2017 2018 CATALOG
CULTIVATING FAITHFUL LEADERS FOR GOD’S CHANGING WORLD! Columbia Theological Seminary P. O. Box 520701 S. Columbia Drive Decatur, Georgia 30031 www.CTSnet.edu Columbia Theological Seminary is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award masters and doctorate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097 or call 404.679.4500 for questions about the accreditation of Columbia Theological Seminary. Columbia Theological Seminary is also accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada to award the following degrees: Decatur, GA — Master of Art (Theological Studies), Master of Arts in Practical Theology, Master of Divinity, Master of Theology, Doctor of Ministry, Doctor of Educational Ministry, and Doctor of Theology Kingston, Jamaica — Doctor of Ministry Questions regarding Columbia Theological Seminary’s accreditation status or adherence to ATS’s standards should be addressed to the Association of Theological Schools, 10 Summit Park Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15275-1110 or by calling 412-788-6505. The regulations, requirements, and general information included in this catalog are official for the 2017-2018 academic year, but are subject to revision at any time and, therefore, are in no way binding upon the seminary. An electronic update of this catalog will be available on the Columbia Theological Seminary website for the 2017–2018 academic year, and will serve as the official catalog for that year. Please consult the Columbia Theological Seminary website for updates and the most current information.
CONTENTS MISSION
Our Identity...............................................................5 Our Mission...............................................................5 Our Mission Is Framed by Commitments.................5 Our Institutional Goals..............................................7
DEGREE PROGRAMS
Degree Programs...................................................... 9 Master of Divinity.................................................. 10 Master of Arts in Practical Theology..................... 14 Master of Arts (Theological Studies)...................... 17 Advanced Degrees Introduction.............................20 Master of Theology.................................................20 Doctor of Ministry.................................................. 23 Doctor of Educational Ministry............................. 28 Doctor of Theology in Pastoral Counseling........... 32 Application Information for International Students and Exchange Visitors............................................34 Special Students and Auditors............................... 35
FACULTY
Faculty.................................................................... 36
HOUSING
Housing...................................................................43 Hospitalization Insurance...................................... 44 Financial Aid.......................................................... 44 Scholarships for Basic Degree Students................45 Tuition, Fees, and Other Charges Effective Summer Term 2017............................................................... 47 Refund Policies.......................................................49
RESOURCES
The John Bulow Campbell Library..........................51 Related Academic Programs................................... 52 Programs in Other Locations................................. 53
SERVICE 2
Columbia Theological Seminary
The Center for Lifelong Learning........................... 55 International Theological Education...................... 55
COMMUNITY LIFE
Yearly Schedule...................................................... 57 Orientation............................................................. 57 Community Worship and Convocations................. 57 Awards and Prizes...................................................58 Graduate Fellowships...............................................61 Vocational Services..................................................61
CURRICULUM & COURSES
Courses of Instruction............................................64 Biblical Area............................................................ 65 Historical Doctrinal Area....................................... 70 Practical Theology Area.......................................... 76 Interdisciplinary Courses........................................84 Supervised Ministry...............................................86
ACADEMIC POLICIES
Basic Degree Students............................................89 Advanced Degree Students.....................................91 All Degree Students............................................... 92
CALENDAR
Calendar 2017–2018 .............................................. 97
INDEX
Index.......................................................................98
DIRECTORY
Staff Directory.....................................................100
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MISSION
OUR IDENTITY
Columbia Theological Seminary is an educational institution of the Presbyterian Church (USA), and a community of theological inquiry, leadership development and formation for ministry in the service of the Church of Jesus Christ.
OUR MISSION
Columbia Theological Seminary exists to educate and nurture faithful, imaginative, and effective leaders for the sake of the Church and the world.
OUR MISSION IS FRAMED BY COMMITMENTS
WE UNDERSTAND CHRISTIAN FAITH TO INCLUDE a growing love for God expressed in daily faithfulness to Jesus Christ, vibrant worship as an essential feature of life together, cultivation of the mind, and the disciplines of the Christian life;
a growing love for the Church expressed in authentic community, participation in the life of local churches, and responding to God’s call to and gifting for leadership; a growing love for Christ’s work in the world expressed in ministries of proclamation, nurture, compassion, justice, creativity, and the care of all creation.
BECAUSE WE ARE A CONFESSIONAL COMMUNITY OF THE CHURCH, WE believe in Christ’s reign over the whole world; articulate a missional understanding of life rooted in the rule of God’s love and justice; celebrate the goodness of God in all creation; live under the authority of Jesus Christ as witnessed in the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, in the Church throughout the ages, and in the Reformed tradition and its confessions; nurture a personal and corporate faith which takes responsibility for our choices amid the political realities, the social institutions, and the global contexts in which we live; commit ourselves to diversity and inclusivity, to ecumenicity, and to discerning the ongoing manifestations of God’s presence in human affairs; listen with openness to voices of hopelessness and hope around and within us; and acknowledge our own brokenness and need for redemption.
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Mission continued MISSION
AT COLUMBIA, WE SEEK TO WITNESS TO God’s creative power—seen in the wonder and beauty of creation; God’s reconciling love—demonstrated in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ; and God’s redemptive action and transforming justice—visible through the Church and in the broad work of the Holy Spirit in a pluralistic and interdependent world.
OUR SPECIAL MISSION IN THE SERVICE OF THE CHURCH, AND ESPECIALLY THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA), IS to educate women and men for leadership in ordained and lay ministries by offering graduate degrees, certification programs, and lifelong learning opportunities; to attend diligently to both text and context; to keep learning as a community of scholars and practitioners together; and to provide theological resources through an exceptional faculty, library, and campus facilities.
BECAUSE WE ARE AN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION, OUR CALLING IS to prepare persons to be leaders in worship, witness, teaching, mission, and service; to pursue learning that joins mind and heart—that enlarges intellect and imagination and nurtures passion, compassion and empathy; to develop personal and professional skills for leadership in the Church; to learn from the world-wide church, from other faith traditions, from education, the arts, politics, economics, and science, and from those outside the centers of power and influence; and to consider critically from the perspective of the Christian faith, ideological, technical, and scientific assumptions—including our own—about the human situation.
IN CARRYING OUT OUR MISSION, we seek to be faithful to the gospel, and to become a living expression of the Body of Christ in the world.
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Columbia Theological Seminary
OUR INSTITUTIONAL GOALS
Columbia Theological Seminary seeks:
1. To participate with the Church in the formation of students for pastoral vocations in the Church and the world by providing preeminent theological education within the Reformed tradition; 2. To educate men and women for leadership in ministry through its MDiv, MA(TS) and MAPT degree programs; 3. To enhance the ministries of men and women who are currently engaged in ordained and other forms of leadership by educating them in its ThM, DMin, DEdMin and ThD programs; 4. To enhance the ministries of the PC(USA), the ecumenical Church, and persons with a variety of theological interests through its Lifelong Learning programs; 5. To provide a learning community in which theological education, scholarship and formation for ministry flourish; 6. To provide a physical environment that contributes to an atmosphere for effective learning; 7. To be a good steward of its resources in order to provide quality education both in the present and the future; and 8. To foster and sustain Columbia’s connection to the PC(USA), the ecumenical Church, the greater Atlanta, national and global communities.
OUR EDUCATIONAL VISION
At Columbia Theological Seminary, we seek to:
zz Prepare persons to be led by God as they lead God’s people in worship, witness, mission, and service; zz Cultivate lifelong spiritual practices to sustain and support ministry; zz Pursue learning that joins body, mind, and heart, enlarges imagination, engages intellect, nurtures passion, and deepens empathy; zz Learn from the world, both locally and globally, from other faith traditions, and from those outside the centers of power and influence; and zz Interpret the Christian faith as a continuing conversation between the human situation and the gospel.
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DEGREE PROGRAMS & ADMISSIONS
DEGREE PROGRAMS
Columbia’s seal carries a motto which consists of the Greek words for pastors and teachers. These words are taken from the letter to the Ephesians: “The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-12 NRSV). Since its inception, Columbia has seen its role as training persons for leadership in the Church by offering courses of study leading to both basic and advanced degrees. THE MASTER OF DIVINITY (MDiv) and the MASTER OF ARTS IN PRACTICAL THEOLOGY (MAPT) are first professional degrees in theological education. THE MASTER OF ARTS (Theological Studies) (MA[TS]), a basic theological degree, is academic rather than professional in orientation. Advanced degrees include the MASTER OF THEOLOGY (ThM), the DOCTOR OF MINISTRY (DMin), and the DOCTOR OF EDUCATIONAL MINISTRY (DEdMin). Women and men from all denominations are eligible to apply for any of Columbia’s degrees. THE DOCTOR OF THEOLOGY IN PASTORAL COUNSELING (ThD) is being discontinued, and is no longer accepting students.
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MASTER OF DIVINITY
DEGREE PROGRAMS & ADMISSIONS
INTRODUCTION
The Master of Divinity degree is offered as a basic theological degree for those who seek to serve as pastors, prophets, evangelists, teachers, and other leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ
The curriculum offered to MDiv students emerges from the seminary’s identity as a community
of memory and hope. Claiming memory, the seminary finds its identity as part of the people of God stretching back thousands of years. Resting in that identity, it leads students to a fresh and critical appropriation of the Christian tradition for themselves and for the sake of those to and with whom they minister. Claiming hope, Columbia finds its identity in the promises of God, in the world that God will bring about, and in the opportunities still ahead for the work of the Church in the midst of the work of God. In all this, the MDiv curriculum draws upon the rich resources of the Church’s memory to nurture students’ hope and engage their imaginations for mission in the Church and world.
The Christian ministry needs persons who are possessed with a deep, informed, and personal faith
and who are equipped with skills and imagination to lead the people of God in acts of compassion, proclamation, praise, confession, celebration, justice, reconciliation, and healing. Teaching and learning at Columbia equip and form the people who equip the saints to engage in the work of ministry.
LENGTH OF PROGRAM
a recommendation to the student about ways
The MDiv curriculum is designed so that a full-
to optimize the student’s contextual education
time student can complete the requirements for
experience while at CTS.
the degree in three full years and is comprised of 90 semester hour credits. A student’s program
CALENDAR AND CREDIT SYSTEM
may be lengthened by a variety of factors, such
Academic work for the MDiv is offered throughout
as participation in internships or taking a reduced
the year. Two semester-length terms, in the fall and
load in any given semester. All students must
in the spring, anchor the academic year. Half-term
complete their work within six years from the date
courses are also offered during these terms. The
of matriculation.
calendar also includes an intensive term in January and a summer term designed primarily for language
ADVISING
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study and supervised ministry experiences. Each
In theological education, students integrate their
semester-length term consists of 6 weeks of
studies with their own lives. Faculty members aid
classes, a midterm exam and assessment period,
this process of integration by serving as advisers,
another 6 weeks of classes, and a final exam week.
assisting students in their course selections
The exam days enable students to complete the
each term. As a result of conversations with
work for half-term courses.
their advisers, students make course selections
All credit is awarded in standard semester hours.
that take into account areas of past experience,
Courses that meet for the whole term are assigned
identified interests and weaknesses, and the
3 credit hours. Those meeting for half the term
assessments of teachers and ministry supervisors.
are given 1.5 credit hours. The half-term courses
Early in the first year of studies, students undergo
allow students to take more subjects in a given term
an individual supervised ministry assessment with
without increasing the number of classes they will
the director of contextual education who makes
carry simultaneously.
Columbia Theological Seminary
CANDIDACY DISCERNMENT CONSULTATION A student’s admission to candidacy for the degree emerges from the Candidacy Discernment Consultation (CDC) and must be approved by the faculty. The CDC is a major review of the student’s work in the MDiv degree and the student’s potential for ministry and includes conversation with a small group of selected faculty and fellow students. It occurs after the student has completed at least thirty-nine credit hours of the degree requirements and three hours of a contextual education experience. At the CDC, questions of personal and professional growth and other issues are addressed. Any recommendations or stipulations that arise from the consultation are reviewed by the faculty before they award the MDiv degree. REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MASTER OF DIVINITY DEGREE To be eligible for graduation with the Master of Divinity degree, students are required to: zz
zz
completed 66 credit hours; zz
with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited
and registered for classes); zz
and give promise of useful service in the ministry or
(unless admitted by special action of the faculty), standardized test results; zz
Be tested for and achieve competency in English writing and speech;
zz
Be admitted to degree candidacy through the successful completion of the Candidacy Discernment Consultation;
zz
Satisfactorily complete all the requirements of the degree with a total of 90 credit hours within six years of the date of matriculation, 48 of which must be completed at Columbia (excluding crossregistration courses);
zz
Successfully complete the Scripture Reading Practicum, a not-for-credit transcripted requirement;
zz
Maintain a minimum overall grade point average of
Demonstrate to the faculty that they have sustained a sound moral and religious character in seminary life
university or college of liberal arts and sciences a completed health form, and any required
Be in residence for at least four semesters (residency is defined as enrollment as a degree-seeking student
Have on file with the seminary a complete and official transcript of credits showing graduation
Lead community worship at least as once after having
related vocations; and zz
Pay all bills to Columbia and give assurance that all open accounts in the community and elsewhere have been satisfied. Students with education loans must agree to make prompt and regular payments.
FURTHER THEOLOGICAL STUDY BEYOND THE BASIC DEGREE Although the Master of Divinity program does not equip graduates with everything they will need for effective and faithful ministry, they are equipped with initial and essential tools for their ministries. Because the search for faithful answers to the challenges of the Christian life today requires an ethic of learning for the faith, many graduates return to this and other places of group learning for regular additional formal study. Further knowledge, additional
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MDiv continued DEGREE PROGRAMS & ADMISSIONS
insight into the life of faith, and strengthened
zz
Test scores from the Graduate Record
practice for faithful leadership result when
Examinations (GRE) General Test are not
graduates engage in regular, disciplined
required.
theological study at various stages in their
All applicants for whom English is not their
ministries.
first language must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and submit the
ADMISSION TO THE MASTER OF
official score with application materials. Those
DIVINITY PROGRAM
seeking admission must score at least 550
Persons seeking admission to the Master of
(paper based format), or 76 (internet format)
Divinity program may obtain an application from
with minimum scores in the following areas:
the CTS website. To be considered for admission,
Reading 22; Listening 16; Speaking 16; and
prospective students are required to:
Writing 22. All test fees are the responsibility of
zz
the applicant.
Have completed a baccalaureate degree, or its equivalent, at a university or college accredited by one of the six regional
zz
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TRANSFER CREDIT
accreditation agencies. Applicants with
Students in good standing in other accredited
degrees from educational institutions not
seminaries may be admitted after transcripts
accredited by one of the six agencies must
have been evaluated and their applications
submit a written essay response to an
approved by the Admissions Committee.
academic article provided by the Office of
Such students must secure a letter from
Admissions along with their applications.
their academic dean indicating that they are
Applicants without a bachelor’s degree from
students in good standing. Students in the MDiv
an accredited institution are not eligible to
degree program may receive no more than 45
enter the MDiv program at the seminary
credit hours for work completed at another
except by special action of the faculty.
Association of Theological Schools (ATS)
When requested to do so by presbyteries
accredited institution within the past five years.
of the Presbyterian Church (USA) or other
Transfer credit will only be given for courses
denominations, Columbia may accept
passed with a grade of B or higher. A student
applicants without a university or college
who has completed a Master of Arts (MA)
degree for a special course of study;
degree from an ATS accredited institution may
Furnish a) a completed application
transfer in up to half of the MA degree toward
form including essays, b) statement of
Columbia’s MDiv degree. The determination of
self-disclosure, c) transcripts from all
whether or not particular courses taken at other
institutions of higher education, d) three
institutions receive credit is made by the Office
recommendations on forms produced by
of Academic Affairs, which also determines
Columbia, e) an official criminal background
whether the credits will fulfill either required or
check report, and, f) an interview with a
elective credit hours. All petitions for transfer
member of the Admissions Committee or
credit and advanced standing must be made by
other faculty member as assigned.
the end of the student’s first academic year.
Columbia Theological Seminary
MASTER OF DIVINITY
2017-18
COMPONENTS OF THE CURRICULUM Required Courses 11 COURSES · 33 CREDITS
Distribution Electives 11 COURSES · 36 CREDITS
General Electives 7 COURSES · 21 CREDITS
· Worship (3 credits)
Each of these courses must be successfully One course from among a specified set of elective courses in each of the following areas completed to earn the MDiv degree: must be successfully completed to earn the · Old Testament Interpretation I & II MDiv degree: (6 credits) · Biblical Greek OR Biblical Hebrew · New Testament Interpretation (3 credits) (3 credits) · Biblical exegesis using Greek or Hebrew · Christian Theology I & II (6 credits) (3 credits) · Pastoral Care (3 credits) · History of Christianity (3 credits) · Imagination & Resilience in God’s · American Religious History (3 credits) Changing World (3 credits) · World Religions (3 credits) · Explorations (3 credits) · Christian ethics (3 credits) · Cross/Roads (3 credits) · Christian education (3 credits) · Supervised Ministry (6 credits) · Christian leadership (3 credits) · Scripture Reading Practicum · Preaching (3 credits)
· Advanced Supervised Ministry or Practica courses (courses with significant practice components) (6 credits)
TOTAL: 90 CREDITS
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DEGREE PROGRAMS & ADMISSIONS
MASTER OF ARTS IN PRACTICAL THEOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of the Master of Arts in Practical Theology degree is to equip persons for a broad array of ministries through the practice of theological and contextual reflection. The degree program combines a core curriculum of theological studies with the study of particular ministry arts through three areas of concentration: Christian Education, Pastoral Care/Pastoral Theology, or Worship. The degree may be appropriate for ordination in those traditions that do not require a three-year Master of Divinity program, or for those lay people who desire a theological education in order to carry out their professional or volunteer ministries in congregational settings or beyond. This degree may also be used to add an area of specialization to a Master of Divinity degree. COMPONENTS OF THE PROGRAM
the degree with a total of 60 credit hours
The Masters of Arts in Practical Theology
within five years of the date of matriculation,
requires 60 credit hours and can be completed in two
30 of which must be completed at Columbia
years and one summer if pursued on a full-time basis.
(excluding cross-registration courses);
Typically the summer will be used to complete the
zz
of the 60 credit hours in this program, students will
Maintain a minimum overall grade point average of 2.30;
contextual education requirement. Over the course zz
Be in residence for at least three long terms
complete a core set of general courses in biblical
(residency is defined as enrollment as a
studies, history, and doctrine totaling 21 credit
degree-seeking student and registered for
hours.
classes), unless having already attained a Master of Divinity or Master of Arts degree;
In addition, all students will complete the Introduction to Practical Theology and Capstone
zz
Demonstrate to the faculty that they
Course in Practical Theology (6 credit hours total)
have sustained a sound moral and religious
and a contextual education course (6 credit hours).
character in seminary life and give promise
Courses in the area of concentration (Christian
of useful service in the ministry or other
Education, Pastoral Care/Pastoral Theology or
church vocations; and
Worship) and general electives will constitute the remaining 27 credit hours.
zz
Pay all bills to the seminary and give assurance that all open accounts in the community and elsewhere have been
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE zz
Have on file with the seminary a complete and
satisfied. Students with education loans must agree to make prompt and regular payments.
official transcript of credits showing graduation with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college of liberal arts and sciences, a completed health form, and standardized test results; zz
Be tested for and achieve competency in English writing skills;
zz 14
Satisfactorily complete all the requirements of
Columbia Theological Seminary
ADMISSION TO THE MASTER OF ARTS IN PRACTICAL THEOLOGY PROGRAM Persons seeking admission to the Master of Arts in Practical Theology program may obtain an application from the CTS website. To be considered for admission, prospective students are required to;
zz
Have completed a baccalaureate degree, or its equivalent, at a university or college accredited
A student may receive no more than 18 credit hours for
applicants with degrees from educational
work completed within the past five years towards an
institutions not accredited by one of the six
unearned degree at another Association of Theological
agencies must submit a written essay response
Schools (ATS) accredited institution. Transfer credit
to an academic article provided by the Office of
will only be given for courses passed with a grade of
Admissions along with their applications. Under
B or higher. The determination of whether or not
special circumstances some applicants, who are
courses taken at other institutions may receive credit
deemed to possess the requisite academic skills
is made by the Office of Academic Affairs, which also
and abilities due to their life experience, may
determines whether the credits will fulfill either required
be admitted in a provisional status to pursue
or elective credit hours. All petitions for transfer credit
this degree. Such applicants must also submit
and advanced standing must be made by the end of the
a written essay response to an academic article
student’s first academic year.
Furnish a) a completed application form including essays, b) statement of self-disclosure, c) transcripts from all institutions of higher education, d) three recommendations on forms produced by Columbia, e) an official criminal background check report, and f) an interview with the MAPT Program Director, a member of the Admissions Committee or other faculty as assigned.
zz
OPTION
by one of the six regional accreditation agencies;
provided by the Office of Admissions. zz
TRANSFER OF CREDIT AND DUAL DEGREE
Test scores from the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test are not required.
A student who has completed a Master of Arts (MA) degree from an ATS accredited institution may transfer in up to half of the MA degree toward Columbia’s MAPT degree, but in no case more than 30 hours. A student who has completed an MDiv at Columbia or at another ATS accredited institution, may also apply up to 30 hours toward the MAPT degree. Applied credit will only be given for courses passed with a grade of B or higher. The determination of whether or not courses taken at other institutions may receive credit is made by the Office of Academic Affairs, which also determines whether the credits will fulfill either required or elective credit hours. A student may pursue the Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Practical Theology in a dual degree format.
All applicants for whom English is not their first
Both degrees are awarded at the same commencement,
language must take the Test of English as a Foreign
after the student has earned 120 credits and met the
Language (TOEFL) and submit the official score
requirements of both degrees.
with application materials. Those seeking admission must score at least 550 (paper-based format), or 76 (internet format) with minimum scores in the following areas: Reading 22; Listening 16; Speaking 16; and Writing 22. All test fees are the responsibility of the applicant.
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MASTER OF ARTS IN PRACTICAL THEOLOGY
2017-18
COMPONENTS OF THE CURRICULUM Areas of Concentration
· Christian Education · Pastoral Care/Pastoral Theology · Worship
Required Courses 9 COURSES · 27 CREDITS
Each of these courses must be successfully completed to earn the MAPT degree:
· Christian Theology I (3 credits) · Capstone Course in Practical Theology (3 credits)
Contextual Education Course Credits 1 COURSE · 6 CREDITS
Area of Concentration Course Credits 5 COURSES · 15 CREDITS · Old Testament Interpretation I & II
· Intro to Practical Theology (3 credits) (6 credits)
· Intro course in Area of Concentration (3 credits) · New Testament Interpretation I (3 credits)
· Christian Ethics (3 credits)
· Four additional courses (12 credits)
Elective Course Credits
· Any 2 of 3 courses in History of 4 COURSES · 12 CREDITS Christianity, American Religious History, or World Religions (3 credits each/total of 6 credits)
TOTAL: 60 CREDITS A student may pursue the Master of Arts in Practical Theology and Master of Divinity in a dual degree format. Both degrees are awarded at the same commencement, after the student has earned 120 credits and met the requirements of both degrees.
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Columbia Theological Seminary
MASTER OF ARTS
(THEOLOGICAL STUDIES) INTRODUCTION The Master of Arts (Theological Studies) (MA[TS]) is a two-year flexible degree program that provides theological studies for persons who are exploring career options, preparing for doctoral studies, church leadership positions, or specialized forms of lay ministry. The MA(TS) program is also for those persons who wish to engage theological issues of faith and the modern world in relation to their professions. While this program is not designed to prepare persons for the practice of ordained ministry, it may be useful for those ministers who serve in traditions that do not require a degree in divinity for ordination, but who nevertheless wish to develop their formal knowledge of theology. COMPONENTS OF THE PROGRAM Because students enroll in the MA(TS) program for a wide variety of reasons, they enjoy an extremely flexible schedule. Indeed, the only class they must all take is the MA(TS) Seminar, normally during the fall of their first year at the seminary. Among its primary purposes, this seminar helps them to clarify their plans for the degree, structure their coursework accordingly at the seminary, and choose a faculty advisor within their area of specialization. The seminar will also help students in their exploration of various career options. MA(TS) students must choose one of five disciplines as an area of specialization: Old Testament, New Testament, Theology, Church History, or Ethics. They
specializing in New Testament must take Greek. The other courses in the discipline may be chosen from among any offered to basic degree students at Columbia. To help round out their education, MA(TS) students must choose a different discipline than their area of specialization and take any 9 credit hours in it. Additionally, they must take at least three hours in yet a third discipline. Beyond these requirements, students are invited to take any course in the curriculum provided that they do not take more than 9 credit hours in the Practical Theology area. Courses that are either Interdisciplinary or in Supervised Ministry may be allowed with the prior approval of the MA(TS) Director.
will each take 15 credit hours in this discipline, three of which are met in I600 MA(TS) Independent Study,
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MASTER OF
which is done under the direction of a faculty member
ARTS (THEOLOGICAL STUDIES) DEGREE
in that discipline. Taken near the end of their degree work, I600 requires the production of a 25-35 page major research paper and provides students with the opportunity to deeply explore a critical issue in their
To be eligible for graduation with the MA(TS) degree, students are required to: zz
official transcript of credits showing graduation with
field, thus revealing the ability to do in-depth and
a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
independent research, to critically engage and analyze
or college of liberal arts and sciences, a completed
that research, to think constructively and do original
health form, and any required standardized test
work, and to write at a masters level. Ordinarily,
results;
MA(TS) students shall only take one independent study (which is I600). Students specializing in Old Testament must take Hebrew; likewise, students
Have on file with the seminary a complete and
zz
Be tested for and achieve competency in English writing skills;
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17
DEGREE PROGRAMS
zz
& ADMISSIONS
zz
Satisfactorily complete all the requirements
self-disclosure, c) transcripts from all
of the degree with a total of 48 credit hours
institutions of higher education, d) four
within five years of the date of matriculation,
recommendations on forms produced by
27 of which must be completed at Columbia
Columbia, e) an official criminal background
(excluding cross-registration courses);
check report, and f) an interview with the
Maintain a minimum overall grade point
MA(TS) Program Director, a member of the Admissions Committee or other faculty as
average of 2.30; zz
Be in residence for at least three long terms (residency is defined as enrollment as a degree-seeking student and registered for classes);
zz
Demonstrate to the faculty that they have sustained a sound moral and religious character in seminary life and give promise of useful service in the ministry or other church vocations; and
zz
Pay all bills to the seminary and give assurance that all open accounts in the community and elsewhere have been satisfied. Students with education loans must agree to make prompt
assigned. zz
Test scores from the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test are not required.
All applicants for whom English is not their first language must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and submit the official score with application materials. Those seeking admission must score at least 550 (paperbased test) or 76 (internet-based test) with minimum scores in the following areas: Reading 22; Listening 16; Speaking 16; and Writing 22. All test fees are the responsibility of the applicant.
and regular payments. Details of the program are available from the
TRANSFER CREDIT
director of the Master of Arts (Theological Studies) A student may transfer no more than 15 credit program.
hours in the five fields of the program from work completed before admission. The credit
ADMISSION TO THE MASTER OF ARTS (THEOLOGICAL STUDIES) PROGRAM
must be earned from regionally accredited or ATS accredited institutions. No transfer credit may be obtained for work done more than 36
Persons seeking admission to the Master of Arts
months before admission. Transfer credit will
(Theological Studies) program may obtain an
only be given for courses passed with a grade
application from the CTS website. To be considered of B or higher. The determination of whether for admission, prospective students are required to: courses taken at other institutions may receive zz
Have completed a four-year baccalaureate degree, or its equivalent, at a regionally accredited university or college of arts and sciences;
zz
Furnish a) a completed application form including essays, b) statement of
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Columbia Theological Seminary
credit is made by the Office of Academic Affairs. All petitions for transfer credit and advanced standing must be made by the end of the student’s first academic year.
MASTER OF ARTS
(THEOLOGICAL STUDIES)
2017-18
COMPONENTS OF THE CURRICULUM Areas of Specialization · Old Testament
Specialization Area Courses 8 COURSES · 24 CREDITS
· Ethics
· 4 courses in area of specialization (12 credits) · 3 courses in secondary specialization (9 credits) · 1 course in a 3rd specialization (3 credits)
Required MA(TS) Courses 2 COURSES · 6 CREDITS
Electives 6 COURSES · 18 CREDITS
· New Testament · Theology · Church History
· MA(TS) Seminar (3 credits) · Independent study resulting in a final paper (3 credits)
No more than 3 courses may be from the Practical Theology area.
TOTAL: 48 CREDITS
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19
ADVANCED DEGREES DEGREE PROGRAMS & ADMISSIONS
Columbia offers four programs leading to an advanced degree. They include the MASTER OF THEOLOGY, DOCTOR OF MINISTRY, DOCTOR OF EDUCATIONAL MINISTRY, and DOCTOR OF THEOLOGY IN PASTORAL COUNSELING. The ThD degree is no longer accepting applicants and will be discontinued once current students complete the degree. Each of these advanced degrees builds on the work completed in the MDiv, MAPT, or MA(TS) degrees. In addition to the resources of the faculty and library on Columbia’s campus, advanced degree students are expected to draw upon the resources of the Atlanta area. The ThD programs are administered by the Graduate Professional Studies Committee of the Atlanta Theological Association (ATA), which coordinates and augments the resources of: Columbia; Candler School of Theology of Emory University, the Interdenominational Theological Center, Erskine Theological Seminary in Due West, South Carolina, and Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, South Carolina. ThM degree students may also include in their program studies at these seminaries. Resources within the Atlanta community are also available to Columbia’s advanced degree students. Accredited programs of clinical pastoral education and pastoral counseling are available in many settings. Numerous national and regional offices of denominational and interdenominational agencies are located in Atlanta. Other educational opportunities are available at Emory University, Georgia State University, and area colleges.
MASTER OF THEOLOGY INTRODUCTION The Master of Theology (ThM) is designed for persons already holding the MDiv degree or its equivalent who wish to deepen their mastery of one area or discipline of theological study through reflection, research, and writing for the service of the Church. The distinctive element of Columbia’s ThM program is the opportunity to work closely with faculty mentors in research of mutual interest. Students pursue a one-year course of full-time study that includes coursework in relevant curricular areas; a seminar in research methods; close work with a faculty mentor; the production of a publishable research thesis project; and, by application to the faculty, the opportunity to serve as a research or teaching assistant. OVERVIEW OF REQUIREMENTS Students must earn at least 12 credit hours, in addition to 18 credit hours for the ThM thesis preparation (reading and writing) in the area of specialization. ThM students participate in an intensive oneweek Research Seminar in the late summer and a one semester writing colloquium in the spring with other students in the program. The intensive late 20
Columbia Theological Seminary
summer session focuses on research methods, and the fall focuses on research and the beginning of thesis writing. During the spring semester, students present and discuss work they are doing on their thesis. Students complete a ThM thesis. The thesis is worth 12 semester hours of credit, 3 credit hours for focused reading and research, 3 credit hours for writing a literature review and 6 credit hours for writing the thesis. The progress of the writing
and the provisional and final approval of the thesis
finish within the academic year in which the student
are overseen by the student’s advisor and the ThM
matriculated.
director in consultation with the Academic Affairs Office.
ADMISSION TO THE MASTER OF THEOLOGY PROGRAM
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MASTER OF THEOLOGY DEGREE To be eligible for graduation with the ThM degree, students are required to: zz
Have on file with the seminary a complete
Persons seeking admission to the Master of Theology program may obtain an application from the CTS web site. To be considered for admission, prospective students are required to: zz
equivalent, at an accredited seminary or divinity
and official transcript of credits showing
school. In certain cases a Master of Arts or a Master
graduation with the MDiv degree (or its
of Theological Studies degree in the appropriate
equivalent) from an accredited institution,
area may be accepted as a substitute, but additional
a completed health form, and standardized
preparatory work may be required; ordinarily, a
test results; Satisfactorily complete all the
B average in an applicant’s college and seminary
requirements of the degree with a total
program is considered a minimum standard for
of 30 credit hours (at the advanced level)
admission. Applicants shall have official transcripts
within two years of the date of matriculation,
of all work since high school sent directly from the
18 of which must be completed at Columbia (excluding cross-registration courses); zz
Complete a ThM thesis;
zz
Complete the ThM Research Seminar;
zz
Be in residence for at least two long terms
zz
institution; zz
studies; zz
Submit three references (on reference forms
(residency is defined as enrollment as a
provided by Columbia): two academic references
degree-seeking student and registered for
from seminary or other graduate school professors
classes);
and one character reference from a person who is
Maintain a minimum overall grade point
familiar with the applicant’s ministry or professional ministry;
Demonstrate to the faculty that they
zz
character in seminary life and give promise
zz
of useful service in the ministry or other church vocations; and
A scholarly writing sample may be requested in addition to the application;
have sustained a sound moral and religious
zz
Have a knowledge of both the Hebrew and Greek languages if they seek to do their ThM in biblical
average of 3.00; zz
Have completed the MDiv degree, or its academic
Submit the application for the ThM degree by March 1 for the following academic year;
zz
Indicate to the admission office within thirty days
Pay all bills to the seminary and give
after receiving notification of admission whether or
assurance that all open accounts in the
not they will accept admission; and
community and elsewhere have been satisfied. Students with education loans must agree to make prompt and regular payments. Students in the ThM degree program are assessed an administrative extension fee if they do not
zz
Begin their course of study only in the fall semester.
All ThM applicants for whom English is not their first language must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the TOEFL score must be from a test date that is two years or less from the date of www.CTSnet.edu
21
ThM continued DEGREE PROGRAMS
application to Columbia Theological Seminary.
work done prior to entry or at another institution
& ADMISSIONS
A minimum score of 575 (paper-based test) or
while enrolled in the ThM program at Columbia.
86 (internet-based test) is required, with the
Ordinarily, the number of hours of transfer credit
following minimum scores required in these areas: will be limited to three semester hours, or the equivalent of one elective course at Columbia. Reading 22; Listening 20; Speaking 20; and Writing 24. All test fees are the responsibility of
The work must have been done at a comparable
the applicant.
graduate level within the last five years. A grade of B or better must have been earned for the course. The student must be able to show that the work is
TRANSFER OF CREDIT
relevant to the ThM program and that the course
In planning the student’s program with her/his
work was not credited toward a degree which was
adviser or the ThM program director, a student
received. Final approval regarding transfer of credit
may request the transfer of limited credit for
resides with the Office of Academic Affairs.
MASTER OF THEOLOGY
2017-18
COMPONENTS OF THE CURRICULUM
Students pursue a one-year course of SPRING TERM full-time study that includes: · Thesis writing (6 credits) · Coursework in relevant areas · ThM colloquium (3 credits) · A seminar in research methods · Close work with a faculty mentor Area of Specialization · Production of a publishable research 12 CREDITS thesis project Columbia’s ThM program allows students · By application to the faculty, the opportunity to serve as a research or to work closely with faculty mentors in researchof mutual interest. teaching assistant FALL TERM · 2 electives (6 credits) Thesis Preparation
5 COURSES · 18 CREDITS
SUMMER INTENSIVE · August 21–25 · Research Seminar (3 credits)
FALL TERM · Thesis research (3 credits) · Literature Review (3 credits)
22
Columbia Theological Seminary
JANUARY TERM · 1 elective (3 credits) SPRING TERM · 1 elective (3 credits)
TOTAL: 30 CREDITS
DOCTOR OF MINISTRY
AIMS OF THE PROGRAM
The Doctor of Ministry degree program is designed for persons now engaged in ministry, who have completed basic theological studies (the Master of Divinity degree or its equivalent) and at least three years of full-time service in the practice of ministry after their MDiv studies. Persons from other countries may be eligible to apply.
The program provides a course of graduate study for ministers of the people of God in the
Church of Jesus Christ. It requires disciplined reflection upon, and further specialization within, ministry. The program focuses on the critical engagement between the biblical, historical, theological, and pastoral disciplines of ministry. By helping students integrate ministerial theory and practice with basic faith commitments, the program strengthens ministers to exercise a critical kind of teaching role in the church and to increase their competency and faithfulness in practice.
Because the program seeks to help students strengthen a holistic ministry in community, the
program is largely generalist in character, involving questions of personal ministerial identity and of the nature of the Church and its mission in a postmodern world. A doctoral project requires students to focus this integrated concentration in a particular context.
CONCENTRATIONS Students pursue the DMin degree in one of four
in academic and experiential study of spirituality. Students study historical theological scholarship
concentrations:
and social ethical research regarding spirituality
CHURCH AND MINISTRY Equipping leaders for the ministry and
seminar. In subsequent coursework, students
mission of the local congregation
preparation for completion of a written project. The
Focusing on ministry with the local congregation,
practicum provides students the opportunity to do
this DMin concentration for Church and Ministry
experiential learning in their ministerial contexts or
offers students the opportunity to become more
to complete a Certificate in Spiritual Direction in
effective leaders for God’s people. The program’s
conjunction with The Center for Lifelong Learning
collegial approach, with shared readings and
program at Columbia Seminary.
as an academic field of study in the introductory pursue their particular research interests in
critical reflection, encourages students to examine the settings and practices of their own ministries. Each student’s selection of electives and the direction of their research allow them to focus on an area of their own choosing, such as biblical studies, worship, preaching, pastoral care, or
ASIAN NORTH AMERICAN MINISTRY AND THEOLOGY Equipping leaders for more vibrant, critical, and creative engagement in their Asian North American ministry contexts
community ministry.
The Asian North American DMin concentration
CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY Equipping leaders to foster spiritual renewal in the lives of individuals and in
presently engaged in various types of ministries in
congregations
concentration will be offered every other year.
The Christian Spirituality concentration for the
Students will have the opportunity to critically
Doctor of Ministry program engages students
analyze their particular ministry contexts by
is designed to support and equip those who are the Asian North American context where English is the primary language used for ministry. This
www.CTSnet.edu
23
DMin continued DEGREE PROGRAMS
engaging in the emerging themes in Asian North
and their project in their own ministry setting in
& ADMISSIONS
American theologies and ministries. Coursework
consultation with the faculty.
will include study of Asian North American theology, history, ethics, pastoral care, religions,
DMIN PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
social sciences, family and cultural systems theory
The DMin program operates under the
of ministry, and participation in a practicum and
supervision of Columbia’s Advanced Degrees
travel seminar. The trajectory of this concentration Committee and is administered by a faculty will be towards students’ reengagement in their
member serving as associate dean for advanced
ministry with new vision and creative energy,
professional studies. The program cooperates
undergirded by a deepened understanding of
with the other member schools of the Atlanta
critical issues in Asian North American contextual
Theological Association (ATA). Students may
theology.
take courses in the DMin programs of other ATA member schools through cross registration.
GOSPEL, CULTURE, AND THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE CHURCH Equipping leaders for a new, more faithful church, reformed not through accommodation to contemporary culture, but through conversion Addressing a pervasive need in the Church for a new paradigm for relating gospel and culture, this DMin program in Gospel and Culture enables pastors to engage the mission field of North American, postmodern, post-Christian society. As students engage in disciplined cultural analysis, they will find that familiar biblical texts, doctrines, and ethics take on new meanings as they confront the challenges of today. They will see the emergence of new readings of the church’s situation and the human project alongside their own renewed and enlivened commitment to theological truths.
ADVISING Each student is guided by an adviser who is assigned during the introductory seminar. The student is responsible for consulting with the adviser to develop a plan of study. When the student is ready to submit a proposal for his or her project, first and second readers are chosen. The adviser may serve as either the first or second reader for the project; however, the first reader will become the new adviser of record. The first and second readers assist the student in developing a project proposal and evaluate the student’s written project report. COMPONENTS OF THE PROGRAM The thirty-six-hour program comprises: zz
seminar at the outset of the program to explore interdisciplinary perspectives
Classes are taught in one of three formats: 1)
around contemporary issues of ministry and
intensive two-week course at the seminary; 2)
professional development. In this seminar
hybrid course where students will take classes
students begin interdisciplinary integration
on campus for one week and complete the
and clarify an operative theory of ministry
remainder of the course online; or 3) fully online four-year period of the degree, but students will complete most of their studies, their practicum, 24
Columbia Theological Seminary
(6 credit
hours). Students take part in an intensive
COURSE FORMATS
course. Classes are offered over a three- to
INTRODUCTORY SEMINAR
to guide their development of a study plan. zz
ELECTIVE COURSES
(15 credit hours). The
program requires a plan of study involving the integration of three dimensions: the
biblical and theological norms of Christian
This seminar, together with the Introduction to
faith; critical attention to the contemporary
Research Methodologies offered near the beginning
human situation; and the practices of
of the students’ program, is offered to prepare
ministry and church mission. In consultation
the students to articulate well-designed project
with an adviser, each student draws up a course of study to achieve the aims of both
zz
proposals before writing their final projects. zz
(3 credit hours). After
the student and the doctoral program.
students successfully complete their project
Students must complete at least one course
proposals, they will critically review relevant
in each of the three areas of the Columbia
literature for their project with the careful guidance
curriculum: Biblical, Practical Theology, and
of their first readers. The culmination of the
Historical/Doctrinal.
literature review may be the completion of the
INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH
chapter outlining the theoretical and theological
METHODOLOGIES
(1.5 credit hours). This
framework of the student’s project. The student
seminar is designed to introduce to the
must receive satisfactory evaluation from his or her
students the basic rudiments of qualitative and quantitative research methods and research design that students will need to
first and second readers in order to pass the course. zz
project, comprised of an article-length executive
Proposal Workshop offered near the end
summary and an expanded report accounting for
of the students’ coursework are offered to
more research detail, that interprets the student’s
prepare the students to articulate a well-
work to the seminary community and the larger
designed project proposal before writing
church. In order that the project can be an
their final projects.
integrating focus for the entire course of study,
DOCTOR OF MINISTRY PRACTICUM
students should start thinking about the proposal
(3 credit hours). The practicum is a
for the project early in the program. Ordinarily,
supervised activity in ministry that can
students conduct the project in their usual
take place in settings as diverse as business, agencies where appropriate supervision and learning opportunities with peers are available. In any case, the practicum normally takes place in the student’s
(6 credit hours).
of Ministry Project. The student must complete a
projects. This seminar and the Project
governmental, community, or church
DOCTOR OF MINISTRY PROJECT
Elements of the degree converge in the Doctor
know in order to design their final DMin
zz
LITERATURE REVIEW
ministerial setting. Students enrolled in the Doctor of Ministry degree program are required to request an extension if they have not completed the degree requirements within four years of the date of matriculation. The extension request
must be sent to the registrar, indicating in the request an ministry context, providing new perspectives expected graduation date. If the request is approved, an on self, theology, profession, and the extension fee will be charged by the Business Office. needs and challenges of other persons and institutions. A unit of Clinical Pastoral Education may be used to meet this requirement. zz
PROJECT PROPOSAL WORKSHOP
(1.5
credit hours). Toward the end of the program coursework, each student participates in a project development and design seminar to clearly articulate the topic and design of his or her final DMin project.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DOCTOR OF MINISTRY DEGREE To be eligible for graduation with the DMin degree, students are expected to: zz
Have on file with the seminary a complete and official transcript of credits showing graduation with the MDiv degree (or its equivalent) from an ATS-accredited institution;
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25
DMin continued DEGREE PROGRAMS & ADMISSIONS
zz
zz
Satisfactorily complete all the requirements
Office of Advanced Professional Studies with
of the degree with a total of 36 credit
the following:
hours within four years of the date of
zz
An online application form;
matriculation, 30 of which must be
zz
A personal statement detailing the
completed at Columbia;
applicant’s ministry to date and vision for
Complete the Introduction to Research
future ministry;
Methodologies course and the Project
zz
An up-to-date resume;
Proposal Workshop;
zz
A background check;
zz
Complete the DMin project;
zz
Verification of three years of experience
zz
Maintain a minimum overall grade point
in ministry after completion of the MDiv degree;
average of 3.00; zz
Demonstrate to the faculty that they
zz
have sustained a sound moral and religious
work completed after high school, sent
character in seminary life and give promise
directly from the appropriate institutions; and
of useful service in the ministry or other church vocations; and zz
Official transcripts for all degree program
zz
Three letters of recommendation (on
Pay all bills to the seminary and give
forms provided by Columbia): one
assurance that all open accounts in the
academic reference from a seminary or
community and elsewhere have been
other graduate school professor and two
satisfied. Students with education loans
character references from persons who are
must agree to make prompt and regular
familiar with the applicant’s ministry. In
payments.
some cases, the associate dean for advanced professional studies may request a personal
ADMISSION TO THE DOCTOR OF MINISTRY PROGRAM
All DMin applicants for whom English is not
Persons seeking admission to the Doctor of
their first language must take the Test of English
Ministry degree program are required to have
as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Internet-based
an MDiv or an equivalent degree with a superior
test (iBT), and the iBT TOEFL score must be
academic record (a B average or higher) from a
from a test date that is two years or less from
school of theology accredited by the Association
the date of application to Columbia Theological
of Theological Schools (or an equivalent
Seminary. Normally a minimum total iBT TOEFL
accrediting body outside the United States and
score of 86 is required, with the following
Canada). In addition, applicants are required to
minimum required scores in the areas: Reading
have completed at least three years of full-time
22; Listening 20; Speaking 20; and Writing
work in ministry with demonstrated superior
24. All test fees are the responsibility of the
professional performance; normally this work
applicant.
must have been completed after the applicant
International applicants to the DMin program
received the MDiv degree.
must first contact the International Programs
To be considered for admission to the DMin program, applicants are required to supply the
26
interview with the applicant.
Columbia Theological Seminary
Office (intlprog@ctsnet.edu) for application information.
TRANSFER CREDIT
on a scale of 4.0). Independent studies and enhanced basic
With prior approval from the Office of Academic
degree courses will not be considered for transfer credit. A
Affairs, a student may receive up to 6 hours of
course submitted for advanced standing must have been taken
transfer credit from another ATS accredited
no more than five years before entrance into the program.
institution. Each course must be at the advanced
Students may not receive credit for academic work applied
degree level and the grade must be at least a B (3.0
toward another degree.
DOCTOR OF MINISTRY
2017-18
COMPONENTS AND TIMELINE Areas of Concentration · Christian Spirituality
· Gospel, Culture, and Transformation
· Church and Ministry
· Asian North American Ministry and Theology
Year 1 10.5 CREDITS
Year 3 10.5 CREDITS
· Two elective courses (6 credits) · Practicum completed (3 credits) · Project Proposal Workshop (1.5 credits) · First reader · Second reader · Complete DMin Project Proposal
Year 4 9 CREDITS
· Introductory Seminar (6 credits) · Intro to Research Methodology (1.5 credits) · One elective course (3 credits) · Faculty adviser assigned
· Literature review (3 credits) · Final project (6 credits)
Year 2 6 CREDITS
TOTAL: 36 CREDITS
· Two elective courses (6 credits) · Begin Practicum
www.CTSnet.edu
27
DEGREE PROGRAMS & ADMISSIONS
DOCTOR OF EDUCATIONAL MINISTRY AIMS OF THE PROGRAM The goal of the Doctor of Educational Ministry degree program is to enhance the practice of and theological reflection on educational ministry for persons who hold their first professional degree in religious education or its equivalent and have en¬gaged in educational ministry leadership for at least three years of full-time service in the practice of Christian educational ministry after their studies. Persons from other countries may be eligible to apply. The program affords a course of graduate study for educators who serve the people of God in the Church of Jesus Christ. The program focuses on (a) an advanced understanding of the nature and purposes of educational ministry, (b) enhanced capacity to reflect theologically on issues and practices related to educational ministry, (c) acquisition and refinement of skills and competencies for more effective ministry, (d) an understanding of emerging models in educational ministry and ability critically to evaluate those models, and (e) continued growth in spiritual maturity. Incorporating a variety of pedagogical methods, the Doctor of Educational Ministry program provides advanced-level study of the theological, educational, and administrative disciplines including: zz
zz
An advanced and critical study of Christian
interpret the data, and implement and evaluate
formation from theological, historical,
any ministry model that emerges from the
behavioral science, and social science
research. While the first reader for the report will
perspectives;
likely be one of the faculty members in Christian
An advanced and critical study of
education, the second reader must come from
organizational and leadership development
outside the field of Christian education.
and the social contexts for ministry; zz
zz
Columbia also requires a public presentation,
An advanced and critical study of educational in which the candidate demonstrates an theory and practice as it relates to
advanced capacity to reflect theologically
congregational and other ministry contexts;
on the practice of educational ministry, to
and
identify critical issues in the context of the
The development of skills and competencies
ministry project, and to think constructively
necessary for research, planning, and
and imaginatively about the educational and
evaluation of the practice of educational
administrative aspects of congregational life and
ministry in congregations or other settings.
other contexts of educational ministry practice.
The DEdMin program includes the design and completion of a doctoral level project. Such a
DEDMIN PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
project addresses the nature and practice of
The DEdMin program operates under the
educational ministry and should be of sufficient
supervision of Columbia’s Advanced Degrees
quality that it contributes both to the student’s
Committee and is administered by the associate
and the profession’s understandings of the practice dean for advanced professional studies. Students of educational ministry. The ministry project
may also take courses in other schools of the
demonstrates the candidate’s ability to identify
Atlanta Theological Association.
an educational ministry need, organize and carry out research methods that address that need, 28
Columbia Theological Seminary
zz
ADVISING Each student is guided by an adviser who is one
PRACTICUM
that takes place outside the student’s ordinary
assignment takes place after the introductory
work situation, providing new perspectives on
seminar. This adviser works with the student to
self, theology, profession, and the needs and
develop a plan of study. When the student is ready
challenges of other persons and institutions. It
to submit a proposal for his or her project, the
can take place in settings as diverse as business,
adviser becomes the first reader and a second
governmental, community, or church agencies
reader is chosen. The first and second readers
where appropriate supervision and learning
comprise the doctoral committee that administers developing a project proposal, and evaluates the
opportunities with peers are available. zz
and design seminar to clearly articulate the topic and design of his or her final DEdMin project.
The forty-five-hour program comprises:
This seminar is offered to prepare the students to
(6 credit hours).
articulate well-designed project proposals before
Students take part in an intensive seminar at the outset of the program to explore educational theory and practice. zz
EDUCATIONAL CORE COURSES
(15 credit
hours). The DEdMin requires four specific courses that are instrumental to the degree. These courses include 1) advanced study in the theology, history and philosophy of educational ministry; 2) advanced study in human development; 3) advanced study in curriculum theory and curriculum development; and 4) advanced study in teaching theory and teaching methods. zz
ELECTIVE COURSES
(non-credit).
student participates in a project development
COMPONENTS OF THE PROGRAM INTRODUCTORY SEMINAR
PROJECT PROPOSAL WORKSHOP
Toward the end of the program coursework, each
student’s written project report.
zz
(6 credit hours). The practicum
is a supervised activity in educational ministry
of the professors of Christian education. This
the qualifying examination, assists the student in
DOCTOR OF EDUCATIONAL MINISTRY
(9 credit hours). To
fulfill the degree requirement of significant interdisciplinary learning experiences that provide integration of theological
writing their final projects. zz
DOCTOR OF EDUCATIONAL MINISTRY PROJECT
(6 credit hours). Elements of the degree converge in the Doctor of Educational Ministry Project. The student must complete a project and a written project report that interprets this project to the seminary community and the larger Church. Students should start thinking about the proposal for the project early in the program so that the project can be an integrating focus for the entire course of study. Ordinarily, students conduct the project in their own educational ministry setting. January 15 is the deadline for provisional approval of the written draft by the project committee; February 15 is the deadline for final completion of the project.
understanding and ministerial practice,
Students enrolled in the Doctor of Educational
Studies electives. Only one elective may be
requirements within four years of the date of
students take three elective courses from the Ministry degree program are required to request an extension if they have not completed the degree broader offering of Advanced Professional
zz
from the practical theology area.
matriculation. The extension request must be sent to
DEVELOPMENT OF A CURRICULUM DESIGN
the registrar, indicating in the request an expected
(3 hours). An original curriculum design
graduation date. If the request is approved, an
is produced, tested, and assessed by the
extension fee will be charged by the Business Office.
student. www.CTSnet.edu
29
DEdMin continued DEGREE PROGRAMS & ADMISSIONS
degree in educational ministry, nor can other
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DOCTOR OF EDUCATIONAL MINISTRY DEGREE zz
To be eligible for graduation with the DEdMin degree, students are expected to: Have on file with the seminary a complete and official transcript of credits showing graduation with the first professional degree in religious education (or its equivalent) Satisfactorily complete all the requirements of the degree with a total of 45 credit hours, 39 of which must be completed at Columbia, within four years of the date of matriculation;
zz
Complete the Project Development and Design Workshop; Complete the DEdMin project;
zz
Maintain a minimum overall grade point average of 3.00;
may be considered eligible for advanced standing. Applicants for admission shall be required to demonstrate ability to engage in the practices of educational ministry, superior academic aptitude, benefit by participation in it. Ordinarily, applicants are employed by or hold an official position in educational ministry throughout the duration of their enrollment in the degree program. To be considered for admission to the DEdMin program, applicants are required to supply the Office of Advanced Professional Studies with zz
An online application form;
zz
A personal statement detailing the applicant’s educational ministry to date and vision for
Demonstrate to the faculty that they have sustained a sound moral and religious character in seminary life and give promise of useful service in the ministry or other church vocations; and
zz
disciplines. Applicants with appropriate coursework
the following:
zz
zz
a comprehensive exposure to the theological
and capacity both to contribute to the program and
from an ATS-accredited institution; zz
master’s degrees in education that do not have
future ministry; zz
An up-to-date resume;
zz
A background check;
zz
Certification of three years of experience in educational ministry after completion of the
Pay all bills to the seminary and give
first professional degree;
assurance that all open accounts in the
zz
community and elsewhere have been
completed after high school, sent directly from
satisfied. Students with education loans must agree to make prompt and regular payments. ADMISSION TO THE DOCTOR OF
Admission to the degree program requires the possession of an ATS-approved first professional degree in educational ministry (i.e., M.R.E., MACE, MA(TS) or MAPT with a concentration in Christian education, MDiv with demonstrated coursework in educational ministry). Ministerial experience cannot be considered an alternative to or a substitute for the professional master’s
Columbia Theological Seminary
the appropriate institutions; and zz
Three letters of recommendation (on forms provided by Columbia): one academic
EDUCATIONAL MINISTRY PROGRAM
30
Official transcripts for all degree program work
reference from a seminary or other graduate school professor and two character references from persons who are familiar with the applicant’s ministry. In some cases, a professor of Christian education may request a personal interview with the applicant. All DEdMin applicants for whom English is not their first language must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) internet-based test (iBT), and the iBT TOEFL score must be from a test date that is two years or less from the date of
application to Columbia Theological Seminary. A
TRANSFER CREDIT
minimum total iBT TOEFL score of 86 is required,
With prior approval from the Office of Academic Affairs,
with the following minimum required scores in the
a student may receive up to 6 hours of transfer credit
areas: Reading 22; Listening 20; Speaking 20;
from another ATS-accredited institution. Each course
and Writing 24. All test fees are the responsibility
must be at the advanced degree level, and the grade
of the applicant.
must be at least a B (3.0 on a scale of 4.0). Independent
International applicants to the DEdMin
studies and enhanced basic degree courses will not be
program must first contact the International
considered for transfer credit. A course submitted for
Programs Office (intlprog@ctsnet.edu) for
advanced standing must have been taken no more than
additional application information pertaining to
five years before entrance into the program. Students
international students.
may not receive credit for academic work applied toward another degree.
DOCTOR OF EDUCATIONAL MINISTRY 2017-18 COMPONENTS AND TIMELINE Year 1 15 CREDITS
· Introductory Seminar (6 credits) · Advanced Teaching and Learning Theory (3 credits) · Advanced Human Development (6 credits) · Faculty adviser assigned
Year 2 9 CREDITS
Year 3 15 CREDITS
· Complete practicum (6 credits) · Three elective courses: from Bible (B), Historical Doctrinal (HD) area, or independent study (9 credits)
Year 4 6 CREDITS
· Project Proposal Workshop · Final project (6 credits) · Advanced Study in Curriculum Theory (3 credits) · Theory, History, & Philosophy of Educational Ministry (3 credits) · Curriculum design (3 credits) · Begin Practicum
TOTAL: 45 CREDITS
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31
DOCTOR OF THEOLOGY
DEGREE PROGRAMS & ADMISSIONS
IN PASTORAL COUNSELING INTRODUCTION
The Doctor of Theology program is being discontinued and will no longer accept applications. Students currently in the program have completed all coursework, and are being supported through the exam and dissertation phases in order to complete the degree. The Doctor of Theology (ThD) degree is offered through the Atlanta Theological Association by Columbia, Candler School of Theology, and the Interdenominational Theological Center of Atlanta. Students register for courses at any of these three seminaries within the ATA, as well as intensive clinical training (normally at the Care and Counseling Center of Georgia in Atlanta), with at least one-third of the student’s courses taken through the student’s school of enrollment. The program of study is conducted jointly under the direction of the ThD Committee of the Atlanta Theological Association, comprised of full-time teaching faculty in pastoral theology, care, and counseling at Columbia, Candler, and ITC. The ThD Committee has responsibility for approving student admission to the program, establishing curriculum offerings, and certifying candidates for the awarding of the degree. AIMS OF THE PROGRAM
congregations, and as consultants and researchers.
This program is unique among doctoral programs There is also an option for coursework fulfilling in the U.S. for its integration of theological, academic requirements for licensure in the State of clinical, and research dimensions of the
Georgia as a Marriage and Family Therapist. The advanced study of pastoral theology and pastoral ThD is comparable to the PhD, but it is designed psychotherapy. Graduates receive in-depth for those whose vocation is primarily clinical and education in psycho-dynamic, family systems,
theological.
narrative and intercultural approaches to pastoral psychotherapy, together with training in pastoral
PROGRAM OF STUDY
theological methods and social science research.
The studies included within the program help The program includes both academic coursework students gain an advanced understanding of and clinical residency, and culminates in a appropriate theological and theoretical concepts.
32
dissertation. Graduates currently serve in a
Students learn under qualified supervision the
wide range of settings as pastoral counselors,
application of these concepts in pastoral counseling
chaplains, consultants, pastors in church
and how to promote professional integration of
settings, researchers, and seminary professors.
theory and skills in both pastoral counseling and
The program is designed to prepare persons for
pastoral guidance. In addition, students design and
the specialized ministry of pastoral counseling
execute a research project appropriate to their own
at a doctoral level of competence and for
professional practice that gives evidence of their
membership at the Clinical Member level in the
creative ability to contribute to this aspect of pastoral
American Association of Pastoral Counselors.
counseling.
With this training, graduates currently serve
To receive the degree a student must complete
in a wide range of settings including pastoral
50 semester credit hours of academic and clinical
counseling centers, chaplaincies, seminaries,
practicum courses (21 core courses, 17 practicum
Columbia Theological Seminary
TRANSFER OF CREDIT FOR THD STUDENTS
courses, and 12 electives), pass both a Clinical Performance exam and five Qualifying exams, pass a
In planning the student’s program with her/his adviser or
comprehensive oral exam, and complete a dissertation.
ThD program director, a student may request credit for work done prior to entry under the following guidelines:
COURSEWORK AND PRACTICUM
zz
Credit for prior academic and/or clinical training
Students will normally be in full-time coursework
must be approved by the ThD Committee, in
and residency for the first 21 months of the program,
conversation Office of Academic Affairs at
including the first summer. Clinical counseling residency
Columbia. All transfer credit must have been done
normally takes place at the Care and Counseling Center
at a PhD or ThD level and a grade of B or better
of Georgia (CCCG) in Decatur, GA.
must have been given for the prior coursework. The student must be able to show that the work
Each student admitted to the program has one member
is relevant to the ThD program. The coursework
of the pastoral counseling faculty as adviser.
normally can be no older than five years old. No more than 12 credit hours may be transferred from
EXAMINATIONS Following completion of all academic and practicum
either an earned degree or from other coursework.
courses totaling 50 credits, and having earned a least a
All classroom work transferred in will be counted as
B average, the student will take a Clinical Performance
elective credit. In the case of clinical practicum work,
exam (normally May of the second year), showing
a student may receive credit for practicum work
competency in counseling. Following the performance
that was done in conjunction with licensure, clinical
exam, students will prepare for five Qualifying Exams,
work for another degree, or prior enrollment at the
covering therapeutic relationship and personality
Care and Counseling Center of Georgia’s practicum
theory, marriage and family theory, pastoral theology,
program. No more than 8 credit hours will be
socio-cultural dimensions of pastoral counseling, and
awarded for this work and will be credited toward the
ecclesiological and ethical dimensions of pastoral
basic practicum requirement. The student would be
counseling. The five written exams are followed by a
enrolled for the remaining 9 hours of practicum work at the advanced residency level.
comprehensive oral examination. zz
at schools and agencies not related to the ATA may
DISSERTATION
be transferred to fulfill requirements for the ThD
Following satisfactory performance in the qualifying
degree under the following guidelines:
examinations, students prepare a dissertation proposal in consultation with their advisor. Following approval of the
Credit for work done after entry into the program
• Prior to registration for a course for which
dissertation proposal by their dissertation committee and
credit is to be transferred, the student must
the Institutional Review Board (IRB), students engage in
have written permission of his/her adviser or
the approved research project and write the dissertation.
the ThD program director and the Office of
Academic Affairs at the student’s school of
TIMEFRAME
enrollment.
Four to five years is a reasonable minimum timeframe
• The student pays his/her own fees to the
for completion of all requirements for the degree on a
school where such work is done at institutions
full-time basis, depending on the student’s other work
not related to the ATA. The number of credits
commitments. Students may negotiate to complete
to be allowed within this limitation is, in
some of the degree requirements on a part-time basis,
each instance, subject to the approval of the
typically after completion of the first two years of the
respective ATA school.
program. Students are required to complete all degree
A limit of 12 semester hours is placed upon any work done
requirements within nine years.
at institutions not related to the ATA whether earned prior to enrollment or during enrollment in the program. All work transferred in will be credited as elective courses. www.CTSnet.edu
33
DEGREE PROGRAMS & ADMISSIONS
APPLICATION INFORMATION FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AND EXCHANGE VISITORS In order to matriculate for a course for credit, internationals students must hold either a valid F1 or J1 non-immigrant student visa. All applicants for whom English is not their first language must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Internet-based test (iBT), and submit an iBT TOEFL score from a test date that is two years or less from the date of
34
application to Columbia Theological Seminary
of adequate financial resources to cover costs
before admission and enrollment for credit can
which include, but are not limited to, tuition,
be attained. Those applicants seeking admission
fees (including but not limited to activity,
to basic degree programs (MDiv, MAPT,
program, and graduation fees), textbooks, health
MA[TS], and Dual MDiv/MAPT) must score at
insurance, travel, and living expenses for the
least 550 (paper based format), or 76 (internet
entire period of study in the United States. The
format) with minimum scores in the following
required form I-20/DS-2019, and other visa
areas: Reading 22; Listening 16; Speaking 16;
documents will not be issued until this financial
and Writing 22. Applicants seeking admission
information has been received and verified.
to advanced degree programs (ThM, DEdMin,
ALL international students and accompanying
DMin) must present an iBT TOEFL score of 86,
family members are required to carry health
with the following minimum required scores in
insurance which meets the standards of the U.
the areas: Reading 22; Listening 20; Speaking
S. Citizenship and Immigration Service. No
20; and Writing 24. The Columbia institutional
applicant should come to Atlanta until he or she
code for reporting the TOEFL score is 5118. All
has received a formal letter of admission to a
test fees are the responsibility of the applicant.
degree program from the Office of Admissions
Columbia has a limited number of scholarships.
and Financial Aid and the required form I-20 or
International students are eligible for institutional
form DS-2019 from the International Programs
scholarships and financial aid money. Students
Office.
must be prepared to cover the expenses involved
Prospective international applicants should
while engaged in study at Columbia. Therefore,
contact the Admissions Office (admissions@
upon admission, and before the visa application
ctsnet.edu) for application assistance and
process can begin, persons must show proof
additional information.
Columbia Theological Seminary
SPECIAL STUDENTS AND AUDITORS SPECIAL STUDENTS Those who meet requirements for admission to a basic degree program but do not wish to
when space permits. Auditors must register for courses with the registrar. Auditors are advised to follow the following procedures:
work toward a degree may enroll as a special
zz
Request a class schedule from the registrar;
student and take courses for credit. Those who
zz
Select the class to be audited;
zz
Secure permission from the professor of
do not meet the requirements for admission to a basic degree program may be admitted as
that class; and,
an unclassified student. Unclassified students are admitted for a limited number of courses as
zz
determined by the Office of Admissions. Special
The cost for auditing a course is one-half the
students may be enrolled for an approved course of study over a specified time period determined by the Office of Academic Affairs. All applicants for whom English is a second language must pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language
Secure permission from the registrar.
tuition for the course. Full-time basic degree students may audit a course in the Fall and Spring semesters for no charge pending the professor’s and registrar’s permissions.
(TOEFL) before admission and enrollment for credit can be attained. Those seeking admission as either an unclassified or special student must score at least 550 (paper-based test), or 76 (internet-based test) with minimum scores in the following areas: Reading 22; Listening 16; Speaking 16; and Writing 22. Applications are available through the CTS website. Students from other institutions of theological education who want to take courses for credit at Columbia can enroll as special students. Their applications must include either a letter of good standing from their home registrar or an official transcript of work completed at their home institution. It is the responsibility of the student to determine the transferability of Columbia’s credit to his or her home institution.
AUDITORS Columbia students, spouses of students, and other members of the community are invited to audit courses with the permission of the instructor and the Office of Academic Affairs
www.CTSnet.edu
35
FACULTY LEANNE VAN DYK 2015 | President and Professor of Theology BA Calvin College; MA Western Michigan University; MDiv Calvin Theological Seminary; PhD Princeton Theological Seminary She has served as a member of the Board of Commissioners of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). As a theological educator, Van Dyk is a strong proponent of theology addressing the present needs of the Church, particularly in the areas of worship and racial-ethnic diversity. JOHN AZUMAH 2011 | Professor of World Christianity and Islam External Dip (Theology), University of Ghana, Legon; MA University of Birmingham, UK; PhD University of Birmingham, UK. His specialties are Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations and his interests are in Islamics, Christian Theology of Religions, Missions and Missiology. His current research area is in World Christianity and Islam in the Global South. BRENNAN WILLIAM BREED 2012 | Assistant Professor of Old Testament BA University of Virginia; MDiv Princeton Theological Seminary; PhD Emory University His research focuses on the reception history of the Bible, which traces the divergent uses and understandings of biblical texts from their ancient contexts of production to the present day. His other interests include Hebrew poetry, biblical theology, textual criticism, ancient and medieval visual art, and philosophy. WILLIAM PATRICK BROWN 2004 | William Marcellus McPheeters Professor of Old Testament BA Whitman College; MDiv Princeton Theological Seminary; PhD Emory University He has abiding interests in the use of scripture in the life of the church and the world, particularly in the context of ecology and justice. Specific interests include creation theology, faith and science dialogue, the Psalms, and wisdom literature (Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes). He was named as a Henry Luce III Fellow in Theology for 2007–2008. KELLY D. CAMPBELL 2013 | Associate Dean for Information Services and Director of the John Bulow Campbell Library BS Wichita State University; MLS Texas Women’s University; MATS Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary; EdD, Pepperdine University She is passionate about equipping people for learning and life, strategizing to develop best practices, and providing high quality service. Her current research focuses on leading others to strive for excellence, and contributing to organizations by helping to develop future leaders.
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Columbia Theological Seminary
*The date after each name indicates the year service began at Columbia.
KIMBERLY L. CLAYTON 2005 | Lecturer, Director of Contextual Education BA Birmingham-Southern College; MDiv, DMin Columbia Theological Seminary Her current research interests include models of supervision for formation in pastoral identity, development of ‘teaching congregations’ for pastoral internships, and urban ministry initiatives. Her other interests include worship and liturgy, preaching, and congregational transition and development. KATHY DAWSON 2004 | Benton Family Associate Professor of Christian Education and Director of the MAPT Program BA California State University, Long Beach; MACE Presbyterian School of Christian Education; MDiv Columbia Theological Seminary; PhD Princeton Theological Seminary Her interests revolve around spiritual development, creative teaching methodologies, curriculum theory, and children’s ministry. Her current research explores how parents and the church can have faithful conversations around fantasy literature for children and youth. She was chosen 2015 Educator of the Year by the Association of Presbyterian Church Educators. MARK DOUGLAS 1999 | Professor of Christian Ethics and Director of the MDiv Program BA Colorado College; MDiv, ThM Princeton Theological Seminary; PhD University of Virginia His wide-ranging interests include: ethics in neo-orthodox theologies, medical and business ethics, the American philosophical tradition of pragmatism, and the role of religion in political philosophy. ANNA CARTER FLORENCE 1998 | Peter Marshall Professor of Preaching and Worship BA Yale University; MDiv, PhD Princeton Theological Seminary She is interested in historical, theological, aesthetic, and performative dimensions of preaching, and in reflecting on the theories and practices that emerge when preaching engages other fields and different traditions. Her current research focuses on testimony, feminist theology, the role of experience in preaching, and the history of preaching women. ISRAEL GALINDO 2013 | Associate Dean for Lifelong Learning and Director of Online Education BA Northeastern College; MRE, MDiv, EdD New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary His interests are in the areas of congregational and organizational leadership, instruction and pedagogy, educational assessment, and Christian faith formation. His work in lifelong learning includes helping leaders apply Bowen Family Systems theory for healthy and effective functioning in home and work settings.
www.CTSnet.edu
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Faculty continued JOHN WILLIAM HARKINS III 1999 | Senior Lecturer in Pastoral Theology and Care and Co-director of the ThD Program BA Rhodes College; MDiv Vanderbilt University Divinity School; PhD Vanderbilt University He is interested in applications of pastoral theology, care, and counseling to both congregational life and clinical settings. Research interests include psychoanalytic theory, marriage and family therapy, and psychological/religious dimensions of literature and film. TIM HARTMAN 2014 | Assistant Professor of Theology BA Stanford University; MDiv Princeton Theological Seminary; PhD University of Virginia His research interests include contemporary Christian theologies worldwide, Christology, Lived Theology (the interrelationship between religious beliefs and practices), and the work of Kwame Bediako and Karl Barth. CHRISTINE J. HONG 2017 | Assistant Professor of Educational Ministry BA University of Washington; MDiv, ThM Princeton Theological Seminary; PhD Claremont School of Theology Her research and teaching interests include decolonial and anti-racist approaches to religious and interreligious education, particularly in the contexts of theological and spiritual formation of children and youth among communities of color. E. ELIZABETH JOHNSON 1998 | J. Davison Philips Professor of New Testament Language, Literature, and Exegesis BGS Ohio University; MDiv, PhD Princeton Theological Seminary She is interested in the ways the Church uses the Bible to think about its faith and life. She is particularly drawn to the Pauline letters and how they invite us to engage in substantive theological reflection about who God is and what Jesus’ death and resurrection mean for human life and society. MELINDA A. MCGARRAH SHARP 2017 | Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Pastoral Care BA University of Virginia; MAR Yale Divinity School; MA, PhD Vanderbilt University Her research includes intercultural pastoral care, particularly the intersections between care, ethics, and postcolonial studies. She is interested in teaching and learning forms of care that weave global interconnectedness, moral imagination, and faith practices.
38
Columbia Theological Seminary
MARTHA MOORE-KEISH 2004 | J.B. Green Associate Professor of Theology AB Harvard College; MDiv Union Theological Seminary in Virginia; PhD Emory University Her research interests include Reformed theology, liturgical theology (especially the theology and practice of the sacraments), and feminist theology. She also has interests in ecumenical theology and interfaith issues including: Reformed-Roman Catholic relations, Christian-Jewish relations and the religions of India. She is currently co-editing a book on Karl Barth and Comparative Theology. DEBORAH FLEMISTER MULLEN 2010 | Vice President of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion; and Associate Professor of American Christianity and Black Church Studies BA University of Rochester; MDiv Colgate Rochester Divinity School/Bexley Hall/Crozer Theological Seminary; PhD University of Chicago Her research, scholarly and teaching interests cluster around themes related to race and sexuality as subjects of ongoing debates within American religion and civil society. She is committed to a graduate theological curriculum that prepares religious leaders for ministries of care, compassion, empowerment, justice and service in the world and for the whole Church of Jesus Christ. JACOB D. MYERS 2015 | Assistant Professor of Homiletics BA Gardner Webb University; MDiv Princeton Theological Seminary; PhD Emory University He is interested in homiletical theories and theologies, continental philosophies (esp. poststructuralism, existentialism, and phenomenology), and emerging expressions of faith and practice in postmodern, post-Christian contexts. His research focuses on alternative epistemologies for sermon development and delivery, the philosophical and theological conditions for the im/possibility of preaching, contextual/constructive biblical hermeneutics and theologies, and the ways in which preaching interacts with cultures and traditions. RAJ NADELLA 2012 | Assistant Professor of New Testament Studies and Director of the MA(TS) program BTh Serampore College; MDiv/BD United Theological College; MABL Graduate Theological Union; PhD Union Theological Seminary in Virginia His research and teaching interests include Bakhtin and Biblical Studies and postcolonial readings of the New Testament, especially the parables of Jesus. Additionally, his research focuses on New Testament perspectives on the issues of economic justice and their ethical and theological implications for the Church and society today. KEVIN PARK 2012 | Associate Dean for Advanced Professional Studies and Assistant Professor of Theology BA University of Toronto; MDiv Knox College; ThM, PhD Princeton Theological Seminary He is interested in emerging Asian North American theologies and various expressions of theologies of the cross. His current research includes critiquing what he calls “Ornamental Multiculturalism,� and articulating a theology of divine beauty as a key theological resource for multicultural theology and ministry for the North American context.
www.CTSnet.edu
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Faculty continued MARCIA Y. RIGGS 1991 | J. Erskine Love Professor of Christian Ethics AB Randolph-Macon Woman’s College; MDiv Yale Divinity School; PhD Vanderbilt University Her current interests are in the areas of descriptive ethical analysis addressing the relationship between social processes of oppression and socio-religious ethical praxis; ethical discourse that bridges the gap between womanist religious scholarship and the practice of ministry in the Church; moral foundations for public policy; and the Church and its role in social justice ministry. She was named as a Henry Luce III Fellow in Theology for 2017-2018. STANLEY P. SAUNDERS 1991 | Associate Professor of New Testament BA San Jose Bible College; MDiv Emmanuel School of Religion; PhD Princeton Theological Seminary His research and teaching interests focus on early Christian understandings of “the last days,” the nature of the Church, spirituality, and ecclesial self-definition, with a special interest in the Gospel according to Matthew. REBECCA F. SPURRIER 2016 | Associate Dean for Worship Life and Assistant Professor of Worship BA Calvin College; MDiv Emory University, Candler School of Theology; PhD Emory University She is interested in a theologies and practices of public worship that reflect the beauty and tension that human difference brings to Christian liturgy. Engaging ethnographic theology, disability studies, and liturgical aesthetics, her research explores the hope of human interdependence and the importance of liturgical access for ecclesial practice and Christian community. She integrates a focus on liturgical and practical theology in the classroom with the formation of worship leaders through daily chapel services. JEFFERY L. TRIBBLE SR. 2007 | Associate Professor of Ministry BS Howard University; MDiv Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary; PhD Northwestern University He is interested in educating and forming persons for the transformative praxis of ministry in Church and society. He bridges the Church, community, and seminary through his teaching, ministry, and scholarship in the areas of practical theology, congregational studies, ethnographic research, urban church ministry, black church studies, congregational leadership, and evangelism. HARUKO NAWATA WARD 2002 | Professor of Church History BFA Tokyo University of Fine Arts and Music; MA New York University; MDiv Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary; ThM, PhD Princeton Theological Seminary Her research interests include the age of Reformations, the Jesuits, encounters of cultures and religions, women and religious vocation, history of biblical interpretation, history of Christianity in Asia, and justice issues in Church history.
40
Columbia Theological Seminary
RALPH C. BASUI WATKINS 2011 | Peachtree Associate Professor of Evangelism and Church Growth AA, American River Junior College; BA, California State University at Sacramento; MA, University of Dubuque Theological Seminary; DMin, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary; PhD, University of Pittsburgh; MFA, Savannah College of Art and Design His work and research centers around building 21st-century churches. His writing and research is done with congregations as they partner to be faithful to the call of being the Body of Christ. He is presently working on ways the Church can use multi-media approaches and web 2.0 strategies to be effective at evangelism and discipleship. CHRISTINE ROY YODER 1998 | Interim Dean of Faculty and Professor of Old Testament Language, Literature, and Exegesis BA Swarthmore College; MDiv, PhD Princeton Theological Seminary Her research interests include creation theology, wisdom literature, the socio-historical and theological dynamics of the post-exilic period, women in the Bible, and the history of methodology of biblical interpretation. She was named as a Henry Luce III Fellow in Theology for 2014-2015. WILLIAM YOO 2014 | Assistant Professor of American Religious and Cultural History and Director of the ThM Program BSE University of Pennsylvania; MDiv Westminster Theological Seminary; ThM, PhD Emory University His research interests within the history of Christianity in the United States include the expansion of the American foreign missionary enterprise, the formation of immigrant religious communities, the religious cultures of the American South, the Presbyterian experience, and the transnational encounter between American and Korean Protestants across both nations.
ADJUNCT/VISITING PROFESSORS ADJUNCT LECTURERS Ryan Bonfiglio ADJUNCTS/VISITING PROFESSORS Kyle Brooks
James Siwy
Catherine Gonzalez
Stephanie Smith Matthews
Joshilyn Jackson
Oral Thomas
Tonya Lawrence
Joel Winchip
Katie Owen Aumann
www.CTSnet.edu
41
HOUSING & FINANCIAL INFORMATION
HOUSING
Columbia’s housing is reserved for full-time MDiv, MAPT, and MA(TS) students. Full-time ThM students may be eligible for housing as space permits. The Admissions Office distributes housing application forms to admitted students. Students should apply as early as possible following acceptance and should direct all inquiries to the Business Office. For students who prefer to live offcampus, numerous housing options are within easy commuting distance.
HOUSING FOR SINGLE STUDENTS
HOUSING FOR STUDENTS WITH
FLORIDA HALL
CHILDREN
This residence hall offers efficiencies, suites, and
VILLAGE APARTMENTS
individual rooms, all with private baths. Most
This housing offers two-, three-, and four-
single rooms are fully furnished. Furnished
bedroom apartments for students with children.
suites consist of two rooms and a private bath.
Refrigerators are not included; however, most
Efficiency apartments are unfurnished and
apartments are equipped with washer/dryer
available to single students if these units have not
hook-ups. The apartment community includes a
been assigned to married students.
playscape and picnic area. Housing for Students with Special Needs
NEW RESIDENCE HALL
Columbia has a small number of housing units
This building contains one-bedroom apartments
that are accessible to persons with physical
for singles, two- and four-bedroom apartments
limitations.
that can be shared by full-time students, as well as suites and studios. All units include private
LEASE AGREEMENT AND PAYMENT
bathrooms (one per bedroom). Apartments
A student who has entered into a lease
have full kitchens, including refrigerators and
agreement for a seminary housing unit for a
microwave ovens.
term, but who has not yet occupied the unit, is
Note: Students who live in single rooms and
responsible for payment in full unless written
suites are required to participate in the standard
notice that the unit will not be used is given to
meal plan (15 meals per week). Students who
the vice president for business and finance at
live in efficiencies or apartments are required to
least two weeks before the first day of classes.
participate in the lunch plan during their Junior
In that case, no rent will be charged for that
year.
term. In other cases, a refund amount may be given upon the initiative of Columbia Theological
HOUSING FOR MARRIED STUDENTS
Seminary.
WITHOUT CHILDREN Married students without children may live in residence hall efficiencies or apartments (above) or in apartments (below), which include cooking facilities. They are also eligible for one- and twobedroom apartments. Students with children have first priority.
www.CTSnet.edu
43
HOSPITALIZATION INSURANCE HOUSING &
Basic degree students are required to carry some form of hospitalization insurance acceptable to the
FINANCIAL
seminary. Presbyterian students who are enrolled as inquirers or candidates with their presbyteries’
INFORMATION
Committees on Preparation for Ministry are eligible to participate in the major medical plan of the Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Students holding J or F visa status (and their J-2 or F-2 dependents in the United States) and enrolled in any program of the seminary are required to carry health insurance which meets the minimum standards set by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Health insurance which meets the minimum standards set by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services MUST be effective the date the student (and accompanying dependents) arrives in the U.S. Once a student is accepted and confirms his or her intention to enroll, the student should contact the International Programs Office (intlprog@ctsnet.edu) for additional information regarding this requirement.
FINANCIAL AID
The seminary grants financial aid to eligible
New students who plan to attend Greek
full-time basic degree students using the
School must complete the FAFSA online by May
seminary‘s financial aid policies to determine
1. New students entering in the fall must submit
need. Students apply for financial aid by
the FAFSA by July 1.
completing the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) form on the web. The difference between a student’s income and
Returning students must submit the FAFSA online by April 30. All students should submit applications as early as possible since awards are
expenses is established using Columbia’s expense
made as applications are received. Awards are
norms and documented costs of some items. This
contingent upon the availability of funds. Persons
constitutes the financial need of the student.
interested in more detailed information about
After financial need is calculated, financial aid is
the basic degree financial aid program offered
awarded in the form of scholarships, Seminary
by Columbia should contact the Admissions and
Service (on-campus work study) and a grant at
Financial Aid Office.
the maximum allowable amount Students who receive merit scholarships for full tuition from Columbia are not eligible to
FEDERAL FAMILY EDUCATION LOAN PROGRAM/ WILLIAM D. FORD FEDERAL
receive need based financial aid. Students may
DIRECT LOAN PROGRAM
supplement their need based institutional aid
The seminary participates in the William D. Ford
with outside grants and scholarships. Institutional
Federal Direct Loan Program. The Direct Loan
aid will not be reduced due to outside awards
Program was authorized under the Health Care
unless the sum of institutional aid and outside
and Reconciliation Act of 2010. The program
monies exceed the cost of attendance.
remains essentially the same as the Federal
Students who withdraw from the seminary
Family Education Loan Program relative to most
or become part-time students (less than 9
regulations, loan originations and certifications.
credit hours for basic degree students) during a
The changes have been related to the
semester forfeit their right to financial aid for the
disbursement process and loan origination fees.
term in which such action is taken.
The intent of the Direct Lending (DL) program is the provision of greater benefits to borrowers.
44
Columbia Theological Seminary
As of July 1, 2012, graduate and professional
for the entire certified amount of a loan. Federal
students are no longer eligible to receive Direct
regulations require that, within thirty days of
Subsidized Loans. The unsubsidized loans offered
a change in eligibility, the seminary return the
under the DL program provide a preferable
portion of the loan funds applied to fees (tuition,
interest rate and delays repayment of loans
room, and board) for which the student is no
until after the student graduates or enters less
longer eligible. The student will be billed for any
than half-time status. Columbia assists students
resulting amount owed Columbia. Changes in
with the application process by determining
enrollment status and financial assistance from
and certifying student loan eligibility, including
other sources may also affect loan eligibility.
certification of a student’s satisfactory academic progress as it relates to the course of study for
FEDERAL WORK-STUDY
which the monies are borrowed. Funds for DL
The federal work-study program is regulated
loans are provided by the federal government.
under the Higher Education Act of 1965 and its
Applications for Direct Unsubsidized Loans at
subsequent amendments. Federal work-study
Columbia may be obtained from the Admissions
funds provide some employment opportunities
and Financial Aid Office.
for students. Eligibility for these funds is
To maintain eligibility for loans and deferment
determined according to the federal need-analysis
of prior loans, a student must continue enrollment formula. Availability of these funds is limited by in an eligible degree program, classified as at least
the seminary’s annual allocation. Information
half-time and be making satisfactory academic
pertaining to application procedures and policy
progress as determined by the seminary’s
regulations for federal work-study at Columbia
Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy. Copies of
may be obtained from the Admissions and
this policy are available from the registrar’s office
Financial Aid Office.
and the Admissions and Financial Aid Office and are published each year in the Student Handbook. VETERANS ADMINISTRATION BENEFITS When a student withdraws or drops below halftime status, he or she may no longer be eligible
Certification for V.A. benefits is handled through Admissions and Financial Aid.
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR BASIC DEGREE STUDENTS COLUMBIA SCHOLARSHIPS
lowest single student rate), and board. A Columbia
Qualified women and men planning to attend
Scholarship will be renewed up to the maximum
Columbia are encouraged to apply for a Columbia credit hours for the program for which the award Scholarship. This scholarship is for students
was originally made if the recipient maintains
entering into a basic degree program who have
full-time status, retains a 3.50 cumulative grade
exhibited exceptional academic and leadership
point average, and continues to show outstanding
abilities during their undergraduate studies, as
potential for ministry.
well as in community involvement and church
A completed admissions application is required.
commitments.
Application is made through the Office of
The Admissions Committee may award up to
Admissions and Financial Aid and must be received
five Columbia Scholarships per academic year.
no later than January 15. Announcement of
The scholarship covers tuition, room (at the
Columbia Scholarship awards will ordinarily be made by February 15. www.CTSnet.edu
45
Scholarships For Basic Degree Students continued HOUSING & FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Those applying for Columbia Scholarships will
PRESBYTERIAN STUDENT GRANTS
automatically be considered for other scholarships
Eligible full-time basic degree students are
if they are not awarded Columbia Scholarships.
awarded the Presbyterian Student Grant for the fall and spring semesters based on self-
HONOR SCHOLARSHIPS
declaration of membership in the PC(USA).
A number of Honor Scholarships have been established at Columbia for full-time basic degree
COLUMBIA FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE
students. The Admissions Committee awards
SCHOLARSHIPS
several scholarships annually to first year students
A number of scholarships are funded annually
on the basis of academic achievement, leadership
by the Columbia Friendship Circle. These
in the church and on campus, and demonstration
scholarships are awarded to full time, PC(USA)
of outstanding promise for the ordained ministry.
MDiv degree students by the Basic Degrees
An Honor Scholarship covers tuition and fees
Committee upon nomination by Dean of
for the academic year. The scholarship will be
Students in consultation with the Admissions and
renewed up to the maximum credit hours for
Financial Aid Office.
the program for which the award was originally made if the recipient maintains full-time status,
The following criteria are used in making
retains a 3.30 cumulative grade point average,
nominations: The student must be a second or
and continues to show outstanding potential for
third year student (fourth year if the student
ministry. Application is made through the Office
has been involved in a yearlong internship or
of Admissions and Financial Aid. A completed
dual degree program); have demonstrated both
admissions application is required. Applications
a strong commitment to God’s call and diligence
must be received no later than January 15.
in studies at Columbia; be a parent with family
Announcement of Honor Scholarship awards will
responsibilities; and have demonstrated financial
ordinarily be made by February 15.
need. Recipients who show need over and above the Columbia Friendship Circle Scholarship may
RACIAL/ETHNIC MINORITY GRANTS
be eligible for additional need-based financial aid.
Eligible full-time basic degree students are
Such financial aid will include a seminary service
awarded the Racial/Ethnic Minority Grant for the
assignment with reduced work-study hours.
fall and spring semesters based on self-declaration of race and ethnicity.
46
Columbia Theological Seminary
TUITION, FEES, AND OTHER CHARGES EFFECTIVE SUMMER TERM 2017 Tuition and fees listed are for the 2017-2018
income. Also, other services to the student are
academic year and are subject to change
provided on a subsidized basis
annually. Tuition and fees represent only a small part
PAYMENT OF FEES
of the cost of providing theological education.
Tuition, fees, room, and board must be paid to the
Most of the cost is met through gifts from
Business Office by the deadline set at the beginning
individuals and churches and by endowment
of each term and are subject to change annually.
MASTER OF DIVINITY, MASTER OF ARTS IN PRACTICAL THEOLOGY, MASTER OF ARTS (THEOLOGICAL STUDIES) DEGREE CANDIDATES TUITION $454
Per credit hour
$227
Audit fee per credit hour
$145
Student Fee (for each long term), full-time students
$145
Student Fee (per year), part-time students enrolled in five year MDiv program.
OTHER FEES
$368 I520 Alternative Context, Atlanta (plus 3 credit hour course fee) $1,267
I520 Alternative Context, Other U.S. (plus 3 credit hour course fee)
$1,970 I520 Alternative Context, International (plus 3 credit hour course fee)
ADVANCED DEGREE AND NON-DEGREE STUDENTS TUITION $538 Per credit hour $269 Audit fee per credit hour OTHER FEES $70
Advanced Degree Student Fee (annual)
$50
Non-Degree Student Fee (annual)
$115 ATA499 ThD Research fee (ThD candidates only; does not apply to ThD students enrolled in courses) $340 ThM, DMin, and DEdMin extension fee $30
Thesis binding (per copy)
PROGRAM COSTS $ 14,146 Total cost for DMin and DEdMin programs for those matriculating in 2016 (includes all fees and tuition)
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47
FOR ALL STUDENTS OTHER FEES HOUSING &
$50 Application fee
FINANCIAL
$50 Late registration fee (does not apply to doctoral practicum and doctoral projects or to ThM thesis registration)
INFORMATION
$160
Commencement fee
MEAL PLANS Full meal plan includes 15 meals per week.
$884 Summer Greek School $1,768 Fall term $442 January term $1,768 Spring term
July 10 – August 18 September 5 – December 15 January 4 – 19 January 29 – May 11
Lunch plan includes Monday-Friday lunch only
$333 Summer Greek School
July 10 – August 18
$699 Fall term
September 5 – December 15
$152 January term
January 4 – 19
$699 Spring term
January 29 – May 11
HOUSING When a housing option has two rates, the first is for unfurnished; the second, for furnished. Prices are per term unless otherwise indicated. FLORIDA HALL
NEW RESIDENTIAL HALL
Singles (full meal plan required)
Studio (full meal plan required 1st year, lunch plan year 2 and 3)
$786 Summer Greek School $1,572 $393
Fall or Spring term January term
Suite (full meal plan required) $1,002 / 1,674 $2,004 / 2,149 $501 / 537
Summer Greek School Fall or Spring term January term
Efficiency Units (lunch plan required 1st year, optional year 2 and 3) $620 $671
$ 912 Summer Greek School $1,824 Fall or Spring term $456
1 Bedroom w/ Kitchenette (full meal plan required 1st year, lunch plan year 2 and 3) $1,110 / 1,182
$2,220 / 2,364 Fall or Spring term $555 / 591
January term
1 Bedroom Apartment (lunch plan required 1st year, optional year 2 and 3) $689 / 729
Exterior entrance (per month)
2 Bedroom Apartment (meal plan optional) $803 / 837
$647 1 Bedroom, per month $677 / 731 2 Bedroom, per month $803 / 879
3 Bedrooms, per month
$895 / 935
4 Bedrooms, per month
Columbia Theological Seminary
Summer Greek School
Standard (per month)
VILLAGE APARTMENTS (all unfurnished)
48
January term
Per month Per month
2 or 4 Bedroom Shared Apartment (lunch plan required 1st year, optional year 2 and 3) $402 / 420
Per month per occupant
REFUND POLICIES TUITION
ROOM AND BOARD
Subject to the following schedule, students are
A student who has entered into a lease
entitled to refunds when they drop a course or
agreement for a seminary housing unit for a
withdraw from school with approval from the
term or semester is responsible for payment
seminary. A course is considered dropped at
in full unless written notice that the unit will
the time the registrar receives written notice
not be used is given to the vice president for
from the student requesting a course drop. A
business and finance at least two weeks before
student is considered to have withdrawn from
the first day of classes. In that case, a 100
the seminary when a petition for withdrawal is
percent refund will be made. In other cases, a
approved by a seminary dean.
refund amount may be given upon the initiative of the seminary. A minimum charge of one
FALL AND SPRING TERM CLASSES (FULL-
month’s rent will be assessed as a penalty for
TERM):
breaking a lease.
By the end of the: First week
A student who otherwise is required to be 100%
on the seminary’s board plan, but who has a
Second week
80%
sufficient medical reason for withdrawing from
Third week
50%
board status, may be granted a full refund if a
Fourth week
25%
written request is made to the vice president
After fourth week
0%
for business and finance at least one week before the first day of classes. The seminary’s
COURSES SIX TO SEVEN WEEKS IN
vice president for business and finance
DURATION:
determines the validity of an exemption
By the end of the:
from the board plan, in consultation with the
First week of class
100%
seminary’s food service director.
Second week
50%
A student who withdraws or drops out of
Third week
25%
school must vacate seminary housing and cease
After third week
0%
using its dining facilities or be held liable for room and board charges beyond his or her last
JANUARY TERM CLASSES AND DMIN
date of attendance.
AND DEDMIN INTENSIVE COURSES: FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
By the end of the: First day of class
100%
A student who withdraws from the seminary
Third day of class
50%
or becomes a part-time student (less than 9
0%
credit hours) forfeits any financial assistance
After third day of class
(scholarships and financial aid) previously No refund of course supervision fees or of clinical
awarded for the term in which such action
pastoral education fees will be made.
occurs
No refund of activity fees will be made after completion of the second week in Fall or Spring Terms. No refund of Exploration program fees will be made after the third day of class. www.CTSnet.edu
49
RESOURCES AND RELATED ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
THE JOHN BULOW CAMPBELL LIBRARY
The library, which is named for John Bulow Campbell, an Atlanta businessman and member of Columbia’s Board of Trustees during the 1930s, serves a vital role at the seminary. The library offers resources and spaces for student and faculty to engage in research, support the curriculum, and encourage the exploration of theological topics and concerns beyond the typical classroom experience. The John Bulow Campbell Library is an extension of the classroom and is well prepared to engage users in a variety of ways and with a variety of resources. The library’s collection includes over 150,000 books (both electronic and print), current print periodical subscriptions and numerous electronic subscriptions, thousands of church records, over 5,700 Presbyterian Women’s Histories, and archival collections, many media resources and databases selected to serve the changing landscape of theological education. The library participates in GALILEO (Georgia Library Learning Online), allowing access to over 170 additional databases for students and faculty. Library services include a continuously and professionally staffed central reference/ circulation desk, e-mail reference help, computer workstations installed with Word, Adobe Pro and Bible Works, scanner/copier, and a wireless environment throughout the facility. The library space is designed with the current theological user in mind including a large quiet reading room, small and large individual study spaces, natural lighting, individual carrels, and group study spaces. The library’s membership in two primary consortia, the Atlanta Theological Association (ATA) and the Atlanta Regional Council for Higher Education (ARCHE), gives Columbia’s faculty and students free access to the libraries of twenty-seven other academic institutions in the Atlanta area, including five major research libraries and six other theological collections. THE C. BENTON KLINE, JR. SPECIAL COLLECTIONS AND ARCHIVES The Special Collections and Archives area, named for Columbia’s fifth president, is the official repository for all seminary records and faculty books. The C. Benton Kline, Jr. Special Collections and Archives are located on the third floor of the library. THE CENTER FOR ACADEMIC LITERACY (CAL) The Center for Academic Literacy (CAL), located in the John Bulow Campbell Library, provides one-on-one coaching, writing and speaking workshops, and other programming to enrich students’ competencies in graduate-level academic literacies (e.g. analytical writing, critical reading and thinking, theological research, effective communication).
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51
RESOURCES & REL ATED ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
RELATED ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
In addition to the basic and advanced degree programs, Columbia offers a wide variety of academic opportunities. Some of these are offered in relationship with other educational institutions; others are special emphases of Columbia. In addition to the basic and advanced degree
institutions to develop new resources and realize
programs, Columbia offers a wide variety of
cost savings in ways that otherwise would not be
academic opportunities. Some of these are
available to members individually and to inform
offered in relationship with other educational
civic and business leaders and the general public
institutions; others are special emphases of
of the direct and indirect ways in which higher
Columbia.
education benefits the Atlanta region and the State of Georgia.
ATLANTA THEOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION Through the Atlanta Theological Association
CROSS-REGISTRATION AT AREA
(ATA), Columbia enjoys academic and
SCHOOLS
professional affiliations with Candler School of
Columbia students may cross-register for courses
Theology (Emory University), Erskine Theological
at schools that belong to either the ATA or the
Seminary, Interdenominational Theological
ARCHE. Cross-registration forms are available in
Center, Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary
the registrar’s office at each school.
and McAfee School of Theology (Mercer
Students may cross-register for a course on a
University). The association develops and
space-available basis. Students may cross-register
coordinates educational programs and resources
for a maximum of two courses per term, and the
of these member institutions, which include
combined load may not exceed the full-time
approximately sixteen hundred students, two
allowable load on the home campus. Students
hundred faculty, and a combined library collection
register and pay regular tuition and fees to the
of 600,000 volumes. Among significant and
home institution.
promising cooperative endeavors are cross registration, sharing of faculty, library and
CROSS-REGISTRATION AT
lectureship resources, inter-seminary courses,
THEOLOGICAL INSTITUTIONS OF THE
and experimental programs in various academic disciplines and professional specializations.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA) A policy of reciprocal cross-registration at the ten theological institutions of the Presbyterian
ATLANTA REGIONAL CONSORTIUM
Church (USA) is designed to strengthen the
FOR HIGHER EDUCATION
theological education of persons preparing for
Columbia is a founding institution of the
ministry in the denomination. This policy permits
metropolitan Atlanta consortium of institutions
students registered in master’s degree programs
of higher education (ARCHE). ARCHE’s mission
to take courses at any of the other institutions
is to provide member institutions with services
without paying additional tuition. Tuition for a
that help expand educational opportunities,
course is charged at the home institution. For
promote academic excellence, and foster cultural
additional information, contact the Office of
diversity for students, faculty, and staff. To
Academic Affairs.
provide collaborative opportunities for member 52
Columbia Theological Seminary
CLINICAL PASTORAL EDUCATION
PARTNERSHIP WITH THE
Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), a firsthand
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CAMP AND
learning experience under certified supervision,
CONFERENCE ASSOCIATION
provides theological students and pastors
Columbia has an official relationship with the Presbyterian
with opportunities for intensive study of
Church Camp and Conference Association (PCCCA). This
pastoral relationships. It seeks to make clear
organization supports the camps and conference centers
in understanding and practice the resources,
of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and The Presbyterian
methods, and meanings of the Christian faith
Church in Canada by equipping leaders for vibrant and
as expressed through pastoral care. The Atlanta
sustainable ministries. In 2008, the seminary created a
metropolitan region offers a wide variety of
partnership with PCCCA in order to help prepare our
settings in which a student may seek placement.
students for ministries that include camps, conferences, and retreats.
CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS AT GEORGIA
The seminary is committed to providing a consistent
STATE UNIVERSITY
schedule of courses in the field of camp and conference
The Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at
ministry. The P606 Camp/Conference Program and
Georgia State University offers three certificate
Administration course is currently offered during the
programs in the following areas: Nonprofit
January term. Students also have the opportunity to
Management, Planning and Economic
attend courses offered through the Compass Points
Development, and Disaster Management. With
Certification Program. These classes are offered each
approval of the dean of faculty, a student may
spring and fall (on and off campus) in cooperation with the
use four elective courses to pursue a certificate
Center for Lifelong Learning. More about this certification
in one of the three areas. For information
program can be found on www.compasspointsprogram.org .
regarding the courses needed for each certificate, and procedures for enrolling in the certificate program, please contact either the
CERTIFICATION IN CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Office of Academic Affairs or the Contextual
Students can take courses leading to the certification in
Education Office.
Christian education. Students interested should inquire with the Christian education professors.
PROGRAMS IN OTHER LOCATIONS
Appalachian Ministries Educational Resource Center
National Capital Semester for Seminarians
Columbia is a member of the Appalachian Ministries Educational Resource Center (AMERC), a seminary consortium that facilitates contextualized theological education for students interested in the Appalachian region or rural ministry. Through its educational programs, students have the opportunity to learn about Appalachia, its people and history, its values and religion, and its needs and issues for ministry. For information about AMERC courses, contact the Office of International Programs.
Columbia is a participating institution in the National Capital Semester for Seminarians, organized by Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, D.C. The program provides students an opportunity to spend a semester in Washington for study and involvement in the processes of government and the concerns of the Church. The design includes an interaction/reflection seminar, supervised study, and the opportunity to select other courses in Washington institutions. For detailed information, contact the Office of Academic Affairs.
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53
COLUMBIA IN SERVICE TO THE CHURCH AND ITS MINISTRY
THE CENTER FOR LIFELONG LEARNING Columbia Seminary serves as a theological resource to students within degree programs, to clergy, other church leaders, and people of faith in the service of the Church. This mission includes the renowned Center for Lifelong Learning which hosts a variety of learning events, on and off campus. These programs, single day to week-long classes and online courses, are designed to support participants’ spiritual, academic, professional, and personal growth, and the enrichment of the various ministries in which they serve. Among its many offerings are the Certificate in Spiritual Formation, the Certificate in Spiritual Direction, the Certificate in Older Adult Ministry, and its Pastoral Excellence Programs. Check the Lifelong Learning section of the seminary website for a full listing of program current programs and events.
INTERNATIONAL THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION Columbia is committed to the task of preparing students for ministry in a world that is expanding rapidly and where preoccupation with parochial concerns is no longer an option. A varied program of international education has emerged from serious, cross-cultural dialogue with church leaders in other parts of the world. Historically, more than sixty-five percent of second year MDiv students have participated in one of Columbia’s international programs. These programs include: zz
An international component for the second year course, “Explorations: Alternative Context for Ministry.” Students may apply to take this course in an international setting. International placements are offered in Brazil, Central Europe, Ghana, India, Jamaica, and Korea.
zz
Supervised ministry placements for Columbia students in Caribbean, Ghanaian, Kenyan, Korean, and South African churches under the supervision of experienced local pastors.
zz
Educational exchange programs and internships in the Czech Republic, England, Ghana, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Korea, and South Africa.
zz
A Doctor of Ministry program located at the United Theological College of the West Indies. Many of the classes are held at the CTS DMin extension site in Kingston, Jamaica.
zz
International students, faculty, and pastors working and studying on the Columbia campus.
zz
Two week DMin and DEdMin travel seminars to China, Germany, Korea, South Africa, and Switzerland, with plans to offer travel seminars to Cuba, Ghana, and Palestine.
zz
Pilgrimages to the Holy Land.
For further information, write to the International Programs Coordinator (intlprog@ctsnet.edu).
www.CTSnet.edu
55
COMMUNITY LIFE
Many networks of relationships and organizations, both formal and informal, shape community life at Columbia. The life of the seminary is as easily celebrated over a cup of coffee as it is in the ceremony of graduation. The following paragraphs briefly describe some of the structured events and organizations in which students participate during the academic year.
YEARLY SCHEDULE The academic year is composed of two long semesters of fourteen weeks each and a short January term. Fall semester runs from September to mid-December and Spring semester begins in late January or early February and ends in early May. The January term starts in few days into the new year. During the Summer Term, the seminary offers supervised ministry experiences, a limited number of basic degree courses, a six-week course in beginning Greek, and a four-week summer session designed primarily for advanced professional degree students and ministers interested in continuing education.
ORIENTATION All entering basic degree students and international students are required to attend an orientation program that occurs during the days preceding the regular opening of the seminary in the fall. It offers an opportunity for new students to become acquainted with each other, with student body leaders, and with members of the faculty and staff. Entering students receive notification of their faculty advisors at this time, and have an opportunity to meet and consult with them. All transfer students must come to the Office of Academic Affairs during orientation so that their previous coursework is officially transferred in and a plan for their work at Columbia can be established. The Student Handbook is distributed to all entering basic degree students and international students. This handbook contains policies and practices that pertain to student life at the seminary. Returning basic degree students are also required to participate in orientation which includes activities such as placement assistance and procedures, preparation for ordination exams, orientation to the Candidacy Discernment Consultation process, and consultation on senior Chapel leadership procedures.
COMMUNITY WORSHIP AND CONVOCATIONS The seminary community gathers for worship four days each week to express its thanksgiving for and need of God’s grace, to hear God’s word, and to pray for the Church and the world. Students, faculty, staff, and invited guests lead worship for the community. The sacrament of the Lord’s Supper is celebrated each Friday. Wednesday forums provide an alternative to the traditional worship service. Forums offer the Columbia community opportunities to consider significant issues for the church in the world, to be exposed to persons from other traditions and parts of the earth, or to be directed in spiritual formation. Several times during the year, the seminary community gathers for convocations and other special services. At opening convocation in the fall and at commencement each spring, students are recognized for outstanding academic work and for service to the church through the presentation of awards, prizes, and fellowships. Descriptions of these awards are on the following pages.
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57
AWARDS AND PRIZES COMMUNIT Y LIFE
Through the gifts of alumni and friends of the seminary, several prizes and awards have been established to recognize the outstanding academic achievements of students. THE WILDS BOOK PRIZE was established
THE EMMA GAILLARD BOYCE
by Louis T. Wilds of Columbia, South Carolina,
MEMORIAL AWARD is made annually by the
in 1917. In 1992, an addition to the fund was
Rev. David Boyce, an alumnus of the seminary, made by Mary Scott Wilds Hill, Annie Edmunds in honor of his mother, a devoted music teacher, Wilds McLeod, Murphey Candler Wilds, and choir director, church musician, and minister’s their children in memory of their parents and
grandparents, Laura Candler Wilds and Louis T. Wilds, Jr. The fund provides a cash award to the graduating MDiv student selected by the faculty
wife. A cash prize is awarded to the student writing the best paper on the creative use of music in worship.
for the highest distinction in his or her academic ABDULLAH AWARDS of two types are made available each year by the late Rev. Gabriel work over the entire seminary program. THE LYMAN AND MYKI MOBLEY PRIZE IN BIBLICAL SCHOLARSHIP has been
Abdullah, an alumnus of the seminary. The cash prizes are for the best paper setting forth a plan for the teaching of Bible in the public schools; the
established in memory of Donald Lyman Mobley second is for the best paper designing a program ‘77 and Myki Powell Mobley (Candler School of Theology ‘77). A cash award is given each year to the student or faculty member doing exemplary work in the field of biblical scholarship as it
THE JULIA ABDULLAH AWARD is made available each year by the late Rev. Gabriel
relates to the worship and work of the church.
Abdullah, an alumnus of the seminary. The
THE PAUL T. FUHRMANN BOOK PRIZE
“How to make the church school hour the most
IN CHURCH HISTORY was established in
interesting hour of the week.”
1962 by an alumnus of the seminary to honor the late Dr. Paul T. Fuhrmann, former professor of church history. The cash award is made annually to the student who has shown the most
cash prize is for the best paper on the subject,
THE INDIANTOWN RURAL CHURCH AWARD was established by the family of Mr. and Mrs. R. W. Stuckey in their honor to highlight
outstanding achievement in church history.
the work of ministry in rural congregations. The
THE FLORRIE WILKES SANDERS PRIZE
who has done outstanding ministry in a rural
IN THEOLOGY is given by the family of
congregation.
Florrie Wilkes Sanders of Atlanta, Georgia. A cash award is given each year to the student presenting the best paper showing sound theological scholarship and relevance to the needs of Christian people in the contemporary world. Special attention is given to papers relating theology to the education, professions, and avocations of laypersons. 58
for the development of moral and spiritual values.
Columbia Theological Seminary
cash prize is awarded annually to an MDiv student
THE LUDWIG RICHARD MAX DEWITZ BIBLICAL STUDIES AWARD is a cash award given to the basic degree student who prepared the best Old Testament exegesis during the academic year. A judging committee of professors of Old Testament nominates a person to the faculty for election.
THE SAMUEL A. CARTLEDGE BIBLICAL
THE HAROLD J. RIDDLE MEMORIAL
STUDIES AWARD is given to the basic degree
BOOK AWARD is presented to one or more
student who prepared the best New Testament
seniors, selected by the faculty in consultation
exegesis during the academic year. A cash award
with the pastoral care faculty, who show highest
is given along with a copy of the Greek New
distinction in the field of pastoral care, especially
Testament. A judging committee of professors of
in the area of terminally ill patients.
New Testament nominates a person to the faculty for election.
THE FLORIE S. JOHNSON AWARD was established by the family of Florie S. Johnson
THE PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN OF
in memory of their mother, who was a devoted
THE PRESBYTERY OF ST. ANDREW
teacher committed to lay ministry through the
PREACHING AWARD is a cash award given for the best sermon preached by a student during the
Church of Jesus Christ. The award is given to a senior who presents the best paper setting forth a
academic year.
plan for pastoral care to the aging and who shows
JAMES T. AND CELESTE M. BOYD BOOK
setting.
FUND AWARD is presented to a graduating senior as a means of encouraging and helping establish a personal theological library of books
promise of providing such ministry in a parish
THE GEORGE AND SALLY TELFORD AWARD is designed to recognize each year an
and resources.
outstanding graduate in the Doctor of Ministry
THE C. VIRGINIA HARRISON MEMORIAL
DMin student who shows exceptional ability for
FUND AWARD is presented to a rising senior
congregational leadership with an emphasis on
who is conscientious, responsible, hardworking, and in need of financial assistance. The president, in consultation with the secretary to the president, selects the recipient of this award. THE ROBERT RAMEY, JR. CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP AWARD is given to a graduating senior who shows promise of providing outstanding leadership to the church. The recipient will have demonstrated unusual leadership qualities at Columbia as well as spiritual depth and integrity. THE WILLIAM DUDLEY FUND AWARD is a cash prize presented to two Master of Divinity seniors who have evidenced achievement and interest in, and commitment to, evangelism and church growth. The award is to be used within a five-year period for continuing education or
program. The award will be granted to a graduating
social justice issues and vision for the church. THE TOMS-MCGARRAHAN AWARD is given by the John Calvin Presbyterian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, to honor Eunice McGarrahan’s leadership in the Worship and Theology Unit of the Presbyterian Church, USA, and her father the Reverend Russell Toms, a ‘51 graduate of Columbia. This award is given to one graduating PC(USA) MDiv student annually as nominated by the combined theology and worship faculty of Columbia Theological Seminary. This student must have passed the Theology and Worship sections of the PC(USA) Ordination Exams on their first attempt. THE WILLIAM RIVERS WADDEY AWARD IN YOUTH MINISTRY was established by
graduate study in evangelism and church growth at Walter and Cecilia Waddey in memory of their son William, who was an active and vital part of the Columbia. www.CTSnet.edu
59
Awards and Prizes continued COMMUNIT Y LIFE
youth program at Peachtree Presbyterian Church.
THE DABNEY AND TOM DIXON
The award is given to a student who shows promise
CREATION CARE PREACHING AWARD
and commitment to a call in youth ministry upon graduation and ordination, as well as an understanding of the profound impact that strong youth leadership can have on the individual, the community, and the Church of Jesus Christ. THE JOHN NELSEN AWARD is given for the best Doctor of Ministry project focusing on scripture in aiding the transformation of the Doctor of Ministry student’s congregation into a missional church. The award is given by Dan Winn Jr. in honor of his friend and counselor, John Nelsen, MDiv, DMin, Princeton Theological Seminary and pastor of University Presbyterian Church, El Paso, Texas, who for 25 years has devoted his ministry to challenging, sustaining, and transforming congregations. The missional church has been his primary focus for several years.
60
Columbia Theological Seminary
was established in 2013 by Dabney and Tom Dixon. A cash prize is awarded to the student who prepares the best sermon that addresses the intersections of the Bible, the Church, and environmental concerns (e.g. sustainability, resilience, water, land, energy, climate change, food, communicable disease).
GRADUATE FELLOWSHIPS
VOCATIONAL SERVICES
Each year the seminary awards one or more
Columbia’s students seeking a call find a wide range
fellowships to outstanding graduates completing
of ministry options available to them at graduation.
one of the basic degrees. The purpose of these
While the majority of basic degree graduates accept
fellowships is to recognize superior intellectual
calls to congregational ministries, others are called
achievement demonstrated during the course
into different areas of Christian service to the church
of the regular seminary program and to provide
and world. These avenues include further graduate
a modest support for graduate work beyond the
study in one of the traditional theological disciplines;
first theological degree. Fellowships must be used
Clinical Pastoral Education and focused study in the
toward an accredited advanced master’s degree
art and science of pastoral care; work in international
or doctoral graduate degree program in which the
missions; service in a social ministry agency; chaplaincy
recipient engages in the scholarly pursuit of an
in hospitals, schools, or the military services; campus
academic or professional theological discipline.
ministry; teaching; and ministry in denominational staff positions.
THE HARVARD A. ANDERSON FELLOWSHIP was established in 1983 by the Rev. and Mrs. Harvard of Orlando, Florida. This fellowship is awarded to the graduate determined by the faculty to have the greatest potential for future academic achievement THE FANNIE JORDAN BRYAN FELLOWSHIPS were established through a generous legacy left to Columbia by the late Mrs. Fannie Jordan Bryan of Columbia, South Carolina. THE COLUMBIA GRADUATE FELLOWSHIPS were initiated by the Class of 1941.
Housed within the Office of Student Life and Formation, Vocational Services seeks to integrate vocational discernment and placement services. We partner with the entire community in creating a culture of discernment, providing opportunities for growth and practice, and guiding students with practical job search skills. Programming includes workshops on discernment, resume and cover letter writing, interview skills, networking, and negotiating a call. Individual advising includes guidance on discernment, the ordination process, preparation for exams, and review of job search materials. Columbia maintains close ties with congregations seeking pastors and other calling agencies. Announcements are posted regarding a wide variety of ministry opportunities. Individual personal information forms are sent to congregations and agencies that request them. Each year pastor nominating
THE ANNA CHURCH WHITNER
committees come to campus to interview seniors. As
MEMORIAL FELLOWSHIPS are given
a result of these efforts, graduates ordinarily receive
periodically from a legacy left to the seminary in 1928 by the late William C. Whitner of Rock Hill, South Carolina, in memory of his mother.
calls in a timely manner. However, while Columbia can provide the resources and consultation, responsibility for placement after graduation lies with the student.
EMMA GAILLARD BOYCE GRADUATE FELLOWSHIP was established by the Rev. David Gaillard Boyce, an alumnus of the seminary, in honor of his mother. It is awarded to a graduating senior or clergyperson who enrolls in a graduate program of music and/ or worship. www.CTSnet.edu
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The teaching program at Columbia is arranged in four areas: BIBLICAL, HISTORICAL-DOCTRINAL, PRACTICAL THEOLOGY, and SUPERVISED MINISTRY. Interdisciplinary courses, which combine studies in two or more of these areas, are also taught in the degree programs. While classroom instruction is foundational to all degree programs, the goal is to equip students to continue their education independently. The resources of the library, the structure of course work, and independent study courses encourage realization of that goal. BIBLICAL AREA studies seek to provide students with the necessary skills and tools to interpret the Bible with faithfulness, integrity, and imagination for a world that is much different from that in which the books of the Bible were written. To this end, Biblical Area courses focus on the languages (Hebrew and Greek), history, cultures, and worldviews of the ancient Mediterranean peoples, in order to clarify how the Bible spoke to those to whom it was first addressed. At the same time, Biblical Area courses give students the opportunity to practice appropriate and creative means of hearing Scripture anew today, in our own cultural and historical contexts, so that it may continue to speak to us and to our world in fresh and powerful ways. HISTORICAL-DOCTRINAL AREA studies help students understand the past as a means of comprehending the present. Students engaged in these studies also struggle to form their own theology and to discover what it means to be Christian today. Since Columbia stands within a Reformed tradition, historical-doctrinal studies are concerned not only with right thinking, but also with the relation of Christian faith and doctrine to all arenas of life. Therefore, studies in this area engage students in consideration of the social, political, economic, and cultural life of today in the United States and across the world. In historical-doctrinal studies students acquire the tools they will need throughout their lives for dealing theologically with themselves and the world around them, tools that will enable graduates to lead the Church in a prophetic and reconciling way as it works out its mission in the world. PRACTICAL THEOLOGY AREA studies center on the functioning of the theologian as a minister with a concern to train students to be ministers and to lead other persons in ministering. Studies in this area consider the dynamics of the minister’s role as pastor, evangelist, leader of worship, preacher, teacher, counselor, and administrator. Since the shape of the ministry of tomorrow is not fully known, these studies seek to train students to understand the issues involved, to help them see their own strengths and weaknesses, and then to develop a flexibility that will enable them to take their biblical and theological understanding and deal with whatever issues they face during their ministry. SUPERVISED MINISTRY serves an integrative function for the curriculum. Students are involved in the actual practice of ministry under competent supervision. Through experiential, relational, and inductive learning, students explore the forms, styles, contents, and concepts of ministry and put into practice what they have learned through studies in the biblical, historical-doctrinal, and practical theology areas. These studies are integrated with the practice of ministry and personhood of each student.
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COURSES OF INSTRUCTION CURRICULUM & COURSES
The following pages provide representative illustration of the courses taught by the faculty of Columbia. The registrar publishes the specific course offerings in the preceding spring each year. Copies are available in the Office of Academic Affairs and on the web. The faculty reserves the right to modify individual course requirements within a degree program. Such changes will be effective the next time such courses are offered or at a later date as determined by the faculty. Degree programs and their major requirements will remain unchanged for students entering that program, but changes may be made at any time to be effective for all entering students in the next academic year. The letter in the course designation is determined by the area in which it is offered: B for Biblical; HD for Historical-Doctrinal; P for Practical Theology; I for Interdisciplinary; and SM for Supervised Ministry For Columbia courses, the hundred’s digit refers to whether the course is a required course for a degree program or whether it is an elective course. zz
500s are required courses in one of the basic degree programs
zz
600s are elective courses for basic degree students, those numbered 650 and above typically requiring prior work in the area
zz
700s are required courses for advanced degree programs
zz
800s are elective courses for advanced degree programs
A current list of courses can be found at www.ctsnet.edu .
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BIBLICAL AREA Faculty: Brennan Breed, William P. Brown, Elizabeth Johnson, Raj Nadella, Stanley P. Saunders, Christine Roy Yoder B501 Essentials of Greek Johnson Provides intensive study of the essentials of Koine Greek grammar, syntax, and vocabulary preparatory to reading the Greek New Testament. 3 credits B505 Introductory Biblical Hebrew Bonfiglio (adjunct) Introduces the essentials of Hebrew grammar, syntax, and vocabulary preparatory to study of the Hebrew Old Testament. 3 credits B520, B521 Old Testament Interpretation I & II Breed, Brown, Smith Matthews (adjunct) This two-semester course (Parts I and II) studies the diverse literature of the Old Testament, considers the historical and cultural contexts of the ancient world that produced it, introduces critical methods of biblical interpretation, and highlights the significance of the Old Testament for Christian faith. 3 credits each semester. 6 credits B530 New Testament Interpretation Johnson, Nadella This is courses introduces the content, major forms, and contexts of the New Testament documents, the history and development of earliest Christianity, as well as methods of biblical interpretation. 3 credits B540 Wisdom Literature: Hebrew-based Exegesis Brown This exegetical course leads students through the diverse array of literature in Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes. Hebrew translation and interpretation are emphasized. Prerequisite: B505 or equivalent. 3 credits
B540 Ruth, Jonah, and Esther: Hebrew-based Exegesis Yoder Explores the Hebrew text of the short stories of Ruth, Jonah, and Esther, with particular attention to their ancient contexts, literary features and character development, depictions of life in the Diaspora and the “foreigner,� and theological perspectives. Considers a range of interpretive approaches to the stories, their reception in different communities, and how each is significant for Christian faith, life, and proclamation. Prerequisite: B505 Introductory Biblical Hebrew 3 credits B541 Exodus: Hebrew-based Exegesis Yoder Explores the Hebrew text of Exodus, with particular attention to its ancient context, literary and rhetorical features, portrayals of liberation and covenant, and theology. Considers a range of interpretive approaches to the book, its reception in different communities, and how Exodus is significant for Christian faith, life, and proclamation. Prerequisite: B505 Introductory Biblical Hebrew 3 credits B542 Text to Table: Methods in Old Testament Interpretation: Hebrew-based Exegesis Brown Participants will explore a variety of methods and reading strategies, all the while sharpening their translation and exegetical skills. Prerequisite: B505 or equivalent . 3 credits B543 Metaphors, Imagery, and the Prophetic Imagination: Hebrew-based Exegesis Bonfiglio (adjunct) This Hebrew-based exegesis course examines metaphors and other types of literary imagery in the Old Testament. Topics addressed include: the visual background of divine metaphors; the rhetorical function of imagery in prophetic discourse; the role of metaphors in biblical poetry; and the interplay between biblical metaphors and the theological imagination. Prerequisite B505 or equivalent. 3 credits www.CTSnet.edu
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B544 Psalms - Hymnbook for Wholeness: Hebrew-based Exegesis Brown Engages in exegesis of the book of Psalms with special attention to their use in the liturgical, devotional, and theological life of ancient Israel and the church. Prerequisite: B505 or equivalent. 3 credits B547 Pentateuch, Prophets, and Psalms: Hebrewbased Exegesis Brown This Hebrew-based exegetical course guides students through a variety of genres of the Old Testament, from narrative to poetry, covering portions of Genesis, Amos, and the Psalms. Prerequisite B505 or equivalent. 3 credits B550 The Ten Commandments: Hebrew-based Exegesis Bonfiglio (adjunct) This Hebrew-based exegetical offers an in-depth analysis of the meaning, historical context, and theological significance of the Decalogue. Special attention will be given to their development in biblical theology, reception in popular culture, and on-going relevance to Christian faith and practice. Prerequisite: B505 or equivalent. Online. 3 credits B553 Eighth Century Prophets: Hebrew-based Exegesis Breed This Hebrew-based exegesis course explores the books of Amos, Hosea, Micah, and First Isaiah by situating them in the historical and social contexts of eighth-century Israel and Judah. Compares the different prophetic understandings of YHWH as well as theological concepts such as faith, justice, and the role of the prophet. Prerequisite: B505 or equivalent. 3 credits B560 Philemon and Matthew: Greek-based Exegesis Saunders This course offers students an opportunity to explore the Greek texts of both a letter of Paul and one of the Gospels, with attention to their oral character, historical and cultural settings in early Christianity, genres, structures and rhetoric, as well as the theological perspectives they presume and questions they raise for contemporary proclamation and practice. Prerequisite B501 or equivalent. 3 credits
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B561 Romans: Paul, Empire, and Meaning of God: Greek-based Exegesis Myers, Nadella Designed to meet the MDiv exegesis requirement, this course offers students an opportunity to engage in close readings of Paul’s Epistle to the Romans through the dual lenses of post-structuralism and postcolonialism. One of the central aims of this course is to help students think more critically about how we make meaning of scriptures and the impact our ideological assumptions have upon biblical interpretation for teaching and preaching. Prerequisite B501 or equivalent. 3 credits B564 Parables: Greek-based Exegesis Saunders This course provides an opportunity to tighten Greek reading skills and develop exegetical tools for interpretation of parables, including historical, socio-economic, political, rhetorical, and intertextual reading strategies. Students will translate and interpret a variety of parables from Matthew and Luke. Prerequisite B501 or equivalent. 3 credits B566 Luke-Acts Greek-Based Exegesis Nadella This course will explicate linguistic, theological, historical and political aspects of select texts from Luke-Acts. It will offer tools for interpreting the texts in light of current sociopolitical contexts for the purposes of preaching and teaching in congregations. Prerequisite B501 or equivalent. 3 credits B567 First Thessalonians: Greek-based Exegesis Johnson A critical reading of Paul’s first extant letter with an eye to his relationship with the Thessalonian Christians, their relationships with each other and with their neighbors, and what Paul thinks those relationships have to do with God’s relationship to the world in Christ. Prerequisite: B501 or equivalent 3 credits B602 Texts of Terror Bonfiglio (adjunct) This course examines ethically and theologically difficult texts in the Bible, including those that deal with holy war, violence, ethnocentrism, sexism, and negative stereotypes of Jews.
Emphasis will be placed on developing interpretive strategies for teaching these “texts of terror” to lay audiences in a responsible and critical manner. Online. 3 credits B604 Cultural Interpretation: Maternal Eve in Cultural History Smith Matthews (adjunct) A study of the biblical figure of Eve that pays particular attention to her “maternal aspect” and what that entails. Examines interpretations of Eve throughout history, particularly those that emphasize her role in original sin or as significant for debates on gender equality, while ignoring her complex role as “mother of all the living” (Gen 3:20). Considers how these interpretations of Eve and maternity relate to the lived experience of women. 3 credits B605 Genesis Yoder Explores the book of Genesis, paying particular attention to its ancient Near Eastern contexts, narrative and character development, and theological perspectives. Considers modern interpretive approaches to Genesis, the lasting influence of the book on Western art and literature, and interpretations and uses of the book in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. 3 credits B606 Song of Songs Yoder Interprets Song of Songs, with particular attention to the book’s rhetorical strategies, theological significance, and roles in Jewish and Christian liturgies. Considers ways in which the poetry and passion of Song of Songs may inform faith communities today. 3 credits B608 Ecclesiastes and Its Consequences Breed Traces the interpretation of the book of Ecclesiastes in Jewish and Christian communities in various modes (e.g. theology, liturgy, visual art, music, philosophy, film). Focuses on important questions raised by the book of Ecclesiastes as well as crucial interpretive problems as they feature in the reception history of this biblical text. English based. 3 credits
B609 From Creation to New Creation: The Bible’s Ecology of Wonder Brown Participants will have opportunity to reflect on the many aspects of wonder that lies at the core of theological inquiry, biblical study, and creation care. 3 credits B613 Wrestling the Word: Old Testament Theology in Christian Faith and Practice Bonfiglio (adjunct) This course explores the contours of Old Testament theology, including its sources, challenges, diverse articulations, and on-going relevance for Christian faith and practice. Class sessions will meet at First Presbyterian Church in Midtown and will include contextual learning components and opportunities for dialogue with church members and pastors. Hybrid. 3 credits B614 The Emergence of Yahwism Breed Explores the origins and development of the Yahwistic religion of ancient Israel, including the history of the divine name YHWH, the significance of YHWH’s remote desert origins and connections to Midianites and Edomites, various theories concerning the emergence of the ancient Israelites, Israel and YHWH’s distinctive connections with marginal socio-cultural groups, the gradual development of monotheism, the evolution of the divine council, the presence of the divine feminine in ancient Israel, and comparisons with the religious practices of other cultures in the Southern Levant. The course concludes with reflections on the implications for contemporary theology and Christian practices. 3 credits B626 Sex, Celibacy, and Siblings Johnson An exploration of the ways early Christians use kinship language and metaphors to talk about themselves, their relationships, and the God they worship in Jesus Christ. Includes examination of New Testament texts that employ family imagery and texts that discuss family life in the context of the contemporary culture wars about families and family values. 3 credits
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B629 Mark Johnson Explores Mark’s parabolic presentation of the Jesus story; students read the Greek text and engage theological, literary, and sociological interpretations. 3 credits
B694 Independent Study in Biblical Languages Staff 3 credits
B630: The Bible and Visual Art Breed Examines the role of images within the Old and New Testaments, as well as the history of Christian and Jewish visual representations of biblical texts. Analyzes selected images that crystallize different theologies of images and modes of biblical interpretation. Considers various theological and hermeneutical frameworks that undergird these images. Students will learn how to interpret Jewish and Christian art and will develop a theological perspective on the use of visual art in the contemporary Church. 3 credits
B696 Research in New Testament Criticism or Theology Johnson, Nadella, Saunders 3 credits
B674 New Testament Ecclesiologies Johnson Will explore the various metaphors for the church in the New Testament, how they function to envision life together for the first Christians, and how they contribute to the contemporary church’s reflection on its own life together. Prerequisite: A course in the New Testament. 3 credits B692 Exegetical Research in Old Testament Breed, Brown, Yoder 3 credits B693 Research in Old Testament Criticism or Theology Breed, Brown, Yoder 3 credits
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B695 Exegetical Research in New Testament Johnson, Nadella, Saunders 3 credits
B699 MA(TS) Final Independent Study Staff An independent study in Old or New Testament undertaken in the final semester of the MA(TS) program. Students do analytic, constructive work on a specific topic and produce original research in partial fulfillment of the degree requirements. 3 credits B702 ThM Thesis Research Biblical Area Staff This class focuses on the research and initial writing stage for the student’s thesis project, supervised by the advisor and in conjunction with the ThM director. 3 credits B703 ThM Literature Review Biblical Area Staff In this independent study, a student works with the primary advisor to develop a reading list in the area of research interest and writes a literature review of the sources in preparation for the thesis writing. This course is supervised by the student’s primary advisor with the assistance of the instructor of the ThM Research Seminar. 3 credits B704 ThM Thesis Writing Biblical Area Staff Required of all ThM students, leading to the completion of the ThM thesis. 6 credits
B802 Texts of Terror: Teaching the Bible Critically for Lay Audiences Bonfiglio (adjunct) This course examines ethically and theologically difficult texts in the Bible, including those that deal with violence, holy war, the mistreatment of women, and the exclusion of outsiders. Emphasis will be placed on developing interpretive strategies and perspectives for teaching these “texts of terror” responsibly and critically to lay audiences. Online 3 credits B805 The Bible and Poverty Bonfiglio (adjunct) Examines biblical views on and responses to poverty, including its various causes and dimensions (social, ethical, and theological). Emphasis will be placed on how church leaders can use biblical frameworks not only to diagnose traditional models of benevolence and outreach but also to develop more effective and just poverty solutions. The course includes site visits to several Atlanta-based organizations doing innovative work to address poverty, homelessness, and community development. Hybrid. 3 credits B806 Love, Desire, and the Song of Songs Yoder Interprets Song of Songs, with particular attention to the book’s ancient Near Eastern and Israelite contexts, rhetorical strategies, metaphors, connections to Israelite wisdom literature, and history of reception. Considers ways in which the poetry and passion of the Song can inform faith communities today. 3 credits B809 The Pentateuch in Practice Bonfiglio (adjunct) This course explores how the stories and themes of the Pentateuch can be taught in the church today. Attention will be given to preaching Lectionary passages, using the Ten Commandments in Christian education, contemporary perspectives on the law and holiness, and the role of the Exodus tradition in Christian theology. Hybrid 3 credits
B822 A Dwelling Place for God: Creation, Eschatology & Ecology Saunders This course explores the biblical story of creation (“heaven and earth”) from Genesis to Revelation, focusing especially on the relevant NT materials in Matthew, John, Paul, and Revelation. The primary goal of the course is to develop a framework for understanding the biblical narratives of creation, fall and curse, and redemption, especially as these relate to current environmental concerns. 3 credits B827 Wisdom’s Wonder: Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes Brown The wisdom literature of the Old Testament is rich with insight about God’s relationship to the world and humanity’s place in it. The class will explore the many faces of wisdom in the Bible, focusing specifically on Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes, which together mark the journey of faith and wonder coram deo. Knowledge of Hebrew is recommended but not required. 3 credits B851 The Gospel According to Matthew Saunders Explores Matthew’s story of Jesus and the restoration of “heaven and earth,” with an eye to themes of empire, violence, justice and forgiveness, and creation. This course provides resources especially for those who are preaching or teaching from the Gospel Lectionary next year (December 2016-November 2017). 3 credits B855 Ecclesiastes and Its Consequences Breed Traces the interpretation of the book of Ecclesiastes in Jewish and Christian communities in various modes (e.g. theology, liturgy, visual art, music, philosophy, film). Focuses on important questions raised by the book of Ecclesiastes as well as crucial interpretive problems as they feature in the reception history of this biblical text. Prerequisite B505 3 credits
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HISTORICAL DOCTRINAL AREA CURRICULUM & COURSES
Faculty: John Azumah, Mark Douglas, Tim Hartman, Martha Moore-Keish, Deborah F. Mullen, Kevin Park, Marcia Y. Riggs, Haruko Nawata Ward, William Yoo HD540 Christianity as a Cross-Cultural Movement: Christian History and Presence Azumah Look at Christianity in its different cultural, geographical and historical expressions from its rise as a movement from within the Jewish context, to its Hellenistic, Coptic, Western and now global manifestations. The serial, rather than progressive expansion of Christianity will be highlighted. Students will be introduced to the distinctive features of the different cultural expressions of the Christian faith. The rise and expansion of Islam and the ways it affected the trajectory of Christian history and thought will be examined. Similarly the demographic shift of Christianity from the global north to the global south will be covered through a survey of the histories of Christian missions, with particular attention to indigenous agency in the translation and appropriation of Christianity in Africa, Asia and Latin America. 3 credits HD542 Exploring Christian History Yoo This course invites students on a journey through Christian history from the first century to the present. With emphases on the movements and turning points that shaped Christianity across the globe, the course engages primary sources and contemporary historical interpretations. Hybrid. 3 credits HD543 History of Christianities: Beginnings through 1700 CE Ward This course traces global movements of Christianities from the early church to CE1700, using historical-critical analyses of primary texts, the development of ideas and practices, their interactions with other religions, issues of gender and race, and outcomes of diverse traditions of today’s World Christianities. 3 credits
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HD544 History of Christianities: 1500 CE through 2000 CE Ward The course traces global movements of Christianities from CE1500 to present, using historical-critical analyses of primary texts, the development of ideas and practices, their interactions with other religions, issues of gender and race, and outcomes of diverse traditions of today’s World Christianities. 3 credits HD550 Christian Theology I Hartman, Moore-Keish Introduces the basic doctrines of Christian faith. Studies classical theological paradigms, their contemporary reinterpretation, and the significance of theology for the life of the church. 3 credits HD551 Christian Theology II Hartman, Moore-Keish Introduces the basic doctrines of Christian faith. Studies classical theological paradigms, their contemporary reinterpretation, and the significance of theology for the life of the church. Prerequisite: HD 550, or permission of the instructor. 3 credits HD561 Ethical Leadership Riggs Students examine theories of leadership and ethics in light of current debates about the motives and actions of leaders in both church and society. Students also explore the relevance of such theories for understanding their roles as leaders and followers in various institutional contexts. Hybrid. 3 credits HD563 Theories of Justice and Public Policy Riggs Analyzes theories of justice and their implications for public policy regarding such issues as affirmative action, AIDS and drug testing, healthcare, and welfare reform. 3 credits
HD564 The Church as Community of Moral Discourse Riggs This course uses the social interpretation of the church as a human community as presented in theological ethicist James Gustafson’s classic work, Treasure in Earthen Vessels (1961), as a point of departure for exploring the barriers to and dynamics of moral discourse in communities of faith. Students will develop models of moral discourse for application in congregations or other group settings in which they practice ministry. Hybrid 3 credits HD565 Histories of Christian Ethics Douglas Christian ethics involves multiple voices and varied perspectives expressed over time and in many contexts. This course traces the histories that have shaped Christian Ethics, giving special attention to the way they complicate and make possible the church’s moral witness. 3 credits
HD570 Presbyterian History and Polity Yoo Examines Presbyterian history and polity from the colonial period to the present across diversities of age, ethnicity, gender, geography, and race through careful study of a myriad of source materials ranging from historical texts to the Book of Order. 3 credits HD575 Issues in Medical Ethics Douglas Explores how theologians try to make moral sense of life and death in relation to issues such as euthanasia, abortion, cloning, and healthcare reform. Online. 3 credits
HD566 Christologies and Politics Douglas Considers how we now understand the church`s early confession, “Jesus is Lord,” questions whether we should use the same language today and the political implications of doing so. A cross between Christology and political philosophy. 3 credits
HD580 The Church in the Shadow of the Mosque Azumah This course is an examination of the development of Islamic religious thought and practice and its theological and cultural interactions with Christianity. It will undertake an historical survey of the rise of Islam and go on to examine its major dogmas and rituals. Particular attention will be paid to the five faces of Islam: missionary, mystical, political, militant and progressive faces. The historical, theological and political intersections with Christianity will be highlighted. Pressing theological questions on the nature of God and God’s revelation in the two religions will be addressed. Finally, the course will introduce students to different models of historical and contemporary Christian responses to Islam and engagement with Muslims. 3 credits
HD567 History and Practice of Nonviolence Riggs Explores the history and practice of nonviolence as movements in the United States and around the globe as well as the ways in which nonviolence is a practice of liberation ethics. Class time will also be used to learn the philosophy and strategies of nonviolent protest. 3 credits
HD601 Histories and Diversities of Theology in American Culture Yoo This course investigates the histories of Christian theology in American culture from colonial to recent times. Exploring diverse theologies across U.S. history, the course entails analysis of theological texts and the cultural and historical contexts in which they were formed. 3 credits
HD569 Meet the Niebuhrs Douglas The course, which fulfills the distributional requirement in ethics, explores the works of the prominent 20th Century Christian brothers and theologians Reinhold and H. Richard Niebuhr and their continued influence in American theology, religious ethics, and politics. 3 credits
HD602 Christianity in Asia in the Early Modern World Ward This course critically examines the development of Christianity in Asia between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries. Beginning with the Treaty of Tordesillas (1493) through the Jesuit and later Protestant missions, the course examines the interactions of these missions and the new converts in Asia, the new expressions of Christianity produced, as well as the controversies in Europe regarding the new “native Christianities”. 3 credits
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HD603 Women in the Reformations (1400-1700) Ward An examination of representative women who helped shape the Reformation movements. Studies the range of women`s leadership in Lutheran, Reformed, Radical, English, and Catholic Reformations in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Addresses the critical issues in studying women in history. 3 credits HD604 (Was it the) Age of Discoveries, Expansions, and Reformations of the Western Christendom (?) Ward New approaches to the period known as the age of discovery, expansion, and Reformations in Western Europe (1400 – 1700 C.E.) through a global perspective. Examines diversity of Reform ideas, practices, leadership and networks; and issues of Christianity and mission, colonialism, race, slave trade, other religions, gender and sexuality. 3 credits HD605 History of Religion and American Popular Culture: From the Nineteenth Century to The Hunger Games Yoo This course explores the history of religion and culture in the United States from the nineteenth century to the present to analyze how Christianity has been represented in popular literature, art, music, and film. 3 credits HD606 History of Religion in the American South Yoo This course focuses upon the American South to study the troubled histories of race and slavery in the United States and to analyze the cultural and religious transformations of the region through migration, industrialization, urbanization, and other significant historical movements. 3 credits
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HD607 Luther Ward An examination of Luther`s (1483-1546 C.E.) reformation in the context of late medieval and early modern Europe and beyond. Readings include Luther`s major biblical, theological and polemic works. Traces the development of his reform ideas and practices in interaction with other reform movements. Discusses issues of the Peasants’ War, Jews and Turks, national identity, witchcraft, and marriage and vocation for women and men. 3 credits HD610 Reformed Theology: Its Shape and Development Hartman Examines Reformed theology from the sixteenth century to the present, focusing on theologians, creeds, and confessions. 3 credits HD612 Theologies of Baptism and Eucharist Moore-Keish Surveys the development of baptismal and eucharistic theologies through history and explores some of the various debates concerning baptism and Eucharist in churches around the world today. 3 credits HD614 Theology and Community: A Lived Theology Approach Hartman Investigates social consequences of religious belief through resistance against Nazism (Dietrich Bonhoeffer), against racism through the U.S. Civil Rights Movement (Martin Luther King, Jr.), and against Rwandan genocide (Emmanuel Katongole) asking: How do ideas about God shape the way communities and individuals engage the social order? 3 credits HD615 Theology, Ethics, and Sexuality Douglas, Moore-Keish This course explores the theologies that underlie Christian notions of embodiment, desire, and sexual activity and attempts to connect those theological notions to contemporary issues of sexuality that confront the Church. 3 credits
HD616 Creating and Leading Communities of Just Practice Mullen This course will explore historical and theological perspectives on equity, diversity, and inclusion and their practical applications to form communities where people are truly valued and included. More now than ever faith communities need skills and strategies, resources and tools, to live together in ways that are authentically equitable, culturally diverse, racially just, and radically hospitable. This course will focus on the development of “best practices” for creating and leading communities of just practice that have the capacity to engage in difficult conversations on race, privilege and power. 3 credits
HD623 Ethical Practices: Nurturing the Moral Imagination Riggs Nurturing the Moral Imagination Students study insights from conflict transformation theory, organizational theory, and cognitive science on moral imagination as they complete the exercises in The Little Book of Contemplative Photography by Howard Zehr. 1.5 credits
HD624 Ethicist as Social and Cultural Critic Riggs A seminar exploring how selected theological and social ethical questions are presented in cultural sources such as contemporary movies, novels, political cartoons, music, and visual art. Theories of cultural criticism and traditional and liberation theologies and ethics provide the analytical HD620 Ethical Practices: Nonviolent and Intercultural and dialogical frame for the course. 3 credits Communication Riggs HD626 Science, Religion & the End of the World Marshall Rosenberg’s Nonviolent Communication: A Douglas Language of Life and Min-Sun Kim’s Non-Western The sciences and the Christian tradition provide Perspective on Human Communication: Implications narratives about the end of the world. Yet how do for Theory and Practice are theoretical bases for these narratives relate? How do we evaluate them? this course. Students learn theory and skills for And what are the implications of the narratives for the communicating effectively and compassionately with way we live and think today? This course, taught by a persons of diverse race-ethnicities, cultures, and professor of astrophysics and a professor of religious religious backgrounds. ethics and offered jointly by Agnes Scott College and 1.5 credits Columbia Theological Seminary, takes up those critical questions and provides students from both schools with HD621 Ethical Practices: Conflict Transformation opportunities to study widely, think critically, and learn Riggs respectfully in a cross-disciplinary setting. John Paul Lederach’s theories of conflict 3 credits transformation along with theories of transformative mediation and narrative mediation are studied. These HD630 An Historical & Theological Survey of Islam theories inform the practice of skills for sustaining Azumah relationships in contexts of conflict. Students will practice conflict transformation skills and develop their An introduction to the development of Islamic religious thought and practice. It will survey the major dogmas and own conflict transformation leadership style. rituals that shape the Islamic faith. Particular attention 1.5 credits will be paid to the mission and theological significance of Muhammad, scripture and revelation in Islam; HD622 Ethical Practices: Difficult Dialogues & major Islamic groups, Islamic law and Islamic teaching Democratic Dialogue on Christians and Christianity. The course will equip Riggs students to theologically and biblically engage with Islam Theories regarding what constitutes dialogue (rather than conversation or debate) as well as the Democratic and relate to Muslims in a post 9/11 world context. 3 credits Dialogue—A Handbook for Practitioners provide theoretical and practical insights for this course. Students will practice dialogue skills and develop dialogue models for discussing difficult topics in the varieties of contexts in which they practice ministry. 1.5 credits
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HD661 Feminist Theologies Moore-Keish An examination of the roots of the feminist theological movement in earlier Christian history, the significant voices from the 1960`s and 1970s, and contemporary theologians who are working in feminist theology today. In the final weeks of class, students work on projects on topics of particular interest. Prerequisite: HD550 or equivalent. 3 credits
HD696 Independent Study in Mission, Ecumenics, and World Christianity Staff 3 credits HD697 Independent Study in Ethics Douglas, Riggs 3 credits
HD699 MA(TS) Final Independent Study Staff An independent study in Church History, Ethics, or Theology undertaken in the final semester HD662 Marginality: Asian North American of the MA(TS) program. Students do analytic, Theologies and Beyond constructive work on a specific topic and produce Park Explores the emerging Asian North American original research in partial fulfillment of the degree theologies that have largely been shaped by the requirements. experiences of marginality and how this theme 3 credits can be a useful hermeneutic to understand other minority cultures imbedded in a majority HD702 ThM Thesis Research Historical Doctrinal Area culture. Prerequisites Christian Theology I Staff and II. This class focuses on the research and initial writing 3 credits stage for the student’s thesis project, supervised by the advisor and in conjunction with the ThM director. HD663 Theologies of the Cross 3 credits Park This course will examine salient theologies that HD703 ThM Literature Review Historical Doctrinal focus on the meaning of the cross of Jesus Area starting from selected passages from Apostle Paul’s letters to Luther’s theology of the cross Staff to more contemporary theological expressions In this independent study, a student works with the primary advisor to develop a reading list in the area from Bonhoeffer, Moltmann, Douglas J. Hall, of research interest and writes a literature review of C.S. Song, Kosuke Koyama, James Cone, Mary Solberg, and others. Although the course the sources in preparation for the thesis writing. This course is supervised by the student’s primary advisor will include atonement theologies it will go beyond them to include theologies of suffering with the assistance of the instructor of the ThM from emergent nations as well as recent works Research Seminar. 3 credits on nonviolent interpretations of the cross. Prerequisite: HD550 or HD551. HD704 ThM Thesis Writing Historical Doctrinal 3 credits Area HD691 Independent Study in Church History Staff Required of all ThM students, leading to the Ward, Yoo completion of the ThM thesis. 3 credits 6 credits HD693 Independent Study in Theology HD801 History of Race, Migration and the Making Hartman, Moore-Keish of the American Church 3 credits Yoo This course investigates the history of Christians HD694 Independent Study in Christianity from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe as and World Religions they created new churches in the United States Azumah with particular attention to pastoral ministry, 3 credits multicultural congregations, and practical implications for Christian leaders moving forward. HD695 Independent Study in Philosophy 3 credits Staff 3 credits 74
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HD810 Reading Karl Barth for Ministry Hartman This course examines the implications of Barth’s theology for the practice of ministry. Particular attention will be paid to his understanding of election, his Christology, and especially his ecclesiology. Both Western and non-Western ministry contexts will be considered. 3 credits HD815 Prayer Moore-Keish This class will explore the theology and practice of Christian praying. Drawing on classical and contemporary writings and the students’ own experiences, we will reflect on major questions such as: What is prayer? What happens when we pray? Does it affect God? Does it affect us? What is Christian prayer in particular? How do we pray? 3 credits HD816 History of Western Christian Spirituality González Traces the central focus of spirituality in the Christian community throughout its existence, beginning with the early church that is largely in the East, and shifting to the West in the Medieval period. Gives attention to the renewal of spiritual life in the church, its sources, and its relationship to context in order to determine what such sources are for the church today. 3 credits HD817 Classics of Christian Devotional Literature González This course deals with seven books that have had great impact on the spiritual lives of Western Christians. They come from the monastic tradition as well as significant books of the English Protestant world. There will be an annotated reading list for those registering for the course. Reading the material and writing the brief responses outlined in the pre-assignment is expected. The final assignment of the course will involve creating material for the use of a congregation at the present time, based on elements from the different readings. 3 credits HD827 The Early Jesuits Ward A close examination of the writings and works of the Society of Jesus from its inception by Ignatius of Loyola in the 1530s to the papal suppression of the Society in 1773. Seminar topics include: a) spirituality (especially Loyola’s Spiritual Exercises); b) evangelization (global mission, theory and practice); c) interreligious dialogue; d) ministry (active apostolate, priesthood and women); e) martyr theology and martyrdom. 3 credits
HD840 Germany/Reformation Travel Seminar Dawson This travel seminar to Germany for CTS DMin/DEdMin students will take advantage of the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation being celebrated all over Germany in 2017 and explore major themes in the historical and theological developments of the early Protestant Reformation and its relevance to the contemporary North American context. 3 credits HD860 Asian North American History and Theology Park This course will critically examine the emerging themes of Asian North American history and theology. The course will explore these themes from various sources including historical, theological, personal, literary, and cinematic narratives. The course is designed for DMin students in the Asian North American Ministry and Theology concentration but other qualified students are welcome to register for the course. 3 credits HD863 Eucharist of Crumbs: Women and Vocation in the Medieval Church Ward An examination of writings by medieval women and their theological, spiritual and vocational quest. Discusses methods of teaching women’s texts from history in churches. 3 credits HD874 United Nations Seminar Douglas Under the guidance of a CTS professor, students in this NYC-centered seminar use the resources of the UN Office of the PC(USA) for an in-depth and crossdisciplinary exploration of an important issue confronting the global church. 3 credits HD879 Women of Color as Public Theologians Riggs Black women have a rich history of prophetic religious thought and activism. In this seminar students read primary source documents written by black women from the nineteenth through the twenty-first centuries. These documents are engaged as sources for doing constructive ethical reflection on issues of social justice and public policy. 3 credits
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PRACTICAL THEOLOGY AREA CURRICULUM & COURSES
Faculty: Kathy Dawson, Anna Carter Florence, J. William Harkins, Christine Hong, Melinda McGarrah Sharp, Jacob Myers, Rebecca Spurrier, Jeffery Tribble, Ralph Watkins P150 Scripture Reading Practicum Staff Prepares students to be liturgists and oral interpreters of scripture by offering a performance and proclamation theology for Reformed worship. Required of MDiv students in the first semester as a prerequisite to P530. 0 credits P500 Introduction to Practical Theology Dawson This required course in the Master of Arts in Practical Theology (MAPT) degree program introduces the student to the basic vocabulary, understandings, and methods in the field of practical theology. Incorporating a wide variety of teaching methods, this course seeks to show the foundation upon which each of the four areas of concentration rests. This course meets as a one-week intensive course in August of each year with three follow-up sessions set by the course participants during the fall semester that directly follows it. 3 credits
P510 Introduction to Christian Leadership Tribble This course is an introduction to the theories and practices of Christian leadership. The course will explore such topics as leadership development, systems theory and practice, financial administration, and missional church development examining how Christian leaders exercise legitimate authority by directing, influencing, coordinating, or otherwise guiding the thoughts and behaviors of persons and groups. The course seeks to create a space to discern and develop our unique qualities, characteristics, and expertise of Christian leadership with others through critical reflection and integration of course material. Taught in a hybrid format. Hybrid. 3 credits
P512 Congregational Leadership & Church Administration Tribble Addresses time management in ministry, financial planning, spiritual development, organizational dynamics, power and authority, communication, problem-solving, conflict and negotiation, P501 Introduction to the Theory and Practice of coordinating personnel and members in mission and ministry, and stewardship. Christian Education 3 credits Dawson, Hong Examining understandings of God, mission, P514 Turnaround Congregations through and education, students learn basic educational Evangelism & Community concepts, analyze contemporary theories and Watkins practices, and develop approaches to Christian Many of us will be called to congregations education. that have witnessed a decline over the years 3 credits or are in need of missional realignment. These congregations are referred to as “turnaround� P502 Faith and Human Development churches. In this course we address what a Dawson turnaround church is and how one might lead Surveys the field of human development a congregation in the process of missional and explores the developmental theories and methods that inform current education practice. realignment via evangelism and community Faith interviews with children, youth, and adults engagement. 3 credits are used to analyze and critique developmental psychology. Fulfills the educator certification requirements in human development for PC(USA) students. 3 credits
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P515 The Art of Reading Congregations Tribble Recognizing that theological education must be seen in the context of the church and its mission in the world, this class helps students develop the art of reading congregations as “living human documents.” Multiple interpretive frames and methodologies for analyzing congregations are introduced as tools to enable practical theological reflections. Students learn to read the congregation and its history as context for the transformative praxis of pastoral leadership. Prerequisite: SM510 or by permission of instructor. 3 credits P516 The Beloved Community: An Introduction to Public Ministry Tribble Building upon a theological basis for the work of the church in the public sphere, students will explore a continuum of approaches for leading a congregation in public ministry. 3 credits
P530A&B Preaching and Public Proclamation Florence, Myers This course prepares students to preach and proclaim the good news of the gospel in and beyond the pulpit. In response to God’s changing world, there are two vocational trajectories. Track A focuses on the preparation and delivery of sermons; it is for students preparing for ministry in congregational settings and communities of faith. Track B focuses on proclamation and public speaking; it is for students preparing for leadership outside of congregational ministry. Both tracks explore theory and practice with particular emphasis on the interpretation of texts and contexts, public proclamation, and listener engagement. Includes the preaching of two sermons (Track A) or two public addresses (Track B) in small workshop groups. Prerequisite: P150 Scripture Reading Practicum. 3 credits
P540 Introduction to Christian Worship Spurrier Christian worship has taken various forms from the earliest days of the church. This course will survey the P517 Introduction to Pastoral Ministry diversity of liturgical expression in the Western church Tribble throughout the centuries and in our own time, while also This course will create space for exploring questions considering the common elements that all Christian related to the vocation, theology and practice of worshipers share. Special attention will be given to the pastoral ministry. Various forms and contexts of pastoral theology and practice of baptism and the Lord’s Supper. ministry will be considered including associate, solo, Students will also explore themes such as the Christian bi-vocational ministry, co-pastor, and leader of a new year, liturgical space, music and the arts. worshiping community. 3 credits 3 credits P546 Christian Worship, Human Difference, and P520 Introduction to Pastoral Care Divine Justice Harkins, McGarrah Sharp Spurrier An introduction to the fundamentals of pastoral care, Christian Worship unifies human bodies in love and including how to respond in common pastoral situations praise of the God who makes this worship possible. (including individual, premarital, couples, family, At the same time, God-given and culturally inscribed and crisis situations). Students develop a biblical and human differences contest the possibility of a unity of theological framework for understanding their own persons and communities gathered before God. In this pastoral identity, the meaning of care of persons, and course, we consider the hope and challenge of Christian the pastoral role of Christian community. Attention is worship through the work of scholars and theologians given to professional ethics, gender and intercultural who analyze the marks of gender, ability, race, class, sensitivity, making appropriate referrals, and the and nationality as these affect worshiping bodies of spiritual importance of self-care and boundaries. Christians. How can we understand divine justice in 3 credits relationship to the human differences manifest and hidden in the church’s prayer and praise? How might churches and communities engage and desire human difference? 3 credits
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P550 MAPT Capstone Course in Practical Theology Dawson This course is designed for Master of Arts in Practical Theology degree students in their final spring semester. Building on formative understandings developed in P500 Introduction to Practical Theology, students will continue to explore different models and issues within the field. A particular emphasis on vocations within Practical Theology will form a distinctive portion of this course. 3 credits P602 Intercultural and Inter-religious Intelligences: Learning and Teaching a Posture of Openness Hong What does it mean to live, teach, and minister in a world or a neighborhood that is both intercultural and inter-religious? How do we learn how foster intercultural and inter-religiously open postures in communities and in ministries that have yet to embrace diversity and difference? What are the skills and capacities needed to co-create understanding between people of different cultures and religious traditions? This course will explore these questions and more through readings, spiritual practices, group projects, site visits, guest speakers, media, and seminar style discussion. Students are encouraged to share their own experiences and interests in intercultural and inter-religious engagement as part of their course participation. 3 credits P604 Youth Ministry Lawrence (adjunct) Explores youth subculture and its implications for ministry, including the developmental challenges of youth, ministry with young people in crisis, changing family patterns, and emerging strategies in ministry with youth and their families. 3 credits
P609 Introduction to Recreation Ministry Winchip (adjunct) This course will explore the use of recreation to address the developmental, educational, and spiritual needs of children, youth, and adults. Students will have hands-on opportunities to plan and lead recreational activities that could be used in a variety of ministry contexts. 1.5 credits P612 Evangelism, Photography & Social Media Watkins In this course we study what makes media social and theologically enriching. It focuses on the culture of sharing photos as a means of evangelism. Students will be taught what makes visually strong images that are shared / liked and how to make visually strong images that effectively share the Gospel. Students will do projects that engage blogs, Instagram, Twitter, Flickr, Facebook (and other photo sharing platforms) that are conducive for sharing the Gospel over the web. Hybrid 3 credits P613 Evangelism and Social Justice Watkins Church leaders in the future will have to be able to nurture their congregation while simultaneously being organically connected to the community that surrounds the church. This type of church is externally focused and sees its life as inextricably linked with the work of social justice in its community. This course explores the missional foundation and definition of what it looks like for a church to link evangelism, mission and social justice. Online. 3 credits
P614 Future of Ministry: Being the Church in the 21st Century Watkins In this course students will engage the emergent church and the missional church P606 Camp/Conference Program and models as dialogical partners with established Administration congregational life. This course deals with Winchip (adjunct) the tension and integration of the old and the This course will explore the many facets of camp, new as the class seeks to uncover what God conference and retreat ministry. It will focus on is doing in God’s church as God leads us into the form and function of programming and how it relates to all aspects of site administration. Students the 21st Century. The class will ask and work will be introduced to the principles behind mission at answering, what does the a 21st Century church look like as compared to a 20th Century statements, program models, staffing and facility management, as well as trends and standards within church? Hybrid. this important field. 3 credits 3 credits 78
Columbia Theological Seminary
P615 Theological Grounding and Development of the Virtual Church Watkins This course addresses the theological issues surrounding the virtual dimension of faith as negotiated in cyberspace. This course will also explore the phenomena of virtual faith expressions and what their creation imply for the future of the church. Online. 3 credits P616 Evangelism and Videography: Story as Witness and Outreach Watkins In this course we study story structure and explore ways to share the Gospel via creative multi-media approaches. Students will do projects that engage the screen (computer, tablet and phone) by creating videos that effectively share the gospel of Jesus Christ. Students will be taught how to shoot and edit videos to be posted on Vimeo, YouTube, Flickr and Vine and or other appropriate platforms. 3 credits P617 Reaching Young Adults in the Digital and Media Age: Foundations of Young Adult Ministry Watkins Many of our churches are using methods and practices to communicate the gospel that were fitted for a previous generation that was a church-going population. This course is designed to help us think about why and how we can effectively share the gospel with young adults in a media/digital age by using technology as a resource to build community and transform lives while also addressing the foundations of young adult ministry. Online 3 credits P620 Pastoral Theology and Care in Film and Literature Harkins In this course, students will watch a full-length feature film weekly, and through accompanying readings and discussion, will reflect on the pastoral care implications to be gleaned from the individual, family, and societal dynamics depicted - including contextual pastoral assessment, counter-transference, theological reflection, and appropriate pastoral responses. 3 credits
P621 Death, Dying, and Grief McGarrah Sharp Students engage careful study of the broad topic of death and dying from a pastoral theological perspective. The course equips ministry leaders to hone practicing attention to and remaining present in the face of death, dying, illness, loss, and grief. The course places these dynamics of communal life in a narrative frame that attends to both theological and psychological aspects. 3 credits P622 Family Systems Theory for Ministry Harkins Explores the basics of family systems theories as a basis for understanding dynamics at work within families and congregations. Enhances understanding of the student`s own family system and the impact of this system upon formation for ministry. Addresses issues relating to personal and professional boundaries. Hybrid. 3 credits P625 Pastoral Theologies of Borders and Boundaries McGarrah Sharp What’s the difference between responsible boundaries and harmful borders? Students will probe this question from a pastoral theological perspective. Drawing on narratives of border life and policies around responsible pastoral practice, students will evaluate and construct pastoral theologies of borders and boundaries in the mission and cultures of communities of faith. 3 credits P627 Pastoral Care of Couples and Families Harkins Acquaints students with ways to think theoretically and theologically about the family, with the assumption that all Christian ministers have involvement with family dynamics and systems theory implications. Objectives are to develop appropriate pastoral /theological responses to family issues in congregational contexts; to gain familiarity with some major schools of family therapy; to be reminded of the importance of the pastor`s own family experience in his or her pastoral work; and to begin developing a theology of family life. Online. 3 credits
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P628 Pastoral Counseling in the Parish Harkins Explores the theory, methodology, and practice of the appropriate scope of counseling in the parish context. This includes accountability and consultation, confidentiality and boundaries, networking and referral, principles of psychological and theological diagnosis, and the theological rationale of pastoral counseling in the congregation. Hybrid. 3 credits P629 The Art and Practice of Theological Reflection Harkins This class will be of use for those whose “vocatio” calls upon and invites them to engage in theological reflection in a variety of settingsparish ministry, chaplaincy, and clinical venuesand in turn for those for whom they care, as this topic can then be taught in adult and other education settings (CPE, confirmation classes, etc.) contexts. Matters of formation, spiritual discipline and human development will be considered. 3 credits P632 Black Religious Leaders from the Civil Rights Era to the Present Brooks (adjunct) This course will examine the public speech and performance of black religious leaders from the Civil Rights era to the present day. This course will explore the historical, social, and political contexts of black religious leaders, as well as analysis of their sermons, speeches, and other public discourse. This course will examine various figures including (but not limited to): Ella Baker, Martin Luther King, Jr., Fannie Lou Hamer, Jesse Jackson, Pauli Murray, Al Sharpton, Susan Johnson Cook, and others. Students will engage primary sources, biographies, scholarly texts, and multimedia recordings in order to develop an understanding of how black religious leaders have sought to generate social and political change in multiple ways. 3 credits P633 Curating Church Myers This online course introduces students to the motif of curation as a way of thinking critically and creatively about church leadership — particularly in regard to preaching, worship, and discipleship. Herein, students will learn
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to nurture spaces to connect with cultures in and beyond the church; preserve what is best in ecclesial cultures; and transform church and societal cultures under the power of the gospel. Online. 3 credits P634 Novel Preaching: Crafting Narrative Worlds Myers, Jackson (adjunct) Stories binds us to one another and to the world God loves. Drawing upon techniques employed by novelists, storytellers, and narrative preachers, this course will immerse students in the creative writing process for sermon development and delivery. Particular attention will be paid to narrative preaching styles and the oral/aural dimensions of powerful storytelling. This course will operate like a writing or sermon development workshop, wherein students will read one another’s original work and offer constructive and critical feedback. 3 credits P635 Preaching and Worship through the Christian Year Florence The Christian year enables the church to mark time in a profound way. In this course, students will walk through the seasons of the liturgical year -- from Advent to Epiphany to Lent to Pentecost to Ordinary Time -- to see how theological themes and metaphors of these seasons unfold and build layers of meaning for Christian communities. Drawing on these insights, students will then explore the possibilities for preaching and worship, creating their own sermons and liturgies. Attention will be given to the use of language, the role of music and other lively arts, and the well of resources, both ancient and contemporary, that is available to worship planners. No prerequisites. 3 credits P636 Preaching, Politics and the Pursuit of Justice Myers This course aims to analyze the challenges to preaching for justice vis-à-vis politics in contemporary American contexts. Students will study how preachers have pursued proclamatory justice in light of these challenges in the past, consider some contemporary proposals for continuing that work, and then extend the practice with sermons of their own. The course moves, then, from sociopolitical analysis to a history of practice to practical counsel to the
practice of preaching. That movement—a kind of practical theological reflection—is itself one of the main things this course hopes to teach. The P530 Preaching course is recommended by not required as a prerequisite. Hybrid. 3 credits P637 Postmodernism: Why it Matters for Preaching Myers Postmodernism—along with its methodological cousin, deconstruction—has shaped the last fifty years of Western thought. As both a philosophical and cultural phenomenon, postmodernism calls for careful attention by any who would proclaim the gospel with theological awareness and contextual relevance. This intensive course will interrogate the central themes and theorists associated with postmodernism and discuss postmodernism’s implications for contemporary Christian preaching. 3 credits P639 Back to the Text: Job Florence A communal exercise in getting “back to the text” by reading and performing together an entire book of scripture—in this case, the book of Job. Students will read widely in biblical studies pertaining to Job, experiment with various ways of reading, rehearsing, and improvising a scriptural narrative, and finally create a group performance of the book of Job, which will be offer to the community. This course happens annually in the spring with a different book each year, and is open to anyone in all degree programs. 3 credits P674 Intercultural & Interfaith Pastoral Care and Counseling Harkins This course is designed to develop competence, imagination, and self-and-other awareness in intercultural and interfaith pastoral care and counseling. Students will develop in-depth disciplines of awareness and reflection upon the questions of history, ethnicity, gender, power, sexual orientation, race, and class that have shaped the nature of therapeutic and pastoral encounters. The course will explore the pastoral counseling, pastoral care, and clinical pastoral education applications of the deepening awareness in the field for interfaith, intercultural competence, practices, and ethical and clinical reflection. The course will include experiential components, and CPE, SM510, or other significant ministry/contextual experience is preferred. 3 credits
P680 The Preacher and the Poet Florence Considers the poet’s art-language, imagination, experience, and form as a resource for preaching. Includes a workshop with a working poet and the preaching of two sermons. Prerequisite: P530. 3 credits P682 Prophetic, Imaginative Preaching for God’s Changing World Myers Imagination—empowered by the Spirit—is the lifeblood of prophetic preaching. Drawing upon traditional and contemporary approaches to preaching, this course will lead students to innovate upon said styles and to incorporate preaching styles across cultures and denominations. Particular attention will be paid to inductive, narrative, performative, and poetic preaching styles. Prerequisite: P 530. 3 credits P693 Independent Study in Practical Theology and Counseling Harkins, McGarrah Sharp 3 credits P694 Independent Study in Worship Spurrier 3 credits P695 Independent Study in Preaching Florence, Myers 3 credits P697 Independent Study in Spirituality Staff 3 credits P698 Independent Study in Ministry and Administration Tribble 3 credits P699 Independent Study in New Church Development Staff 3 credits P702 ThM Thesis Research Practical Theology Area Staff This class focuses on the research and initial writing stage for the student’s thesis project, supervised by the advisor and in conjunction with the ThM director. 3 credits
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P703 ThM Literature Review Practical Theology Area Staff In this independent study, a student works with the primary advisor to develop a reading list in the area of research interest and writes a literature review of the sources in preparation for the thesis writing. This course is supervised by the student’s primary advisor with the assistance of the instructor of the ThM Research Seminar. 3 credits P704 ThM Thesis Writing Practical Theology Area Staff Required of all ThM students, leading to the completion of the ThM thesis. 6 credits P770 DEdMin Introductory Seminar Dawson This course is the introductory seminar for those persons beginning the doctor of educational ministry degree program and therefore provides an overview of the program, a survey of the various disciplines to be studied in the program, and enables the student to relate their study to their context for educational ministry. The course is framed by the tasks of practical theology as they lead to Christian formation in congregational settings. 6 credits P771 Teaching and Learning Theory Dawson Provides for advanced study in teaching and learning as Christian formation. Particular attention is given to various teaching theories with an emphasis on faith formation. Various teaching methods will be explored with a practicum component in the course enabling students to practice, evaluate, and hone their skills as a teacher and a teacher of teachers. Hybrid. 3 credits P772 Advanced Study in Faith and Human Development Dawson A core course for the DEdMin degree. This seminar assumes that participants are familiar with a basic understanding of the classic developmental theories such as Piaget, Kohlberg, Fowler, Freud, Erikson, and Gilligan. Students focus in the area of faith, spiritual, and religious development, looking at different ways of conceptualizing the Christian life from historical
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and current theorists. Emphasis is placed on child and adolescent spirituality in particular in the exploration of best practices for presenting the gospel at different ages. 6 credits P773 Advanced Study in Curriculum Theory Galindo A core course for the DEdMin degree. Students think beyond curriculum as a lesson plan or resource and explore the history of curriculum theory in the church and world. Special emphasis is placed on obtaining a multicultural and interfaith perspective on this issue as well as comparing the course of public education in the U.S. to Christian education. 3 credits P774 Theory, History & Philosophy of Educational Ministry Dawson Provides for advanced study in the theology, history, and philosophy of Christian education. The course unfolds by weaving the three areas of theology, history, and philosophy together enabling the learner to experience how the disciplines are complementary and integrated and how together, all three contribute to the tapestry that is educational ministry. 3 credits P775 Development of a Curriculum Design Hong In consultation with the student’s adviser and the instructor for the Advanced Study in Curriculum Theory course, the student will create and implement an original curriculum design on a topic most often related to their project. 3 credits P779 DEdMin Doctoral Project Dawson, Hong Required of all DEdMin students. 6 credits P812 A Systems Approach to Congregational Leadership Galindo Using Bowen Family Systems Theory (BFST) as applied to organizations as a theoretical framework, the student will explore ways to apply the theory to congregational leadership and other ministry contexts. The role of pastoral leadership in context is emphasized. Online. 3 credits
P813 21st Century Church: Church in the Networked World Watkins How are we to be church in a networked world? The triple revolution of the internet, social networking and mobile devices will serve as the center pieces of conversation around which this course revolves as we ask how does the church integrate this new reality into the life of it’s ministry? In the midst of this revolution how is the church to reinvent itself while also being faithful to the past ways we have been church? Participants will be invited to see the future now as we seek to be the church in the present age. Online. 3 credits P822 Pastoral Imagination in a Violent World McGarrah Sharp There is no question of the pervasive presence of violence in the world throughout human histories and into contemporary contexts. Building on a basic framework of moral discernment, students practice pastoral responses in the face of violence in a variety of intercultural contexts. Students focus pastoral imagination around three complex yet distinct Christian responses to violence: complicity, bystander, and resistance. Hybrid. 3 credits
P853 Preacher and the Poet Florence Considers the poet’s art-language, imagination, experience, and form as a resource for preaching. Includes a workshop with a working poet and the preaching of two sermons. 3 credits P885 Transformative Pastoral Leadership Tribble Explores the role of the pastor as spiritual leader embracing key adaptive issues for personal, congregational, and communal transformation. Acknowledging that leading a congregation through processes of deep change may be risky and costly, we explore current interdisciplinary ministry approaches for pastors leading congregations through processes of transition involving time and learning where identity, mission, culture, and operating procedures are fundamentally altered. This class is a seminar for students to work on actual case studies from their church and ministry contexts. Hybrid. 3 credits
P830 Church as Cultural Curation Myers This course introduces students to the motif of curation as a way of thinking critically and creatively about church leadership—particularly in regard to preaching, worship, discipleship, and new church development. Herein, students will learn to nurture spaces to connect with cultures in and beyond the church; preserve what is best in ecclesial cultures; and transform church and societal cultures under the power of the gospel. Online 3 credits
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INTERDISCIPLINARY COURSES CURRICULUM & COURSES
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I605 Theological Anthropology and Pastoral Care and Counseling Harkins Theological anthropology has typically been understood as doctrine about the nature of the human or what it is to be a person created in the image of God. Through the exploration of related themes such as health/wholeness, finitude, sin, blessing, and salvation, as variously understood in pastoral theology, secular (e.g., I510 Imagination and Resilience for God’s medical model) understandings, personality Changing World theory, and theology, students will explore this Clayton, Saunders, Watkins Designed specifically for first-year MDiv students, rich set of practical pastoral and theological topics. Pedagogical methods will include this course explores “imagination and resilience” primary and secondary readings in theology and by engaging in a variety of Christian practices personality theory, film, literature, and class such as study, listening, prayer, dialogue, and discussions. Students will be asked to write one hospitality. Students will grow personally and as substantial paper, present a verbatim of a pastoral members of the seminary and greater Atlanta experience, and contribute to class discussions. community, while nurturing essential marks of ministerial presence in God’s changing church and This will be a hybrid class, with an upper level graduate seminar format. Prerequisites: P520, world. HD550, and HD551; or by permission of 3 credits instructor. 3 credits I520 Explorations: Alternative Context for Ministry I609 Readings in Spiritual Classics Staff Galindo An academic and experiential exploration of a In this course students will read selected passages significantly different cultural context and the church’s mission. Contexts may include inner-city in classic Christian literature in spirituality. Atlanta, the Appalachian region of the U.S., New Through guided online discussion students will engage in critical and reflective study of Mexico, Central Europe, Ghana, India, Jamaica the historical contexts out of which Christian and immigrant communities in Atlanta. spirituality has developed and will interpret 3 credits their own personal spiritual formation in light of historical Christian thought. This course meets I530 Cross/Roads program goals 2 and 5 of the MDiv and program Tribble, Watkins goal 1 of the MA(TS). Imaginative and resilient communities need Online. imaginative and resilient leaders. Relying on 3 credits in class discussions, common readings, outside speakers and drawing upon students’ life I619 The Cross and the State: Biblical, experiences and seminary studies with special Theological, and Pastoral Reflections on States, attention to theologically acute contextual analysis, this course explores ways leaders develop Prison, and Execution Saunders such communities. Introduces and critically engages aspects of the 3 credits current justice system in the U.S., especially the “Prison-Industrial Complex” and state-sponsored executions, in light of biblical and theological traditions regarding bondage, imprisonment, and crucifixion. Includes readings, discussion, and field trips. Prerequisites: B530. 3 credits I500 MA(TS) Seminar Nadella Assists entering MA(TS) students in focusing on vocational or personal goals. Required for entering, full-time MA(TS) students. Part-time students are expected to enroll after taking at least two courses, but before completing five. 3 credits
Columbia Theological Seminary
I620 Men in Ministry Harkins Explores the relationship between physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being in men and the ways in which men care for themselves, even as they care for others. Focuses on personal theological narrative, spirituality, ethics, systems theory, and pastoral care, as well as readings, film, and fiction. Participants engage in the construction of a religious autobiography and attend an overnight mountain retreat. 3 credits I701 ThM Research Methods Seminar Yoo Intensive one week introductory seminar required for all entering ThM students 3 credits I705 ThM Colloquium Yoo Final capstone course required of all ThM students. This class focuses on the development and presentation of a publishable piece of work based on the ThM thesis 3 credits I721 Church and Ministry Introductory Seminar Tribble Church and Ministry Introductory Seminar has as its primary aim to encourage pastors, church administrators, chaplains, and those in other forms of church service to become familiar with excellent recent thinking about ministry and to apply new insights to their own practice of ministry. 6 credits I722 Gospel, Culture & the Transformation of the Church Introductory Seminar Hartman, Park, Thomas (adjunct) The Gospel and Culture Introductory Seminar encourages participants to develop a new paradigm for their ministry, aimed at supporting the local congregation of Christian people to understand their call to mission in a post-Christian, globalizing culture. Developing theological approaches to cultural analysis, participants, in readings, reflection with teachers and conversations with colleagues, describe their own setting in ministry and develop faithful ways of bearing witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ for the sake of witness, service, and transforming mission. 6 credits
I723 Christian Spirituality Introductory Seminar Hong, Riggs The seminar discusses critical issues of spirituality in biblical, historical, theological, ethical and practical fields of study. It guides participants to build academic resources for their personal, congregational, and communal ministries in spirituality. 6 credits I730 DMin Research Seminar Park Students will be introduced to qualitative and quantitative research methodologies that they will utilize for their final projects. In depth library research methods will also be introduced. Online 1.5 credits I731 Project Proposal Workshop Park This workshop will guide students in developing their project proposals that clearly articulate the topic, thesis, context, theoretical and theological perspectives, research question, and methodology. Library research tools and guides for form and style will also be covered. Required for DMin/DEdMin students. 1.5 credits I732 Project Literature Review Staff Students will gather essential literature for their DMin projects and write a literature review under the guidance of their first reader and complete the chapter on the theoretical and theological perspective for their projects. 3 credits I735 DMin Doctoral Project Staff Required of all DMin students. 6 credits
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SUPERVISED MINISTRY CURRICULUM & COURSES
SM505 MAPT Contextual Education Clayton The Contextual Education required course for the Master of Arts in Practical Theology. In this 400-hour, 6 credit course of Supervised Ministry, the student is engaged in an actionreflection model of ministry with a Supervisor and a Supervised Ministry Team. The course may be an internship, allowing the student to gain experience in a particular area of practical theology. For students already working professionally in ministry, the course is a Practicum, designed to challenge the student to grow in their chosen area of practical theology. 6 credits SM510 Congregation-Based Internship Clayton The student engages in the ministry of a teaching congregation serving in a broad range of pastoral functions, and engaging in a structured process of theological reflection with a supervising pastor and lay committee. (Summer, or fall/spring semesters concurrently) 400 hours in summer or 200 hours each semester . 6 credits
justice, campus ministry, camp and conference ministry, educational institution, etc. This course may be taken for 400 hours, 6 credits (Summer, or fall/spring semester concurrently); or for 200 hours, 3 credits. 3 or 6 credits SM540 Internship in an Emerging Faith Community Clayton The student engages in ministry in a new or emerging faith community to gain experience in evangelism, organizational development, entrepreneurial leadership skills, and other pastoral skills. The student will engage in a structured process of theological reflection with a supervising pastor or other practitioner. (Summer, or fall/spring semesters concurrently) 6 credits
SM610 Practicum in Clinical Pastoral Education (Basic Unit) Staff Brings students into supervised encounters with people in order to develop pastoral identity and skills, interpersonal competence, and enhanced abilities for theological reflection. Clinically trained supervisors provide educational SM520 Internship within an Institution leadership. Placement limited to hospitals, Clayton congregations, prisons, and other institutions An internship that engages the student in ministry within an academic, medical (non-CPE), accredited by the Association for Clinical Pastoral denominational, ecumenical, etc. institution. The Education. Fulfills the DMin. requirement for Supervised Ministry. Full-time for 6 credits; or student gains experience in a particular area of part-time, 3 credits per semester. ministry or service, and also develops the skills, insights and knowledge needed to relate this work 6 credits to the larger institutional structures and mission. SM611 Clinical Pastoral Education (Advanced Supervision provided by a theologically trained Unit) leader within the institutional site. Staff This course may be taken for 400 hours, Additional units of CPE build upon the teachings 6 credits (Summer, or fall/spring semester of the first unit and provide pastoral education concurrently); or for 200 hours, 3 credits. over a full year. Prerequisite: Basic unit of CPE. 3 or 6 credits Credit listed is for full year. SM530 Basic Internship in Specialized Ministry 6 credits Clayton An internship that helps students gain experience SM620 Advanced Congregation-Based Internship for ministry and work in a specialized setting Clayton in a congregation or agency. The student will work with a Supervisor to develop skills, insights, An internship providing students additional congregational experience in pastoral ministry and knowledge needed for effectiveness in the and leadership. Students are encouraged to particular form of ministry/work to be engaged. concentrate in a particular area of ministry such Specialized ministries include: youth ministry, as Christian education, pastoral care, worship public ministry, non-profit agency, criminal 86
Columbia Theological Seminary
and preaching, administration, etc. while also engaging more broadly in the life of the congregation. Designed to enhance a student’s competence, leadership skills, and vocational clarity in ministry in a congregation. Prerequisites: SM 510 and completion of 60 credits. This course is 400 hours, taken full-time in the summer or part-time (200 hours each) over concurrent semesters, 3 credits per semester. 3 or 6 credits SM630 Advanced Internship in Specialized Ministry Clayton An internship in a ministry or work setting that helps students gain additional experience in a specialized setting in a congregation or agency. Students work with a Supervisor to enhance basic competence, leadership skills, and vocational clarity in the area of specialization. Such specialization includes: public ministry, nonprofit agency, youth ministry, campus ministry, camps/ conference ministry, criminal justice/prison ministry, etc. Prerequisites: SM510 and at least 60 credits. This course is 400 hours, taken full-time in the summer or part-time over concurrent semesters, 3 credits per semester. 3 or 6 credits SM640 Directed Supervised Ministry Clayton This course is an independent study arranged with the director of contextual education and a professor or professors with knowledge in the particular area of focus. Approval of the dean of faculty is required. 3 or 6 credits SM650 Intern Year: Congregation Clayton A full-time internship that provides an in-depth experience in the life and ministry of a teaching congregation. 9-12 months (full-time), plus option of 1 additional course taken in Extended Spring term. 6 credits SM660 Intern Year: Specialized Ministry Clayton A full-year internship in one or more ministry/work settings. Students engage in a specific context of ministry or work to develop the skills, insights, and knowledge needed for effective ministry and leadership. An action-reflection model under supervision is required. Specialized ministries include: youth ministry, public ministry, non-profit agency, criminal justice, campus ministry, camp and conference ministry, international mission, etc. Prerequisite: completion of at least 60 credits. 9-12 months, full-time, 6 credits. 6 credits
SM780 Practicum: Church and Ministry Park Designed by the DMin student and approved supervisor. The student engages in a specific aspect of ministry of the church and utilizes an action-reflection learning process with a peer group and approved supervisor. 3 credits SM782 Practicum in Christian Spirituality Park Recommended for DMin students in the Christian Spirituality specialization. Involves engagement in a ministry of the church related to spiritual formation and sharing issues and concerns in a peer group with an action-reflection process. Supervision by an approved instructor. 3 credits SM783 Practicum in Gospel, Culture & the Transformation of the Church Park Recommended for DMin students in the Gospel, Culture and Transformation of the Church specialization. Designed to meet the major challenges of this specialization; involves students in a ministry of the church with particular aspects of modern culture. Includes work with peer groups and approved supervisor in an action-reflection process. 3 credits SM787 Practicum in Educational Ministry Park Designed by the DEdMin student and approved supervisor. The student engages in a ministry of the church, often outside the student`s normal setting for ministry, and utilizes an action-reflection learning process with a peer group and approved supervisor. 6 credits SM690 Supervised Ministry: Independent Study Clayton A 400 hour (minimum) internship for students who seek to gain experience of ministry under supervision in specialized areas not designated in other internships. Summer (full time) 6 credits. Fall and/or Spring (parttime), 3 credits per semester 3 or 6 credits
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ACADEMIC NOTES & POLICIES
The following information pertains to students enrolled in Columbia’s academic degree programs. Additional policies and information related to a particular degree program may be found in the student handbook or the manual for that program.
BASIC DEGREE STUDENTS SUMMER GREEK SCHOOL
Consultation with a cumulative grade point
Entering students in the MDiv degree
average of 3.60 and a 3.80 average in the
program may choose to begin their studies
proposed area of study. Students may choose
in the summer with Greek language study.
to work with a particular professor in the
The seminary offers a 3 credit-hour course,
biblical, historical-doctrinal, or practical
B501, during the summer. This six-week
theology areas. The program consists of
course meets each weekday morning for two
guided study in both long semesters for a total
hours, with small group afternoon tutorial
of 6 credit hours. If the area determines that
sessions. Students who have previously
the project should receive honors, then the
studied Greek should consult the registrar
advisor will grant an A to the student for each
about taking a Greek proficiently exam which semester of study. If the area determines that the project should not receive honors, then will allow them to proceed to exegetical courses.
the advisor, with the input from the area, will determine the final grade for each semester
ADVANCED STANDING Students who satisfactorily demonstrate
of study. For additional information, see the chairperson of the area of interest.
they have already achieved the objectives of a given course but do not have graduate
ORDINATION EXAMS
credit in the area may be exempt from the
Students in the Master of Divinity degree
course and permitted to take an advanced
program who become candidates for
course in the area to satisfy the required
ordination in the Presbyterian Church (USA)
course credit. Requests for flexibility in a
are required to take written examinations
student’s program should be made to the
in the areas of Bible, theology, worship and
Office of Academic Affairs.
sacraments, and polity. The regular basic degree curriculum provides students with
HONORS PROJECT Students in the Master of Divinity degree
ample opportunity to take coursework preparatory to the exams.
program may pursue an Honors project if they pass their Candidacy Discernment
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ACADEMIC NOTES & POLICIES
TEMPORARY GRADES FOR BASIC
PROVISIONAL ADMISSIONS FOR BASIC
DEGREE STUDENTS
DEGREE STUDENTS
The temporary notation of IP (In Progress)
An entering student whose undergraduate or
is given for Honor Projects and Supervised
graduate school preparation is deemed deficient
Ministry courses that extend over more than
(below 3.0) may be admitted provisionally. To be
one term. No academic credit is awarded for IP.
admitted provisionally is not a punitive action,
A student may be assigned an E for incomplete
rather a mechanism for monitoring academic
work. In order to receive an E, the student
process. A student who is admitted provisionally
must complete the Extension Form with all
as a full time student is afforded full student
required signatures and a set extension date
privileges, including financial aid and housing. A
before the end of the term. The extension date
student who is admitted provisionally is required
cannot extend beyond the following dates: Fall
to meet with his or her adviser monthly with
Term, December 31; January Term, January
appointments made at the student’s initiative. In
31; Spring Term, May 31; and Summer Term,
the spring of the entering year, or upon completion
August 31. Basic Degree students cannot begin
of the term in which s/he has completed (12)
another course in a subsequent academic term,
semester credit hours, the student meets with the
until all coursework is complete from courses
dean of faculty to review academic work to date
from all previous academic terms. Students
and to report on the meetings with the student’s
who experience lengthy illnesses or have other
adviser. The Academic Standing Commission
unusual circumstances may be granted a longer
will review the student’s academic progress upon
period to complete their work by the dean
completion of that term and report to the student
of faculty. All grades of E are automatically
regarding his or her status after its meeting.
changed to F if the extension deadline for
Possible actions include removal of provisional
completing the work expires.
status or placement on academic probation.
GRADING FOR BASIC DEGREE STUDENTS At the end of each term, students receive grades according to the following four-quality points system. A grade report is made available to each student through the student portal. For Master of Divinity, Master of Arts (Theological Studies), Master of Arts in Practical Theology, Unclassified, and Special students, the criteria for grading are mastery of material, skill in organizing and expressing ideas, creativity, and the ability to relate to other teachings.
The grading system is as follows: A A− B+ B B− C+ C C− D F 90
4.0 3.7 3.3 3.0 2.7 2.3 2.0 1.7 1.0 0.0 Columbia Theological Seminary
Outstanding Superior Very good Good Slightly above standard Standard Slightly below standard Below standard Serious deficiencies Failing
Third-year MDiv students may choose to take up to 6 credit hours of elective coursework Pass/ Fail if the instructor grants permission in the first two weeks of the course. MAPT students in good academic standing may take one of the four non-concentration electives (3 credits) on a Pass/Fail basis in their final semester of study if the instructor grants permission in the first two weeks of the course. The grade designations are as follows: S (Pass) work that represents sufficient mastery of the content of the course to merit recommendation for graduation U (Fail) work that represents insufficient mastery of the content of the course to merit recommendation for graduation.
ADVANCED DEGREE STUDENTS GRADING FOR ADVANCED DEGREE STUDENTS
The grading scale for ThM, DMin, DEdMin, and ThD students is as follows: A A− B+ B B− C+ C F
4.0 3.7 3.3 3.0 2.7 2.3 2.0 0.0
Outstanding Superior Very good Good Slightly above standard Standard Slightly below standard Failing
COURSE COMPLETION FOR
may be admitted provisionally. A provisional
ADVANCED PROFESSIONAL DEGREE
admission student has all the privileges of other
STUDENTS
Advanced Degree students. As soon as possible
If a course requires work to be completed after
after taking the Introductory Seminar and one
the last class meeting, the student may have
additional course, the student must consult with
up to sixty days to complete the work. Under
the faculty adviser to review his or her progress.
unusual circumstances, and before the end of the
The registrar shall report the grade point
sixty days, the student may request a thirty-day
average to the Academic Standing Commission.
extension. This request must be made through
If the student has not achieved a 3.0 GPA, the
the Office of Academic Affairs. A grade of F
student will be subject to dismissal from the
will be automatically assigned if all work is not
Advanced Degree program.
completed by the end of the course, the end of the sixty days when the syllabus so designates, or the end of the thirty-day extension. PROVISIONAL ADMISSIONS FOR ADVANCED DEGREE STUDENTS If a candidate for admission shows unusual
In the case of ThM students, the Academic Standing Commission shall review the provisional student’s progress, after the student has completed (12) semester credit hours. If the student has not achieved a 3.0 GPA, the student will be subject to dismissal from the degree program.
promise in a particular Advanced Degree program when his or her previous degree gradepoint average was below 3.0 GPA, the applicant
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ALL DEGREE STUDENTS ACADEMIC NOTES & POLICIES
ADDING AND DROPPING COURSES Courses may only be added during the first five days of class and only dropped during the first twenty days of the fall and spring terms. Greek school may be added within the first three days of class and can be dropped no later than the tenth day of class. In the January term, a class may be added by the second day and dropped by the fifth day of class. Two-week courses can only be added on the first day of class and dropped by the third day of class. A course is only considered dropped at the time the registrar receives written notice to that effect. A student may petition the Office of Academic Affairs for an exception to this policy in special circumstances.
For supervised ministry courses 200 hours of engagement is awarded 3 credit hours and 400 hours of engagement is awarded 6 credit hours. This correlates with the time and credit level of the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education which awards CPE credit. Satisfactory completion of a course, however, is determined finally not by time invested but by learning goals and objectives achieved by the student. INDEPENDENT STUDY Students are allowed one independent study per degree program. Petitions for proposed independent studies must be submitted in writing to the dean of faculty for approval prior to registration. The full procedure for receiving
CREDIT HOUR AND VALUATION POLICY While the educational progress of students cannot
approval for an independent study is outlined in the student handbook.
ultimately be measured by the number of credits earned, a system of course valuation is necessary to assure consistency in the curriculum. Columbia Theological Seminary defines one (semester) credit hour as equivalent to a minimum of one hour per week on in-class instruction or engaged learning over 12 weeks of instruction, plus two more weeks of out-of-class independent learning in which exams are taken or papers are produced, for a total of 14 weeks. It is expected that for
ACADEMIC PROBATION Academic probation reflects unsatisfactory academic progress and, therefore, students are automatically placed on academic probation when a continuing MA(TS), MAPT, or MDiv student whose cumulative grade point average falls below 2.30. zz
ThD student whose cumulative grade point
each one credit hour, a minimum of two hours of preparation has taken place. A three credit course
average falls below 3.00.
would indicate at least 36 hours of instruction, plus
A student on academic probation:
two periods of assessment through examinations and/or production of written work, along with the necessary out-of-class preparation. DMin and DEdMin courses ordinarily meet over a two week period for a minimum of 30 hours of direct in-class instruction, as well as in engaged learning activities outside the classroom, including small groups, online discussion forums, and preand post-course assignments, for a minimum of 36 hours of guided instruction for a 3 credit course. 92
A continuing ThM, DMin, DEdMin, or
Columbia Theological Seminary
zz
Has his or her academic record reviewed by the Academic Standing Commission,
zz
Is required to regularly meet with his or her adviser, and
zz
Shall not be permitted to elect to take graded courses on a satisfactory/ unsatisfactory (S/U) basis.
At the end of every term in which grades are recorded, zz
Does not raise his or her cumulative grade point
the Office of Academic Affairs shall review the
average to or above a 3.00 with the next course
academic progress of all degree-seeking students and
after being placed on academic probation, or
provide the Academic Standing Commission and the Office of Financial Aid six lists of students: zz
Provisional students who have successfully attained the required cumulative grade-point average,
zz
Continuing students whose cumulative grade point average places them on academic probation,
zz
Fails any course at any time during the degree program.
A student who is dismissed for academic reasons may not take classes, live on campus, or shall not have any of the privileges afforded to students.
Provisional students who are to be placed on academic probation,
zz
zz
Students who are to be considered for academic dismissal,
zz
Students who failed one or more courses,
zz
Students who are to be dismissed according to the CTS drop out policy.
After reviewing these lists, the Academic Standing
APPEALS Any decision of the Academic Standing Commission may be appealed to the faculty by filing with the registrar a written notice of appeal. zz
A notice of appeal must be filed within two weeks after receipt by the student of the decision of the Academic Standing Commission.
zz
The appeal will be presented to the faculty at its next stated meeting.
Commission informs the student(s) in writing of their probationary status and schedules, as necessary, of a meeting with the Commission. Those attending
MORAL CONDUCT
this meeting are the members of the Commission,
The faculty and the Board of Trustees of Columbia
the student, and his or her adviser with the objective
reserve the right to refuse to grant a degree to
to develop a plan to help the student return to good
any individual in any degree program whose moral
academic standing.
conduct raises serious questions about that person’s personal integrity or fitness for service in the
ACADEMIC DISMISSAL
Christian Church. Persons are accepted into degree programs with the requirement that should they
A MA(TS), MAPT, MDiv or MDiv/Dual student is
become the subject of criminal, civil, or ecclesiastical
dismissed when he or she:
proceedings they will report the fact of those
zz
Does not raise his or her cumulative grade point average to or above a 2.30 by the next semester after being placed on academic probation, or
zz
Shall have failed in the aggregate any 9 credit hours of coursework.
proceedings and their outcomes to the Judicial Commission of the faculty. The determination of when not to award a degree based upon moral failings of the candidate is the sole and exclusive province of the institution, represented by its faculty and Board of Trustees.
A ThM, DMin, DEdMin, or ThD is dismissed when he or she:
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All Degree Students Continued ACADEMIC NOTES & POLICIES
DISCIPLINARY CASES The Columbia Theological Seminary Amended and Restated Bylaws and Plan of Government (2013) states, “Upon matriculation, the Seminary and each student shall enter into the following covenant: Relying upon God’s grace, will you, so long as you are a student of Columbia Theological Seminary, promise and covenant to: zz
be diligent in your studies,
zz
seek academic excellence,
zz
pursue such learning as joins mind and heart, and
zz
strive to live your life consistent with your calling as a disciple of Jesus Christ?”
Furthermore, the governance documents clearly place the faculty under the supervision of the president and accountable to the Board with the authority to adjudicate matters related to conduct. “The faculty, subject to the oversight of the Board, may establish such policies and regulations concerning student and community conduct as the faculty shall deem necessary, the provisions of which shall be administered by the faculty under the supervision of the president” (2013, Article V, section 3). When a member of the seminary community becomes personally aware of a circumstance which could potentially lead to disciplinary action against a student the matter may be brought to the Judicial Commission by a written complaint filed with the dean of faculty. The complaint shall include all relevant information, including the names of any witnesses. Prior to filing the complaint the complainant may, but shall not be required to, resolve the matter with the person
first offense by the accused, and (ii) the acts complained about are not egregious in the judgment of the dean. In such case, the dean, the accused, and the complainant shall meet and endeavor to adjudicate the complaint with appropriate action and/or admonition. If a complaint is not resolved administratively, the Judicial Commission shall initially review the complaint. The advisor of the student against whom the complaint has been lodged and other members of the administration and the faculty may be consulted by the Judicial Commission as it may determine necessary or appropriate. If the Judicial Commission determines that the allegations of the complaint would, if established, provide the basis for disciplinary action, it shall schedule a hearing. Prior to the hearing, the complaint and any additional information pertinent to the case uncovered during the Judicial Commission’s review shall be provided to the student against whom the complaint has been lodged. At the hearing, the student against whom the complaint has been lodged shall have opportunity to examine the person making the complaint and respond to all evidence introduced at the hearing concerning the complaint, and present evidence and / or witnesses in his or her own defense. Both the complainant and the accused may be accompanied by an advocate, such as a student’s advisor or friend, but representation by external legal counsel is not permitted. If the student accused does not attend the hearing, the Commission is authorized to respond to resolve the matter notwithstanding such absence. Following the hearing, the Judicial Commission shall deliberate in private. The
complained about. Upon receipt of a complaint,
Judicial Commission may:
the dean may determine to resolve the complaint
1. Determine that no cause for disciplinary
administratively if: (i) the complaint alleges a
action exists and declare the matter closed without further action.
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Columbia Theological Seminary
2. Impose corrective actions it deems
A student who is expelled may not take classes,
appropriate, including the issuance of a
live on campus (except in the case of a spouse
warning to the student, placing the student on
of a continuing student), or have any of the
disciplinary probation.
privileges afforded to students. A student who
3. Suspend or dismiss the student, or impose such other discipline as it deems appropriate. 4. Recommend to the faculty that the student be expelled from the Seminary. 5. Require that the student vacate Seminary housing, even if he or she may be permitted to continue as a student. The decisions of the Judicial Commission
has been expelled may not apply for readmission to the Seminary. While any complaint is pending before the Judicial Commission and/or the faculty, the president has discretionary authority to suspend the accused from participating in classes and/ or seminary housing when such action is necessary for the general welfare of the seminary community.
will ordinarily be communicated in writing to the parties involved, the student’s advisor, and the ecclesiastical body having oversight
APPEALS
for the student’s preparation for ministry (as
The decisions of the Judicial Commission
appropriate). A log of all proceedings and actions
(other than a recommendation of expulsion)
will be kept securely by the Seminary.
may be appealed to the faculty in writing by filing a notice of appeal with the dean of the
EXPULSION
faculty within ten (10) days after the decision of the Commission. The faculty shall follow the
In the case of a recommendation by the Judicial
procedures required for expulsion in the case of
Commission that the faculty expel a student, the
an appeal. There shall be no appeal beyond the
faculty shall have responsibility for considering
faculty.
whether expulsion is appropriate. The president shall notify a student in writing no later than fifteen days prior to the date of a faculty meeting at which a recommendation concerning his or her expulsion is to be considered by the faculty, such notification to include the time and place of the faculty meeting. The student shall be provided an opportunity at such meeting to present to the faculty any information relevant to his or her case. The student shall not be entitled to be represented by legal counsel. The decision of the faculty will be communicated in writing to the accused student, to the Judicial Commission, and to the ecclesiastical body having oversight for the student’s preparation for ministry (as applicable).
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WITHDRAWAL FROM SEMINARY ACADEMIC NOTES & POLICIES
WITHDRAWAL A student considering withdrawal is treated with special concern. The dean of students and the
The form for temporary or permanent withdrawal can be found on the website under academic forms.
adviser will help in thinking through personal and vocational implications. The dean of faculty will counsel regarding academic implications. A student who withdraws from Columbia forfeits all financial assistance (scholarships and financial aid) previously awarded for the term in which such action occurs. A student must follow one of the processes below. A student who does not follow the appropriate procedures will continue to be responsible for expenses incurred at Columbia, will receive F grades in all courses, and will not be eligible for readmission. TEMPORARY WITHDRAWAL WITH RETURN IN A SPECIFIC TIME: The student must zz
Discuss the reasons with the dean of faculty or the dean of students;
zz
Fill out a withdrawal form; and
zz
Clear all accounts with the Business Office, Library, and the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid.
A student enrolled in the MDiv, MAPT, MA(TS), ThM or ThD programs who does not register for classes in two consecutive semester terms will be asked to initiate a temporary or permanent withdrawal. If the student does not respond, he or she shall be dismissed. A letter informing the student of this action will be sent to the student’s last known address by registered mail. If the student left in good standing, he or she may petition the dean of faculty within 30 days of receiving the letter of dismissal to register for classes for the next term and continue in the degree program. A DMin or DEdMin student who does not register for classes for 12 months will be contacted by the associate dean of advanced professional studies and encouraged to register for additional courses at the earliest
A student in good standing may be readmitted
opportunity. If the student indicates that
by the dean of faculty within one year following
she or he does not intend to continue in the
withdrawal; beyond this, action by the Academic
program, she or he will be requested to initiate
and Judicial Commission is required.
a temporary or permanent withdrawal. If the
PERMANENT WITHDRAWAL: The student must zz
Discuss the situation with the dean of faculty or the dean of students and sign a withdrawal form;
zz
Clear all accounts with the Business Office, Library, and the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid.
Readmission is through the Academic and Judicial Commission for a period of up to two years; beyond that, the regular admissions process must be used. 96
DROPOUT AND DISMISSAL
Columbia Theological Seminary
student does not then register for classes in the next 12 months, or initiate a temporary or permanent withdrawal, she or he will be automatically considered inactive and will be dismissed from the program. A letter informing the student of this action will be sent to the student’s last known address by registered mail. If the student left in good standing, he or she may petition the dean of faculty within 30 days of receiving the letter of dismissal to register for classes for the next term and continue in the degree program.
ACADEMIC CALENDAR
2017-2018
2018-2019 Tentative
SUMMER 2017
SUMMER 2018
Advanced Degrees 1st Term
July 10-July21
Advanced Degrees 1st Term
July 9-July20
Greek School
July 10-Aug 18
Greek School
July 9-Aug 17
Advanced Degrees 2nd Term
July 24-Aug 4
Advanced Degrees 2nd Term
July 23-Aug 3
MAPT Introductory Seminar
Aug 14-18
MAPT Introductory Seminar
Aug 13-17
ThM Introductory Seminar
Aug 21-25
ThM Introductory Seminar
Aug 20-24
FALL 2017
FALL 2018
Faculty Conference
Aug 28-29
Faculty Conference
Aug 27-28
Pre-Orientation for New Students
Aug 29
Pre-Orientation for New Students
Aug 28
New Student Orientation
Aug 30-Sep 1
New Student Orientation
Aug 29-31
Labor Day
Sep 4
Labor Day
Sept 3
Classes begin
Sep 5
Classes begin
Sept 4
Convocation
Sep 6
Convocation
Sept 5
Assessment and Midterm Period
Oct 16-20
Smyth Lectures
Oct 9-10
Seminary Weekend
Nov 10-11
Assessment and Midterm Period
Oct 16-19
Thanksgiving Holiday
Nov 20-24
Seminary Weekend
Nov 2-3
Classes end
Dec 11
Thanksgiving Holiday
Nov 19-23
Assessment and Finals Period
Dec 12-15
Classes end
Dec 7
Assessment and Finals Period
Dec 10-14
JANUARY TERM 2018
JANUARY TERM 2019
Basic Degrees Classes
Jan 4-19
Basic Degrees Classes
Jan 3-18
Advanced Degrees Classes
Jan 8-19
Advanced Degrees Classes
Jan 7-18
King Holiday
Jan 15
King Holiday
Jan 21
SPRING 2018
SPRING 2019
Classes Begin
Jan 29
Classes Begin
Jan 28
Seminary Weekend
Feb 23-24
Seminary Weekend
Feb 22-23
O'Connor Lectures
Mar 6-7
Assessment & Midterm Period
Mar 11-15
Assessment & Midterm Period
Mar 12-16
Spring Break
Apr 1-5
Good Friday
Mar 30
Good Friday
Apr 19
Spring Break
Apr 2-6
Classes end
May 3
Classes end
May 4
Assessment and Finals Period
May 6-10
Assessment and Finals Period
May 7-11
Baccalaureate
May 17
Baccalaureate
May 18
Commencement
May 18
Commencement
May 19
Memorial Day
May 27
Memorial Day
May 28
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INDEX ADMISSIONS
Doctor of Educational Ministry . . . . . . . . . 28
Expulsion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Doctor of Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Fellowships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Doctor of Theology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Financial Aid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
International Students . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90, 91
Master of Arts in Practical Theology Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Greek School, Summer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Master of Arts in Theological Studies . . . . . 17 Master of Divinity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Master of Theology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Advanced Standing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Housing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 International Theological Education . . . . . . . . 55 Library. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
ADVISING
Master of Arts in Practical Theology. . . . . . . . 14
Doctor of Educational Ministry. . . . . . . . . . 29
Master of Arts in Theological Studies. . . . . . . . 17
Doctor of Ministry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Master of Divinity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Master of Divinity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Master of Theology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Auditors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Moral Conduct. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Awards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Ordination Exams. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Biblical Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Orientation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Clinical Pastoral Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Practical Theology Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Continuing Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Probation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Convocations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Courses of Instruction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Cross-Registration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Disciplinary Cases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 Doctor of Educational Ministry. . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Doctor of Ministry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Church and Ministry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Christian Spirituality. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Asian North American Ministry and Theology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Gospel, Culture, and the Transfomation of the Church. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
98
Historical Doctrinal Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
PROVISIONAL ADMISSIONS Basic Degree Students. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Advanced Degree Students. . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Refund Policies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Scholarships. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Special Students. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Supervised Ministry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 TOEFL. . . . . . . . . . 12, 15, 18, 21, 26, 30, 34, 35 Transfer of Credit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15, 22, 33 Tuition and Fees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Vocational Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Doctor of Theology in Pastoral Counseling. . 32
Withdrawal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Explorations Alternative Context . . . . . . . . . . 55
Worship. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
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