Notes on This List
This list of courses offered will help you plan your coursework. It includes offerings through the Spring semester beginning in January 2012. Please remember that course schedules are subject to change. Check the current schedule, available each semester from the registrar's office, for the most up-to-date offerings. If you are a recent applicant or prospective student, you can obtain a list of courses available to entering students from the Office of Admissions.
Wesley Theological Seminary reserves the right to cancel a course if low registration or other unforeseen circumstances require.
Seminars have limited enrollment; prior consent of the professor is required for registration.
Registration for all courses, including summer session, must be at regular registration periods.
The unit of credit for all courses is the semester hour.
A Note on Ordination Requirements
The 2008 Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church (Par. 324.4) requires that candidates for ordained ministry shall complete the following graduate theological studies within or in addition to their basic seminary degree: "Old Testament; New Testament; theology; church history; mission of the church in the world; evangelism; worship/liturgy; and United Methodist doctrine, polity and history." These courses may be completed independently or as part of a degree program. However, election to probationary membership and commissioning cannot be granted until these requirements are successfully completed.
Courses in history, doctrine, and polity for other denominations are offered as needed depending on enrollments.
Beginning with the 2006-2007 catalog, changes have been made in the course numbering scheme. In this scheme, the course number indicates degree requirements and prerequisites:
100 level = required courses with no prerequisites
200 level = elective courses with no prerequisites
300 level = required courses with prerequisites
400 level = elective courses with prerequisites
500 level = directed study and other unique courses
Biblical Interpretation
Christian Formation and Teaching
History of Christianity
Congregational Life and Ministry
Christian Ethics/Sociology
Integrated Theological Studies
Practice in Ministry and Mission
Non-Credit
Pastoral Care and Counseling
Preaching and Worship
Religion and Arts
Systematic Theology
World Religions/Ecumenics
Doctor of Ministry
Hebrew Scripture
Juliana Claausens, David C. Hopkins, Denise Dombkowski Hopkins
BI 101 Introduction to Hebrew Bible I
Part I of a two semester survey of Hebrew scriptures. Part II is offered during the spring semester. Both semesters are required to fulfill Hebrew Bible requirements in M.Div., M.A., and M.T.S. programs.
2.00 credit hours
Fall 2009 D. Hopkins
Fall 2010 D. Dombkowski Hopkins
Fall 2011 D. Dombkowski Hopkins
Fall 2011 D. Hopkins
BI 102 Introduction to Hebrew Bible II
Part II of a two semester survey of Hebrew Scriptures. Both semesters are required to fulfill the Hebrew Bible requirement in M.Div., M.A., and M.T.S. programs
2.00 credit hours
Spring 2010 D. Hopkins
Spring 2011 D. Dombkowski Hopkins
Spring 2012 D. Dombkowski Hopkins
Spring 2012 D. Hopkins
BI 105 Introduction to Hebrew Bible
Same as BI 101 and BI 102.
4.00 credit hours
Fall 2009 J. Claasens
Fall 2009 D. Dombkowski Hopkins
BI 208 Prophets & Profits: the Hebrew Bible and Economics
Economic issues in the life of Ancient Israel and economic perspectives on the texts of the Hebrew Bible.
3.00 credit hours
Spring 2012 D. Hopkins
BI 209 Women in the Hebrew Bible: Hearing Different Voices
An exegetical, literary, and theological study of Hebrew Bible narratives involving women. Special attention given to global and interfaith perspectives as we explore the way in which women (and men) from different parts of the world; from different cultural, racial, socio economical backgrounds have read these narratives.
3.00 credit hours
Spring 2010 J. Claassens
BI 211 Biblical Hebrew I
Grammar and vocabulary for beginners.
3.00 credit hours
Not offered 2009-10
BI 212 Biblical Hebrew II
Continuation of BI 211.
3.00 credit hours
Not offered 2009-10
Old Testament Exegesis
English texts, with attention to literary and interpretive features, methods, and theological issues.
3.00 credit hours
Prereq: Introduction to Hebrew Bible
BI 417 Psalms Fall 2011 D. Dombkowski Hopkins
BI-419 Isaiah Spring 2010 D. Hopkins
BI 485 Grounded in the Living Word: Pastoral Practices and the Hebrew Bible
An interdisciplinary dialogue between Hebrew Bible and pastoral theology with attention to intersections between the biblical text and the human text with their resulting tension, ambiguities, and complexities, and their impact upon both biblical interpretation and ministerial practices.3.00 credit hours
Prereq: Introduction to Hebrew Bible
Fall 2009 D. Dombkowski Hopkins and M. Koppel
New Testament
Craig C. Hill, Sharon H. Ringe, Carla Works
BI 171 Introduction to New Testament: Gospels
Origins, critical methods, outstanding theological ideas of selected portions. BI 171 and 172 are required to fulfill New Testament requirements in M.Div., M.A., and M.T.S.
2.00 credit hours
Fall 2009 C. Works
Fall 2010 S. Ringe
Fall 2010 C. Works
Fall 2011 S. Ringe
Fall 2011 C. Works
BI 172 Introduction to New Testament: Epistles
Origins, critical methods, outstanding theological ideas of selected portions. BI 171 and 172 are required to fulfill the New Testament requirement in M.Div., M.A., and M.T.S. programs.2.00 credit hours
Spring 2010 C. Works
Spring 2011 S. Ringe
Spring 2011 C. Works
Spring 2012 S. Ringe
Spring 2012 C. Works
BI 175 Introduction to New Testament: Gospels and Epistles
Origins, critical methods, outstanding theological ideas of selected portions. Same as BI 171 and BI 172.
4.00 credit hours
Fall 2009 S. Ringe
BI 261 New Testament Greek I
Grammar, vocabulary, and thought forms.
3.00 credit hours
Fall 2009 C. Works
BI 262 New Testament Greek II
A continuation of New Testament Greek I.
3.00 credit hours
Spring 2010 C. Works
New Testament Exegesis
Readings in English with attention to method and theological ideas.
3.00 credit hours
Prereq: Introduction to New Testament: Gospels and Epistles
BI 441 Matthew Fall 2011 Ringe
BI 442 Mark Spring 2011 S. Ringe
BI 444 John Fall 2010 S. Ringe
BI-447 Romans Fall 2010 C. Works
BI 449 1 & 2 Corinthians Spring 2011 C. Works
General Bible
BI 233 Reading the Bible in a Global Context
A theoretical and exegetical study exploring the intersection between postcolonial theory and biblical interpretation. Employing recent postcolonial treatments of selected texts from the Hebrew Bible and New Testament, exploring the way in which the Bible is read in a global context with special attention to concerns such as empire, race, diaspora, poverty and HIV AIDS.
3.00 credit hours
Spring 2010 J. Claassens
BI 341 Practicum in Biblical Interpretation
Practice in the use of the tools and methods of exegesis with particular attention to the hermeneutical issues relating to biblical theology and the role of the Bible in the church. Prerequisites: BI 101 and 102, BI 171 and 172 Students who have successfully completed 6 hours. of Hebrew or Greek are excused from taking this required course.
2.00 credit hours
Prereq: Introduction to Hebrew Bible and Introduction to New Testament: Gospels and Epistles
Each semester Faculty
BI 426 Hebrew Bible and the Arts
An exploration of Old Testament themes and their use in the visual, literary, and musical arts.
3.00 credit hours
Prereq: Introduction to Hebrew Bible
Spring 2011 B. Birch and D. Sokolove
CF Christian Teaching & Formation
Jessicah Duckworth
CF 131 Teaching the Bible
The process of teaching the literature and history of the Old and New Testament scriptures in the Church. Focus on youth and adult learners. Satisfies Christian Teaching and Formation requirement for M. Div. students.
3.00 credit hours
Spring 2010 J. Duckworth
Spring 2012 J. Duckworth
CF 133 Teaching and Learning in Christian Education
Explores the theory and practice of learning in the faith community and examines the teaching office in the church and contextual issues of teaching.
3.00 credit hours
Fall 2009 J. Duckworth
Fall 2010 J. Duckworth
Fall 2011 J. Duckworth
CF 134 Christian Initiation Through Baptism, Confirmation and Membership Education
Learning to teach for spiritual formation by developing educational programs at points of entrance into a Christian community.
3.00 credit hours
Spring 2011 J. Duckworth
CF 140 Beyond Education: Forming Faithful Adults in Christian Community
Examination of the theology and practice of adult formation in congregations with attention to adult expectations and experience, teaching and learning methods, and biblical and theological foundations for mission and ministry in the world.
3.00 credit hours
Fall 2009 J. Duckworth
Fall 2011 J. Duckworth
CF 141 Leading Formation in Congregations
An exploration of how an emphasis on Christian faith practices including justice, forgiveness, prayer and hospitality can serve as organizing principle for congregational life and administration. Special attention given to methods of teaching, sharing, and facilitating faith practices in all aspects of congregational ministry, and the ways in which an emphasis on Christian faith practices impacts the structure and administration of congregational ministry itself.
3.00 credit hours
Spring 2011 J. Duckworth
CF 201 Foundations of Christian Spirituality
Common and enduring elements of the spiritual life and their unique expressions in Christianity. An examination of spiritual theology including conversion, salvation, stages of growth, spiritual disciplines, prayer, ascetical and mystical dimensions, spiritual empowerment, and spiritual direction in order to write one's faith autobiography.
3.00 credit hours
Not offered 2009-10
CF-202 Spiritual Disciplines
An examination of such disciplines as prayer, study, silence, Sabbath, solitude, care of body, meditation, contemplation, spiritual direction , and service in order to develop a rule for one's spiritual life.
3 credit hours
Spring 2010 A. Thomas
CF 240 Youth Minisry: Foundations
Exploration of biblical, theological and philosophical foundations undergirding the practice of ministry to, with and through young people with special emphasis on cultural and contextual considerations that enhance relational youth ministry.
3.00 credit hours
Fall 2009 S. Gallaher
CF 246 The Practice of Youth Ministry
A vital reflection and critical examination upon the wide range of issues inherent within the practice of youth ministry, with particular attention upon ministry models, opportunities for youth ministry development, management needs and ministry accountability within diverse cultural and socio economic contexts.
3.00 credit hours
Fall 2009 S. Gallaher
CF 252 Becoming a Confirming Congregation: History and Practice of Confirmation Ministry
Examination of history and practice of confirmation, its origin, its transformation and various theological traditions, including a cultural, sociological and developmental analysis of ministry with young people.
3.00 credit hours
Spring 2010 J. Duckworth
CF 282 Calling and Vocation in a Campus Context
Practical ways for the engagement of college students and other young adults in vocational discernment with attention given to a theology of vocation, spiritual practices, our contemporary context, and the roles of story and vision.
2.00 credit hours
Fall 2009 M. Frazier
CF 295 History and Ministry of the Deacon
Survey of the ministry of the Deacon and Lay Minister from the beginning of the church to the present.
2.00 credit hours
Not offered 2009-10
CH History of Christianity
Scott Thomas Kisker, Beverly E. Mitchell, Amy G. Oden
CH 101 The Church in History: Early Church To Reformation
Historical life of the church to the 16th century: institutional formation and doctrinal development in historical context.
3.00 credit hours
Fall 2009 D. Faupel
Fall 2009 G. Finley
Fall 2010 A. Oden
Fall 2011 A. Oden
CH 102 The Church in History: Reformation To Present
Historical life of the church from the Reformation to the present: institutional formation and doctrinal development in historical context.
3.00 credit hours
Spring 2010 S. Kisker
Spring 2010 B. Mitchell
Spring 2011 S. Kisker
Spring 2011 B. Mitchell
Spring 2012 S. Kisker
Spring 2012 B. Mitchell
CH-205 Baptist History
Historical origins and basic theological perspectives in Baptist traditions
3 credit hours
Not offered 2009-10
CH 212 African American Religious History
Survey of the African American religious experience from the Atlantic slave trade to the black liberation
movement.
3.00 credit hours
Fall 2011 B. Mitchell
CH 217 Prophetic Literature in the African American Tradition
Exploration of literature from the African American religious tradition, from the period of slavery through the modern civil rights movement, which bears witness to the prophetic dimensions of the gospel.
3.00 credit hours
Spring 2010 B. Mitchell
CH 240 Reformation Theology: Luther, Calvin, Zwingli
Focus on the theology of key figures in the Protestant Reformation.
3.00 credit hours
Fall 2012 B. Mitchell
CH 292 Charles Wesley
The life and theology of Charles Wesley, one of the most important and prolific writers in the English language and younger brother of John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement.
2.00 credit hours
Spring 2010 K. Soulen
CH 401 Early Christian Communities
Development of the history and thought of early Christian communities; examination of movements, figures, practices and teachings with focus on primary sources.
2.00 credit hours
Prereq: CH 101 or CH 102
Spring 2011 A. Oden
CH 402 Hospitality: Welcoming the Stranger American Tradition
Examination of hospitality as both virtue and practice in early Christianity, with emphasis on biblical, theological, ethical and ecclesial aspects. Consideration of its recovery in ethics and congregational life today.
3.00 credit hours
Prereq: CH 101 or CH 102
Spring 2012 A. Oden
CH 475 History of Christian Spiritual Practices
Examination of spiritual practices and disciplines within Christianity from 2nd to 20th centuries, including experiential exploration of practices. Focus on the practices for spiritual growth developed by various Christian communities.
3.00 credit hours
Prereq: CH 101 or CH 102
Spring 2011 A. Oden
Proposed Courses
Title and description pending faculty approval.
Picturing the Fall Spring 2012 A. Oden and D. Sokolove
CM Congregational Life & Ministry
Joseph Conte, Youtha C. Hardman-Cromwell, Kyunglim Shin Lee, Lewis A. Parks, Lovett H. Weems
CM 117 Visual Techologies for the Church
The use of visual technologies for worship and Christian Education applications. Methodologies, hardware and software options, worship space and classroom design and functionality with specific examples form churches engaged in the use of visual technologies.
2.00 credit hours
Fall 2009 J. Conte
CM 133 Best Practices in Church Leadership And Administration
Positive models for approaching specific leadership and administration issues typically faced by pastors in the first years of ministry; emphasis on local church experience and the constant need to filter that experience through the lenses of vocation, polity, and theological reflection. An introductory level course that will help students identify particular issues for further study while in seminary.
2.00 credit hours
Each fall semester L.Weems
CM 136 Leadership and Administration For Small Churches
Various exercises in ecclesiology (e.g., naming the marks of the true church, searching for the 147soul148 of the congregation, unfolding the ministry of all Christians) for the sake of uncovering a contemporary vision of hope for small churches. The application of this vision to the fiscal, sociological, cultural, and denominational challenges facing small churches. Includes leadership and administration topics such as starting out, discerning direction, time management, and the character of the called.
2.00 credit hours
Each spring semester L. Parks
CM 137 Church Finances
Biblical and theological context, findings about giving in the church, planning a year's financial stdwardship program including stewardship education, planning for ministry budgets, funding the ministry, proper financial administration of the funds, and expressing thanks.
1.00 credit hour
Spring 2011 L. Weems
CM 138 Greening Your Congregation
A brief overview of the theological and spiritual background regarding our covenant relationship with our Creator God, emphasizes our personal and corporate responsibility to be stewards of creation and provides very practical ways that our stewardship commitment can be carried out in the local church setting.
1.00 credit hour
Fall 2009 E. Norcross
Fall 2009 H. Smith
CM 139 Beginning Ministry in a New Setting
Best practices in leaving a ministry setting and preparing the way for your successor, entry into a new setting(first day, first Sunday, first weeks, first months), the start up period; emotional dimensions of transitions; the personal, professional, and congregational challenges in transitions
1.00 credit hour
Spring 2010 L. Weems
CM 141 Small Church in Imagination
The pressing concern today for leaders in small churches is to resist the nostalgic and cynical
objectifications of small church by critics both inside and outside the church. A way to begin is to gather portrayals of small communities of faith that have existential credibility and theological integrity. This course invites students to sample those portrayals across a variety of media.
1.00 credit hour
Spring 2010 L. Parks
CM 206 Introduction to Deaf Theology Ministry
An introduction to the dynamics of deaf ministry: communication, education, and worship with the deaf and hearing impaired.
3.00 credit hours
Fall 2009 K. VanGilder
CM 208 Studying Congregational Ministry
Examination of congregations and other settings of ministry in their contexts, using theory and methods from cultural anthropology, sociology, family systems, and organizational behavior.
2.00 credit hours
Each fall semester Y. Hardman Cromwell
CM 226 Encountering Ministries Beyond the Pastorate
An exploration of various forms of ministry other than that of the local parish pastor. Specifically deals with discernment of vocation and identification of gifts for ministry. Will involve guest speakers and resources from practitioners in a variety of ministries
2.00 credit hours
Spring 2010 J. Thorpe
CM 230 Foundations of Urban Ministry I
Develop a theological and biblical vision for urban ministry. Explore the racial and social justice vision of The Beloved Community of M. L. King, Jr. and The Kingdom of God in the Social Gospel of Raushenbusch. Examine biblical texts as resources for urban ministry. Learn literary and socio historical exegetical methods.
3.00 credit hours
Each fall semester D. Hopkins and F. Smith
CM 231 Foundations of Urban Ministry II
Learn basic principles of leading faith based service delivery, community building, community development corporations, and community organizing, with a focus on practices of grant writing, non profit issues, community coalitions, and participatory action research.
3.00 credit hours
Each spring semester F. Smith
CM 235 Issues of Faith and Health in the Urban Setting
Examine health disparities and accessibility issues in urban and minority communities. Explore systems theories of community change and collaboration between faith based and public health organizations. Develop skills of leadership on the boundaries between faith and health organizations and in building faith and health coalitions. Examine best practice models in health ministries, parish nursing, and community coalitions.
3.00 credit hours
Fall 2009 F. Smith
Fall 2011 F. Smith
CM 237 Healing Ministries
Development of pastoral identity as God's partner in healing. Resources for congregational ministries in relation to illness, bereavement, divorce, sin, and depression. Emphasis on religious/spiritual healing as
encounter with holiness.
2.00 credit hours
Spring 2010 P. Pohl
CM 240 Leadership Across Time and Culture
A reading course in the literature of leadership from ancient to recent "classics"; theological reflection on the writings applicable to contemporary practices of church leadership. Pass/fail only.
1.00 credit hour
Fall 2009 L. Parks
CM 251 Polity of the United Methodist Church
The call to order the life of the local church and the United Methodist connection of ministries. Satisfies the requirement in the United Methodist 2008 Book of Discipline, Par. 324.
2.00 credit hours
Each fall semester L. Parks
CM 254 Presbyterian Polity, Structure and Program
A study of present polity, organization and program of Presbyterian congregations. Presbyteries, Synods, and General Assembly, and ways of developing local congregation structure and program; presentations by representatives of various Presbyterian agencies, exposure to materials, role play, study of models.
2.00 credit hours
Fall 2009 C. VanGorder
CM 255 Baptist Polity
Historical origins and basic theological perspectives in Baptist traditions; study of present polity, organization, and program of Baptist congregations.
2.00 credit hours
Not offered 2009-10
CM 256 Polity of the Unitarian Universalist Church
Study of present polity, organization, and program of Unitarian Universalist congregations.
2.00 credit hours
Not offered 2009-10
CM 257 Polity of the African Methodist Episcopal Church
Study of present polity, organization, and program of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
2.00 credit hours
Not offered 2009-10
CM 258 Polity of the UCC
Study of present polity, organization, and program of United Church of Christ congregations.
2.00 credit hours
Fall 2009 B. Zikmund
CM 270 Missional Evangelism
Theological foundations of Christian evangelism. Various models of theological praxis from the early to the contemporary church. Particular emphasis on contemporary strategies for evangelism and theological criteria for critical evaluation. Fulfills the evangelism requirement for election to probationary membership and commissioning in The United Methodist Church as specified in The Book of Discipline 2000, para.
2.00 credit hours
Fall 2009 T. Gerde
CM 272 The Korean Immigrant Church
Exploration of mission and ministry in the Korean immigrant community. Emerging immigrant theology, practical skills for ministry, consideration of various settings and concerns for the future of immigrant ministry.
2.00 credit hours
Spring 2011 K. Lee
CM 315 Conflict Resolution
Skill building in listening, responding, asserting self, problem solving, and dealing with conflict. Intentionality and skill building in the resolution of difference and conflict resolution in various church outcomes as the result of the management of difference and conflict resolution in various church setting. Intentionality about the role of emotions in group setting. Detail the difference between and implication of IQ and EQ (Emotional Quotient).
1.00 credit hour
Spring 2010 G. Miller
Proposed Courses
Course title and description pending faculty approval
Minister Across Time & Culture Fall 2010 L. Parks
Central City Urban Ministry Fall 2010 F. Smith
Models for Congregational
Discernment and Planning Spring 2011 L. Parks
ES Christian Ethics/Sociology
Shaun A. Casey, Barbara Green, James M. Shopshire, Sondra Ely Wheeler
ES 221 Christianity and Politics
Theological and ethical perspectives on government, public policy, and the vocation of politics. Religious influences on American political culture. Contributions of political science to understanding religious behavior. Political ministry of the churches.
3.00 credit hours
Fall 2009 S. Casey
ES 228 Ethics, War and Film
An examination of the morality of war as portrayed in the medium of film.
2.00 credit hours
Fall 2010 S. Casey
ES 230 Current Topics in Bioethics
An exploration of a set of current issues such as reproductive technology, research on human embryos and genetic intervention. Focuses on ethical and theological implications.
3.00 credit hours
Fall 2010 S. Wheeler
ES 234 Sexual Issues in Parish Ministry
Exploration of an understanding of sexuality and investigation of current sexual issues using the case method.
2.00 credit hours
Each spring semester Y. Hardman Cromwell
ES 237 Public Theology for Congregations
An examination of theological and historical strategies for congregational engagement with public life.
2.00 credit hours
Fall 2011 S. Casey
ES 241 Readngs: Ending Global Poverty
A reading course examining two recent economic proposals to address global poverty: The End of Poverty by Jeffrey Sachs and Making Globalization Work by Josephy Stiglitz.
1.00 credit hour
Fall 2011 S. Casey
ES 242 Readngs: Virtue Ethics
A series of readings in virtue ethcis progression from introductory to more sophistoicated. Discussion and
minimal writing.
1.00 credit hour
Spring 2012 S. Wheeler
ES 251 Sociology of Religion
An introduction to the social scientific study of religion with emphasis on understanding the organization and function of the church as a social institution, and patterns of interaction between ideas, structures and processes in religion and society. Fulfills Ministry and Social Sciences requirement.
3.00 credit hours
Fall 2010 J. Shopshire
Fall 2011 J. Shopshire
ES 265 Urban Ministry: Church and Community Settings
An introductory supervised internship in a ministry setting for exposure to and observation of urban ministry practice in the social context of congregation and community. Seminar and field experience each week.
3.00 credit hours
Spring 2010 J. Daniels
ES 266 Contemporary Issues in Urban Ministry
Examination of metropolitan issues of poverty, racism, crime, housing, education, immigration, urban gangs, urban policy and fiscal crisis. Single topic focus during each semester offered. Topics: 2010-The Urban Environment and Ministries of the Church; 2011-Food, Nutrition and Health
3.00 credit hours
Fall 2010 J. Shopshire
Fall 2011 J. Shopshire
ES 270 Urban Ministry Action
Topical issues in urban ministry. Topics: 2011-Housing Ministry-Personal and Structural Dimensions; 2012-Organizing for Social Change.
3.00 credit hours
Spring 2011 J. Shopshire
Spring 2012 J. Shopshire
ES 302 Ethical Dimension of Ministry
The dimensions of ministry involving moral teaching, counsel, and mediation of moral conflicts, along with moral challenges raised by the practice of ministry (e.g., confidentiality and boundary setting).
3.00 credit hours
Prereq: Introduction to Hebrew Bible, Introduction to New Testament and The Church in History
Spring 2010 J. Bush
Fall 2010 S. Casey
Fall 2011 S. Wheeler
ES 303 Sources of Christian Moral Insight
Consideration of the four traditional sources of moral insight and authority for Christian faith: Scripture, Tradition, Reason, and Experience. Discussion of the meaning of the "quadrilateral" by those who formulated it, and as understood today. Relationships of these, and how they can and cannot legitimately function in diverse Christian communities.
3.00 credit hours
Prereq: Introduction to Hebrew Bible, Introduction to New Testament, and The Church in History
Fall 2010 S. Wheeler
ES 308 Formative Influences in the Christian Moral Tradition
Foundations of Christian theological ethics with focus on seminal thinkers in the tradition including: Augustine, Aquinas, Luther, Calvin and Wesley.
3.00 credit hours
Prereq: Introduction to Hebrew Bible, Introduction to New Testament, and The Church in History
Spring 2012 S. Wheeler
ES 318 Christian Ethics: a Topical Approach
Consideration of a changing set of issues in Christian ethics as occasion for examining the nature of the discipline: study of diverse sources, how we know what we know morally, sources of moral insight and moral reasoning.
3.00 credit hours
Prereq: Introduction to Hebrew Bible, Introduction to New Testament, and The Church in History
Fall 2009 S. Casey
Spring 2011 S. Wheeler
Fall 2011 S. Casey
ES 403 Ethics of Personal Relationships
Addresses issues of truth telling, confidentiality, promise keeping, friendship and sexual ethics as
dimensions of ethical responsibility in human relationships.
3.00 credit hours
Prereq: Basic Christian Ethics requirement
Spring 2011 S. Wheeler
ES 454 Sociology of the Black Religious Experience
A sociological view of religious beliefs and practices in relationship to patterns of group identity, social action/interaction roles, institutions and processes of change in the experience of Black people Prerequisites: An introductory course in Sociology of Religion or permission of instructor. Topics: 2011-The Contemporary Religious Industrial Complex; 2012-Black Churches as Financial Institutions in a "Glocalizing" Economy.
3.00 credit hours
Prereq: ES 251 or permission of instructor
Spring 2011 J. Shopshire
Spring 2012 J. Shopshire
ES 491 NCSS Interaction/Reflection Seminar
Exploration of significant public issues and political processes and their theological and practical implications through meetings with public officials, political figures, lobbyists, and church social action leaders. Group seminar sessions, mutual critique of student position papers, selected readings.
4.00 credit hours
Each spring semester S. Casey
ES 495 NCSS Individual Research Project
Research on a selected issue of national or international significance emphasizing its theological/ethical implications and its implications for Christian political action. Enrollment limited to participants in The National Capital Semester for Seminarians. Must be taken concurrently with ES 491.
3.00 credit hours
Each spring semester S. Casey
ES 497 NCSS Social Ethics Internship
Practical field experience in settings other than local church. Inter professional encounter, cooperation, and dialogue. 6 hours. per week plus two hours. in class.
3.00 credit hours
Each spring semester S. Casey
Proposed Courses
Title and description pending faculty approval.
Readings: Reinhold Niebuhr Fall 2010 S. Casey
Moral Arguments Spring 2011 S. Wheeler
IS Integrated Theological Studies
IS 205 American Culture Seminar for International Students
Cultural issues and values in the United States, cultural adjustment and adaptation, major themes in American life: education, politics, customs, values, relationships/family, communications/media, religion, diversity and geography. Open only to international students.
1.00 credit hour
Fall 2009 A. Davis
IS 218 Writing for Ministry and the Ministry of Writing
A practical approach to effective writing for those preparing for Christian ministry or active lay participation in the church.
2.00 credit hours
Spring 2010 K. Hepler
IS 301 Master of Theological Studies Paper
A cumulative paper for students in the Master of Theological Studies degree program which may focus on a problem requiring in depth research in a particular discipline area or may serve broadly to integrate learning over the course of the degree. See academic calendar for proposal and submission deadlines.
3.00 credit hours
Each semester K. Soulen
MM Practice in Ministry & Mission
Joseph E. Bush, Jr., Youtha Hardman-Cromwell, Fred Douglas Smith, Jr., Joseph S. Tortorici
MM 101 Covenant Discipleship Colloquy I
An adaptation of the early Methodist class meeting, these weekly groups are designed to introduce students to the sustained practice of spiritual disciplines and provide a model of mutual accountability. A two semester course for all M.Div. and M.A. students, to be taken during first year of studies. Graded Pass/Fail only.
2.00 credit hours
Each fall semester
MM 102 Covenant Discipleship Colloquy II
An adaptation of the early Methodist class meeting, these weekly groups are designed to introduce students to the sustained practice of spiritual disciplines and provide a model of mutual accountability. A two semester course for all M.Div. and M.A. students, to be taken during first year of studies. Graded Pass/Fail only.
2.00 credit hours
Prereq: MM 101
Each spring semester
MM 301 PMM: Master of Arts Colloquy I
Two consecutive semesters (Fall/Spring). Placement in a learning setting arranged through the PMM office151is required by May 1 of the prior year. Pass/Fail only.
2.00 credit hours
Prerequisites: MM 101 AND MM 102
Each fall semester
MM 302 PMM: Master of Arts Colloquy II
Two consecutive semesters (Fall/Spring). Placement in a learning setting arranged through the PMM office151is required by May 1 of the prior year. Pass/Fail only.
2.00 credit hours
Prereq: MM 301
Each spring semester
MM 311 PMM: Practice in Ministry and Mission Colloquy I
Pass/Fail only. Two consecutive semesters (Fall/Spring) following completion of the first 30 hours (see M.Div. degree requirements). Placement in a learning setting151arranged through the PMM office is required by May 1 of the prior year.
2.00 credit hours
Prereq: MM 101, MM 102 and 30 hours of study
Each fall semester
MM 312 PMM: Practice in Ministry and Mission Colloquy II
Pass/Fail only. Two consecutive semesters (Fall/Spring) following completion of the first 30 hours (see M.Div degree requirements). Placement in a learning setting151arranged through the PMM office is required by May 1 of the prior year.
2.00 credit hours
Prereq: MM 311
Each spring semester
MM 313 PMM: Practice in Ministry and Mission Colloquy II
Pass/Fail only. Two consecutive semesters (Fall/Spring) following completion of MM 311 and MM 312.
2.00 credit hours
Prereq: MM 312
Each fall semester
MM 314 PMM: Practice in Ministry and Mission Colloquy II
Pass/Fail only. Two consecutive semesters (Fall/Spring) following completion of MM 311 and MM 312.
2.00 credit hours
Prereq: MM 313
Each spring semester
MM-321 PMM: Student Pastor Colloquy I
Pass/Fail only. Two consecutive semesters (Fall/Spring). Colloquy meets weekly with a curriculum in support of mainly United Methodist students who have been appointed local pastors.
1.50 credit hours
Each fall semester
MM-322 PMM: Student Pastor Colloquy I
Pass/Fail only. Two consecutive semesters (Fall/Spring). Colloquy meets weekly with a curriculum in support of mainly United Methodist students who have been appointed local pastors.
1.50 credit hours
Prereq: MM-321
Each spring semester
MM-323 PMM: Student Pastor Colloquy II
Pass/Fail only. Two consecutive semester (Fall/Spring).Colloquy meets bi-weekly with a curriculum in support of mainly United Methodist students who have been appointed local pastors.
1.50 credit hours
Prereq: MM-322
Each fall semester
MM-324 PMM: Student Pastor Colloquy II
Pass/Fail only. Two consecutive semester (Fall/Spring).Colloquy meets bi-weekly with a curriculum in support of mainly United Methodist students who have been appointed local pastors.
1.50 credit hours
Prereq: MM-322
Each fall semester
MM-325 PMM: Student Pastor Colloquy III
Pass/Fail only. Two consecutive semester (Fall/Spring).Colloquy meets bi-weekly with a curriculum in support of mainly United Methodist students who have been appointed local pastors.
1.50 credit hours
Prereq: MM-324
Each fall semester
MM-326 PMM: Student Pastor Colloquy III
Pass/Fail only. Two consecutive semester (Fall/Spring).Colloquy meets bi-weekly with a curriculum in support of mainly United Methodist students who have been appointed local pastors.
1.50 credit hours
Prereq: MM-325
Each fall semester
MM 331 Internship in Ministry and Mission
One year of full time work under supervision in an approved field setting. Prerequisites: a minimum of two semesters of full time seminary work. Learning contract and evaluation procedures to be determined in relation to the Practice in Ministry and Mission Office and subject to its approval. Pass/Fail only. Students may not enroll in any other course while enrolled in internship.
4.00 credit hours
Each fall semester
MM 332 Internship in Ministry and Mission
One year of full time work under supervision in an approved field setting. Prerequisites: MM 331 a minimum of two semesters of full time seminary work. Learning contract and evaluation procedures to be determined in relation to the Practice in Ministry and Mission Office and subject to its approval.
4.00 credit hours
Prereq: MM 331
Each spring semester
MM 350 PMM: Intercultural Immersion
Participation in an immersion experience in a cross cultural context, either internationally or in the United
States.
2.00 credit hours
Each semester J. Tortorici
NC-001 Continuing Enrollment
All degree candidates are required to be continuously enrolled each semester from the initial registration until all degree requirements are completed and graduation has occurred. In the event that you cannot register for at least one course in any semester, you must register for Continuing Enrollment during the regular registration period.
0.00 credit hours
Each semester
NC 112 Foundations for Writing for International Students
Practicum in English writing skills for speakers of other languages.
0.00 credit hours
Fall 2008 K. Hepler
PC Pastoral Care & Counseling
Michael S. Koppel, Mary Clark Moschella
PC 101 Counseling Skills for Pastoral Ministry
Skill building in listening, responding, asserting self, dealing with conflict and problem solving. An overview of the counseling process with some focus on life stage development, stress, crisis and bereavement. A laboratory course including audio and video role play and verbatims.
3.00 credit hours
Fall 2009 G. Miller
Fall 2009 M. Moschella
Spring 2010 G. Miller
Fall 2010 M. Moschella
Fall 2011 M. Koppel
Spring 2012 M. Koppel
PC 111 Pastoral Care and Counseling in Contexts
A survey introducing basic areas of care and counseling of the minister in parish situations: visitation, hospital ministry, addictions and co dependence, etc., with attention to issues of gender, cross culture, spirituality and sexual orientation as related to social justice issues of the church. Theory and skill building involved.
3.00 credit hours
Fall 2009 M. Koppel
Spring 2010 M. Moschella
Fall 2010 M. Koppel
Spring 2011 M. Koppel
Fall 2011 M. Moschella
Spring 2012 M. Moschella
PC 226 Spirituality of Pastoral Care and Counseling
Investigation of interrelationship between spirituality, care and counseling. The theoretical and professional development of religious leaders a care gives including attention to: nature of spirituality and spiritual well being and assessment; spiritual care and pastoral conversations; spiritual direction and relationship to pastoral care and counseling; religious problems in pastoral care and counseling.
2.00 credit hours
Fall 2010 M. Koppel
PC 244 Feminist and Womanist Perspectives on Pastoral Theology
A seminar on a range of feminist and womanist perspectives on theology and pastoral theology, including third world liberationist views; analysis of the role of social location (e.g., gender, class, and race) in theology and pastoral practice.
3.00 credit hours
Fall 2011 B. Mitchell and M. Moschella
PC 275 Ethnography and Transformation in Congregations and Communities I
Part one of a year long seminar in ethnography as a form of pastoral listening. Focus on the study of religious practice, emphasizing description and interpretation. Original research, with attention to ethnography's impact on relationships.
2.00 credit hours
Fall 2009 M. Moschella
PC 276 Ethnography and Transformation in Congregations and Communities II
Part two of a year long seminary in ethnography and pastoral theology. Emphasis on data analysis, writing, and sharing research results with the community. Explores spiritual and social transformation.
2.00 credit hours
Prereq: PC 275
Spring 2010 M. Moschella
PC 402 Cross Cultural Pastoral Care
Issues of pastoral care and counseling in our increasingly cross cultural congregations; cross cultural communication skills, cross cultural sensitivity, overcoming racism in pastoral care and counseling, and models of multi cultural ministry.
2.00 credit hours
Prereq: PC 101 or PC 111
Spring 2011 M. Koppel
PC 403 Couples and Family Counseling
Pastoral work with couples preparing for marriage as well as families moving through divorce. An overview of couple, marriage and family counseling, and cross cultural issues in family health and healing.
3.00 credit hours
Prereq: PC 101 or PC 111
Spring 2012 M. Moschella
PC 404 Death, Dying and Bereavement
Pastoral care with dying and grieving persons.
3.00 credit hours
Prereq: PC 101 or PC 111
Spring 2012 M. Koppel
PC 407 Creative Play in Pastoral Ministry
Pastoral theological reflection on the nature and source of creativity as well as its contribution to the practice of ministry, including pastoral car e, counseling, and education.
2.00 credit hours
Prereq: PC 101 or PC 111
Fall 2011 M. Koppel
PC 491 Clinical Pastoral Education 0.5 Unit
Clinical pastoral training and supervision in approved institutions such as D.C. area's Catholic University Pastoral Center, Sibley Memorial Hospital, St. Elizabeth's Hospital, Washington Hospital Center, Asbury Village, Holy Cross Hospital, Suburban Hospital, National Institutes of Health. One half unit C.P.E.
3.00 credit hours
Prereq: PC 101 or PC 111
Each semester
PC 493 Clinical Pastoral Education 1.0 Unit
Clinical pastoral training and supervision in approved institutions such as D.C. area's Catholic University Pastoral Center, Sibley Memorial Hospital, St. Elizabeth's Hospital, Washington Hospital Center, Asbury Village, Holy Cross Hospital, Suburban Hospital, National Institutes of Health. One half unit C.P.E.
6.00 credit hours
Prereq: PC 101 or PC 111
Each semester
Proposed Courses
Title and description pending faculty approval.
Art and Pastoral Care M. Moschella and D. Sokolove
PW Preaching and Worship
Lucy L. Hogan, William B. McClain
PW 101 Introduction to Corporate Worship
Theological foundations, history, and practice of Christian worship with particular attention given to the sacraments and the liturgical calendar; ecumenical and related to congregational life and faith.
3.00 credit hours
Each semester C. Cook Moore
PW 201 The Lively Word
Principles and dynamics of reading scripture and liturgy aloud. Voice work to develop relaxation and range in presentation. Pass/Fail only.
2.00 credit hours
Each semester R. Kisker
PW 211 Readings: Women Preachers
Examination of writings and sermons throughout the history of Christianity.
1.00 credit hour
Fall 2009 L. Hogan
PW 251 Worship Today
Theoretical and practical examination of significant changes occuring in the worship and preaching of many congregations.
3.00 credit hours
Spring 2011 L. Hogan
PW 301 Pastoral Liturgics Practicum
The pastor as leader of Sunday worship, both eucharistic and non eucharistic, and as leader of the occasional rites (including initiation, marriage, and burial). Emphasis upon the planning and conduct of the services within the various denominational traditions represented in the class.
2.00 credit hours
Prereq: PW 101
Each semester Faculty
PW 325 Foundations of Preaching
Purpose and practice of preaching. Homiletical theory and method
3.00 credit hours
Prereq: Introduction to Hebrew Bible and Introduction to New Testament
Each semester Faculty
PW 327 Preaching Practicum: Preaching Sermon Series
Development of skills of sermon preparation, delivery and critical analysis, based on sermons written for and preached to the class. Offered in topical or general sections.
2.00 credit hours
Prereq: PW 325
Spring 2010 A. Lunt
PW 335 Preaching Practicum: Preaching The Lectionary
Development of skills of sermon preparation, delivery and critical analysis, based on sermons written for and preached to the class. Offered in topical or general sections.
2.00 credit hours
Prereq: PW 325
Fall 2009 L. Hogan
Fall 2010 L. Hogan
PW 336 Preaching Practicum: Preaching the Season
Development of skills of sermon preparation, delivery and critical analysis, based on sermons written for and preached to the class. Offered in topical or general sections.
2.00 credit hours
Prereq: PW 325
Spring 2010 L. Hogan
Spring 2010 A. McCullough
PW 337 Preaching Practicum: Situational Preaching
Development of skills of sermon preparation, delivery and critical analysis, based on sermons written for and preached to the class. Offered in topical or general sections.
2.00 credit hours
Prereq: PW 325
Fall 2010 L. Hogan
PW 338 Preaching Practicum: Themes of Preaching
Development of skills of sermon preparation, delivery and critical analysis, based on sermons written for and preached to the class. Offered in topical or general sections.
2.00 credit hours
Prereq: PW 325
Fall 2009 L. Hogan
PW 340 Preaching Practicum
Development of skills of sermon preparation, delivery and critical analysis, based on sermons written for and preached to the class. Offered in topical or general sections.
2.00 credit hours
Prereq: PW 325
Spring 2009 A. McCullough
PW 371 Parish Preaching
Preaching in relation to other aspects of parish ministry. Emphasis on the parish setting for pastoral preaching (to encourage, support, enable) and prophetic preaching (to confront, disturb, challenge). Practice in delivery of sermons.
3.00 credit hours
Prereq: PW 325
Fall 2009 W. McClain
PW 372 Biblical Preaching
Preparation and delivery of biblical sermons.
3.00 credit hours
Prereq: PW 325
Spring 2010 W. McClain
PW 373 Preaching and Worship in the Black Tradition
The art of preaching from a black perspective; distinctive aspects of this preaching due to the crucible of affliction out of which it comes; its inherently prophetic character.
3.00 credit hours
Prereq: PW 325
Spring 2010 W. McClain
PW 405 Pastoral Leadership in Worship
An examination of the theology and liturgy of occasional services, focusing on weddings, funerals and other rites around death, cultural observances (i.e. Mother's Day, Father's Day, Fourth of July) and "special days." The use of technology and current worship trends (emerging and contemporary worship) will be a subtopic in the course.
2.00 credit hours
Prereq: PW 101
Spring 2010 C. Cook Moore
RA Religion and the Arts
Deryl Davis, Eileen Guenther, Catherine A. Kapikian, Deborah Sokolove
RA 120 Symbol, Sacrament, Ritual and Art
Uses of art and artistic performance in ritual, symbolic acts, sacraments. Uses of symbol, ritual, and sacramental reference in artistic production. The idea of art as a means of encounter with the divine, and the ways that art may be used in worship to facilitate that encounter.
2.00 credit hours
Spring 2010 D. Sokolove
RA 130 Chapel Choir
Participation in singing for community worship: reflection on the role of church music in Christian worship. May be taken a maximum of six semesters for credit.
1.00 credit hour
Each semester E. Guenther
RA 132 Sacred Music in the USA
Close look at America's sacred music from colonial "fuging tunes" to contemporary gospel, including assessing music forms that can enhance worship of churches large and small.
2.00 credit hours
Spring 2011 E. Guenther
RA 135 Music Skills for the Local Church
The basics of music for pastors and others in local church ministry. Music reading, terminology, listening drills, singing of hymn tunes and basic sight reading. This course is intended for those who have little or no previous musical experience.
2.00 credit hours
Fall 2008 E. Guenther
Fall 2010 E. Guenther
RA 136 Songs of Zion: Spirituals in the Life of The Church
The heritage of the African American spiritual and its manifold presence in the contemporary church; major theological themes of the spiritual and the nuances of translating those themes into music; strategies for the effective use of the Songs of Zion in contemporary worship.
2.00 credit hours
Fall 2009 E. Guenther
Fall 2009 W. McClain
RA 137 Exploring the Hymnal
Examines the United Methodist Hymnal and hymnals from other major Protestant denominations, focusing on diverse cultural traditions that are part of today's worship.
2.00 credit hours
Fall 2011 E. Guenther
RA 138 Music and Social Justice
The role of music in causes of peace and justice and the particular works (from hymns to major oratorios) that address themselves to these issues.
2.00 credit hours
Spring 2012 E. Guenther
RA 142 Language of Grace: Readings in Modern Literature
Twentieth century literature's affirmation, criticism and revision of basic Christian themes: faith, love and family relationships, life and death, sin and grace, the church, clergy and scriptural teaching.
3.00 credit hours
Spring 2010 K. Staudt
RA 144 Scripture in Literature
An exploration of how writers from different times, places, and cultural perspectives have retold and reinterpreted stories from scripture: including John Milton, Renita Weems, Frederick Buechner, Lucille Clifton, Denise Levertov, Margaret Atwood, James Weldon Johnson and others.
3.00 credit hours
Not offered 2009-10 K. Staudt
RA 152 Contemplative Drawing: Nurturing the Spiritual Self
Stimulate prophetic imagination through seeing, drawing, being. Explore creative process in relationship to spiritual formation. Left hemispheric verbal, logical, and analytical processing integrated with right hemispheric spatial, intuitive processing. Especially for non artists. Evaluation on process rather than product.
2.00 credit hours
Fall 2010 C. Kapikian
RA 175 Biblical Storytelling
An exploration of biblical storytelling traditional oral presentations, electronic renderings, and a
combination of the two in various ministry settings in the context of our digital culture, including the role and practice of biblical storytelling.
2.00 credit hours
Fall 2010 T. Radosevic
RA 176 The Rest of the Story: Parables and Parallel Stories
An exploration of the poser of narrative in Hebrew and Christian scriptures, other complementary texts, and personal faith journeys particularly when experienced as performance in tandem with earch other for biblical understanding and spiritual formation.
2.00 credit hours
Fall 2009 T. Radosevic
RA 177 The Word Made Flesh: Making Scripture Seen and Heard
An exploration of variations in scripture presentation for worship and education embodied storytelling, photography, traditional visual arts, screen projection, music as a visceral experience of these sacred stories.
2.00 credit hours
Fall 2011 T. Radosevic
RA 188 Tools for Drama in Ministry
Basic theatre techniques for application in church and ministry settings. Includes improvisation, role playing from biblical sources, choral presentation of scripture, and performance of an original short liturgical drama. Reading includes essays in performance theory and biblical storytelling, as well as selected plays. No prior experience in drama necessary.
2.00 credit hours
Fall 2009 D. Davis
Fall 2010 D. Davis
RA 191 T.S. Elliot and God
Examination of theological themes in the work of one of the twentieth century's most influential and controversial poets. Exploration of poet's theological development from "The Waste Land" to "The Hollow Men," "Ash Wednesday," "Murder in the Cathedral," "Four Quartets," and "The Cocktail Party."
2.00 credit hours
Spring 2010 D. Davis
RA 253 Art for God's Sake: Art, Visual Culture And Christian Understanding
Investigate the ways that art has been used in shaping Christian faith, understandings and attitudes. Engage the pallets of aesthetics and function of fine art, popular art and devotional art in the church and the wider society.
2.00 credit hours
Fall 2009 D. Sokolove
Fall 2011 D. Sokolove
RA 295 Arts Practicum
Individual projects with theological focus in student's choice of medium such as paint, fabric (vestments, banners, tapestry), clay, wood, calligraphy, photography, poetry, dance, etc. Students unacquainted with dynamics of creative process in relationship to spiritual formation (art as meditation) and unacquainted with non verbal expressions of Christian proclamation encouraged to participate. May be repeated once for credit. Pass/fail only.
1.00 credit hour
Each semester Artists-in-Residence
RA 475 Biblical Storytelling Practicum
Hands on instruction and coaching in the internalization and performance of biblical stories for worship, education, pastoral care, Biblical study, evangelism, and spiriutal formation.
1.00 credit hour
Prereq: RA 175, RA 176 or RA 177
Spring 2010 T. Radosevic
Spring 2011 T. Radosevic
Spring 2012 T. Radosevic
RA 480 Chancel Drama Practicum
Hands on development of choral presentations and dramatic scenes for performance in Wesley chapel services, community life events, and at local churches. Involves scripting, acting, and limited set design. No prerequisite required.
1.00 credit hour
Each semester D. Davis
Proposed Courses
Title and description pending faculty approval.
Music of Taize and Iona Fall 2010 E. Guenther
ST Systematic Theology
R. Kendall Soulen, Josiah Ulysses Young, III
ST 181 Philosophical Backgrounds
Introduction to the history and problems of philosophy, with special emphasis on the questions of philosophical theology and their implications for Christian theology and social practice.
3.00 credit hours
Fall 2009 K. Soulen
Fall 2010 J. Young
ST 242 The Black Theology of James Cone
A study of the writings of James Cone, with attention to the problem of hermeneutics and African American experience.
3.00 credit hours
Spring 2011 J. Young
ST 243 The Art of Toni Morrison and the Problem Of Theodicy
A study of three of Morrison146s novels with a focus on the problem of theodicy in American society.
3.00 credit hours
Fall 2011 J. Young
ST 245 James Baldwin As Social Critic and Theologian
A study of James Baldwin's novels and essays. Focus on the ways in which his critique of racism involves insights derived from his formation in the Sanctified Church
3.00 credit hours
Fall 2009 J. Young
ST 246 Jesus Christ in African American Christianity
Examination of the person and work of Christ in African American Christianity in Black Theology, Womanist
Theology, and African American Literature.
3.00 credit hours
Fall 2009 B. Mitchell
ST 252 Braving the Masters of Suspicion
An examination of the views of Ludwig Feuerbach, Sigmund Freud, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Karl Marx with attention to their relevance for political and liberation theologians.
3.00 credit hours
Spring 2012 J. Young
ST 294 Globalization, Mission and the Church: Ecclesiology for the 21st Century
Introduction to various models of mission shaped Church in our contemporary world; Possibilities for re imagining the Church of the 21st century for the advancement of God's mission in our glocal world; Special focus on ecclesiological reflections from African American, feminist/womanist, liberationist and emerging Churches.
3.00 credit hours
Fall 2010 S. Clarke
ST 295 The Search for a Theology of Human Rights
Historical analysis of the church's attempt to formulate a distinctively Christian response to the human rights movement in light of the major challenges to the integrity of the human family in the twentieth century.
3.00 credit hours
Fall 2009 B. Mitchell
ST 305 Systematic Theology I
Revelation and theological knowledge: the doctrines of God, creation, providence, human nature, person and work of Christ, the Holy Spirit, church, and eschatology.
3.00 credit hours
Prereq: Introduction to Hebrew Bible, Introduction to New Testament, and The Church in History
Fall 2009 K. Soulen
Fall 2009 J. Young
Fall 2010 B. Mitchell
Fall 2010 J. Young
Fall 2011 TBD
Fall 2011 TBD
ST 306 Systematic Theology II
Revelation and theological knowledge: the doctrines of God, creation, providence, human nature, person and work of Christ, the Holy Spirit, church, and eschatology.
3.00 credit hours
Prereq: ST 305
Spring 2010 K. Soulen
Spring 2010 J. Young
Spring 2011 B. Mitchell
Spring 2011 J. Young
Spring 2012 TBD
Spring 2012 TBD
ST 402 Reformed Theology
A study of the Reformed theological tradition stemming from Zwingli and Calvin: its background, distinguished tenets, ethos and outstanding theologians.
3.00 credit hours
Prereq: CH 101 and CH 102
Spring 2010 M. Kirkpatrick
ST 410 Providence, Evil and Suffering
What may we say and not say about God's fidelity, love, and redemptive power in the face of evil, suffering, chaos, and death? An examination of traditional and contemporary Christian approaches with attention to implications for the practice of ministry
3.00 credit hours
Prereq: ST 305 and ST 306
Spring 2012 K. Soulen
ST 420 Making Christ Work for the Nations: Faces of Jesus in World Christianity
An introduction to select theories of symbolization; locating, analyzing and interpreting representations of Jesus from different parts of the world and by different human collectives; inquiry into the possibilities of utilizing diverse images of Jesus for the purpose of constructing a meaningful, satisfactory and liberative Christology.
3.00 credit hours
Prereq: ST 305 and ST 306
Fall 2011 S. Clarke
ST 460 History and Doctrine of Methodist Traditions I
Life and thought of John Wesley, early English Methodism, American Methodism to the present covering both historical and theological development. History and doctrine of Black Methodists, the Evangelical United Brethren Church, the formation of The United Methodist Church. Attention also given to the development of indigenous theologies in various cultures.
2.00 credit hours
Prereq: CH 101 and CH 102
Fall 2008 S. Kisker
Fall 2009 S. Kisker
ST 461 History and Doctrine of Methodist Traditions II
A continuation of ST 460.
2.00 credit hours
Prereq: ST 460
Spring 2009 S. Kisker
Spring 2010 S. Kisker
ST 465 Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Historical development of Bonhoeffer's thought.
3.00 credit hours
Prereq: ST 305 and ST 306
Spring 2010 J. Young
ST 485 Contemporary Issues in Science and Religion
Introduction to the dialogue between science and religion; exploration of resources for pastors and congregations; discussion of existing scholarship, future directions, and dialogue issues such as evolution, the environment, and cosmology.
2.00 credit hours
Prereq: Introduction to Hebrew Bible, Introduction to New Testament, or The Church in History
Fall 2009 C. Bertka
Proposed Courses
Title and description pending faculty approval.
United Methodist History Spring 2010
United Methodist Doctrine Spring 2010
Theology of the Poor Fall 2010 S. Clarke and B. Mitchel
WR World Religions/Ecumenics
Sathianathan Clarke, Stuart Weinblatt
WR 201 World Religions As Resource for Christian Theology and Church Ministry
Developing a respectful understanding of the basic beliefs and practices of the major world religions; theological options for correlating Christian faith with religious plurality and conceptualizing ministries in pluralistic settings.
3.00 credit hours
Fall 2008 S. Clarke
WR 242 Modern Judaism and Its History
Turning points in the Jewish people's spiritual journey from biblical origins to the re emergence of Jewish nationhood in Israel in the 20th century. Analysis of the contemporary varieties of Judaism as a religion and a way of life. Sponsored by The Jewish Chautauqua Society.
3.00 credit hours
Spring 2010 S. Weinblatt
WR 248 Jewish Thought and Theology
Exploration of aspects of ancient, medieval and modern Jewish theology and philosophy. Sponsored by the Jewish Chautauqua Society.
3.00 credit hours
Not offered 2009-10 S. Weinblatt
WR 260 Modern Islam and Its History
Advanced study of the history of Islam from Muhammad's birth to the present with focus on the modern period. Emphasis given to factual material and interpretation of beliefs and practices.
2.00 credit hours
Fall 2010 Z. Alwani
WR 261 Islam: History and Traditions
A general orientation to Islam, its history and practice, across time and space until the present day. Introduces the basic belief system the Muhammadan Paradigm and the concept of law, as well as popular and divergent forms of Islam and mysticism. Examines Islamic culture: art, architecture, music, and celebrations.
2.00 credit hours
Fall 2009 Z. Alwani
WR 277 One in the Spirit: The Church's Call to Unity
A study of the history of the ecumenical movement, in depth review of selected bilateral ecumenical dialogues, an overview of current ecumenical activity and trends, and visions for the future of ecumenism.
2.00 credit hours
Spring 2010 J. Conte
Spring 2011 J. Conte
WR 294 Religion, Violence and Peace: Christian Mission in the Context of Hindu, Muslim And Christian Fundamentalism
Analysis of religious fundamentalism and the internal (theological and hermeneutical traditions) and external(economic, cultural, nationalist, and globalizing trends) factors which fuel its growth; exploration of contemporary avenues for Christian mission, which both confront the violence stemming from religious fundamentalism and advance the gospel of peace with justice in our fragmented world.
2.00 credit hours
Spring 2011 S. Clarke
WR 297 Comparative Eschatologies of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
Comparative study of Eschatologies (Last days of the world, signs of the end, Revelation, Second coming, parousia) in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In depth analyses of the Bible, the Qu'ran, and select Apocalyptic literature, especially through the themes of Resurrection, Last judgment, Hell, and Paradise.
3.00 credit hours
Fall 2009 M. Pacaci
The Arts and Theology
DM-A311 Spirituality and Creativity
The phenomena of creativity; the mixed story of the church's relating to the arts; creativity as a theological theme; best practices of theologizing through the arts. 3 hours. January 2009.
DM-A312 Tools for Drama in Ministry
Equipping the congregation to experience and to proclaim the written word of the Scriptures through the arts of rhetoric, mime, and drama. 3 hours. January 2009.
DM-A321 Theological Aesthetics
God, truth, and beauty as perceived in the senses and imagination through the arts such as painting, poetry, music, and architecture. 3 hours. May 2009.
DM-A322 Art as Worship, Worship as Art
Worship as metaphor and stage for artistic gifts offered "to the glory of God." 3 hours. May 2009.
DM-A331 Architecture of the Western Church
The ordering of space and furniture as an expression of faith, from the house churches of the New Testament to the auditoriums of contemporary mega churches. 3 hours. January 2010.
DM-A332 Jazz Tradition
The appreciation of jazz through a theology of spontaneity and improvisation; jazz as self-expression and as social protest models of the use of jazz in the contemporary church. 3 hours. January 2010.
DM-A341 Project Seminar
Identifying a condition to address with the project question, finding the right theological component, imagining the project steps, searching for bibliography, planning to write the project paper, and making a public presentation. 3 hours. May 2010.
DM-A342 The Arts in the Bible
An experiential survey of some of the art forms prevalent in the Bible such as song, dance, poetry, pottery, and weaving. 3 hours. May 2010.
Campus Ministries
DM-C311 Ministry to Young Adults and Non-Traditional Students
The life issues and spiritual challenges of college students; reading the campus context for ministry; the changing roles of the campus minister. 3 hours. January 2008.
DM-C312 Give a Reason for the Hope: Campus Ministry and Apologetics
The questions, concepts, and passion for God-talk in the contemporary campus setting. 3 hours. January 2008.
DM-C321 Education for Stability and Change: Biblical Perspective
New perspectives on the wisdom literature of the Bible; the voice of the Teacher and the walk of the disciple; questions that engage and answers that require commitment; the wisdom literature as experience. 3 hours. June 2008.
DM-C322 Worship for Campus Ministers and Chaplains
Adapting the best of traditional, contemporary, and blended worship to the campus chapel. 3 hours. June 2008.
DM-C331 The Life and Vision of Howard Thurman
The life and vision of Howard Thurman with special attention to his model for bringing about social transformation. 3 hours. January 2009.
DM-C332 Moral Discernment in the Context of Pluralism
Pluralism as fact and as exaggeration; why moral discernment still matters; starting where you are, starting where they are; the role of the campus minister and of the campus ministry in the moral formation of students. 3 hours. January 2009.
DM-C341 Best Practices in Leadership and Administration for Campus Ministers
Addressing the hard issues of organizing, leading, and funding a campus ministry; leadership strategies for adapting to the challenges of a shrinking base of support; new models for reconnecting campus ministries to the local church. 3 hours. June 2009.
DM-C342 Project Seminar
Identifying a condition to address with the project question, finding the right theological component, imagining the project steps, searching for bibliography, planning to write the project paper, and making a public presentation. 3 hours. June 2009.
Church Leadership Excellence
DM-L711 Images of Leadership in the Bible
With special attention to leadership in the books of Samuel, the recovered stories of women leaders, and the servant leadership of Jesus and Paul. 3 hours. May 2009.
DM-L712 Effective and Visionary Leadership
Best practices for church leaders in reading situations, facing facts, summoning vision, and shepherding the next faithful step for congregations. 3 hours. May 2009.
DM-L721 Leading the Missional Church
Helping the church to break out of an establishment identity and to become more available to the God who sends. 3 hours. January 2010.
DM-L722 Leadership Diversity in the 21st Century
The leadership vision, wisdom, and skills needed to shape a church that will reflect rather than lag behind the demographic realities of its ministry setting. 3 hours. January 2010.
DM-L731 Cultural Dynamics of Leadership
Reading the corporate culture of the congregation, building social capital, introducing change, surviving conflict. 3 hours. May 2010.
DM-L732 The Church Leader as Public Leader
Speaking for and with the congregation in the broader community, building alliances for a common cause, seeking "the welfare of the city where I have sent you in exile." 3 hours. May 2010.
DM-L741 The Person and the Role of Church Leader
An unfolding call through the seasons of ministry, balancing the public and private roles, negotiating major changes in vocation, becoming a lifelong learner. 3 hours. January 2011.
DM-L742 Project Seminar
Identifying a condition to address with the project question, finding the right theological component, imagining the project steps, searching for bibliography, planning to write the project paper, and making a public presentation. 3 hours. January 2011.
Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue
DM-E311 The History of the Ecumenical Movement
The study of historical and moderns divisions among Christians and efforts to heal those divisions through formal words and grassroots actions. 3 hours. January 2010.
DM-E312 Spiritual Ecumenism and Moral Issues
Classics of spiritual discipline and virtue ethics that speak to Christians across differences in polity, doctrine, and worship. 3 hours. January 2010.
DM-E321 The Missional Church
The 20th and 21st centuries paradigm shift from mission as an exporting activity of the church to mission as a prior act of God in the world (missio Dei). 3 hours. May 2010.
DM-E322 Church in the Spirit: Congregational Vitality and Pneumatology
The new consensus appreciation for the role of the Spirit in gathering, gifting, energizing, and leading contemporary congregations. 3 hours. May 2010.
DM-E331 Dialogue with Islam
A study of Islam, its history, practices, and contemporary Islamic culture motivated by the urgent need for interreligious dialogue and cooperation. 3 hours. January 2011.
DM-E332 Worship, the Holy and the Beautiful
The encounter with God through art, architecture, music, and prayer that softens divisions of polity and doctrine and opens new pathways to shared mission. 3 hours. January 2011.
DM-E341 Asian Religions as Resource for Christian Theology and Church Mission
Developing a respectful understanding of the basic beliefs and practices of the major Asian world religions; theological options for correlating Christian faith with religious plurality and conceptualizing ministries in pluralistic settings. 3 hours. May 2011.
DM-E342 Project Seminar
Identifying a condition to address with the project question, finding the right theological component, imagining the project steps, searching for bibliography, planning to write the project paper, and making a public presentation. 3 hours. May 2011.
Life Together: Spirituality for Transforming Community
DM-S911 Life in Community: Theological Reflection and Experiential Models
Attention to the spiritual formation of church leaders and local congregations as communities of transformation; development of competence in leading congregations toward purposeful community, intentional mission, and prophetic practices grounded in biblical spirituality. 3 hours. May 2008.
DM-S921 Howard Thurman
The life and vision of Howard Thurman with special attention to his years as the Dean of Rankin Chapel, Howard University. 3 hours. May 2008.
DM-S912 Exodus, Covenant, Exile: The Formation and Transformation of God's People
The church as a community of released captives, believers in community, and aliens far from home. 3 hours. January 2009.
DM-S922 God's Welcome: Hospitality for a Gospel-Hungry World
Hospitality as virtue and practice; emphasis on biblical, theological, ethical, and ecclesiological aspects; recover of hospitality in congregational life today. 3 hours. January 2009.
DM-S931 Pilgrimage to the Alabama of the Civil Rights Movement
Historical, theological, and socio-cultural analysis of some of the major people, places and events of the Civil Rights movement, with particular focus on the connection between faith and the transformation of church and society. Visits to some of the significant venues of the Civil Rights movement in Birmingham, Montgomery, and Selma, Alabama. 6 hours. August 2009.
DM-S941 Listening as a Tool for Transforming Congregations
Recent insights from the social sciences to support the church leader's work of equipping congregations for greater effectiveness in nurture and mission. 3 hours. January 2010.
DM-S942 Project Seminar
Identifying a condition to address with the project question, finding the right theological component, imagining the project steps, searching for bibliography, planning to write the project paper, and making a public presentation. 3 hours. January 2010.
Missional Evangelism
DM-E211 Missional Evangelism
Evangelism understood as the church's participation in the activity of the word of God through the power of the Holy Spirit to renew and transform individuals and communities. 3 hours. May 2008.
DM-E212 Historical Models of Missional Evangelism
A survey of past expressions of evangelism, the good, the bad, and the dreadful to accrue wisdom for contemporary efforts in evangelism that are sound theologically and effective in practice. 3 hours. May 2008.
DM-E221 Salvation in the New Testament
Finding our place in the story of God's attempts to recover that which is lost in the inescapable background of the Hebrew Bible, in the nuances of salvation in the various New Testament books, and above all in the person and work of Jesus Christ. 3 hours. January 2009.
DM-E222 Preaching to Those on the Edge of Faith
Preaching effectively and faithfully to sympathetic "outsiders" or "seekers" while still proclaiming the "whole counsel of God." 3 hours. January 2009.
DM-E231 God's Welcome: Hospitality for a Gospel-Hungry World
Hospitality as virtue and practice; emphasis on biblical, theological, ethical, and ecclesiological aspects; recovery of hospitality in congregational life today. 3 hours. May 2009.
DM-E232 Making Disciples across Class and Culture
How homogeneous American mainline churches can establish contact with a more diverse constituency and minister more effectively in the global context. 3 hours. May 2009.
DM-E241 Project Seminar
Identifying a condition to address with the project question, finding the right theological component, imagining the project steps, searching for bibliography, planning to write the project paper, and making a public presentation. 3 hours. January 2010.
DM-E242 Leading Fruitful Congregations
The leadership skills and practices that release a congregation for missional evangelism such as articulating a vision of diversity, staying focused on adaptive issues, and stewarding hospitality. 3 hours. January 2010.
Practical Theology for Pastors, Chaplains, and Clinicians
DM-P311 Foundations and New Directions in Practical Theology
An overview of current theory and best practices with a strong emphasis on biblical and theological foundations. 3 hours. January 2009.
DM-P312 Theological Foundations for Practical Theology
A conversation with classical, modern, liberation, and post-modern theologians about contemporary pastoral practices. 3 hours. January 2009.
DM-P321 Intercultural Pastoral Care and Counseling
In care and counseling the pastor models the congregation's call to hospitality toward an increasingly diverse constituency. 3 hours. May 2009.
DM-P322 Ethnography and Transformation of Congregations
Active listening as a tool for assessing the congregation's story, strengths, and adaptive issues; pastoral leadership and care that is "in touch." 3 hours. May 2009.
DM-P331 Pastoral Assessment, Diagnosis, and Psychopathology
Tools for intervention when holiness and wholeness become disconnected. 3 hours. January 2010.
DM-P332 The Bible as a Source for Pastoral Care
The canonical scriptures as wellspring of stories, wisdom, and faith stewarded with hermeneutical integrity. 3 hours. January 2010.
DM-P341 Care and Counseling of Couples and Families
Vision and support for personal relationships of theological significance adapting to environments more or less supportive. 3 hours. May 2010.
DM-P342 Project Seminar
Identifying a condition to address with the project question, finding the right theological component, imagining the project steps, searching for bibliography, planning to write the project paper, and making a public presentation. 3 hours. May 2010.
Spiritual Leadership for the Global Church: The Asian Track
DM-G211 Spiritual Formation
An advanced survey of the classics of the Christian contemplative traditions (Eastern and Western) and the spiritual disciplines grounded in them necessary for the formation of ministers. 3 hours. July 2008. Seoul, Korea.
DM-G212 Worship
Theological foundations, history, and practice of Christian worship and preaching with particular attention to new resources from the global church. 3 hours. July 2008. Seoul, Korea.
DM-G221 Bible, Old and New Testament
Recent trends in Old Testament and New Testament scholarship, the expanded circle of global dialogue partners with attention to implications for the practice of ministry. 3 hours. January 2009. Seoul, Korea
DM-G222 Mission for the Global Church
Emerging issues, new approaches, important voices from other continents, and key theological breakthroughs in the contemporary theology of mission for the global church. 3 hours. January 2009. Seoul, Korea
DM-G231 Project Seminar
Identifying a condition to address with the project question, finding the right theological component, imagining the project steps, searching for bibliography, planning to write the project paper, and making a public presentation. 3 hours. June 2009. Washington, D.C.
DM-G232 Church and Society
The church in dialogue with society over the preferred future. 3 hours. June 2009. Washington, D.C.
DM-G241 Leadership
Best practices for church leaders in reading situations, facing facts, summoning vision, and shepherding the next step faithful step for congregations in a global context. 3 hours. January 2010. Asia.
DM-G242 Pastoral Care and Counseling
In care and counseling, the pastor models the congregation's call to hospitality toward an increasingly diverse constituency in a global context. 3 hours. January 2010. Asia.
DM-G251 Theology
Historical and contemporary issues in theology for the growing church. 3 hours. June 2010. Seoul, Korea.
DM-G252 Christian Education
Issues in Christian education including faith development, nurture and conversion, and curricular concerns. 3 hours. June 2010. Seoul, Korea.
Spirituality and Story
DM-S1011 Spiritual Biography and Autobiography
The reading and analysis of several classics of spiritual autobiography written in differing genres and encompassing a wide range of Christian history. Exploring varied ways to communicate our own Christian experience and the experiences of others. 3 hours. May 2009.
DM-S1012 Theology as Story
The use of narrative in theology to provide rich possibilities for understanding and interpreting the content of faith, and to open new channels of conversation between the systematic theologian, the biblical scholar, the social scientist, and, most importantly, the lay person. 3 hours. May 2009.
DM-S1021 The Narratives behind Catholic Spirituality
Examination of the roots and principles of Roman Catholic spiritualities. Specific attention to the stories behind the spiritualities of several Catholic figures who have left a lasting mark on the phenomenon called Catholic Spirituality. 3 hours. January 2010.
DM-S1022 Narrative Collapse and Restoration: Story and Healing
A cross disciplinary study of the phenomena of the self-narratives of persons and congregations and what happens when those narratives suffer serious disruption; work in the therapies and strategies for addressing personal and corporate narrative collapse. 3 hours. January 2010.
DM-S1031 Paul's Use of Narrative to Shape Congregations
A study of the stories that are informing and supporting Paul's instruction to the churches and how these stories are employed to shape congregations. Particular attention will be given to the appropriateness of "story" as a hermeneutical category for Paul's letters, the evidence of stories engaging Paul's thought, the problem of competing narratives in Paul's churches, and the significance of "story" for the church today. Some of the topics explored will include the gospel as story, Paul's own story, God's story and the stories of Israel. 3 hours. May 2010.
DM-S1032 Engaging the Narratives of Other Religions
Appropriating the stories of non-Christian faith communities and reading the Bible through the eyes of the poor and the outcast for the sake of stretching the content and contours of Christian spirituality. 3 hours. May 2010.
DM-S1041 The Project Seminar
Identifying a condition to address with the project question, finding the right theological component, imagining the project steps, searching for bibliography, planning to write the project paper, and making a public presentation. 3 hours. January 2011.
DM-S1042 The African American Novel as Theological Resource
The use of the novel for insight into the struggle for racial justice in the United States, largely through the works of Toni Morrison and James Baldwin. 3 hours. January 2011.
Urban Ministry: The Beloved Community as Vision and Work
DM-U111 Leadership and Practice in the Beloved Community
Developing a theological and biblical vision for urban ministry from Raushenbusch's Kingdom of God to King's Beloved Community; learning basic principles of leading the faith community in the work of larger community organization and development. 3 hours. January 2010.
DM-U112 Speaking to Power
The theological foundation for and historical strategies of congregational engagement with public life; the testing of these insights through meetings with public officials, political figures, lobbyists, and church social action leaders. 3 hours. January 2010.
DM-U121 Preaching toward the Beloved Community in the Urban Context
Adapting and applying historical models of congregation based preaching that is pastoral and prophetic in addressing the unique challenges and possibilities of life in the city. 3 hours. May 2010.
DM-U122 Partners in Urban Transformation
Guided by a vision of shalom the People of God resist life-negating structures and exercise power relationally to transform their cities. 3 hours. May 2010.
DM-U131 Criminal Justice Ministries
A holistic approach to ministry for and with the incarcerated grounded in the concept of restorative justice with special attention to the urban context. 3 hours. January 2011.
DM-U132 The Redeemed City in Scripture and Theology
The vision of a city of God for the People of God from the Tower of Babel in Genesis to the New Jerusalem in Revelation; its impact on the Christian imagination through the ages. 3 hours. January 2011.
DM-U141 Project Seminar
Identifying a condition to address with the project question, finding the right theological component, imagining the project steps, searching for bibliography, planning to write the project paper, and making a public presentation. 3 hours. May 2011.
DM-U142 Music in the Context of the Urban Migration
The music that sustained former slaves, migrant workers, dust bowl farmers during their migration to the cities; how the music and the persons were transformed and agents of transformation in the process. 3 hours. May 2011.
Wesley and the Poor
DM-W111 John Wesley and the Poor
Wesley's encounters with the poor and his lifelong commitment to intervene for the good of their bodies, minds, and souls; the early Methodist challenge to social hierarchy. 3 hours. January 2008.
DM-W112 The Church and the Poor: A Study in Social Location
Identifying "the poor" today and finding better ways for middle and upper class churches to be in ministry to and with them. 3 hours. January 2008.
DM-W121 Hearing the Voice of the Poor in the Bible
Biblical narratives in which the cries of the poor always reach God's ear but only sometimes move God's people to action. 3 hours. May 2008.
DM-W122 Pastoral Theology and Economic Justice
Appreciating the weight of economic inequities and the blindness of privilege, providing care and counseling that empowers rather than pacifies, receiving the witness to faith from the poor. 3 hours. May 2008.
DM-W131 St. John's Downtown, Houston, TX: A Case Study in Ministry to and with the Poor
A church revitalized by turning to the constituency camped on its doorsteps, destitute families and homeless men and women. 6 hours. January 2009.
DM-W141 Teaching the Church's Moral Tradition on Wealth
From The Letter of James to the latest denomination resolution, from calls to compassion to calls for justice, from the office of deacon to the office of lobbyist, the church wrestles with abundance, scarcity, and an equitable distribution of goods. 3 hours. May 2009.
DM-W142 Project Seminar
Identifying a condition to address with the project question, finding the right theological component, imagining the project steps, searching for bibliography, planning to write the project paper, and making a public presentation. 3 hours. May 2009.
