Course Information

Course Description

Year 1 required course.

This course surveys the history of Christianity from the Reformation to the present. Ecclesial and doctrinal developments will be considered with special attention to the different forms that Christian life and thought have taken as the church has entered new cultural contexts and discerned faithfulness to God’s mission.

Professor

Kenneth Woo

Time

Spring Semester 2023, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:30-2:45 p.m., In person

Full Course Description

Course Description

This course offers an orientation to the ways anthropological and sociological approaches to the interpretation of culture contribute to theological reflection with and within particular socio-cultural contexts. Focusing on a particular neighborhood and/or institutional environment, students will become familiar with the techniques and develop the skills to critically consider the missiological, theological, and ethical dimensions of a Christian community in relation to the wider society.

Professor

Scott Hagley

Time

Spring Semester 2023, Tuesdays, 6:30-9:15 p.m., In person

Full Course Description

Course Description

An introduction to those books of the New Testament associated with the letter-form (the Pauline corpus, Hebrews, the Petrine epistles, Jude and Revelation), showing their significance in the Church and the world today. Special attention is given to the specific content of these books, to their particular genres, to the life and theology of Paul, and to the methods used in the critical study of these books (literary, socio-historical, rhetorical), as well as to the question of pseudepigraphy.

Professor

Tucker Ferda

Time

Spring Semester 2023, 10:00-11:15 a.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays, In person

Full Course Description

Course Description

An introduction to the prophetic books (Latter Prophets), Psalter, and Wisdom literature of the Old Testament with an exploration of factors that gave rise to and helped shaped this material. In addition to examining the background of prophecy in the cultures of the ancient Near East, attention is given to the specific content of these books, to the theology of the prophetic books, to the various literary genres (e.g., oracle, hymn, lament), to methods used in the interpretation of Scripture (source, form, redaction, literary, socio-cultural, canonical, and rhetorical criticism), and to the psalms as a product of Israel’s cultic life.

Professor

Jerome Creach

Time

Spring Semester 2023, Wednesdays, 6:30-9:15 p.m., In person

Full Course Description

Course Description

In this course students will be introduced to and practice a variety of spiritual disciplines, grounded in historic Christian spiritual traditions. Students will reflect on their own life of prayer, practice of vocational discernment, and begin developing the skills to lead communal spiritual practices.

Professor

L. Roger Owens

Time

Weekend Intensive 
All Sections Week 12 - Saturday, May 6, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., In Person 
SP 110-B1 Spiritual Formation - Even Weeks Wednesday, 8:30-9:45 a.m., Online
SP 110-B2 Spiritual Formation - Even Weeks Wednesday, 10:00-11:15 a.m., Online
SP 110-B3 Spiritual Formation - Even Weeks Monday, 6:30-7:45 p.m., Online

Full Course Description

Course Description

This course introduces the process of New Testament exegesis and gives students the opportunity to practice exegesis of various New Testament passages in the English Bible. Students will learn to identify and evaluate the literary, social, historical, and canonical contexts of passages and to articulate a faithful interpretation of the meanings of those passages as Christian Scripture. Students will also learn to identify reliable and appropriate scholarly resources for New Testament interpretation.

This course fulfills the language requirement for students who do not take Greek or Hebrew.

Professor

Daniel Frayer-Griggs

Time

Spring Semester 2023, Wednesdays, 8:30-11:15 a.m., Online

Full Course Description

Course Description

This is the first of two consecutive courses in which students are invited into the postures, habits, and practices of theologically reflective ministry. Interdisciplinary in nature, the course pays particular attention to the integration of student experiences in field placement sites with work in contextual analysis, Christian theology, and pastoral care.

Professor

Kenneth Woo and Barbara Blodgett

Times

Spring Semester 2023, Wednesdays, 1:30-4:15 p.m., In person

or

Spring Semester 2023, Mondays, 6:30-9:15 p.m., Online

Full Course Description - Woo

Full Course Description - Blodgett

Course Description

This course explores biblical, theological, and historical understandings of Christian mission and evangelism with a view toward practices for leading the church to discern and participate in God’s mission within particular contexts.

Professor

Scott Hagley

Time

Spring Semester 2023, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:30-2:45 p.m., In person

Full Course Description

Course Description

This course completes the study of introductory Greek grammar, extends vocabulary memorization, and introduces the practice of exegesis. Students will gain skills in interpreting texts by giving attention to their literary, social, historical, and canonical contexts, and by articulating the meaning of these texts as Christian Scripture. Students will also learn to identify appropriate scholarly resources for biblical interpretation.

Professor

Tucker Ferda

Time

Spring Semester 2023, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30-9:45, In person

Full Course Description

Course Description

This course completes the study of introductory Hebrew grammar and introduces the practice of exegesis. Students will gain skills in interpreting texts by giving attention to their literary, social, historical, and canonical contexts, and by articulating the interpretation of these texts as Christian Scripture. Students will also learn to identify appropriate scholarly resources for biblical interpretation.

Professor

Kimberly Russaw

Time

Spring Semester 2023, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:30-9:15 p.m., Online

Full Course Description

Course Description

This course introduces students to the theology and practice of preaching, with attention to the performative skills involved in effective communication in ministry settings. Topics include: the oral interpretation of Scripture, biblical exegesis for proclamation, the role of culture and context in preaching, the structure and rhetoric of sermons, and the non-verbal dimensions of communication.

Professor

Angela Hancock

Time

Spring Semester 2023, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:00-11:15 a.m., In person

Full Course Description

Course Description

This course equips students to reflect on the church and its relationship to its various locations, with a particular focus on national and global contexts and issues.  Students will learn to use biblical and theological resources with insight from the social sciences to analyze contexts and to identify and explore ethical issues related to cultural, economic, and social structures in which the church participates in God's mission.

Professor

AnneMarie Mingo

Time

Spring Semester 2023, Wednesdays, 6:30-9:15 p.m., In person

Full Course Description

Course Description

This course explores the many dimensions of violence in the Bible.  The course considers the portrait of God (apparently) acting violently and destructively, the (seeming) divine approval or sanction of violent acts, and accounts of venerated figures acting violently. The ultimate goal of the course is to provide ways of reading texts that seem to promote violence as integral parts of Christian scripture. 

Professor

Jerome Creach

Time

Spring Semester 2023, Tuesdays, 8:30-11:15, In person

Full Course Description

Course Description

To be determined

Professor

AnneMarie Mingo

Time

Spring Semester 2023, Thursdays, 3:00-5:45 p.m., Online

Full Course Description

Course Description

The Pittsburgh Metropolitan region has embodied in important ways America’s early settler adventures, difficult race relations, industrial revolution, labor strife, urban decline and redevelopment, and an evolving religious culture. Utilizing historical, sociological, and theological readings as well as lectures from key, local experts and informants, the course explores Pittsburgh’s metropolitan ethos and the role of churches in the formation and maintenance of metro-Pittsburgh’s social and religious culture. Observational and analytical tools acquired in this course will readily transfer to interpretation and analysis of local social and religious contexts beyond the metro-Pittsburgh context.

Professor

R. Drew Smith

Time

Spring Semester 2023, Thursdays, 6:30-9:15 p.m., Online

Full Course Description

Course Description

This course will engage in a careful study of the Gospel of John, emphasizing its backgrounds, narrative techniques and structure, and theological concerns. Students will consider the Fourth Gospel in relation and contrast to the synoptics, while we explore its importance for Christian theology. We will also critically engage the book’s representation of Judaism, particularly considering its reception history. The course will proceed by means of lectures and in-class discussions. Greek is not required but will be very helpful.

Professor

Daniel Frayer-Griggs

Time

Spring Semester 2023, Thursdays, 6:30-9:15, In person

Full Course Description

Course Description

To be determined.

Professor

Kimberly Russaw

Time

Spring Semester 2023, Wednesdays, 1:30-4:15, In person

Full Course Description

Course Description

This course explores theories and practices related to providing pastoral care to persons coping with death, loss, grief, and transition. Students will also engage biblical, theological, and spiritual resources as frameworks for understanding the nature and role of transformation within experiences of transition and loss.

Professor

Leanna Fuller

Time

Spring Semester 2023, Tuesdays, 6:30-9:15, In person

Full Course Description

Course Description

Because of competing and confusing demands on their time and energy, people in ministry may lose a clear sense of what lies at the heart of their vocation. In response, this course invites participants to reflect theologically on spiritual practices and disciplines of the Christian life that sustain ministry and the formation of faithful and vibrant Christian communities.

Professor

John Burgess

Time

Spring Semester 2023, Wednesdays, 3:00-5:45 p.m., In person

Full Course Description

Course Description

A crumbling empire, failing institutions, an aggressive social climate, and a church insure about its future and anxious about the presence of God and the direction of history: this is the context in which St. Augustine wrote his massive The City of God. Retracing the Biblical narrative from creation to eschaton, and engaging topics as diverse as the origin of sin and evil, free will and divine omniscience, the role of states and governments, and the ultimate good and the end of history, Augustine wanted to offer a new direction to his contemporaries, but simultaneously developed a vision on the church and its place in history that throughout the centuries again and again in times of crisis has inspired theologians, philosophers, and politicians. This course introduces students to Augustine’s argument, tracing both its classic nature and its contemporary applications.

Professor

Edwin van Driel

Time

Spring Semester 2023, Mondays, 6:30-9:15 p.m., Online

Full Course Description

Course Description

This course invites students to reflect theologically on the ecclesial contexts in which they (will) minister: locally, denominationally, and ecumenically. Focusing on baptism, (ordained) ministry, and church unity, students will both draw on the insights of their own traditions and learn to see these traditions as embedded in a wider catholic tradition. As the shape of Christianity in North America is increasingly fragmented, this course will challenge students to ponder how we might seek common ecclesial life with those who think similarly and those who are different.

Professor

Edwin van Driel

Time

January Term 2022-23, Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, 7:00 p.m., Online
Saturdays, Jan. 7, 14, 21, 2023, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Online

Full Course Description

Course Description

An introduction to the essential elements of Presbyterian polity (the Book of Order) in light of the confessional and theological foundations (the Book of Confessions) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The course will explore ways an understanding of Presbyterian polity can support, guide, and enhance the practice of ministry in diverse congregational settings. In addition, students will be introduced to basic parliamentary procedure and the role of the moderator in planning and facilitating session meetings. This course is designed to prepare Presbyterian students for the ordination examination in church polity of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

Professor

Trent Hancock

Time

January Term 2022-2023, Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, 7:00 p.m., Online
Saturdays, Jan. 7, 14, 21, 2023, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., In-Person

Full Course Description

Course Description

Intercultural Experiential Learning will be organized around intercultural/experiential learning trips to reflect on hosts’ understanding of their context and the mission of the Church in that context. The course provides pre-experience orientation in cultural competence and anti-racism, intercultural communication, a theology of short-term mission engagement, area studies for the specific context to be studied, and spiritual practices for mission. After the encounters, students will reflect on their experiences and explore personal, cultural, missiological, and theological strategies for leading others in intercultural experiences.

Professor

Hunter Farrell, Kimberly Gonxhe

Time

January Term 2022-23, Jan. 3-5, 2023, 7:00 p.m., In-person
Jan. 23-25, 2023, 7:00 p.m., In-person

Full Course Description

Course Description

This course surveys the history of Christianity from the late first century to the eve of the Reformation. Doctrinal and ecclesial developments will be considered within wider cultural contexts, with special attention to different ways of interpreting the biblical witness to Christ and life in Christ, and how they contribute to a shared, yet dynamic, Christian theological heritage.

Professor

Kenneth Woo

Time

Fall Semester 2022, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:30-2:45 p.m., In person

Full Course Description

Course Description

An introduction to Matthew, Mark, Luke, John (with the Johannine Epistles), and Acts showing their significance in the Church and the world today. Special attention is given to the specific content of these books, to their genres and connections with ancient biography or history, to various theological and historical portraits of Jesus, and to the various methods used in critical study of the Gospels.

Professor

Jennifer Kaalund

Time

Fall Semester 2022, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:00-11:15 a.m., Online

Full Course Description

Course Description

This course is an introduction to the books of Genesis through Esther. The course will explore factors that gave rise to and helped shape this material, and it will focus on the canonical shape of the books and their contribution to the theology and life of the church.

Professor

Kimberly Russaw

Time

Fall Semester 2022, Wednesdays, 6:30-9:15 p.m., Online

Full Course Description

Course Description

In this course students will be introduced to and practice a variety of spiritual disciplines, grounded in historic Christian spiritual traditions. Students will reflect on their own life of prayer, practice of vocational discernment, and begin developing the skills to lead communal spiritual practices.

This course description applies to both the fall and spring semesters of Spiritual Formation (SP110A and SP110B)—the readings and assignments are spread across two semesters, both of which must be taken for credit.

Professor

L. Roger Owens

Time

Weekend Intensive 
All Sections Week 1 - Fri., Sept. 2, 6:00-9:00 p.m., In Person and Sat., Sept. 3, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., In Person
All Sections Week 12 - Sat., Dec. 3, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., In Person 
SP 110-A1 Spiritual Formation - Even Weeks Wednesday, 8:30-9:45 a.m., Online
SP 110-A2 Spiritual Formation - Even Weeks Wednesday, 10:00-11:15 a.m., Online
SP 110-A3 Spiritual Formation - Even Weeks Monday, 6:30-7:45 p.m., Online

Full Course Description

Course Description

An introduction to the study of the practices of Christian worship with attention to the ways the Bible, theology, tradition, and context shape what Christian communities do when they gather to worship God. Led by faculty representing a variety of theological disciplines and perspectives, each section of WS 110 considers particular dimensions of Christian worship, promoting theological reflection, historical and socio-cultural awareness, intellectual curiosity, and participation in the worship life of the seminary community and the wider church. The course is also designed to introduce the resources, tools, and skills that contribute to effective written communication at the Master's level. This particular section will highlight the role of scripture in shaping worship practices, schedules, and rituals and the vision scripture casts for righteousness and justice as rehearsed in worship. 

Professor

Jerome Creach

Time

Fall Semester 2022, Wednesdays, 1:30-4:15 p.m., In person

Full Course Description

Course Description

An introduction to the study of the practices of Christian worship with attention to the ways the Bible, theology, tradition, and context shape what Christian communities do when they gather to worship God. Led by faculty representing a variety of theological disciplines and perspectives, each section of WS 110 considers particular dimensions of Christian worship, promoting theological reflection, historical and socio-cultural awareness, intellectual curiosity, and participation in the worship life of the seminary community and the wider church. The course is also designed to introduce the resources, tools, and skills that contribute to effective written communication at the master's level. 

Professor

Angela Hancock

Time

Fall Semester, Tuesdays, 6:30-9:15 p.m., Online

Full Course Description

Course Description

Middler required course.

This is the first of two consecutive courses in which students are invited into the postures, habits, and practices of theologically reflective ministry. Interdisciplinary in nature, the course pays particular attention to the integration of student experiences in field placement sites with work in contextual analysis, Christian theology, and pastoral care.

Professor

Kenneth Woo and Staff

Times

Fall Semester 2022, Wednesdays, 1:30-4:15 p.m., In person

or

Fall Semester 2022, Mondays, 6:30-9:15 p.m., Online

Full Course Description

Course Description

This course introduces students to the basics of biblical Greek and to the tools necessary for translating and interpreting New Testament Greek texts. Students will start with the Greek alphabet and learn the rudiments of grammar and syntax. They will learn basic vocabulary and develop the ability to parse and to translate simple sentences from the New Testament.

Professor

Tucker Ferda

Time

Fall Semester 2022, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30-9:45 a.m., In person

Full Course Description 

Course Description

This course introduces students to the basics of biblical Hebrew and to the tools necessary for translating and interpreting Hebrew texts. Students will learn Hebrew consonants and vowel points and the rudiments of Hebrew grammar and syntax. Students will learn basic vocabulary and begin to translate and interpret simple sentences from the Hebrew Bible.

Professor

Kimberly Russaw

Time

Fall Semester 2022, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:30-7:45 p.m., Online

Full Course Description

Course Description

In this course, students will be introduced to the theology and practice of caring ministry, with special attention to pastoral self-awareness and key relational skills. The course will help students develop their capacity to understand and discern the needs of persons and communities and to determine appropriate responses. Students will also explore the intersection of leadership and care through the study of organizational dynamics and group processes.

Professor

Leanna Fuller

Time

Fall Semester 2022, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:00-11:15 a.m., In person

Full Course Description

Course Description

MTS required course.

This course introduces students to the sources, methods, and bibliographical tools important for academic research and writing in a theological context. Students will gain familiarity with on-campus resources such as the Barbour Library and Center for Writing and Learning Support. Designed to be completed in the first year of one’s program, this course will develop skills in critical analysis as students begin engaging scholarship relevant to completing a research project.

Professor

Ervin Dyer

Time

Fall Semester 2022, Thursday, 6:30-9:15 p.m., Online

Full Course Description

Course Description

This is the first of two courses introducing students to Christian doctrine. Students are invited to reflect theologically on the biblical narrative of election, creation, sin, Israel, and Christ's incarnation, death, resurrection and ascension as lifted up in the church's creedal confessions about Trinity and Christ. Attention will be given to how God's being and work draw us into God's mission and give shape to faithful practices and ministry within particular cultural contexts. 

Professor

Edwin van Driel

Time

Fall Semester 2022, Thursdays, 1:30-4:15 p.m., Online

Full Course Description

Course Description

Senior required course.

This is the second of two courses introducing students to Christian doctrine. Students are invited to reflect theologically on the biblical narrative of God’s gifts through the Spirit of the risen Christ, including justification, sanctification, vocation, the church, the sacraments, and the eschatological consummation of God’s reign, as lifted up in the church’s creedal confessions. Attention will be given to how God’s being and work draw us into God’s mission and give shape to faithful practices and ministry within particular cultural contexts. 

Professor

John Burgess

Time

Fall Semester 2022, Wednesdays, 6:30-9:15 p.m., In person and Online

Full Course Description

Course Description

This course will examine the history, theological focus, and core values that inform ministry in the city. Attention will be given to helping students discern their vocational call in the context of city life and Christian witness in this arena.

Professor

Sheila Johnson

Time

Fall Semester 2022, Thursdays, 6:30-9:15 p.m., Online

Full Course Description

Course Description

Lesslie Newbigin (1909-1998) has been called one of the church fathers of the 20^th century. Ordained in the Church of Scotland, he became a missionary in India, was instrumental in the formation of the Church of South India (the result of unification of Presbyterian, Episcopal, Methodist and Congregationalist denominations), in which he served as bishop, was involved with the World Council of Churches as Associate General Secretary and, on retirement in England, served a small Reformed congregation in Birmingham while using his cross-cultural experiences to develop a unique missional perspective on the church in a post-Christian Western society. As we increasingly rethink what it means to be church, this course explores what we can learn from Newbigin’s missional theology.

Professor

Edwin van Driel

Time

Fall Semester 2022, Tuesdays, 1:30-4:15 p.m., Online

Full Course Description

Course Description

This course represents a biblically-theologically rooted approach to planting mission-shaped churches. The course focuses on the formation of church planting leaders able to cultivate new mission-shaped Christian communities in specific contexts. Students will develop the capacity to be theologically reflective church planting leaders from within concrete personal and communal postures, habits, and skills of initiating and leading the formation of new Christian communities.

Professor

Scott Hagley

Time

Fall Semester 2022, Tuesdays, 6:30-9:15 p.m., In person

Full Course Description

Course Description

This course will situate the Book of Revelation both in its world and ours. The course will critically analyze the Book of Revelation and its reception both historically and in our contemporary moment. The course will examine Revelation as it is brought into dialogue with more contemporary critical discourses, such as feminist studies, liberation hermeneutics, postcolonial studies, and ecotheology.

Professor

Jennifer Kaalund

Time

Fall Semester 2022, Wednesdays, 1:30-4:15 p.m., Online

Full Course Description

Course Description

This course explores the biblical book of Psalms. It considers historical and social settings for the Psalms, but it focuses on literary, theological, and canonical issues. The course gives special attention to the reign of God as the central theological issue in the book and to God’s work for justice as a key feature of God’s reign. The course serves as an elective for the Graduate Certificate in Urban Ministry.

Professor

Jerome Creach

Time

Fall Semester, Wednesdays, 6:30-9:15 p.m., In person

Full Course Description

Course Description

In this course students will explore key topics related to ordained ministry, including the theology of ordination, the vocation of the ordained, the pastor as spiritual guide, visionary/strategic leadership, adaptive leadership, and sustaining a life of pastoral ministry. Students will also be introduced to skills and practices necessary for effective ordained leadership, including leading weddings and funerals, administering sacraments, leading staff, equipping laity, and overseeing financial and facility matters.

Professor

L. Roger Owens

Time

Fall Semester 2022, Tuesdays, 1:30-4:15 p.m., In person

Full Course Description

Course Description

The parables of Jesus pose a unique challenge for preachers. This course introduces the genre of parable in the New Testament, maps the history of parable interpretation, considers current approaches to the synoptic parables in biblical studies and homiletics, and introduces options for faithfully and imaginatively proclaiming the parables of Jesus today in a variety of ministry contexts.

Professor

Angela Hancock

Time

Fall Semester 2022, Thursdays, 1:30-4:15 p.m., In person

Full Course Description

Course Description

This course invites students to reflect theologically on questions of nationalism and war. When if ever can Christians support national self-interest and war? The course will draw on classical and contemporary resources to address current armed conflicts (in 2022, we will be thinking especially about the war in Ukraine).

Professor

John Burgess

Time

Fall Semester 2022, Thursdays, 3:00-5:45 p.m., In person and Online

Full Course Description

Course Description

This is the first of two consecutive courses in which students are invited into the postures, habits, and practices of theologically reflective ministry. Interdisciplinary in nature, the course pays particular attention to the integration of student experiences in field placement sites with work in contextual analysis, Christian theology, and pastoral care.

Professor

Barbara Blodgett

Full Course Description

Course Description

This is the second of two consecutive courses in which students are invited into the postures, habits, and practices of theologically reflective ministry. Interdisciplinary in nature, the course pays particular attention to the integration of student experiences in field placement sites with work in exegesis, communication, and missional leadership. 

Professor

Barbara Blodgett

Full Course Description

Course Description

This course introduces students to the basics of biblical Greek and to the tools necessary for translating and interpreting New Testament Greek texts. Students will start with the Greek alphabet and learn the rudiments of grammar and syntax. They will learn basic vocabulary and develop the ability to parse and to translate simple sentences from the New Testament. 

Professor

Daniel Frayer-Griggs

Full Course Description

Course Description

This course completes the study of introductory Greek grammar, extends vocabulary memorization, and introduces the practice of exegesis. Students will gain skills in interpreting texts by giving attention to their literary, social, historical, and canonical contexts, and by articulating the meaning of these texts as Christian Scripture. Students will also learn to identify appropriate scholarly resources for biblical interpretation.

Professor

Daniel Frayer-Griggs

Full Course Description

Course Description

This course introduces students to the basics of biblical Hebrew and to the tools necessary for translating and interpreting Hebrew texts. Students will learn Hebrew consonants and vowel points and the rudiments of grammar and syntax. They will learn basic vocabulary and begin to translate and interpret simple sentences from the Hebrew Bible. 

Professor

Jerome Creach

Full Course Description

Course Description

This course completes the study of introductory Hebrew grammar and introduces the practice of exegesis. Students will gain skills in interpreting texts by giving attention to their literary, social, historical, and canonical contexts, and by articulating the meaning of these texts as Christian Scripture. Students will also learn to identify appropriate scholarly resources for biblical interpretation. 

Professor

Jerome Creach

Full Course Description