Course subject: Theological Studies (TS)

This course is intended for students whose major area of research will be Hebrew Scripture and who have at least two terms of Hebrew studies.

A study of the literary genres, history of composition, and canonization of the Old Testament documents. The course will examine various methodological approaches to the Old Testament, including their implications for Christian theological interpretation.

This course will explore the role and function of teaching the Bible in a variety of ministry settings, seeking to effectively link biblical scholarship with communal practice and reflection. It will draw on selected biblical genres, themes, and passages. Topics may include gaining expertise with the use of tools to engage original biblical languages, experience with various approaches to hermeneutics, as well as practice with diverse pedagogical and facilitation methods.

An examination of diverse biblical views of peace in relation to war, justice, and salvation with attention to their relevance for the contemporary quest for peace.

An examination of how Christian beliefs and practices have been reinterpreted by representative Christian theologians to address the challenges of the 20th and 21st centuries.

An examination of the basis, scope and dynamics of Christian ethics that includes such theological and philosophical topics as Scripture, natural moral law, conscience, reason, freedom, responsibility, obedience and discipleship. It addresses the interplay between individuals, communities of faith and their social contexts.

Examination of Christian teachings on war and peace from the early church to the present, including crusade, just war, and pacifist traditions, as well as twentieth century discussions of realism, just revolution, nuclear pacifism, and non¿violent resistance.

A history of Christian life and thought from Constantine through the Middle Ages. Topics may include doctrine, worship, mystics, ecclesiastical institutions, saints, pilgrimages, and gender.

A study of the major sixteenth-century reformers and their itellectual background in humanism and late medieval scholasticism. Special attention will be given to the Lutheran and Reformed traditions and their ideological, social, political expressions.

This course examines the historical and theological dimensions of those symbols and rituals which relate to people's corporate experience of God. The relationship of Christian worship to ethics and inter-faith dilogue will also be examined.

The nature of worship and the role of music within worship in historical, theological, and cultural perspective. Field trips to services of various traditions.

This course combines a theological study of the Christian church and the development of a theology of ministry, including the church's mission an institution life and he personal calling to a life of ministry. The Believers Church tradition provides the primary perspective, augmented by the experiences of other Christian traditions

This course explores ministry in a practical setting. A ten hour per week placement will be chosen by the student with the approval of the applied studies coordinator. With the guidance of a local supervisor, the student will set learning goals, develop a reading list, and write a summative paper that will be shared with other students taking this course.

This course examines biblical and historical perspectives on pastoral care as a basis for articulating a theology of pastoral care and pastoral care skills, and for developing a model of pastoral care for congregations or fatih communities.

Through experiential, reflective and theorectial learning, this course will explore spirituality as a central aspect of growth and development in later life. The perspectives of various faith and humanistic traditions will be included. Topics will include: religious beliefs and spiritual concerns later in life; a theology of aging; ministry to persons in later life; spirituality and dementia; death and dying.

The scope, focus and requirements of a reading course are determined by the professor in consultation with the student. Permission for a reading course must be obtained at the time of registration, prior to the term in which the course will be conducted.

These courses are based on experiential learning focused on a specific historical-cultural setting. Students will complete readings prior to the tour, prepare a reflective journal during the tour, and write an analytical paper following the tour.

This course uses a variety of methods of analysis and interpretation of biblical texts to conduct a close reading of a New Testament book. Students may be given permission to take the course repeatedly, given that focus and content changes each time offered.

This course will examine several contemporary theological responses to the encounter of Christianity with other faiths. The meaning and dynamics of inter-religious dialogue and the resources within the Christian faith for such an encounter will be explored.

A study of major work in theology by a single author, or works by several authors around a common theme.

This course examines the role of ritual in congregational life, develops a theological and pastoral understanding of congregational rituals, and equips students to carry out this aspect of worship. Particular attention is given to baptism, communion, weddings, and funerals.

This seminar provides a setting for understanding leadership through theology, biblical reflection, and practical experiences in ministry. The tasks of ministry will be reviewed in the context of power relations, boundaries, and self-care. Assignments include a case study research project and a final summative paper on personal call and vocation.

Students are enrolled in thesis research and writing. Students continue to enroll in this course during thesis preparation until completion of their thesis.