Spring 2019 GEN 460 Descriptions
Faith in the World Seminar (GEN 460) – Spring 2019
This seminar explores what it means to think and live faithfully in our world by engaging in an in-depth study of an important issue. Each class will engage with the richness and complexity of its subject by considering diverse viewpoints and multiple academic disciplines and exploring their interconnections. Each class will also be challenged with some of the best Christian thinking about the issue. The class will maintain an atmosphere of open inquiry and discovery, and provide occasion for each student to reflect on God’s call on his/her life. Prerequisite: senior standing, or junior standing and completion of all other general education requirements.
Film and the American Dream
Instructor: JAY CASE
This course is an examination of film in the US between 1945 and the present, thematically linked to the concept of “the American Dream.” Through those films this class gives students the critical equipment for encountering artistic materials and sustaining critical dialogue. Students will also better understand the ways that historical context shapes conceptions of the American Dream and ways that conceptions of the American Dream have driven thematic content in film. As an organizing framework for the course, the class will explore the concept of the American Dream through the primary theme of the Material Ideal, as well as secondary themes of individualism, civic responsibility, family, friendship, security, race, gender and faith. Through this process, students should become more thoughtful and mature people of faith.
Friendship and Romance
instructor: T.C. HAM
This course explores the topics of friendship and romance at the intersection of sociology, philosophy, theology, psychology, history, and biblical studies. For most college students, friendships and dating relationships represent two of the most important interpersonal relationships. Yet, the Church and the academy offer little in the way of helping us to think deeply about these relationships. Through the exploration of these important human relationships, the course aims to deepen our thinking with an eye toward living out our faith in the world.
LGBTQ+ and the Church
instructors: CHRISTINA SCHNYDERS & T.C. HAM
Few issues are as polarizing or as practically significant for today's Christian Church as those raised by LGBTQI+ people. In this course we will engage these issues through multiple disciplinary lenses and do our best to take all sides seriously in these complex debates. Our goal will not be consensus, but to grow in grace and truth, and to become more compassionate and informed participants in these ongoing conversations.
Prayer—in the Individual, in the Church, and in the World
instructors: marva hoopes & BILL QUIGLEY
Prayer has existed as long as people have thought of God and related to him. It has been a practice for the individual, in the Church, and throughout the world. This course will encourage students to encounter prayer through various disciplines including music, art, literature, medicine and nursing, and history, as well as Bible and theology. Issues that will be addressed will include such questions as: How have people over the centuries encountered God through prayer? How does prayer vary in different cultures? How does prayer affect our lives? Does the manner of prayer matter? What does one do with prayers that do not seem to be answered? Does prayer really make a difference? No matter on what level students commence, as these and other questions are examined, all will be encouraged to take a step forward in their faith journey through prayer.
XX Rated: The Formation of Female Gender Identity
instructor: SUZANNE NICHOLSON
This course will explore how the Bible describes women and their place in society and God's kingdom, in contrast with various views of the role of women throughout history. Questions to be addressed include: What was God's design for the creation of women? How do views of femininity and masculinity differ? What should a woman's role be in the family? In the workplace? How have societal structures promoted or hindered the status of women? How do men and women wield power differently, especially in relation to one another? What does Scripture say about gender roles? Men as well as women are encouraged to take this class.