Course Descriptions
Semester Schedules
Fall 2022-2023 Course and Delivery Method Schedule
Summer 2022 Course and Delivery Method Schedule
Fall 2022-2023
Studies in Bible and Biblical Languages
BI 210: English Bible Exegesis I/Old Testament
Course Description
Middler required course.
This course introduces the process of Old Testament exegesis and gives students opportunity to practice exegesis of various Old Testament passages from the English Bible. Students will learn to identify and evaluate the literary, social, historical, and canonical contexts of passages and to articulate the meaning of those passages as Christian Scripture. Students will also learn to identify appropriate scholarly resources for Old Testament interpretation.
Professor
Daniel Frayer-Griggs
Time
Fall Semester 2022, Wednesdays, 8:30-11:15 a.m., Online
NT 110: Gospels, Acts, Johannine Epistles
Course Description
Junior required course.
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
NT 210: Greek Grammar I
Course Description
Middler required course.
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
NT 470: Unveiling Revelation
Course Description
Elective
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
OT 110: Genesis through Esther
Course Description
Junior Required Course
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
OT 210: Hebrew Grammar I
Course Description
Middler required course.
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
OT 418: The Book of Psalms
Course Description
Elective
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
Historical Studies
CH 110: Foundations of the Christian Story
Course Description
Junior required course.
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
Theology in Ministry
CS 401: Introduction to Urban Ministry
Course Description
Elective
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
FE 210: Field Education I
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
MI 406: The Missional Theology of Lesslie Newbigin
Course Description
Lesslie Newbigin (1909-1998) has been called one of the church fathers of the 20th 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
MI 455: Planting and Leading New Faith Communities
Course Description
Elective
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
PC 210: Introduction to Caring Ministry
Course Description
Middler required course.
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
PR 447: Preaching the Parables of Jesus
Course Description
Elective
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
PS 411: The Practice of Ordained Ministry
Course Description
Elective
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
SP110A: Spiritual Formation I
Course Description
Junior required course.
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
WS 110: Exploring Christian Worship - Creach
Course Description
Junior required course.
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
WS: 110 Exploring Christian Worship - Hancock
Course Description
Junior required course.
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
Studies in Theology
TH 210: Christian Theology I
Course Description
Middler required course.
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
TH 320: Christian Theology II
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
TH 500: Christians, Nationalism, and War
Course Description
Elective
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
RS 110: Research Methods Seminar
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
Summer 2022-2023
Studies in Bible and Biblical Languages
NT 210: Greek Grammar I
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
NT 220: Greek Grammar II and Exegesis
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
OT 210: Hebrew Grammar I
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
OT 210: Hebrew Grammar II and Exegesis
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
Theology in Ministry
FE 210: Field Education I
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
FE 220: Field Education II
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