Lee University Catalog 2016-2017 [Archived Catalog]
Graduate Studies in Religion
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School of Religion Graduate Studies
Terry L. Cross, Dean
Lisa M. Long, Director of Graduate Programs in Christian Ministries
Lisa Stephenson, Director of Graduate Programs in Biblical and Theological Studies
The School of Religion offers three graduate degrees: the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies, the Master of Arts in Theological Studies, and the Master of Arts in Ministry Studies.
Students must remain in good standing throughout their course of graduate study in the School of Religion, and must adhere to specific requirements for the MA degree program in which they are enrolled. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 prior to application and enrollment for final project, thesis, internship or exams, and must have an overall GPA of 3.0 in order to be considered for graduation. No student will be allowed to graduate from the program with less than a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
Graduate Studies in Biblical and Theological Studies
The Master of Arts degree in Biblical Studies and the Master of Arts degree in Theological Studies provide post-baccalaureate study that prepares men and women for further graduate work or for other vocational interests. The programs are offered within a community of Christian scholars. The educational perspective is evangelical/Pentecostal. The focus of the degree programs is academic rather than professional. The goal of the programs is disciplinary competence through collegial engagement with peers and scholars in the discipline. The MA degree programs in Biblical and Theological Studies offer advanced study in these disciplines. Similar to seminaries, we offer admittance to qualified students from all undergraduate disciplines, not only those with Biblical or Theological Studies degrees. The program offers an alternative path to these students and requires 48 credit hours to complete. Those with an undergraduate degree in Biblical or Theological Studies can complete the MA with 36 credit hours.
The M.A. in Biblical Studies with an emphasis in Pentecostal/Charismatic Studies is offered at ETS (European Theological Seminary) in Kniebis, Germany (http://www.ets-kniebis.de/index.php/en/).
The M.A. in Bible and Theology is offered only at SEMISUD (Seminario Sudamericano) in Quito, Ecuador (http://www.semisud.edu.ec/). It is a combination of the Biblical Studies program and the Theological Studies program offered in a Latin American context.
The Master of Arts degree in Theological Studies is available with an Ethics emphasis. The theological ethics emphasis offered at Lee University is unique. It has its genesis in the observation that the practical implementation of theory is essential if Christians are to become catalysts of change and stability within our fluid culture. Although the theological ethics emphasis incorporates high philosophical reasoning and fundamental theological insights, its main purpose is to provide clues to the practical application of ethics. This application is seen when we evaluate definitions for truth, work toward peace, implement business agreements and contracts, analyze attitudes with regard to sexual preference and practice, consider policies that impact the youngest and oldest members of society, and the like. Students in this emphasis will be allowed to work with faculty in order to build a course of study to follow their own academic interests through a cross-disciplinary approach to their program. In so doing, they will master their field of study as it relates to ethical issues in the social and natural sciences, visual and performing arts, education, business, or religion. The end result of the emphasis is that the student will be equipped for discourse in the public realm as it relates to ethical policy in local, national, and global communities.
More detailed program information can be found at:
Master of Arts in Biblical Studies (BIBST.MA)
Master of Arts in Theological Studies (THEST.MA)
Graduate Studies in Christian Ministries
The Master of Arts degree in Ministry Studies at Lee University provides a program of study that combines practical studies and practical ministry. For those whose undergraduate degree focused on religious studies, this graduate program offers the opportunity to further the student’s knowledge and expertise. For those whose undergraduate degree focused on disciplines other than religion, this graduate program can fill the missing pieces of the student’s education. The Master of Arts in Ministry Studies will equip the student to be the leader in ministry that God has called and gifted the person to be.
The courses in this program are specifically designed to help the student understand the biblical and theological foundations of issues related to ministry in contemporary contexts, and then to move beyond theory to the implementation of practical skills for successful vocational ministry. The combination of superior education and ministry experience of the School of Religion faculty enable them to present a realistic approach to this union of theory and practice. The modular design of this program offers convenient once-a-month course scheduling to better accommodate the busy schedules of working adults. Our students are a diverse group comprised of women and men who range from recent graduates to experienced ministers. The camaraderie between students and faculty, combined with discussion-based classes create an exciting learning environment that readily lends itself to ministry application.
The Master of Arts degree in Ministry Studies at Lee University offers three tracks: Leadership Studies, Worship Studies, and Youth and Family Studies. The degree includes 18 hours of common core courses and 18 hours of courses within each track. The student’s learning experience will culminate in either a track-specific final project or internship.
The M.A. in Church Leadership and Administration is offered at SEBIPCA (Seminario Bíblico Pentecostal Centroamericano) in Guatemala (http://www.sebipca.org/). It is essentially the M.A. in Ministry Studies in the Latin American context.
More detailed program information can be found at:
Master of Arts in Ministry Studies (MINST.MA)
The Master of Arts in Ministry Studies is also available online through the Division of Adult Learning. For more information: Master of Arts in Ministry Studies - Online Program
Master of Arts
Bible
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BIBL 501 - Judaism in the Greco-Roman Period
A study of the history and literature of the intertestamental period leading up to the first advent of Christ. In addition to the apocryphal books, the Qumran scrolls will be read and discussed and their significance for the New Testament period considered.
Credit Hours: 3
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BIBL 502 - Romans and Galatians
A comparative, expository, and theological study of the Epistles to the Romans and Galatians with emphasis on the cardinal Christian doctrines as formulated in these documents. The course includes a study of the influences of both Judaism and Hellenism on the cultural and religious scene in the first century C.E.
Credit Hours: 3
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BIBL 504 - I and II Corinthians
An expository and theological study of I and II Corinthians. Special attention is given to the doctrinal and practical issues faced in the early Christian community in the Hellenistic world, taking into account the cultural and religious environments of the day.
Credit Hours: 3
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BIBL 550 - Biblical Criticism/ Hermeneutics
This course will explore several schools of biblical criticism (source, reaction, and form criticism), and various hermeneutical approaches. Particular attention will be given to tracing the influence of German philosophy on contemporary continental theology. Martin Heidegger’s role in forming the hermeneutic of Rudolph Bultmann and the resultant schools of interpretation arising from the latter will be studied in detail. In addition, more recent forms of criticism will be considered, including reader-response, social-scientific, and postmodern theory.
Credit Hours: 3
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BIBL 555 - The Parables
This course aims to acquaint students with critical issues related to reading, translating, and interpreting Jesus’s parables in the Synoptic Gospels. It will pay close attention to important works in NT scholarship dealing with the parables, and will provide students with an opportunity to conduct and present their own research on one of these clever stories.
Credit Hours: 3
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BIBL 560 - People Groups in Early First Century Judea: Social, Political and Religious Reflections
This course will examine the role and function of various people groups mentioned in the gospels for the purpose of better understanding the message of Jesus, the struggles of the first believers and the experience of Paul. The Pharisees, Sadducees, Zealots, “People of the Land,” tax collectors, sinners, Hellenists and Hebrews will all be studied.
Credit Hours: 3
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BIBL 564 - Jesus and the Gospels
This course provides opportunities to study two interrelated areas of research: (1) the life and teaching of Jesus of Nazareth; and (2) the nature of the canonical Gospels. We will survey important, “classic” works of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries that bear upon questions relating to Jesus and the Gospels. Such works will include the following: Schweizer’s The Quest of the Historical Jesus, Wrede’s The Messicanic Secret, Kahler’s The So-Called Historical Jesus and the Biblical-Historical Christ, Dibelius’s From Tradition to the Gospel, Bultmann’s History of the Synoptic Tradition, Dodd’s Apostolic Preaching and Its Developments, and other recent modern studies.
Credit Hours: 3
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BIBL 565 - Dead Sea Scrolls
This course concerns the study of the Dead Sea Scrolls and the community that dwelt at Qumran.
Credit Hours: 3
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BIBL 568 - Advanced Pauline Studies
This course will examine the major contours of Paul’s thought through an intensive study of the primary sources, as well as extensive readings in the secondary literature. Its method will be to identify, organize and examine such key elements as the theology, anthropology, soteriology and ecclesiology of the Apostle Paul.
Credit Hours: 3
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BIBL 570 - Book Studies: Exegesis Seminar
This course will focus on a careful exegetical analysis of the Greek text of the book under discussion. Matters of interpretation and elements of advanced grammar will be discussed. The specific book chosen for the seminar may vary from year to year.
Credit Hours: 3
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BIBL 581 - Pentateuch
A detailed study of the first five books of the Old Testament with special attention to their composition and social and theological contexts. The course will also consider the questions of legal and cultic authority and the figure of Moses in the portrayal of that authority.
Credit Hours: 3
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BIBL 583 - Ethics of the Old Testament
An interactive study of the ethical teachings of the Old Testament with special attention being given to texts that cause ethical dilemmas for an individual in a twenty-first century context.
Credit Hours: 3
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BIBL 593 - Directed Study in Biblical Studies
A study of an approved area of biblical or theological studies, in which the student contracts with the director of the study concerning course requirements, course scheduling and evaluation procedure. This course may not be used to substitute for core courses.
Credit Hours: 3
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BIBL 594 - Special Topics in Biblical Studies
An intensive study of selective topics in biblical studies, including research and critical evaluation of primary and secondary sources. This cannot be used as a substitute for core classes.
Credit Hours: 3
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BIBL 597 - Area Exam
This course is designed for students to conclude their graduate program by sitting for an exam covering three areas of specialization.
Credit Hours: 3
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BIBL 598 - Thesis
This course is designed for students to conclude their graduate program in religion by writing a thesis that provides evidence of ability to do independent research and compile it in the form required by the faculty of graduate studies in religion.
Credit Hours: 3
German
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GERM 501 - Theological German
An introduction to theological German designed for the student who has little or no previous knowledge of the language. The course will focus on the basics of German grammar and syntax, while acquisition of vocabulary and translation drills will concentrate on religious and theological selections.
Prerequisites
None
Credit Hours: 3
When Offered
Summer, odd years
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GERM 502 - Readings in Theological German
Continuing the course on introduction to theological German, this course reviews and extends the grammatical and syntactical aspects of the German language. Students will be exposed to a variety of philosophical and theological texts meant to prepare them for comprehension and reading of German for research in future work. With this goal in mind, the emphasis is on reading comprehension and extensive exposure of as many theological and biblical readings as possible. The prerequisite is GERM-501.
Prerequisites
GERM-501
Credit Hours: 3
When Offered
Summer, odd years
Greek
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GREK 501 - Elementary New Testament Greek
A basic vocabulary and grammar study of New Testament Greek with some drills in simple Greek reading. The course consists primarily of drills in vocabulary and grammar with an introduction to its use.
Credit Hours: 3
When Offered
Fall semester
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GREK 502 - Elementary New Testament Greek
A continuation of GREK-501 with more attention to syntax and reading.
Prerequisites
GREK-501
Credit Hours: 3
When Offered
Spring semester
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GREK 511 - Intermediate New Testament Greek
This course offers a programmatic acquisition of the vocabulary and grammar of the Greek New Testament with special emphasis on the linguistic and theological contributions found in the Epistle of 1 John.
Prerequisites
GREK-502.
Credit Hours: 3
When Offered
Fall semester
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GREK 512 - Intermediate New Testament Greek
A continuation of GREK-511. A course in reading New Testament Greek, beginning with the simpler portions and advancing to more difficult areas of text.
Prerequisites
GREK-511
Credit Hours: 3
When Offered
Spring semester
Hebrew
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HEBR 501 - Elementary Biblical Hebrew
This course is an introduction to Hebrew that is designed to introduce students to the basic vocabulary and grammar of the Hebrew Bible.
Credit Hours: 3
When Offered
Fall semester
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HEBR 502 - Readings in Biblical Hebrew
This course is a continuation of HEBR-501. It builds on the vocabulary and grammar of HEBR-501 and gives students a working knowledge of the standard grammatical and lexical resources for exegetical work. Students will also begin reading the text of the Hebrew Bible.
Prerequisites
HEBR-501.
Credit Hours: 3
When Offered
Spring semester
Latin
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LATN 501 - Ecclesiastical Latin
This course will introduce the student to the basic grammar, syntax, and vocabulary of the Latin language, with special attention towards ecclesiastical Latin.
Credit Hours: 3
When Offered
Summer, even years
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LATN 502 - Readings in Ecclesiastical Latin
This course will build upon the introduction to basic Latin grammar and focus on extending vocabulary and reading skills. Its special emphasis will be on writings of an ecclesiastical nature from the early church fathers through the 17th century.
Prerequisites
LATN-501.
Credit Hours: 3
When Offered
Summer, even years
Ministry Studies
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MLDR 540 - Church Leadership and Management
This course outlines key elements involved in leading the organization of the church. It will focus on four key areas of church leadership: leading through church business, leading through relationships, leading through church programs, leading through mission.
Credit Hours: 3
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MLDR 542 - Leadership Development
This course provides a basic knowledge of leadership development using several contemporary leadership theories to aid in preparing ministers in the context of a Christian worldview. Further, it acquaints students with a development model for equipping and training followers in service mindedness and servant leadership through mentoring and coaching. Current issues and trends affecting organizational change will provide a framework for the course readings.
Credit Hours: 3
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MLDR 544 - Spirituality, Ethics and Leadership
This course instructs students in how to lead from the core of one’s being as opposed to leading based on environment or outside forces. It will focus on the minister’s personal life and growth, depth in spirituality, self-assessment, and personal values that affect the leadership of a particular organization such as a local church or parachurch ministry.
Credit Hours: 3
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MLDR 546 - Strategic Leadership
This course provides an understanding of ways to move an organization or church forward. It will focus on leading through motivation, leading through communication, strategic leadership to bring about change, and conflict leadership (including conflict resolution, conflict management, and analysis of conflict styles). It will also focus on preparing the church for the future through forecasting and futurism.
Credit Hours: 3
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MLDR 590 - Leadership Studies Final Project
This course is intended as a final research project within the MINST program. Students will research a specific area within leadership ministry and provide evidence of biblical, theological, or social science research. In addition, students will prepare a project presentation based on the questions raised by the foundational research.
Credit Hours: 3
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MLDR 593 - Leadership Studies Internship
This course is designed for students who have not had practical experience in leadership ministry. It may be done in lieu of a final project so that students may experience supervised leadership ministry.
Credit Hours: 3
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MMST 500 - Research Seminar
This course introduces the principles and procedures of scholarly research and writing. Particular emphasis is placed on research and writing appropriate to graduate studies in ministry.
Prerequisites
N/A
Credit Hours: N/C
When Offered
TBA
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MMST 510 - Special Topics in Ministry Studies
This course is intended to provide students the opportunity to explore aspects of ministry which are current and relevant to the degree, but are outside the scope of required degree curriculum. May be repeated for credit.
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MMST 530 - Christian Spirituality and Ministry
This course equips men and women for a ministry of leading God’s people into a life of Christian maturing. It is designed to provide students with the knowledge, resources and approaches for fostering spiritual formation in faith communities. The course will explore the biblical and theological foundations of Christian spirituality, the role of the social sciences in better understanding spiritual development, and the integration of traditional Christian practices in the formation and discipleship process.
Credit Hours: 3
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MMST 532 - Perspectives on Leadership
This course will provide an overview of various models of leadership, their appropriateness for use within communities of faith, and cultural influences on contemporary conceptualizations of leadership. Through the analysis and critique of the models from a faith perspective, students will be able to articulate their approach to leadership and its effects on their ministry settings.
Credit Hours: 3
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MMST 534 - Practical Theology
This course introduces students to the discipline of practical theology by engaging theological reflection upon the practice of ministry and church life. Rather than remaining in a contemplative mode of the traditional theological task, practical theology stresses the transformative character of doing theology by examining the underlying theological assumptions and foundations of the church’s life and praxis. Students will learn to assess the church’s actions for what they could or should be from a theological standpoint, yet also learn to describe and assess these actions as they truly exist. This theological and practical examination of the church will focus on areas where thought and praxis overlap.
Credit Hours: 3
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MMST 536 - Principles of Bible Study
This course prepares students for personal and community Bible study, using the Inductive Study Method. The inductive method utilizes a canonical approach and focuses on the rhetorical aspects of the biblical text. The method seeks to understand the author’s intent as well as its relevance for the contemporary world. The course emphasizes direct engagement with biblical texts through the disciplined use of sound hermeneutical principles.
Credit Hours: 3
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MMST 538 - Creative Preaching and Teaching
This course provides a broad study of homiletics and teaching using non-traditional and creative approaches, while seeking to maintain the integrity of the pulpit. It will integrate innovative forms and multiple learning styles into sermon and lesson preparation so the student will be able to communicate the Gospel to a wide variety of audiences.
Credit Hours: 3
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MMST 539 - Christian Faith and Culture
This course explores the relationship between faith and culture from a Christian apologetic perspective. Various aspects of culture are analyzed, including popular culture, generational trends, technological innovations, multiculturalism, and religion, with the intent of developing Christian ministry praxis for engaging contemporary culture.
Credit Hours: 3
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MMST 570 - Discipleship in the New Testament
A course designed to present to the students an overview of the writings of the New Testament, while providing an in-depth synthesis of the New Testament’s purview of discipleship. Practical application will be made as the students create a contextual plan of discipleship based on that synthesis.
Prerequisites
none
Credit Hours: 3
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MWST 560 - Biblical and Theological Foundations of Worship
The course will explore the concept and practice of worship in the Old and New Testaments, worship in the lives of biblical characters, and the biblical roots of contemporary worship practices. The course will explore theological foundations for understanding worship practice, assesses theological implications of personal and corporate worship ministry, and equip worship leaders in the application of a theology of worship in specific ministry contexts.
Credit Hours: 3
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MWST 562 - History of Christian Worship
This course provides an overview of the history of Christian worship from the New Testament era through the present. Special attention will be given to the practices, rituals and symbols of worship in selected Christian traditions. The course will identify historical movements and leaders who significantly shaped current perspectives of Christian worship.
Credit Hours: 3
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MWST 564 - Worship Leadership for the Contemporary Church
This course will examine practical leadership issues of worship ministry. The course will survey contemporary models and practices of worship. Attention will be given to administration and planning strategies for effective worship events. The course will also explore the incorporation of music and the fine arts in worship and issues of cross-cultural worship.
Credit Hours: 3
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MWST 566 - Media and Technology in Worship
This course is designed to examine the origins, roles and current practices of worship leaders using visual media technologies as a part of church services. Discussion topics include an overview of the emerging role of the media minister, as well as the uses and effects of these communication technologies. The course will also evaluate hardware and equipment as well as an exploration of software used to produce and display visual electronic media. Emerging technologies will be explored for use in worship settings.
Credit Hours: 3
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MWST 590 - Worship Studies Final Project
This course is intended as a final research project within the MINST program. Students will research a specific area within worship ministry and provide evidence of biblical, theological, or social science research. In addition, students will prepare a project presentation based on the questions raised by the foundational research.
Credit Hours: 3
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MWST 593 - Worship Studies Internship
This course is designed for students who have not had practical experience in worship ministry. It may be done in lieu of a final project so that students may experience supervised worship ministry.
Credit Hours: 3
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MYFM 550 - Foundations of Youth and Family Ministry
This course will examine the biblical and theological foundations of the family with specific focus on the place of children and adolescents within the family structure. Various models of youth and family ministry will be examined, and through the use of lectures, research, and case studies, the student will develop a family ministry program which will be applicable in his/her ministerial setting.
Credit Hours: 3
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MYFM 552 - Discipleship in Contemporary Culture
This course will equip youth leaders for the task of carrying out the Great Commission in a postmodern society. Included will be an examination of key New Testament texts of discipleship, an identification of vital principles used by Christ and the first century church, and a critique of contemporary models. Special consideration will be given to the unique challenges presented by contemporary culture. The goal for each student will be to develop a discipleship model that will systematically take a student from the initial stage of being evangelized through the steps of Christian growth and formation.
Credit Hours: 3
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MYFM 554 - Theological Issues in Youth and Family Ministry
This course will provide students with an overview of the task of theology as it relates to ministry to children, adolescents and families. It will focus on several issues of particular importance to youth and family ministry, offering a theological basis and dialogue for each issue. Some issues and their concomitant theological areas that may be investigated are the following: human personality and theological anthropology; sexuality and a theology of sex; estrangement and a theology of reconciliation; abuse/disorders/violence and a theology of wholeness of life; suffering and a theology of suffering; school issues and a theology of learning; and other miscellaneous issues that may arise.
Credit Hours: 3
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MYFM 556 - Adolescent Development
This course is an examination of the developmental phenomena of adolescence, its physiological, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual dimensions, and the influence of context such as family, peers, schools, and community. Consideration of the needs of youth and interacting societal institutions, with a focus on continuity of development as viewed within the framework of life-span development will be studied.
Credit Hours: 3
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MYFM 557 - Human Development and Transformation
This course will examine central theories of human development and transformation in order to understand their implications for youth and family ministry. Emphasis will be placed upon the periods of childhood and adolescence. These theories will be placed in dialogue with research concerning religious transformation.
Prerequisites
none
Credit Hours: 3
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MYFM 558 - Marriage and Family Systems
An introduction to general systems theory. Special attention is given to the history of marriage and family therapy and the basic theories of and models of family interaction. Implication for interactional patterns, functional and dysfunctional family systems, life cycle issues, and ethnicity are discussed.
Credit Hours: 3
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MYFM 590 - Youth and Family Studies Final Project
This course is intended as a final research project within the MINST program. Students will research a specific area within youth and/or family ministry and provide evidence of biblical, theological, or social science research. In addition, students will prepare a project presentation based on the questions raised by the foundational research.
Credit Hours: 3
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MYFM 593 - Youth and Family Studies Internship
This course is designed for students who have not had practical experience in youth and family ministry. It may be done in lieu of a final project so that students may experience supervised ministry with youth and families.
Credit Hours: 3
Philosophy
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PHIL 552 - Philosophy of Religion
This course will introduce the student to the main frameworks of philosophic thought, especially as they relate to religious studies. Particularly important will be the thought of Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Immanuel Kant, and the Modern/Postmodern area. Topics considered will be the arguments for the existence of God, religious experience, the problem of evil, problems with religious language, miracles, immortality, freedom and determinism, faith and reason, and religious pluralism.
Credit Hours: 3
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PHIL 562 - Religious Epistemology
A survey of recent work on religious epistemology and related philosophical issues such as: the nature of knowledge and the possibility of religious knowledge, the rationality of religious belief, religious experience, the relationship between faith and doubt, and the epistemic challenge posed by religious diversity.
Credit Hours: 3
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PHIL 571 - Philosophical Ethics
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the philosophical study of morality through the analysis of major ethical works in the history of Western philosophy, and leading paradigms in contemporary moral philosophy.
Credit Hours: 3
Theology
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THEO 501 - Directed Readings in Theological Ethics
The course offers an exploration of both classic and current texts within Theological Ethics. It surveys the building blocks of the discipline and investigates its dominant themes and contributors while highlighting the relevant research that is presently shaping the field.
Credit Hours: 3
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THEO 505 - Ecclesiology in Latin America
THis course introduces the different perspectives toward the church of the three most prominent traditions in Latin America: the Roman Catholic, the Protestant, and the Pentecostal traditions. Students are given the tools for analyzing and contextualizing in order to examine and evaluate these traditional perspectives and to enter into dialogue with some new ecclesiological proposals.
Credit Hours: 3
Notes
Offered only off-campus at SEMISUD in Quito, Ecuador.
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THEO 507 - Systematic Anthropology
The student is introduced to the different perspectives of the human being in the Christian tradition through the study of biblical texts and systematic texts (theological and philosophical). Students are provided with analytical instruments to examine the different proposals, and ensures they are capable of dialogue with the social sciences.
Credit Hours: 3
Notes
Offered only off-campus at SEMISUD in Quito, Ecuador.
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THEO 534 - Doctrine of Christ
A historical and systematic study of the doctrine of the person and work of Jesus Christ. This course surveys the primitive Christologies of the New Testament and continues by examining the Christological controversies of the early church (until the final crystallization in the Chalcedonian Creed). The basic questions of the doctrine of Christ will be investigated (e.g., the incarnation, the relation of the two natures of Christ, the divinity of Christ in relation to the Trinity). Consideration will be given to the several quests for the historical Jesus in the last century as well as a consideration of the “Jesus Seminar.” An examination of the various reconstructions of Christologies in the modern era (e.g., liberationist, feminist, and other Christologies) will be a part of this study. The centrality of Christ for other doctrines and for Christian proclamation will be stressed.
Credit Hours: 3
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THEO 535 - Doctrine of the Holy Spirit
This course offers a study of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit with emphasis upon the Spirit’s relationship to Christ. The work of the Holy Spirit in relation to other fundamental doctrines will also be considered (creation, salvation, ecclesiology, eschatology). Special attention will be focused on the work of the Holy Spirit as teacher, helper, disciple and on the experience of Spirit baptism with the initial evidence of glossalalia. Some attention will be given to the meaning of ‘living in the Spirit’ and spiritual gifts.
Credit Hours: 3
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THEO 536 - Doctrine of the Church
This course will examine the various models of the Church proposed by the New Testament and later throughout the history of Christianity. Special attention will be given to these areas of eccesiology: governmental structures and leadership; the nature and mission of the church; sacraments; and the church empowered by the Spirit. Relating these studies to the contemporary Body of Christ will be a central goal.
Credit Hours: 3
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THEO 553 - History of Doctrine II
This course provides a study of major Christian doctrines as understood through the writings of seminal theologians of the Church up to the eighteenth century. By placing each theologian within a historical context, this course will allow the controversies and major movements of each period to dictate the doctrines to be discussed.
Credit Hours: 3
Notes
Offered only off-campus at ETS in Kniebis, Germany.
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THEO 554 - Early Christian Doctrine
An exploration of the rise and evolution of Christianity through the period of Late Antiquity. By examining the practices, ideas, and cultural ethos of early Christians withing their historical contexts, the course seeks to offer an overarching account of Christianity from a movement within Judaism to the primary religion of the Roman empire and its successors.
Credit Hours: 3
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THEO 555 - Seminar on Augustine
This course provides graduate students with a thorough working-knowledge of the main writings of Augustine. While the course provides a historical and theological background to Augustine’s life and thought, it focuses primarily on his most significant theological treatises such as The Trinity, The City of God, Confessions, as well as several of the anti-Pelagian writings.
Credit Hours: 3
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THEO 571 - Theology of the Reformers
This course focuses on Luther, Calvin, Simons and Cranmer as representative of four major streams of Reformation tradition. It (1) explores the personal and historical contexts of each principal, (2) discusses the emphases of each on selected theological matters, (3) compares their theological postures, and (4) assesses the immediate and extended impact of their work upon the wider European experience.
Credit Hours: 3
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THEO 572 - De Oratione: The Theology of Prayer
This course seeks to trace out developments within the theology and practice of Christian prayer, whether they be located in liturgy and the pulpit, the monastery and the treatise, or personal piety and mystical devotion. The course will pay particular attention to the continuities and differentiations of the theology and practice of Christian prayer within not only these different contexts, but also within different time periods, in order to analyze the character outcome meant to be formed wtihin the person devoted to certain types of prayer.
Credit Hours: 3
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THEO 573 - Pentecostal Theology
This course will consider the historical and theological development of the Pentecostal movement, with a view to rehearsing past theological views as well as future systematic possibilities. Topics to be examined will be classical doctrines as well as issues of healing, the five-fold Gospel, the relationship with evangelicals and charismatics, the role of glossolalia and gifts of the Spirit.
Credit Hours: 3
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THEO 574 - Feminist Theology
This course examines the historical roots, key ideas and trajectories of feminist theology and philosophy; the passions and contradictions of these disciplines; and their effects on various social practices and religious institutions.
Credit Hours: 3
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THEO 575 - Contemporary Theology
This course will survey the theological and philosophical trends from the nineteenth century to the present. The major doctrinal themes examined will be the doctrines of God and revelation; the Trinity; and Christology. In addition, various approaches to theology will be considered: liberation theology, narrative theology, feminist and womanist theology, African-American theology, African theology, Asian theology and evangelical theology. Rigorous study in the philosophical foundations of these theologies and their representatives will be examined. The hermeneutical and theological methods of these systems of theology will offer a basis for comparison and evaluation. Important philosophical themes to be considered are existentialism, modernism, and postmodernism.
Credit Hours: 3
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THEO 576 - Seminar in Theology (Calvin)
This course is a seminar focusing on selected portions of Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion. It considers the successive editions of the work in both Latin and French, ascertaining the purpose for such and the nuances of the Reformer’s thought therein. Students will attend to the lectures on various aspects of Calvin’s personal and professional life and will interact by papers and discussion with portions of Calvin’s work.
Credit Hours: 3
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THEO 577 - Seminar in Theology (Wesley)
A seminar that will focus on the primary writings of John Wesley, with an introduction to the works of Charles Wesley, and the rise of the Wesleyan Movement. Wesley will be placed within the larger theological context of Western Christendom, but the major focus of the course is the development of his thought. Interaction over sections of primary readings will form a vital part of the seminar as well as student presentations.
Credit Hours: 3
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THEO 578 - Seminar in Theology (Barth)
This course is a seminar that will focus on a selected portion of the primary writings of Karl Barth. Barth’s theological views will be placed within a larger framework of his thought, but the focus will be on a limited section of his Church Dogmatics I/1 and II/1. Students will “exegete” passages from Barth’s writings and will discuss in a seminar setting the implications for his doctrine of God.
Credit Hours: 3
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THEO 579 - Theology and Ethics of Moltmann
An intensive study of Moltmann’s theology and ethics as they developed in the specific matrix of European philosophy, theology, and exegesis, and how they evolved and expanded as Moltmann engaged more international contexts, especially those in North and Latin America.
Credit Hours: 3
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THEO 580 - The Trinity
This course offers a study of the doctrine of the Trinity. It examines the fundamental, scriptural data for the doctrine, tracks the formulation and articulation of the doctrine in the history of the church, and attends to appropriations of the doctrine in contemporary theology.
Credit Hours: 3
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THEO 581 - Political Theology
This course intends an analysis and criticism of political arrangements from the perspective of differing interpretations of God’s ways with the world. This course will also explore the role of the church as a polis, which practices a theological politics. Major themes and thinkers will include the following: liberation theology, feminist theology, black theology, Radical Orthodoxy, Jürgen Moltmann, Walter Brueggemann, William, Cavanaugh, John Howard Yoder, Stanley Hauerwas, and Amos Yong.
Credit Hours: 3
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THEO 582 - Theological Anthropology
This course is a biblical, historical, and systematic consideration of certain themes concerning human nature from a Christian perspective. The aim of the course is to facilitate reflection on core aspects of human identity and living. Major themes include creation, gender, body and soul, disabilities, and the destiny of humanity (eschatology).
Credit Hours: 3
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THEO 583 - Theology of Economics and Globalization
The course offers a Christian theological engagement with the complex realities of economics and globalization. It incorporates an interdisciplinary survey of significant themes and contributors, highlighting the intersections between Christian theology and political economy and investigating the ways Christianity has influenced the development of economic theory and practice.
Credit Hours: 3
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THEO 593 - Directed Study in Theological Studies
A study of an approved area of biblical or theological studies, in which the student contracts with the director of the study concerning course requirements, course scheduling and evaluation procedure. This course may not be used to substitute for core courses.
Credit Hours: 3
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THEO 594 - Special Topics in Theological Studies
An intensive study of selective topics in theological studies, including research and critical evaluation of primary and secondary sources. Repeatable for credit. This cannot be used as a substitute for core classes.
Credit Hours: 3
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THEO 595 - Theological Ethics of War and Peace
This course offers a Christian engagement with the complex realities of war and peace-building through the disciplinary lenses of theological ethics. It includes an interdisciplinary survey of relevant themes and contributors within the fields of theology, philosophy, and political science, highlighting the influence of Christian spirituality on the development of political theory and practice.
Credit Hours: 3
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THEO 596 - Theology and Ethics of Social Transformation
This course offers a Christian engagement with the multifaceted realities of social change through an interdisciplinary survey of relevant themes and contributors within the fields of theology, philosophy, sociology, and political science. It facilitates a comparative study of various Christian and secular proposals for socio-transformative engagement and highlights Christianity’s historical impact on the political, economic, and cultural constructs of contemporary society.
Credit Hours: 3
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THEO 597 - Area Exam
This course is designed for students to conclude their graduate program by sitting for an exam covering three areas of specialization.
Credit Hours: 3
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THEO 598 - Thesis
This course is designed for student to conclude their graduate program in religion by writing a thesis that provides evidence of ability to do independent research and compile it in the form required by the faculty of graduate studies in religion.
Credit Hours: 3
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