2011-2012 Academic catalog
ST Systematic Theology ST501 Method and Praxis in Theology (3) An introductory course relating method to practice in theology. This course involves an examination of different ways in which the Christian tradition has understood the sources, norms, and criteria for the development of church doctrine. Special attention is given to a critical analysis of contemporary theological methods and the influence of postmodern science. The connection between theological method and Christian doctrine, especially the doctrine of divine revelation, serves as the center point for developing an Evangelical/ Wesleyan theology in the postmodern world. This course is designed for beginning students and serves as preparatory study for all course offerings in theology. ST550 Tutorial in Systematic Theology (1-3) For students with specialized interests in selected areas of introductory study in systematic theology. Consult syllabus for prerequisites/course requirements. See academic policy. May be repeated. ST551 Theology of Discipleship (2-3) A seminar designed for understanding the biblical and theological bases of the theory and practice of discipleship. Includes a survey of current literature and the distinctive contributions of Wesleyan theology and practice to discipleship. Three (3) credit hours for grade; two (2) credit hours for credit only. ST501 is a recommended preparatory course. ST599 Independent Study in Systematic Theology (1-3) Guided, independent, introductory research in systematic theology. See academic policy and procedures. By contract. Credit only. May be repeated. ST620 The Emotions, Feelings, and Passion (3) Focuses on the role of emotions, feelings, and passions for one’s religious beliefs. Although the design of this course is theological in method, it includes the psychological dimension since its purpose is to understand the relationship between believing and feeling.
Graduate course descriptions
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ST/PH625 Theological Aesthetics (3) What can beauty contribute to Christian theology? What can the arts add to understanding of creation, providence and the Church? This course explores theological aesthetics by examining the significance of aesthetics for theological method, the nature of beauty, the way that aesthetics (and specifically beauty) has been used by Christian theologians throughout the Church’s history, as well as the role of the arts in theology and practice. This course covers important historical writings by theologians concerned with aesthetics. It also examines a wide range of theological writings on the arts. Prerequisites: ST501 and DO501. ST640 The Theology of Dietrich Bonhoeffer (3) An introduction to the theology of Dietrich Bonhoeffer through the study of his major writings. Special attention is given to events in his life which influenced the development of his thought. ST501 is a recommended preparatory course. ST645 The Theology of Karl Barth (3) Seamands Traces Barth’s development as a theologian and his critique of liberalism. Special attention is given to his own major theological emphases as found in his “Church Dogmatics.” ST501 is a recommended preparatory course. ST650 Tutorial in Systematic Theology (1-3) For students with specialized interests/needs in selected areas of intermediate study in systematic theology. Consult syllabus for prerequisites and course requirements. See academic policy. May be repeated. ST/YM670 Postmodernism and the Church (3) Explores the dynamics of living in a postmodern culture and its attendant impact on the Church and its ministry. The focus is on developing a theology of ministry which takes seriously the unique needs of living in a postmodern culture, and then look at how that theology should culminate in specific practices of ministry to those who live in that culture. Special attention is given to living “between worlds” and how ministries need to become bilingual, speaking both the language of faith and the language of the culture. ST/MS673 New Religious Movements and Contemporary Cults (3) A study of cults and new religious movements in contemporary America and the Two-Thirds World, tracing their emergence from historical and religious perspectives and interpreting their theological significance. Meets with MH973.