2014-2015 Catalog 
    
    Sep 25, 2024  
2014-2015 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions – All


 

Theology

  
  • THEO 350 - Christian Love


    3 hours
    Using the love commandments as the cornerstone of a theology of love, this course will examine the place of love in the Christian life. Various aspects of love will be explored so that love for God, love for others, and love for self can be more fully understood and brought into harmony. The material will thus include a broad survey of theological and philosophical writings on love as well as an analysis of relevant biblical texts. Special emphasis will be placed on the expression of love in concrete situations. As such, the course will typically include a service learning unit. UG
  
  • THEO 351 - History of Christianity I


    3 hours
    A survey of the history of Christianity during the Patristic, Medieval, and Reformation periods. UG
  
  • THEO 352 - History of Christianity II


    3 hours
    A survey of the history of Christianity following the Reformation period. Emphasis will be placed upon modernity, the Wesleyan tradition, American religious history, and contemporary Christianity. UG
  
  • THEO 357 - History of Christianity III


    3 hours
    An examination of the movements, persons, and ideas that shaped religious history in America. UG
  
  • THEO 368 - Ancient and Modern Challenges to Orthodoxy


    3 hours
    Explores the theological challenges to orthodoxy in the ancient and modern church. The material will cover various aspects of theological debate in the early church, including confrontations with various Gnostic groups. The material will then cover modern theological challenges to orthodoxy, including the Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Church of Latter Day Saints. UG
  
  • THEO 369 - The Early Church and the Scriptures


    3 hours
    Introduces the critical issues related to Biblical interpretation during the first five centuries of Christianity. Special attention will be paid to the controversy involving allegory and the development of the New Testament canon. The material will include a broad survey of the primary exegetical methods employed by the early church and engagement with the primary source material. UG
  
  • THEO 404 - Christian Faith


    3 hours
    This course assists the students in moving toward thinking critically about matters of Christian faith/theology and in understanding that Christian faith is lived out and originates from living within specific denominational and theological traditions. Given our context, the coursework will focus on the Wesleyan-holiness theological tradition. Included will be the critical reflection both on doctrinal matters and on matters of the church and Christian life/practice. Prerequisite(s): BLIT 303 . UG
  
  • THEO 410 - Topics in Christian Theology


    3 hours
    A concentrated study of the work of one or more theologians, or of a particular theological issue or movement, or the theology of a particular era. Special attention will be given in this course to the meaning and implications of the person and work of Jesus Christ. This course may be repeated with a different subtitle. Prerequisite(s): PHIL 201  and one course in Christian Theology (THEO 310  or THEO 320 ); or permission of the instructor. UG
  
  • THEO 421 - Theology of the Church Fathers


    3 hours
    The Church Fathers are often cited in modern theological writing, but they are often poorly understood. This course will examine the thought of prominent Christian authors through the first five centuries of the Christian church. Special attention will be given to the issues of creation, the Trinity, Christology, salvation, and ecclesiology. Prerequisite(s): THEO 320 . UG
  
  • THEO 426 - The Early Councils and Their Creeds


    3 hours
    The early Christian creeds and the first seven ecumenical councils played an important role in the historical development of Christian theology. This course will critically examine the key political and theological issues at stake during each council. The course will also pay significant attention to the ramifications and acceptance of each council and creed. Prerequisite(s): THEO 320 . UG
  
  • THEO 430 - Augustine


    3 hours
    This course is an introduction to the life and thought of St. Augustine of Hippo and his foundational role in the development of the theology of the Christian Church in the West. This course will give attention to his location in a transitional historical context and the ways Augustine reflects and influences the movement from the late Roman to Medieval world. Attention will also be given to considering implications for doing theology today. Same as PHIL 430. Prerequisite(s): THEO 310 . UG
  
  • THEO 435 - Theology in the Era of Reformation


    3 hours
    This course will explore theological development in the Reformation period giving attention to historical and theological context. Reading of primary source material will be emphasized. Study will be focused on key representative thinkers and the theological systems they both reflect and helped to shape. Attention will be given to the major streams of thought and development that emerge from the Reformation. Prerequisite(s): THEO 310 . UG
  
  • THEO 451 - Twentieth Century Theological Ethics


    3 hours
    A survey of Christian theological ethics in the twentieth century, focusing predominantly on Protestant thinkers. The relationship between theology and ethics will be analyzed throughout the course. Prerequisite(s): THEO 310  or permission of the instructor. UG
  
  • THEO 462 - Doctrine of Holiness


    3 hours
    An inquiry into the meaning and implications of the doctrine of holiness and, in particular, of the doctrine of entire sanctification or Christian perfection. This course will focus its attention on the witness of Scripture, the historic testimony of the Church (especially of the Wesleyan tradition), classical and contemporary modes of thought, and the meaning of this doctrine for the life of the student and the Church. To be taken the senior year, unless special permission is granted by the instructor. Prerequisite(s): THEO 310 , or permission of the instructor. UG
  
  • THEO 469 - Contemporary Issues in Theology


    3 hours
    This course will explore recent trends and current issues in Christian Theology, examining them in light of their faithfulness to Scripture, Christian tradition, and Christian practice. Attention will be given to their inner theological coherence and their impact on related Christian doctrines. Reading of primary source material will be emphasized. Prerequisite(s): THEO 310 . UG
  
  • THEO 472 - History, Missions, and Polity of the Church of the Nazarene


    3 hours
    This course covers three related topics: (1) a selective historical study of the world regions of the Church of the Nazarene, with primary emphasis upon the U.S. regions; (2) a review of the World Mission division and a discussion of internationalization and its implications; and (3) a concentrated examination of the Manual of the Church of the Nazarene, with focus on the government of the Church at its various administrative levels and consideration of the denomination’s distinctive identity. UG
  
  • THEO 473 - Christian Institutions


    3 hours
    A study of the history, polity, and missions program of a particular denomination. The student, in consultation with the professor, will reflect the denomination that will be the focus of the study. May, with permission, substitute for THEO 472 . UG
  
  • THEO 489 - Individual Reading and Research in Christian Theology


    1-4 hours
    Independent reading and research on a topic agreed upon by the instructor and of special interest to the student. Normally, such study involves a set of short papers and/or culminates in a research paper of substantial length. Prerequisite(s): THEO 310  or permission of the instructor. UG
  
  • THEO 600 - Wesleyan Theology


    4 hours
    This course is a study of the theological tradition inaugurated by John Wesley.  The course focuses its attention on antecedents of the Wesleyan tradition, the theology of Wesley himself, the development of the tradition since Wesley’s time, and/or ideas of specific prominent thinkers that help elucidate Wesleyan doctrine. This course may be repeated with a different subtitle. GR
  
  • THEO 606 - Introduction to Theological Research


    3 hours
    After a broad sketch of the different forms of modern research, this course will focus on the types of research most common in theological and biblical studies. Guidance will be offered on preparing to write a thesis and how to formulate a proper thesis proposal. It will also introduce the student to a more effective use of the library, an understanding of the wide range of biblical and theological databases and how to use them, effective electronic searching, and the services offered by the library staff. Lastly, the course will direct the student to the proper format of a term paper or thesis using Turabian or SBL standards. GR
  
  • THEO 607 - Theology of Ministry


    3 hours
    Students in this course learn the significance of theologically informed patterns of ministry and pastoral leadership, and they develop their own models for ministry that are intelligent and theologically informed. Special attention is given to the issues of ecclesiology as they relate to theological leadership. GR
  
  • THEO 608 - World Religions


    3 hours
    A theological and historical exploration of Hinduism, Buddhism, Shinto, Taoism, Judaism, Islam, and the relationship of Christianity to those religions. Course goals include 1) to set forth the essential characteristics and practices of the world’s great religions; 2) to disengage the essential differences between Christianity and the other world religions; and 3) to examine the Christian theological appraisal of other world religions. Thus, the course will enable the students to gain a deeper understanding of Christianity by listening to and observing other religious traditions as well as appraising the different major religious traditions of the world. GR
  
  • THEO 611 - Topics in Christian Theology


    3 hours
    A concentrated study of the work of one or more theologians, or of a particular theological issue or movement, or the theology of a particular era. This course requires significant research and writing. This course may be repeated with a different subtitle. GR
  
  • THEO 612 - Ethics in Practice


    3 hours
    In this course, students will become acquainted with the various aspects of ethics, including the foundations and parameters of Christian ethics. This knowledge will then be applied to a number of notable issues and situations that call for moral deliberation. Some attention will be given to national and global issues and to the ethical practice of ministry. GR
  
  • THEO 616 - History of Christianity I


    3 hours
    A survey of the history of Christianity during the Patristic and Medieval periods. The development of the church (e.g., theologically, politically, organizationally, liturgically) from a minor, and sometimes persecuted religion in the Roman Empire to the dominant religion within Medieval Europe will be discussed. Special attention will also be given to developments within the Eastern branches of Christianity. Focus will also be given to the theological developments within Christianity, leading to the eve of the Reformation, and the intersection of Christianity with Judaism and Islam. This course will emphasize research and writing. GR
  
  • THEO 617 - History of Christianity II


    3 hours
    Examines the development of the Christian tradition from the time of the Reformation to the present, with special attention to the confessional division of the western Christian tradition during the Reformation, and the responses that post-Reformation Christian traditions make to the secularization of Western culture. Another major theme will be the study of the pluralistic and global context of Christianity with attention to the growth of Christianity outside of the West. A special emphasis will be the revival traditions of Christianity. This course will emphasize research and writing. GR
  
  • THEO 618 - History of Christianity III: American Religious History


    3 hours
    An examination of the origins and development of Christianity in America from the colonial period to the present. Featured topics include the Continental and English roots of Puritanism and Anabaptism, the formation and history of the Christian commonwealths of New England, the causes and consequences of the Great Awakening, the influence of Jonathan Edwards, the relation between Christianity and the founding of the American republic, the nature of nineteenth century Evangelicalism and the formation of American denominations, the emergence of theological liberalism and the Social Gospel, the rise of the holiness movement into denominations and their understanding of social ministry, the American missionary movement, the course of the fundamentalist/modernist controversy, church-state relations as reflected in Supreme Court decisions, world religions and cults in the United States, and the renewal of evangelical Christianity in the late twentieth century. GR
  
  • THEO 621 - Early Christian Theology


    3 hours
    The Church Fathers are often cited in modern theological writing, but they are often poorly understood. This course will examine the thought of prominent Christian authors through the first five centuries of the Christian church. Special attention will be given to the issues of creation, the Trinity, Christology, salvation, and ecclesiology. This course will feature an active engagement with and critical assessment of the primary texts. GR
  
  • THEO 622 - Islamic Studies


    3 hours
    This course engages in the study of Islam as a textual tradition and practiced faith inscribed in history and particular cultural contexts. Surveys the ideals and practices of Islam across its history. Provides an introduction to the origin and history of the Islamic movement. Included are the ritual (worship), theological, philosophical, mystical, ethical and political dimensions of Islam with special attention given to Islam’s primary message and its implementation in the lives of Muslims. Special focus given to Muhammad, the Qur’an as revelation, the contemporary practice of the Islamic faith, Islam and power, contemporary manifestations of Islam, the rise of puritanical Islam and Islam’s relationship to Christianity and the West. GR
  
  • THEO 623 - Systematic Theology I


    3 hours
    An introduction to the clear and coherent presentation of the faith of the Christian church. The course will discuss the classical Christian doctrines of the Christian faith including Revelation, God, Creation, Jesus Christ, Atonement, Salvation, Holy Spirit, Church, Sacrament, and Last Things. While concerned to present the classical thinking of the church, especially in its Protestant heritage, the course will also clearly note and sympathetically explain the distinctives of the Arminian/Wesleyan /Holiness tradition. In addition, this course will give attention to such methodological issues as the norms of theology, thinking theologically about the contemporary church and society, and the interconnectedness of the various doctrines and teachings of the Christian church. GR
  
  • THEO 624 - Systematic Theology II


    3 hours
    A continuation of THEO 623 , Systematic Theology I. GR
  
  • THEO 625 - Philosophy for Theology


    3 hours
    A study of philosophical topics, perspectives, and approaches that are particularly helpful to the study of theology. Particular attention will be given to issues such as the autonomy of reason, and theological understandings of the role of philosophy (and culture). This is not an introduction to philosophy or theology, which the student should have already taken. A previous course in the philosophy of religion would also be helpful, but it is not required. This course may be repeated with a different subtitle. GR
  
  • THEO 626 - The Early Councils and Their Creeds


    3 hours
    The early Christian creeds and the first seven ecumenical councils played an important role in the historical development of Christian theology. This course will critically examine the key political and theological issues at stake during each council. The course will also pay significant attention to the ramifications and acceptance of each council and creed. Special attention will also be paid smaller regional councils, as well as primary text research. GR
  
  • THEO 628 - Religious Experience


    3 hours
    This course examines the experiential dimension of Christian religion in terms of a study of religious truth in relation to the experiences that Christianity attempts to express. An important focus is the analysis of the interplay between experience and doctrine. Comparison is made between the testimony of accounts of religious experiences with the formal theological statements of those experiences. Focus is placed upon both the crisis experiences of regeneration and entire sanctification and the process experiences of spiritual formation. Consideration also may be given to revivalism and rituals of Christianity. The method of study is an historical analysis combined with theological construction. This course may be repeated with a different subtitle. GR
  
  • THEO 647 - Biblical and Theological Studies


    3 hours
    Designed to be flexible, this course is often, but not exclusively, taught in modular format. This course considers specific Biblical books or issues in Biblical study or Biblical theology, with a focus on the implications for ministry. The goal of this course is for students to reflect on ministry in light of the Bible. GR
  
  • THEO 648 - Theology and Ministry


    3 hours
    Designed to be flexible, this course is often, but not exclusively, taught in modular format. This course considers specific theologians or theological issues and the implications for ministry. The goal of this course is for students to reflect theologically and intelligently on their ministry. GR
  
  • THEO 651 - Historic Christian Thought


    3 hours
    This course is a study of significant movements, epochs, and theologians selected from the formative periods of the life of the Church prior to the modern age. Among the possible subjects of specific study are the early Church, Eastern Orthodoxy, the Middle Ages, the Reformation, the Enlightenment, Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Martin Luther, John Calvin, James Arminius, and Jonathan Edwards. This course may be repeated with a different subtitle. GR
  
  • THEO 656 - Christian Thought Since 1800


    3 hours
    A study of significant movements, epochs, and theologians selected from the recent life of the Church. Among the possible subjects of specific study are the rise of modern theology, recent and contemporary modes of theology, 19th-century continental theology, Søren Kierkegaard, Karl Barth, Paul Tillich, Wolfhart Pannenberg, and Jürgen Moltmann. This course may be repeated with a different subtitle. GR
  
  • THEO 657 - Topics in History of Christianity


    3 hours
    An examination of movements, persons, and ideas that have shaped the religious history and thought of Christianity. This course may be repeated with a different subtitle. GR
  
  • THEO 663 - Advanced Study in Systematic Theology


    3 hours
    In studying of the central doctrines of the Church, his course examines the significance, the Biblical justification, the history of discussion, and the vital relevance of the Church’s creedal affirmations. Among the possible areas of specific study are the doctrine of the Trinity and the doctrine of the work of Christ. This course may be repeated with a different subtitle. GR
  
  • THEO 664 - Augustine


    3 hours
    This course introduces the life of St. Augustine of Hippo and explores his foundational role in the development of the theology of the Christian church in the West. This course will give attention to his location in a transitional historical context and the ways Augustine reflects and influences the movement from the Roman to Medieval world. Attention will be given to considering implications for doing theology today. This course requires significant research and writing, and it may be repeated with a different subtitle. GR
  
  • THEO 665 - Theology in the Era of the Reformation


    3 hours
    Theological development in the Reformation period, giving attention to historical and theological context, will be the focus. Reading of primary source material will be emphasized. Study will center on key representative thinkers and the theological systems they both reflect and helped to shape. Attention will be given to the major streams of thought and development that led into and emerged from the Reformation. This course emphasizes research and writing, and it may be repeated under a different subtitle. GR
  
  • THEO 667 - Twentieth Century Theological Ethics


    3 hours
    A survey of Christian theological ethics in the twentieth century, focusing predominantly on Protestant thinkers. The relationship between theology and ethics will be analyzed throughout the course. It emphasizes research and academic writing, and it may be repeated under a different subtitle. GR
  
  • THEO 668 - Doctrine of Holiness


    3 hours
    An inquiry into the meaning and implications of the doctrine of holiness and, in particular, of the doctrine of entire sanctification or Christian perfection. This course will focus its attention on the witness of Scripture, the historic testimony of the Church (especially of the Wesleyan tradition), classical and contemporary modes of thought, and the meaning of this doctrine for the life of the student and the Church. This course requires significant research and writing. GR
  
  • THEO 672 - History, Missions and Polity of the Church of the Nazarene


    3 hours
    Three related topics are covered during this course: (1) a selective historical study of the world regions of the Church of the Nazarene, with primary emphasis upon the United States regions where independent holiness churches emerged and later united and organized to preach the message of entire sanctification as articulated by John Wesley and the American holiness movement with the vision to create a global holiness church. We also review the issues that shaped the church’s identity and the organizational structures that made global ministry possible; (2) a review of the World Mission program and a discussion of internationalization with a focus on the organizational changes that facilitated rapid growth in world areas during the end of the twentieth century with the resulting implications of becoming a global community; and (3) a concentrated examination of the Manual of the Church of the Nazarene, with focus on the government of the Church at its various administrative levels with the goal to help the student think through important issues relative to membership and ministry as well as to convey the practical rules and regulations that govern community life. Students study primary documents. GR
  
  • THEO 693 - Contemporary Issues in Theology


    3 hours
    Explores recent trends and current issues in Christian Theology, examining them in light of their faithfulness to Scripture, Christian tradition and Christian practice. Attention will be given to their inner theological coherence and their impact on related Christian doctrines. A reading and research course which will give special emphasis to the critical examination of original documents. May be repeated under a different subtitle. GR
  
  • THEO 694 - Teaching Theology


    3 hours
    A study of teaching in a Christian context.  The student will consider the teaching that he or she experiences as a student in the theology courses taken as a part of the MACT program, as well as reflect on his or her own experience as the teacher during the mentored adjunct teaching position.  The goal is to both have a sense of the practical realities of the classroom, as well as to develop a theology of education, broadly understood.  The course is restricted to students in the MACT program. GR
  
  • THEO 695 - Tutorial


    1 hour
    For each theology course in which the student is enrolled, there will be an associated tutorial.  The tutorial consists of personalized guidance from the teacher on the professional aspects of the subject, including such items as a deeper and more extensive reading of the academic literature in the area, detailed guidance for writing, and detailed critique of the research paper.  The purpose is to develop professional academic competence in theology.  This course may be repeated.  It is restricted to students in the MACT program. GR
  
  • THEO 696 - Thesis Research


    3 hours
    Guided research on the student’s master’s thesis.  This is taken before the student enrolls in THEO 699 - Thesis .  The grade will be pass/fail.  It can be repeated.  Only open to MACT students. GR
  
  • THEO 699 - Thesis


    3 hours
    Requires the completion of a 50-75-page thesis, the subject of which must be approved by the student’s adviser and the Director of Graduate Studies for the School of Theology and Christian Ministry. This option demonstrates (1) the learner’s ability to design, execute, and report on independent research, and (2) the learner’s creative thinking, critical reflection, and writing ability. It culminates with the learner’s defense of the thesis. The School of Theology provides a detailed guide to the rules and regulations for the thesis, which is available from the Program Specialist. GR

Youth Ministry

  
  • YMIN 612 - Foundations of Youth Ministry


    3 hours
    The student will be exposed to the broad issues facing youth ministry today. This will be accomplished by using a two-fold approach: 1) seeking to understand the landscape of youth ministry by looking at adolescent development and secular culture; and 2) navigating this terrain by developing a blueprint for local church ministry. This blueprint will include the beginning of the development of a master plan for youth ministry, which focuses on the study of adolescent spirituality and discipleship, a team-based approach to ministry, and the development of a Biblical theology as the compass for youth ministry. GR
  
  • YMIN 614 - Postmodernity, Youth Ministry and the Emerging Church


    3 hours
    Explores the cultural implications of postmodernism on the church, with a look at its effects on youth ministry in particular. How the emerging church movement is affecting the church, with particular attention to how it is shaping youth ministry, is discussed. GR
  
  • YMIN 620 - Youth Ministry and the Wilderness as Renewal


    3 hours
    Explores the value and rationale for youth ministry in the context of wilderness camping. Special emphasis will be placed on the logistics of group camping in the wilderness setting, and how to plan and execute such a trip with the emphasis on the experience itself. Course participants will learn ways of using the wilderness experience for group building, leadership development and personal spiritual growth while on the trip. The course will involve a one-week wilderness experience occurring in May and October. Limit: 10 students per trip. Additional fees apply. GR
  
  • YMIN 630 - Developmental Theories and Adolescents


    3 hours
    The works of traditional learning theorists Piaget, Kohlberg, Erickson, and Fowler are explored, with particular attention to the topic of adolescent development, and the effects of these theories on the approach to ministry regarding the emotional, mental, and spiritual development of students. GR
  
  • YMIN 645 - Family Systems and Implications for Local Church Ministry


    3 hours
    An in-depth look at the familial systems in place in society, and how the church can prepare to respond to the changing face of the family. Questions to address include: how have the changing constructions of family, marriage, and relationships affected systems inside and outside the church? How can the church continue to minister within the systems in place? What does a ministry to families look like in the church? How can the church partner with the family to minister to its students? GR
  
  • YMIN 650 - Spiritual Development of Students


    3 hours
    Learners will develop a holistic approach to the spiritual formation of their students. They will seek to answer the following questions: What are the formative components to the spiritual development of students? What do students understand about God, sin, humanity, salvation, and the church? How do we help to shape the spiritual lives of students? How do teaching practices fit into the scope of youth ministry? How is youth ministry preparing them for life as a member of the kingdom of God and the Church? GR
  
  • YMIN 655 - Topics in Youth Ministry


    3 hours
    In order to expose students to some of the core issues facing youth ministry today, this course explores the variety of ways that youth ministry is finding expression in the contemporary climate, as well as discussing the theological implications of each. The topics discussed will include a look at redefining youth leadership; what it means to tend to the souls of students, while at the same time tending to one’s own personal soul care; what the church expectations on youth ministry are and how that matches with Biblical expectations of the minister; a redefinition of local church programming; and what practices can and should be shaping the youth pastor and youth ministry. GR
  
  • YMIN 659 - Issues in Youth Ministry


    3 hours
    Examination of specific issues in youth ministry or ministry competencies. May be repeated with a different subtitle. GR
  
  • YMIN 670A - Mentored Ministry I


    3 hours
    Scheduled during the second year of the two-year course cycle, the student is placed in a mentoring relationship with a seasoned youth minister for each of the two semesters while completing the course work on a modular format. It is intended to help with the transitional issues related to the first year in ministry, develop a life-long appreciation for the mentoring relationship, and to help in the development, research, and presentation of the Master’s Project. GR
  
  • YMIN 670B - Mentored Ministry II


    3 hours
    A continuation of YMIN 670A  , Mentored Ministry I. GR
  
  • YMIN 691 - Integrative Seminar/Project


    3 hours
    The concluding course for the Master of Arts in Family Ministry, Pastoral Ministry, and Youth Ministry. The student will present a project that integrates theory and application to the local ministry setting. The seminar will also include reading, discussion and reflection on the projects presented by other students and their application to our ministry setting. GR
 

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