DESCRIPTION:

The purpose of the class is to challenge each student's perspective of the city. The Instructor will expose the class to a wide variety of topics, theories, and methods that relate to the field of urban studies. Instructor will also relate all of the class materials to some central themes and issues confronting Christianity today. Students will interact with professionals who are involved in urban life such as elected officials, police officers, social service workers, etc. Such persons will be guest lecturers and panelists who along with the instructor will integrate social responsibility and religion from various points of view. Perspectives will include local politics, business and economics, health and human services, law enforcement, race relations, immigration, and arts and leisure.

Students participating in the course will

1. gain an introductory understanding of urbanology: the city, its people, and its systems;

2. acquaint themselves with a wide array of urban leaders;

3. familiarize themselves with the three major sectors of urban life--private, government, and voluntary (non-profit)--as they contribute to our understanding of the processes of urban continuity, growth, and decay;

4. examine differing viewpoints on community development and conflict;

5. orient and motivate themselves for an urban ministries program;

6. familiarize themselves with possible placements and practica in urban ministry.

The course will meet once a week for three hours of lectures and discussions.

Chase, John; Margaret Crawford; and John Kaliski, eds. Everyday Urbanism. The Monacelli Press, 1999.

Driskill, Joseph D. Protestant Spiritual Exercises: Theology, History, and Practice. Morehouse Publishing, 1999.

Harmer, Catherine M. The Compassionate Community: Strategies that Work for the Third Millenium. Orbis Books, 1998.

Selected articles assigned by instructor.

1. Initial paper on one's personal view of the city and prospective for urban ministry.

2. Reading assignments to be completed before each class.

3. A one-page reflection paper on the reading assignments due each week.

4. Minimum of 10 hours of volunteer work that is reflected in personal journal.

5. A paper following instructions given in class.

None.

Meets M. Div. core requirement in Missions (MIN8).

None.