Online Courses
In addition the the courses below, Claremont School of Theology also offers one-month intensive courses online for non-degree seeking students or CEUs. View online intensive courses.
Fall 2012
Bible and Suffering
Course ID: LHB3030
Professor: Kristin De Troyer
This course studies the different concepts of suffering and their theological interpretation in the perspectives of the Deuteronomist, the prophets, the composers of different Wisdom books, the authors of the New Testament, and some contemporary authors.
Immigration as a Human Rights Crisis
Course ID: LUS3077/4077
Professor: Helene Slessarev-Jamir
This course will examine immigration within the context of globalization, which has created unprecedented migratory movements around the world. However, while capital can flow freely, people are bound by national boundaries that result in many becoming permanent noncitizens in the countries in which they reside. This leaves them vulnerable to multiple forms of exploitation that are in violation of international human rights.
Our Interfaith Heritage: Lessons from Medieval Spain
Course ID: LMU3015/4015
Professor: Munir Shaikh
Medieval Spain is often cited as a shining example of centuries of interfaith harmony, or convivencia, between Muslims, Christians and Jews, whereas the reality was complex. Learn about key periods of Iberian political and social history from the 7 th and 16th centuries, and examine the positive interactions as well as the sources of tension and violence among the three faiths. Consider how shifting theological and racial views of the time shaped relationships and policies, setting the stage for each community’s distinct historical narrative about the era.
Religion and Violence
Course ID: LES3083/4059
Professor: Richard Amesbury
Religion, it is said, is sometimes manipulated for political purposes, but can it be dissociated altogether from the violence done “in its name.” Or, more disconcertingly, is the logic of exclusion and violence inscribed in the nature of “religion” itself? Is “religious” violence a secular myth? What assumptions and interests underlie the labeling of some forms of violence as “religious” and others as “secular”? This seminar introduces students to the scholarly debate over (putative) acts of sacralized violence, including sacrifice, scapegoating, and terrorism.
Theology of Stewardship
Course ID: TLA3000/4000
Professor: Richard Lowery
This course examines biblical and theological foundations of Christian stewardship. It studies passages from the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament related to wealth, work, economy, and living with integrity in creation. It examines ancient social-economic contexts and the complex realities of our own world to understand the relevance and limitations of biblical insights for faithful living today. It develops strategies for teaching and preaching about giving and living with integrity in creation.
United Methodist History and Polity
Course ID: TDS3023
Professor: Jack Jackson
A critical study of the history and polity of United Methodism from its origins in Great 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 on the UMC.
Urban Education
Course ID: LRE/LIE3036/4036
Professor: Najeeba Syeed-Miller
This course will provide an overview of urban education at the K-12 levels with both domestic and global case studies. Particular attention will be paid to how religious institutions and organizations have played a role in expanding the traditional models of schools in urban settings. Students will explore examples of urban education in regions that have been centers of conflict between communities of religious difference.
The Word So Loved: Prayer From a Process-Relational Theology
Course ID: TTH3000
Professor: Jeanyne Slettom
Prayer engages our spiritual/worshiping selves as well as reflecting our understanding of God, human beings, and how they relate in the world. This course explores the meaning, practice, and language of prayer from the perspective of process-relational theology, with practical applications for worship, pastoral care, and personal enrichment.