Theological Studies

THEO-210. Liturgical Theology: Practicum.
1 cr.
An integrated study of the liturgical experience of the seminary community through participation in the ministry of music and leadership in liturgical exercises. Designed for the School of Divinity choir members. 

THEO-221. Philosophy of Religion.
3 crs.
This course is an introduction to the discipline and method of philosophy and the relationship of philosophy to the study of religion. Through a reading of classical and contemporary sources, the course examines definitions of religion and issues such as God's existence, attributes, and relationship to and action in the physical world, the nature and significance of religious experience and its potential as a medium for truth and knowledge, the problem of evil, humans as persons having minds and souls, life after death, the relation of religion to morality, and the relationship of religion to science. 

THEO-305. Systematic Theology I.
3 crs.
This Course seeks to pursue several main objectives: To acquaint students with the discipline of theology through select readings of classical and contemporary texts; To examine some issues and foundations of Christian thought, in addition to the rational structure and methods of interpretation that characterize the field of theology; To provide an introduction to the sources and methods used in theological construction, theological reflection and discourse; To examine how such sources and methods may be systematically applied in the interpretation and articulation of the basic doctrines of the Christian Faith; and To address some topics in the Prolegomena to Theology, and to explore some of the historical and current modes of articulating such topics, as well as their appropriate relevance. 

THEO-310. Systematic Theology II.
3 crs.
This Course will pursue further the basic objectives outlined in SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY I, which will normally serve as a prerequisite. The various theological perspectives on the doctrines of the Christian faith will be treated critically and systematically. Major doctrines (or themes) will include God, Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit, Theological Anthropology, Sin and Salvation, Church, Sacraments, Mission, Ministry, Eschatology, Religious Belief and the Natural Sciences. Students will also be required to write a Credo Paper, based on their presumed mastery of the theological sources and methodology. 

THEO-315. Black Theology.
3 crs.
This course is a study of contemporary black theology in the United States. The course examines the history, methodology, and systematic construction of black theology. Critical assessments of black theology and alternative models for the theological interpretation of African American religion will be examined. 

THEO-320. Womanist Theology.
3 crs.
This course is designed to introduce students to the emergence of Womanist Theology and religious scholarship in the United States. The course explores what Black women's experiences in church and society suggest about the meaning of God and Jesus Christ. 

THEO-322. Theological Responses to Atrocity.
3 crs.
This course is an examination of how religious belief, language, and institutions may contribute to or support atrocities, inclusive of genocide, mass killing, and other serious human rights violations, as well as be a positive moral force for justice and peace towards addressing past and current atrocities and prevention of impending atrocities. This examination includes: exploration of the notion of moral responsibility across geo-political boundaries; assessment of conceptions of human nature (why persons participate in violence and killing) and theodicy (why believe in God when evil and suffering are extreme); and reflection on the place of truth-telling, forgiveness and reconciliation in transitional justice. 

THEO-325. Modern Theology.
3 crs.
This course is a study of the development of theology during the modern period, that is, in the 19th and 20th centuries.  In this semester’s offering of the course, special attention will be given to various perspectives on the encounter between humans and God.  Prerequisite: Systematic Theology I, Church History II, or an equivalent.  
 

THEO 333.  Democracy: Theological Perspectives.
3 crs.
This course is a study of democracy from the doctrinal perspectives of ecclesiology (the nature and purpose of the church) and eschatology (the meanings and ethical imperatives of the kingdom of God) that inform various Christian faith traditions of social and political engagement. 

THEO-335. Theologies of Liberation.
3 crs.
This course is a comparative survey of several liberation theologies with particular attention to their historical, social, political, economic, and theological contexts in order to understand the relationship of religion to the concepts of human dignity, justice, and social transformation. 

THEO-337. Theories of Salvation.
3 crs.
This course is a study of various theories that have been suggested throughout the history of Christianity in order to explain Christ's work of salvation in its personal, social, and eschatological dimensions. Included in this study are examinations of biblical conceptions of salvation, conceptions of salvation in Christian theology, themes and metaphors for interpreting salvation, and views on Christian proclamation of salvation in a religiously plural and secular world. 

THEO-340. The Theology of Martin Luther King, Jr.
3 crs.
This course treats Martin Luther King, Jr., as a theologian, evaluating his understanding of Christian doctrines and contribution to systematic theology and theological ethics. Prerequisite: one course in Systematic Theology, Black Theology, or Black Church History. 

THEO-343. The Holy Spirit: Pentecostal Perspectives.
3 crs.
This course is a study of the Holy Spirit with emphasis on the contributions of and issues raised by Pentecostal and charismatic movements to the understanding of the person and work of the Holy Spirit. Prerequisite: one course in New Testament or Church History 

THEO 345/545. Theology and Science. 
3 crs.
This course examines and assesses natural science and technology, their relation to religion and theology, and their influence on the meaning and value of human life.  The course examines the history, sociology, and philosophy of modern science as well as theology’s own epistemological status as a field of academic inquiry.  The course explores ways of relating religion and theology to the natural sciences and various forms of technology.  Topics vary with each offering of the course.  

THEO-350. Third World Theologies.
3 crs.
Examines the development of Christian theology in the non-Western world; theological developments and the process of contextualization and politicization of theologies in Latin America, Africa, and Asia, comparing them with black theology. Prereq.: Six hours in a theological field. 

THEO-360. Fundamental Elements of Christian Evangelism.

3 crs.
Explores theological constraints and challenges of the divine command to preach the gospel to "the world." Seeks to provide a contemporary analysis and assessment of the meaning of evangelism today. 

THEO 407. Race, Ethnicity & Religious Myth.
3 crs. 
This is a course in political theology that utilizes classical, modern, and contemporary writings to examine the concept of nationhood and the allegiance (loyalty of a seemingly religious nature) owed to the nation in contrast to the global sense of humanity capable of articulation and support in world religions. The course will investigate various racial and ethnic groups' espousals and criticisms of the American myth as well as their contrasting views on allegiance and dissent. 

THEO 415. Preacher as Theologian. Section: 01. CRN: 15664.
3 crs. 
This course is a study of the sermon as a method of theological reflection and medium for conveying ideas, doctrines, and perspectives. The course examines sermons, spoken and written, that illustrate the integration of theology and preaching. Prerequisite: Systematic Theology I & II and Preaching and Practicum. 

THEO-425. Seminar in Modern Theologians: Karl Barth.
3 crs.
An examination of the theology of Karl Barth, a major figure in modern theology. Prereqs.: THEO-305 and THEO-310 

THEO-440. Directed Research in Theology. Master's level.
3 crs.
Student-proposed reading and research project in theology supervised and assessed by professor. 

THEO-445. The Holy Spirit in Scripture and the Church.
3 crs.
Examines this long-neglected doctrine, its historical development in the Old and New Testaments, and its relevance for faith in our own time. 

THEO 523. Pentecostal Theology.
3 crs. 
This course is a survey of the history, methods, recurring themes, and major issues in Pentecostal theology. The survey is inclusive of the legacy of the Azusa Revival and other early centers of Pentecostalism, social and cultural influences in shaping contextual theologies in Pentecostalism, and contributions of Pentecostalism to global Christian theology. 

THEO-535. Doctoral Seminar in Theology.
3 crs.
This seminar, primarily intended for students pursuing the Doctor of Ministry degree, is designed to cultivate and foster an in-depth analysis of modern theological expressions of some traditional Christian doctrines, with special attention to the contextual framework out of which such expressions emerge. It seeks to further the theological task of upper level students in the quest for their own tools in the theological enterprise, as well as their search for an appropriate identity in the global community of contemporary theologians. Intensive reading, extensive research, and comprehensive reflection and dialogue will be the expected order of the seminar sessions.

THEO-540. Directed Study in Theology (Doctoral level).
3 crs.
Student-proposed reading and research project in theology supervised and assessed by professor.