Theology of Work in the STEM Professions Web viewTheology of Work in the STEM Professions. School of Science, Technology, Society. ... frustrations and possibilities that will accompany

MTM 503Theology of Work in the STEM Professions

School of Science, Technology, Society and Ministry

Mission StatementTo educate and equip others to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name through technology in both lay and professional ministry contexts.

Instructor: Fletcher Tink Email: [email protected]: 816-268-5496 (o); 816-805-4115 (c)

Course DescriptionThis course will help students to understand and practice a “theology of work” out of the underpinnings and specific passages in Scripture, especially those related to the STEM professions. It will help correct theological misunderstandings pertaining to the role of lay Christianity and the importance of “vocation” in the STEM professions.

MTM Program OutcomesAt the conclusion of their MTM program, the student will able to:

1 Develop effective technology initiatives in a way that takes into account the unique cultures they will be serving and how to use technology to serve the poor.

2 Understand the Biblical basis, theology and historical context of technology and how to apply that in professional and ministry settings.

3 Understand the Christian vocation of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math careers and their unique identity and role within their field in a way that maximizes their calling and enables Christian ministry 24/7.

4 Understand complex systems in a way that helps them to effectively lead others and apply technology in ministry and professional environments.

5 Understand some of the limits of technology and how to counter some of the negative implications of technology and its effect on relationships and creation of new addictions.

6 Develop effective technology ministry strategies for developing sustainable initiatives by monitoring and understanding the latest theories, trends, tools and opportunities in technology in ministry.

MTM 510 helps students understand their own Christian vocation in a STEM career to help meet program objective 3.

Course Objectives1 Understand their unique identity as a technologist and the unique role played by technologists in the Body

of Christ.2 Identify what their calling or vocation might be and how it might be leveraged for ministry 3 Understand the unique issues facing Christians in STEM fields. 4 Know where to go to find support structures and resources for their vocation in ministry.

5 Understand the complexities, frustrations and possibilities that will accompany their ministry in vocation.

Required Reading● Bakke, Dennis, Joy at Work: A Revolutionary Approach to Fun on the Job. PVG Press. 2006. 312 pages.

ISBN #978-0976268642 ● Banks, Robert. Redeeming the Routines: Bringing Theology to Life. Baker Academic. 1993. 188 pages,

ISBN #978-0801021169● Dupree, Max. Leadership is an Art. Doubleday. 2004. 178 pages. ISBN #978-038551265● Linthicum, Robert C. Building a People of Power. 2006. 348 pages. ISSBN $978-1932805512● Stevens, R Paul. The Other Six Days: Vocation Work and Ministry in Biblical Perspective. Wm B

Eerdmans. 2000. 289 pages. ISBN #978-080284800

Course Outline

Session 1: Introduction to the Topic

1. Defining the STEM Professions: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics

2. Causes and Evidences of the Gap between the STEM Professions and Christian attitudes

3. Defining Terms: “Theology”

4. The Fallacies of the Current Understanding of “Ministry”

5. The Current Context of the Discussion

6. The Need for a New Theological Paradigm

Session 2: Theological Foundations of Work

1. God’s creative nature as revealed in Genesis

2. How we mirror the Triune Godhead in our Professions.

3. The “Creative” and “Redemptive” Mandates

4. Our motivations in doing what we do

Session 3: Theological Foundations of Work: What Changed because of the “Fall”?

1. Redeeming Work from the Fall

2. The Three Dimensions of Evil

3. Acquiring the Christian Worldview

4. Understanding the “Missio Dei”

5. Defining “Ministry”

Session 4: Understanding the Nature of the Key Institution

1. The Role of the Church

2. The Failures of the Church and the “World”

3. Allusions to the Value of Work in the Lives of “Out of the Box” People

4. Universal Call to “Ministry”

5. Understanding the “Systems”

6. Quotations on “Work”

Session 5: Finding Balance at Work

1. The Meaning of the “Sabbath”

2. Characteristics of the Sabbath for STEM professionals

3. Working life of STEM professionals

4. Historical Perspectives on “Work”

5. Leisure and Busyness

6. Calling and Vocation

Session 6: Issues Faced by STEM Professionals

1. Globalization

2. Ethics

Session 7: The Unique Possibilities of STEM Workers

1. The gifting of STEM workers

2. Their role as entrepreneurs

3. The relationships between entrepreneurs and prophets

4. The role of leadership

5. Stewardship, Values and Beauty

Session 8: Completing the Task

1. The Reward of the Master’s Joy

2. Finishing Well

3. The End of the Story

Assignments: Assignments are to be completed by the end of the Assigned Week.

Session One; Week One

1:1 To Prepare: Ungraded:

A.. Select and possess your four chosen textbooks from those indicated above. You may use an

alternative text that is listed either above or on the supplementary bibliography or a textbook that is

approved by the professor.

B. Check out your course equipment, i.e. computer and internet access to determine if any bugs or

technological issues will impede your successful completion of the course. If you believe that there

are some issues involved, contact the City Vision IT department.

C. Read the welcoming message from professor and scan the list of names of those who are your

fellow students.

D. Send a chat message to your fellow students introducing yourself, your interest in this topic and

some encouragement.

1:2 To Read: Will be graded in the self-report later

A. Read one third of either of the Bakke books.

B. Read any supplementary material that the professor has uploaded

C. Read through the Powerpoint presentation that the professor has prepared in conjunction

with the listening assignment.

1:3 To Listen: Will be graded in the self-report later

A. Listen to the professor’s commentary on the Powerpoint presentation

1:4 To Watch: Will be graded in the self-report later

A. Watch the three parts of Dr Fletcher Tink’s “Introduction to the Course” and take notes on

points to highlight

1:5 To Do: Will be graded by the professor. This will be done in two parts. Each part is valued at

10 points

A. Write a 200 word statement on how you have integrated or not integrated your personal faith

with the occupation you hold now, have held, or intend to hold.

B. Research questions: On the internet, in printed media, or in personal experience, research

two case studies, one where one’s faith while engaged in one of the STEM professions, seems to

make “value added” or positive effects in their work environment or beyond; and one where the

influence of faith is either negative or non-existent.

1:6 To Reflect: Will be graded by the professor. 10 points

A. In the group chat, respond with at least 200 words to the following question: “If there were no

sin in the world, my job (occupation, vocation) would look like . . . . “

B. In the group chat, respond to one other student with a meaningful comment of at least 50

words.

1:7 To Remember: Will be graded by the professor. 10 points

A. Please indicate clearly, what of the above assignments you have completed, and what has

left undone. 5 points will be given for this report, and 5 for full completion of assignments.

Session Two: Week Two

2:1 To Prepare:

A. Examine your own “work”, thanking God for the opportunities and the responsibilities that it gives you to

develop both yourself and your environment in ways that please God.

B. Get out a notebook in preparation for taking notes on what you read, listen to and watch

during the course of this session. Your notes will be helpful in the written assignments

and the forum along with thoughts that should linger long after this course.

2:2 To Read:

A. Read any supplemental materials that are suggested in the curriculum or in the lecture.

B. Finish the book by Bakke (either of the books).

C. Read the Powerpoint presentation and listen to the accompanying lecture.

2:3 To Listen:


2:4 To Watch:

A. Watch three sections of the Bakke DVD, “Joy at Work”, Including the Introduction, Section 1: Created to

Work; Section 3: Decision Making

2:5 To Do: These will be graded by the professor. A total of 80 points

A. Write a book review on one of the Bakke books, according to the following outline: A. one third, overview;

one third, critique; one third, practical application in your life. The total assignment should be no less than

600 words. This will be valued at 30 points

B. Write up the three most significant lessons you have learned from the materials of this week. One should

come from the readings; one from the materials watched; and one from the Powerpoint and accompanying

lecture. The total assignment should be no less than 500 words. This will be valued at 30 points

C. Research Question: On the internet or in additional resources, look for five books written on the theme of

Business as Mission since 2005, not on the given bibliography. Indicate the author, the complete title, the

publisher, the date of publication, and the ISBN number. This will be valued at 20 points.


A. In the group chat, respond with at least 200 words to the following question: “I find meaning in my current

assignment in the following ways:”


words.


A. Please indicate clearly, what of the above assignments you have completed, and what has left undone. 5

points will be given for this report, and 5 for full completion of assignments.

Session Three: Week Three

3:1 To Prepare:

A. Look for a verse of Scripture that seems to give purpose and meaning to your work and meditate on it.

B. Return to your notebook in preparation for taking notes on what you read, listen to and watch during the

course of this session. Your notes will be helpful in the written assignments and the forum along with

thoughts that should linger long after this course.

3:2 To Read:


B. Select and read half of your second chosen textbook


3:3 To Listen:


3:4 To Watch:

A. Watch three additional sections of the Bakke DVD, “Joy at Work”, Including the Introduction, Section 5: The

Servant Leader; Section 6: The Freedom to Fail;

Section 10: Enter Into the Master’s Joy

3:5 To Do: Will be graded by the professor. A total of 50 points




C. Research Question: Examine on the internet or in the newspaper where the “Fall” is evident in the way in

which people have conducted their work. Give three illustrations indicating source, nature of the evil, sin or

failure expressed, and a short description of why the failure? This will be valued at 20 points.


A. In the group chat, respond with at least 200 words to the following statement: “I believe that I have failed in

my work, in the following ways that have not given glory to God”


words.




Session Four: Week Four

4:1 To Prepare:

A. Read from Hebrew 11, about the faith of a list of people. Meditate on how they integrated

their faith with their daily living




4:2 To Read


B. Select and read latter half of your second chosen textbook


4:3 To Listen


4:4 To Watch

A. Watch the DVD presentation by Andrew Sears, the director of City Vision College, and a man who uses

technology to honor God in his profession.


A. Write a book review on one of selected textbooks, according to the following outline: A. one third, overview;

one third, critique; one third, practical application in your life. The total assignment should be no less than

600 words. This will be valued at 30 points



lecture. The total assignment should be no less than 500 words. This will be valued at 30 points.

C. Research Question: Identify and research one non-biblical hero of yours (who is not a professional minister)

who has helped changed the quality of life for many. Give a short description of what they have

accomplished, their core of faith, and why you chose that person. This will be valued at 20 points.


A. In the group chat, respond with at least 200 words to the following statement: “My work potentially can

influence the following systems in the following ways: . . . .”


words.




Session Five: Week Five

5:1 To Prepare:

A. Look for a verse of Scripture that seems to give purpose and meaning to your work and meditate on it.




5:2 To Read


B. Select and read the first half of your third chosen textbook


5:3 To Listen


5:4 To Watch:

A. Watch carefully the DVD presentation of Dr Kwon as he uses technology especially in empowering people in

the shanty towns around.

5:5 To Do:

A. Write up the three most significant lessons you have learned from the materials of this week. One should



B. Research Question: In your chosen occupation or vocation, you know of, or have heard of, people who do

their work nobly and ethically and seem to have a religious base for what they do. Therefore, create a short

interview that asks the question, “Why do you do what you do? What is your motivation?” Describe this in

about 300 words. This will be valued at 20 points.


A. In the group chat, respond with at least 200 words to the following question: “I have a new understanding of

the “sabbath” and “leisure” and hope to better integrity these into my life in the following ways: . . .”


words.




Session Six: Week Six

6:1 To Prepare:

A. Ask yourself about the motivations that guide your life in terms of your “work”. Write up your private list,

prioritizing these motivations. How do they line up with Christian values and purposes?




6:2 To Read:


B. Select and read the second half of your third chosen textbook


6:3 To Listen


6:4 To Watch :

A. Watch an interview of Dr Ben Carson, found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-8NRSfl_a8. He is the

head brain surgeon as Johns Hopkins University Medical School and a person of profound faith.


A. Write a book review on the textbook you have read these past two weeks, according to the following outline:

A. one third, overview; one third, critique; one third, practical application in your life. The total assignment

should be no less than 600 words. This will be valued at 30 points




C. Research Question: This will be valued at 20 points.


A. In the group chat, respond with at least 200 words to the following question: “Where have you faced a

serious ethical problem that you were not sure that you handled wisely or in a Christian fashion?” Now, how

would you handle it differently.


words.




Session Seven: Week Seven

7:1 To Prepare:

A. Review in your imagination those moments where you have found genuine joy in the work that you have

done, especially if it engages the STEM professions. Thank God for the opportunity of being creative,

imaginative, in a way that resonates with the very creative character of God Himself.




7:2 To Read


B. Select and read the first half of your fourth chosen textbook


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-8NRSfl_a8

7:3 To Listen


7:4 To Watch: Watch the presentation of Frances Collins, the “brain” behind the human genome project. It can

be found at www.youtube.com/watch?v=M10FqyFYfrU

7:5 To Do: Graded by the professor. It is valued at 50 points.

A. Write up the three most significant lessons you have learned from the materials of this week. One should


lecture. The total assignment should be no less than 500 words. This will be valued at 30 points.

B. Research Question: This will be valued at 20 points. In your field of endeavor, as you research it, what do you

see as primary possibilities for transformative agents making a different that would bring this field into

coherency and accountability before God?


A. In the group chat, respond with at least 200 words to the following statement: “I believe that I can make a

positive impact in the following ways in my job or vocation”.


words.


A. Please indicate clearly, what of the above assignments you have completed, and what has

left undone. 5 points will be given for this report, and 5 for full completion of assignments.

Session Eight: Week Eight

8:1 To Prepare:

A. Image yourself five years from now. What do you want to be doing? Where would you want to make an

impact for the Kingdom of God?




8:2 To Read


B. Select and read the last half of your fourth chosen textbook

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M10FqyFYfrU


8:3 To Listen:


8:4 To Watch:

A. Watch the DVD discussion of two very creative engineers as they discuss the impact of their faith within their

profession.

8:5 To Do: This will be graded by the professor. It has a value of 80 points

A. Write up your reading report, of all materials that you have read in this class. Give the name of the source,

the author, the title, the publishers (where available), the date of publication, and the number of pages read.

Give a tally of the whole. This will be valued at 30 points.




C. Research Question: What three persons would you like to study further through autobiography or biography,

whose lives as Christian in their professions are compelling enough to influence you. Or, what three projects

have been started by Christian STEM-types that really have made a difference in this world. This will be

valued at 20 points.


A. In the group chat, respond with at least 200 words to the following question: These are the things that give

me joy in my work. Prioritize them from one to five. And perhaps give examples.


words.




Estimated Activities and Times

● Reading is measured at reading 25 textbook pages per hour and reading 20 journal pages per hour Total reading for this course is 60 hours.

● Listening to recorded audio/video elements or live sessions (in-class equivalent) - 12.00 hours

● Discussion (in-class equivalent) - 24 hours

● Quizzes (in-class equivalent) - 2.00 hours

● Written projects - 37.00 hours

Forum ExpectationsWe expect that students will spend 1 to 2 hours to post one initial message, one hour to read posts from 5+ students (presumes that a student doesn't read every post), and 60 minutes to post two reply messages. Forum grading will be based on the following items:

● Forum posts should be 150-250 words.● Students must demonstrate comprehension of the material and achievement of the related learning

objectives related to that forum. ● Students should demonstrate critical thinking and use outside material researched beyond the assigned

readings. ● The goal of course forums is to have scholarly dialog among peers combining both the strengths of in-

person class discussion and providing concise, professional quality writing (similar to a well thought-out academic or scholarly blog) and responding in a way that adds value to others writings

● For further reading on quality forum posts, see MTM dialogue guidelines online.

The following is a sample grading rubric (from: http://www.ion.uillinois.edu/resources/otai/Examples/DiscussionQuestionExample.asp)

Evaluation Criteria Advanced Proficient Poor

Development of Ideas Well-developed ideas; introduces newideas; stimulates discussion (5-6 pts)

Developing ideas; sometimes stimulates discussion (3-4 pts)

Poorly developed ideas which do not add to discussion (1 pt)

Evidence of Critical Thinking

Clear evidence of critical thinking application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation. Postings are characterized by clarity of argument, depth of insight into theoretical issues, originality of treatment, and relevance. Sometimes include unusual insights. Arguments are well supported. (5-6 pts)

Beginnings of critical thinking; postings tend to address peripheral issues. Generally accurate, but could be improved with more analysis and creative thought. Tendency to recite facts rather than address issues. (3-4 pts)

Poorly developed critical thinking (1 pt)

Response to Other Students and Instructor

Interacts at least twice with other students and/or instructor (4 pts)

Interacts at least once with other students and/or instructor (2 pts)

Does not interact at least once with other students and/or instructor. (0 pts)

Timeliness and Mechanics Individual message and at least two responses posted before deadline. Standard English mechanics and grammar were used in the initial post. (4 pts)

Noticeable problems with mechanics or late postings. (2 pts)

Does not meet expectations with mechanics or timeliness (0 pts)

Written WorkExcept for Class Forum posts, all written assignments should be double-spaced using 11-point font and 1-inch margins, and include a relevant heading (name, date, assignment title), and subheadings where appropriate, which can be viewed in a Navigation Pane. Multi-page assignments should also include page numbers. Please correct spelling and grammatical errors before submitting all assignments. Spelling, grammar, and writing style will be taken into consideration in evaluating written work. Assignments should be submitted to the Course Dropbox within Moodle. Every assignment should carry a filename that MUST include your name (Student Name) and the assignment number, e.g. Jan_Smith_Minor1.doc

Written work must be reflective, balanced, scholarly analysis and be well-supported by references. Deep familiarity with the biblical text will be appreciated as will the ability to showcase extensive theological reading and reflection and to critically examine an issue from many points of view.

Very informal or highly opinionated writing styles will be severely penalized. Do not preach.

Late PolicyCoursework is scheduled over a seven-day week to provide structure for students residing on six continents. The weekly schedule begins on Monday at 12:01AM US ET (USA Eastern Time), and ends on Sunday at 11:59PM US ET.

● Assignments submitted more than 1 week late (after the following Sunday) will lose 1 letter grade (i.e. "A" becomes a "B")

● Assignments submitted more than 2 weeks late will lose 2 letter grades (i.e. "A" becomes a "C")● All assignments and quizzes must be submitted by the week after the term ends or they will receive a

failing grade● Extensions: professors may grant an extension if the student has a prolonged sickness or major family

crisis. The length of the extension is up to the professor’s discretion. ● Applications for extension must be submitted via the online extension request form at least 2 or more days

before the due actual date. If an extension is granted, no other courses may be taken until that course is completed.

Week Eight is the last class session with assignments posted. All course work must be completed by the student and submitted to the instructor by Friday of the tenth week of the course. No credit will be given for work submitted after this date.

For more academic policies, please visit: http://www.cityvision.edu/cms/cv/academic-policies

This syllabus is subject to change without notice up until the first day of the semester.

Biography of Professor of Record:

Dr Tink is adjunct professor of urban/compassionate ministries at Nazarene Theological Seminary, was academic dean of Rescue College (now City Vision College), and part-time faculty of the Bakke Graduate University of Ministry. He has taught undergraduate and graduate courses since 1980 at ten different institutions and in over 40 nations. Born in Canada, raised in Scotland and England, then Canada again, he is a graduate of Eastern Nazarene College, holds Masters degrees from Nazarene Theological Seminary, Luther Theological Seminary, Harvard University Extension and Fuller Theological Seminary, this latter school where he earned his Ph.D. in the School for Intercultural Studies.

He has served in pastoral responsibilities in Kansas City, MO., Minneapolis, Los Angeles, Washington, DC., and Cambridge, MA. He also worked as a social worker in the United States Peace Corps in Brasilia, Brazil where he supervised programs in the Federal District Penitentiary, and later served as church planter and missionary in Bolivia.

Currently he is director of the Bresee Institute for Metro-Ministries (Kansas City, MO) and the Bresee Institute East (Manila, the Philippines). Earlier, he co-founded the Bresee Institute for Urban Training in Los Angeles, and the School for Urban Mission in Washington, DC. The current Bresee Institute which supervises programs of rehabilitation for prisoners at Leavenworth Penitentiary, produces curriculum for Nazarene Compassionate Ministries and does the urban/compassionate ministries education for NTS. He writes extensively on urban and compassionate ministry themes in a variety of publications and books. Dr Tink served as the academic dean of City Vision College from 2005-10 and created the on-line curriculum for the core course “Theology and Strategy of Urban Ministries”, and the “Theology of Work” course, both for undergraduates.

He is married to Dr Joyce Tombran-Tink, a molecular biologist, on the faculty of Penn State School of Medicine and is father of four children.

Dr Tink attempts to balance a variety of positions as teacher, speaker, writer, and family man, always trying to thread the Gospel through the variety of activities and encounters that his diverse life throws at him. In the past

year, he has taught in the Philippines, India, Pakistan, Colombia, Senegal, Peru, Guyana, Myanmar, the Ukraine and Mexico.

Documents

Theology of Work in the STEM Professions Web viewTheology of Work in the STEM Professions. School of Science, Technology, Society. ... frustrations and possibilities that will accompany