to Christianity through the lens of its impact on various African lives and communities.
• To assist the student to interact critically with competing theological visions, and to understand the Wesleyan theological tradition within this context.
• To provide a context for the student to develop coherent theological practices and convictions for her/his life.

Course Requirements:

Required Readings:

Campbell, James T. 1998. Songs of Zion: The African Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States and South Africa. Durham, NC: University of North Carolina Press.

Elphick, Richard and Rodney Davenport, eds. 1998. Christianity in South Africa: A Political, Social, and Cultural History. Los Angeles: University of California Press.

Tutu, Desmond. 2000. No Future Without Forgiveness. Doubleday Books.

Required Participation:

Students are required to participate in lectures and readings during the Spring semester in preparation for the heart of this course that will be taught while at the Nazarene Theological College in Johannesburg, South Africa during a Summer study abroad travel course. Students in this course are required to participate fully in the study abroad components of this course.

Writing Requirements:

• Students will be required to write 3-5 page reflection papers on each of the three books required for this course.
• A 15-20 page research paper on a related topic chosen by the student will be due four weeks from our return to the United States. Instructions and guidance will be given during the Spring semester.
• As part of the overall study abroad requirements, students will each keep a travel journal while in South Africa. One section of that journal will include theological reflections.

Examinations:

Students can expect a mid-term and a final take home exam.

Grading:

Reflection Papers (3) - 30% (10% each)

Research Paper - 30%

Mid-Term - 10%

Final - 15%

Travel Journal - 10%

Attendance - 5%

Grade Determination (POINTS TOTAL)

A 940-1000

A- 900- 939

B+ 860- 899

B 830- 859
B- 800- 829
C+ 760- 799
C 730- 759

C- 700- 729

D+ 660- 699
D 630- 659

F 0- 629

Classroom Participation

Class will include interactive exercises. Students should be prepared to discuss the assigned reading in class. At the instructor’s discretion, students may be asked to address topics based on readings, lectures, or projects. Excessive absences and/or lack of participation in class will result in a loss of Participation points. See: university attendance policy.

Academic Accommodation

All students are expected to meet the standards for this course as set by the instructor. However, students with learning disabilities who may need accommodations should discuss options with the Academic Support Center during the first two weeks of class. The ASC will contact professors with suggested classroom needs and accommodations. Approved documentation must be on file in the ASC prior to the start of the semester.

Note on Academic Integrity:

It is assumed that papers submitted and responses on examinations represent your individual efforts. Plagiarism and cheating are grounds for disciplinary action, and as a minimum will render the particular project unacceptable. If there is reason to suspect that work submitted is not original, you may be required to submit the rough draft and / or notes.