Online Courses - Fall 2013
Becoming a Public Scholar
Course ID: LIS/LCE/LCT 3015/4015
Professor: Monica A. Coleman
What does it mean to be a public scholar in the 21st century? This course looks at the concepts, challenges and practices of public scholars, with a focus on religious and inspirational/ motivational content. We will begin with the connection between religion and its connection to wider society, the lives of public theologians and spiritual activists (e.g., from Dorothy Day to Cornel West and Wangari Maathai), and theories about public scholarship. Students will form and reflect on their own identities as public scholars, and engage and practice various modes of sharing their scholarship with different publics, e.g. church organizations, popular culture, grant funders.
Christian Spiritualities Across the Ages
Course ID: LSF 3019/4019
Professor: Andrew Dreitcer
This course surveys notable spiritualities from early Christianity to the present, attending to their spiritual practices, theologies, views of the person, understandings of the movements of the inner life, and socio-historical contexts. Students will bring their own spiritual traditions and vocational aspirations into conversation with the spiritualities and spiritual practices that have served as the roots of ( or contrasted with) many contemporary forms.
United Methodist History and Polity
Course ID: TDS 3023
Professor: Jack Jackson
A critical study of the history and polity of United Methodism from it origins in Gread Britain to present day. The emphasis is on theological and contextual factors which shaped its mission, ministry, and organizational philosophy (especially its polity and discipline). This course is designed to meet the history and polity requirements for ordination in the UMC.
Mission and Evangelism in Christian Traditions
Course ID: TDS 3039
Professor: Jack Jackson
A critical evaluation of contemporary practices of mission and evangelism. Course includes analysis of Biblical, theological, and historical foundations and practices in various traditions, with an emphasis on Methodist perspectives. Designed to meet the ordination requirements of various Protestant denominations including the United Methodist Church.
Prophet and Pastor: An Introduction to Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Course ID: TTH 3002
Professor: Thom Johnson
This course examines theological and practical insights into the role of prophet and pastor using the model and witness of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, famous Lutheran theologian and pastor. It will offer an introduction to Bonhoeffer’s life, work and ministry through the use of DVD’s, dramatic presentations, his writings and letters from prison. Students will be given tools to analyze and perceive their own role as prophet and pastor in their own ministry context. This course is designed to meet denomination requirements for the Luther year in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America and provide an introduction of Lutheran theology to non-Lutheran students.
Preaching I Corinthians
Course ID: TWP 3048
Professor: Lincoln Galloway
Designed to give each student exegetical and preaching experience. Effective preaching links the skills and insight necessary to (1) read and interpret the biblical text, and (2) analyze the theological and pastoral issues that are relevant to the contemporary faith community.