T1044 Introduction to Liberation Theology Episcopal Divinity School, Fall 2008 Kwok Pui Lan Office: Sherrill 304 Email: Pkwok@eds.edu
Tel: 617-6821533
I. COURSE DESCRIPTION What is liberation theology? Who does it? Why is it important to the church? How do traditional theologians and critics respond to it? This introductory course will discuss the many strands of liberation theology from different global contexts. The focus will be on liberation theology’s methodologies, its relation to the social context, and its challenges to the theological discipline.
II. SPECIFIC GOALS The course is designed to: 1.
introduce some of the classical texts of liberation theologies from different parts of the world and the works of a few key new critical thinkers.
2.
analyze some of the newer challenges to liberation theologies: cultural hermeneutics, postcolonial criticism, and globalization.
3.
develop the skills of contextual theological thinking and critique of traditional theology of the church and one’s own faith.
4.
equip students to learn and reflect on theology from an anti-racist and multicultural perspectives through both course contents and pedagogy.
III. COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND EVALUATION 1.
Complete assigned readings and participate in class discussions and presentations.
2.
Complete two reflection papers (7-8 pages) on assigned readings. Instructions will be given in class. Due: Oct 8 and Nov 12.
3.
Final paper: topic and short bibliography submitted on Dec 3. Paper due Jan 5, 2009.
To be fair to all students, late assignments will receive lower marks.