Apr 28, 2024  
2017-2018 Graduate Catalog 
    
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2017-2018 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Hispanic Studies Concentration

Students in degree programs may choose to concentrate in an area of theological studies. Concentrations may be used to fulfill denominational requirements (concentration in Anglican studies), to ascertain preparedness for future licensing or advanced study (concentration in pastoral care), or to complete an intensive study in an area of benefit or priority for the church (concentration in Hispanic studies, concentration in African-American church studies, concentration in urban ministry, concentration in women’s and gender studies, concentration in social innovation and nonprofit engagement, concentration in church/nonprofit management ).

Perkins School of Theology, located in the Southwest with its significant Hispanic population and close proximity to Latin America, has committed itself to the preparation of church leaders with the knowledge and skills for effective ministry in a variety of Hispanic/Latino contexts. The concentration in Hispanic studies is offered to students in all Perkins degree programs and is intended specifically for students who want to prepare for ministry in a bilingual and bicultural setting.

Concentration Competencies

Students pursuing the concentration will be expected to work toward developing the following competencies:

  1. Identify and evaluate key issues, perspectives and methodologies of Hispanic and Latin American theologies.
  2. Develop effective skills for leading Hispanic religious communities to engage in public ministry, including advocacy, peacemaking, and social justice.
  3. Acquire knowledge and skills to help Hispanics effectively address complex issues, such as culture, ethnicity, language, gender, and acculturation.
  4. Identify the various manifestations of spirituality among different religious traditions and ethnic groups.
  5. Identify key events, movements, trends, institutions, and individuals that have had an impact on Hispanic Christianity in the U.S.
  6. For persons expecting to be employed in pastoral ministry: Identify and assess the various models of Hispanic congregational ministry, including ministry in Spanish-dominant communities, in English-dominant communities, and in mixed language communities.
  7. For persons expecting to be employed in pastoral ministry: Acquire skills for pastoral care within Hispanic congregations, especially as it relates to family dynamics.

Concentration Requirements

  1. The student must formally register for the program through the director of the Hispanic/Latin@ MinistriesProgram and the registrar.
  2. The student must complete 15 credit hours in Hispanic studies. The student is strongly encouraged to take at least one course in Hispanic studies from each of the four divisions of the curriculum. (Students should see the list of designated courses below.)
  3. By the senior year, the student must have reading and conversation skills at an intermediate level in Spanish and give evidence of being able to conduct the principal worship services of the church in Spanish.
  4. The students without substantial experience in ministry with Hispanics must complete an interethnic experience in a Hispanic setting. The experience must be structured in consultation with the director of the Hispanic/Latin@ Ministries Program.
  5. The student must complete an internship in a Hispanic setting if possible, or, if that is not possible, serve an internship in which, by agreement, no less than one-third of the student’s working time is spent in a Hispanic congregation or project within the community. If neither of these is possible, the student must do a 40- to 60-hour interethnic experience in a Hispanic church under supervision arranged by the director of the Hispanic/Latin@ Ministries Program.

Designated Hispanic Studies Courses

The following courses are currently designated among those that can be taken to fulfill the 15 credit hours required for the concentration in Hispanic studies. Other courses that include Hispanic theological and ministry concerns may also be considered for credit through consultation with the director of the Hispanic/Latin@ Ministries Program. The Office of the Hispanic/Latin@ Ministries Program will maintain a record of new courses that can be applied for credit. Enrollment in Hispanic studies courses is not limited to those admitted to the program, but is open to all students. Students may also receive credit for courses taken under the Hispanic Summer Program and in international study opportunities in Latin America and the Caribbean. Students pursuing the concentration in Urban Ministry and concentration in Hispanic Studies may double-count those courses designated for both concentrations.