Traditional classes meet twice a week for one hour and fifteen minutes each, either Tuesdays and Thursdays OR Wednesdays and Fridays.

Fall 2010

 American Religious History, HS 103, Stephen Angell

This introductory course studies the rolesof major churches in the development of American culture and society, their roots both in this continent and others, and links to the frontier, the Civil War, industrialism, and urbanization; also an examination of persons and books from such movements as the Awakenings, Revival Movement, liberalism, fundamentalism, the Social Gospel, and current standpoints. 3 semester hours.

 Educating in the Spirit, M 230, Russell Haitch

This course looks at education in light of the Person of the Holy Spirit, the human spirit of the person, and the relationship between the two, by drawing on insights from both theology and the human sciences. With a steady focus on how and why people are creative, participants in the course will study the dynamics of socialization and transformation, with a view toward understanding what it means to teach and learn "in the Spirit." (This course, or an approved substitute, is required for those pursuing a Youth and Young Adult emphasis.) 3 semester hours.

 Introduction to Pastoral Care, PC 101, James Higginbotham

This course is an experiential and critical exploration of pastoral care. Caregiving in a faith community or by its representatives is a practical theological activity, drawing on religious tradition, social sciences, and theology. Therefore, this class focuses on the integration of person, faith, belief, method, and practice. Skills attending, listening, understanding, and caring are addressed in the context of social and personal dynamics. 3 semester hours.

 Peace in the City and the Quest for Public Theology, P 249, Scott Holland

This course will work with the thesis that the biblical story of redemption begins in a garden (Eden) but ends in a city (the New Jerusalem). Religion may indeed begin in solitude, but as social creatures, our lives are public. Biblical religion reminds us that our faith is embodied in evangelical, ethical and aesthetic engagements with culture, thus inviting public theological reflection. Combining the disciplines of peace studies and theology, the course will explore how a variety of public proposals for theology might contribute to or inhibit what prophetic religion has called the shalom or welfare of the city. 3 semester hours.

Constructive Theology, TS 375, David Johns

This course builds upon Introduction to Theology and continues it by exploring the themes of humanity, church, and eschatology. Additionally, students will examine the idea of narrative participation in the story of God, and will construct a living credo in conversation with their own histories and the range of material they have studied in seminary and beyond. 3 semester hours. Prerequisite: TS 101/101-O or T 101/101-O.

History of Christianity I, H 101, Ken Rogers

This course gives an overview of the history of Christianity from the apostolic period to the eve of the Reformation. Topics addressed include theoretical issues in studying the history of Christianity, early Christianity, the Constantinian shift, Augustine’s influence, asceticism, the Middle Ages, Medieval lay piety and dissent, monastic orders, the papacy and the beginnings of the Renaissance. 3 semester hours.

History of Friends Peace Witness, PJ/HS 351, Lonnie Valentine

This course studies the responses of the Society of Friends to peace and justice issues past and present. What is sought is the history of the actual Quaker practice during such conflicts as well as what Quakers said about their practice. Examples of such issues would be war, slavery, sexism and oppression of women and people of color. We will also look at the methodological issues present in the historical analysis of those practices, as presented by Quaker historians such as Rufus Jones, Hugh Barbour, John Punshon, Peter Brock, and Wilmer Cooper. 3 semester hours. Prerequisite: A course in Quaker Studies.

Spring 2011

 Introduction to Old Testament History and Literature, BS 101, Nancy Bowen

This course introduces students to the diversity of literary and theological traditions in the Old Testament. Attention will be given to the formation and role of these traditions in the context of the life and history of the people of Israel and to their function in contemporary life and faith. 3 semester hours.

Topics in Practical Theology, M/T 300, Russell Haitch

Students do interdisciplinary work by integrating learning from theology and the human sciences. From year to year, topics could include: forgiveness and reconciliation; the roots of violence; understandings of marriage and family; prayer and healing; and the relationship between gospel and culture. Attention will be given to the way that these topics relate to the practice of ministry, especially education and/or work with youth and young adults. The topic for the current year will be an interdisciplinary study of childhood. Readings will be drawn from the fields of biblical studies, history, psychology and theological anthropology. Prerequisite: T/TS 101.  3 semester hours.

 Preaching and Public Discourse, M 125, Scott Holland/Dawn Ottoni-Wilhelm

This course provides an introduction to the art and craft of preaching as it attends to the religious and public witness of Christian faith in the context of worship. We will explore the exegesis of Scripture, community contexts of church and society, and public theology as well as ethical and aesthetic dimensions of preaching. Through reading, lectures, and classroom discussions, and the preparation, presentation and evaluation of sermons, students will learn to engage the gospel in a ministry of preaching for the church and world. 3 semester hours.

Otherness and Belonging, TS 262, David Johns

This course examines theological understandings of humans in relationship to each other. Alienation, fear, cultural difference, and more, often exist as obstacles to human flourishing, but this is only part of our story. By utilizing a wide range of sources, ancient and contemporary, we will explore how we are both present to and other than the other. Additionally, we will discuss how, through grace, forgiveness, and hope, humans are called into relationship, even familial belongingness, in the community called church. 3 semester hours.

Introduction to Theology, TS 101, David Johns

This course introduces students to the history and practice of reflecting on faith, on the church's theological symbols, and the way in which particular doctrines give shape to our experience. This course and Constructive Theology form two parts of students' exposure to the expansive and diverse Christian theological tradition. Students will read and discuss texts, ancient, contemporary, and form a variety of cultural settings, concerning the themes of revelation and Holy Spirit, God, Christ, and salvation. 3 semester hours.

Christian Ethics, TS 336, Lonnie Valentine

An examination of the Christian moral life and the theological convictions that animate it, including its understanding of the good, of conscience, the nature of humanity, and the faith community's public witness. These proposals are considered in conversation with selected issues requiring careful and responsible Christian engagement: for example, war and peace, the environment, and genetic engineering. 3 semester hours. Prerequisite: TS 101/101-O or T 101/101-O.

Writing for Publication, WR 385, Lonnie Valentine

Development of a book-length project for publication. By the end of the semester,students will complete a first draft of a manuscript (at least 100 pages) as well as a book proposal. Since this is a seminary course, the kinds of projects which will fit best within a broad understanding of "religious writing" include: collections of essays on theological, biblical, or spiritual themes that fit well together; devotional meditations that can be used for public or private worship and may have a variety of forms; persuasive books addressing issues of peace and social justice or other significant concerns; creative Bible studies; autobiographical stories with which others can identify; parables or fictional pieces for adults, youth, or children; other appropriate works. Weekly conference with instructor may be required. 3 semester hours. Prerequisite: WR 101 & any other 200 level writing course.