Jesus and the Disinherited
Spring 2008
Instructor: Dr. Ivory Lyons, Jr.
Meeting Times: 2:35 – 3:50, T, Th
Meeting Place: Chapel
Office: Keener House 1
Office Phone: (330) 823-2469
Home: 2333 S. Arch Ave., Alliance
Home Phone: (330) 823-6773
Email: lyonsil@muc.edu, ivory_lyons@yahoo.com
Office Hours: Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:00 - 11:00 am in my office and 2:00 3:00 pm at Campus Grounds. You can also make an appointment to meet with me or
you can drop in anytime. You can also meet me "outside" of the office on campus in a
more casual atmosphere.
Texts:
Interior Castle by St. Teresa of Avila
The Autobiography of St. Teresa of Avila: The Life of St. Teresa of Jesus by David
Lewis
With Head and Heart: The Autobiography of Howard Thurman by Howard Thurman
Jesus and the Disinherited by Howard Thurman
Waiting for God by Simone Weil
Simone Weil: A Modern Pilgrimage by Robert Coles
Course Description:
The course will examine some of the works of three mystics, St. Teresa of Avila and
Howard Thurman and Simone Weil. The course will examine their works and some of
their influences. St. Teresa of Avila writings have inspired many to move closer to God.
Howard Thurman was designated by Life magazine as one of the 12 greatest preachers
of the 20th century. His book Jesus and the Disinherited had a profound affect on Dr.
King and this book was in Dr. King’s possession at the time of his assassination.
The class will visit Boston University where the papers of Howard Thurman have
been deposited. Each student will be able to engage in a research project using
primary material from Dr. Thurman's papers, letters, recordings and other
correspondence. This is a unique opportunity for students to broaden their
perspective, improve their research capabilities and learn more about one of the
most influential ministers of the 20th century.
Purpose:
This course examines the life and thought of St. Teresa of Avila, Howard Thurman and
Simone Weil. The course explores their backgrounds and their mysticism. The course
will look at their works and it will explore each of their influences as religious
practitioners.
There are four learning objectives for this course: to familiarize the student with the
writings, motivation and life St. Teresa of Avila, Howard Thurman, and Simone Weil, to
help the student to articulate some of the influences in lives of these mystics and to help
the student to gain an appreciation for their thoughts.
The fourth objective of this course is to expose the student to research using primary
sources. As such, a good part of the course will focus on Howard Thurman. The class
will examine Thurman’s primary written works and his recordings. These can be found
Boston University’s Special Collection. The outcomes will be measured by one midterm
exam, one small paper, class room discussions, a research paper and a final exam.
Policies
Attendance: Those who attend all classes generally perform well.
Academic Honesty: It is expected that you will do you own work and will cite all sources
used for your paper or presentation.
Syllabus Changes: The instructor reserves the right to change the syllabus as
necessary.
Note: If you need accommodations because of a documented disability, please contact
Disability Support Services (DSS) in Room 109 Hoover-Price Campus Center. DSS will
work with you to identify appropriate accommodations and communicate those needs to
your professor. You may also see me privately to discuss your needs.
Assignments
Papers
Reflection Paper – Each student is required to write two 3-4 page reflection papers on
an aspect of thinking any of the mystics that we have studied. Each paper is worth 25
points.
Research Paper – Each student is also required to write a 10-12 page research paper
due by the end of the course. This paper can be on any topic related to St. Teresa,
Thurman, or Weil. Students are encouraged to use written as well as video and audio
sources. This assignment is worth 100 points. One cannot write a paper on the mystic
that one has chosen from a previous assignment. This paper is worth 100 points.
(All papers are double-spaced and the citations are Turabian (Chicago) style).
Exams
There will be one final exam worth 100 points.
MLK event
Dr. Na’im Akbar, January 17, 7:30 pm Mount Union Theatre
The student is required to attend an MLK speaking event with Dr. Na’im Akbar and write
a one page reflection. In the reflection the student is to address how the speaker’s
Islamic faith is reflected in his presentation. This reflection is worth 20 points.
Note: At the beginning of each class I or someone in the class we read an excerpt form
Meditations of the Heart. I am going to use it in a devotional style and from time to time
we will have incursions into this writing—you must be prepared to engage.
January 15, 17
Introduction
Mysticism
The Life of St. Teresa of Avila
The Autobiography of St. Teresa of Avila (Introduction)
Interior Castle (Introduction, Mansion 1)
January 22, 24
St. Teresa of Avila
The Autobiography (ch. XI-XIII)
Interior Castle (Mansions 2-3)
January 29, 31
St. Teresa of Avila – (cont)
The Autobiography (ch. XIX-XX1)
Interior Castle (Mansions 4-5)
February 5, 7
The Mysticism of St. Teresa of Avila
The Autobiography (ch. XXIII-XXIV)
Interior Castle (Mansions 6-7)
February 12, 14
The Mysticism of St. Teresa of Avila
The Autobiography (Relation I)
February 19, 21
Howard Thurman
With Head and Heart (ch. 1, 2)
Jesus and the Disinherited (ch. 1, 2)
February 26, 28
The Mysticism of Howard Thurman
With Head and Heart (ch. 3, 4)
Jesus and the Disinherited (ch. 3, 4)
March 4, 6
The Life of Thurman: The Prophet of Hope
With Head and Heart (ch. 5, 6)
Jesus and the Disinherited (ch. 5)
March 10-14
Boston Week
March 18, 20
The Life of Thurman: The Prophet of Hope
With Head and Heart (ch. 7, 8, 9)
Jesus and the Disinherited (epilogue)
March 25, 27
The Life of Simone Weil
Her Hunger
Simone Weil: A Modern Pilgrimage (ch. 1, 2)
Waiting for God (Letters 1, 2)
April 1, 3
The Life of Simone Weil
Simone Weil: A Modern Pilgrimage (ch. 3, 4)
Waiting for God (Letters 3, 4)
April 8, 10
Simone Weil
From the Outside to the Outside
Simone Weil: A Modern Pilgrimage (ch. 5, 6)
Waiting for God (Letters 5, 6)
April 15, 17
The Life of Simone Weil
Simone Weil: A Modern Pilgrimage (ch. 7)
Waiting for God (Essays pp. 57-98)
April 22, 24
The Life of Simone Weil
Waiting for God (Essays pp. 99-152)
Review of the life of the Mystics
Final Exam
May 5, 1-4 pm
Picture at top
http://donferry.files.wordpress.com/2007/04/jesus-computer.jpg