REL 800a, Introduction to Public Theology, Public Policy, and Moral Fusion Movements in America  William Barber

This course introduces students to public theology, public policy, and moral fusion movements in American history. Through a threefold framework of moral analysis, moral articulation, and moral action, students are invited to examine how public theology has impacted the most significant advances in public policy in American history and why pastors and theologians of our time must practice in the tradition of moral leaders who have challenged systemic oppression in the public square and guided critical public policy shifts over the past two centuries. While it is commonplace in American public life to acknowledge that we are, as a people, “more divided than ever,” conversations about critical issues impacting our communities are consistently framed by a shared narrative of left versus right, liberal versus conservative, progressive versus traditional. This framing allows for a distorted moral narrative that focuses religious leadership and moral concerns either on a narrow set of personal issues or on wedge issues designed to perpetuate the left/right frame. Religion has been co-opted in American public life to serve the narrow interests of an extreme minority. Throughout this course, students are called to reimagine what public theology and moral action can look like today and how they can apply these historical lessons as they develop their own practice of theology. Area IV and Area V  3 Course cr
T 1:30pm-3:20pm

REL 801a, Marquand Chapel Choir  Staff

1 credit per term.
U 6:30pm-8pm

REL 802a, Marquand Gospel and Inspirational Choir  Mark Miller

0.5 credit per term.  ½ Course cr
M 7pm-9pm

REL 807a, Introduction to Pastoral Theology and Care  Joyce Mercer

As an introduction to pastoral theology and care, this course explores the history, theory, and methods of the care of souls tradition, concentrating on a narrative, communal-contextual model. The course invites learners into the practice of particular pastoral care skills such as listening and responding in pastoral conversations; supporting families through life transitions; “reading” and engaging cultural contexts and systems of injustice in which care takes place; and the intentional uses of the self in spiritual care. The course introduces at a basic level key theoretical frameworks including narrative, intercultural/interreligious care; family systems; and grief and trauma theory. Teaching and learning methods include lecture, discussion, case studies, role plays, theological reflection, genograms, and visits to local ministry sites. Area IV.  3 Course cr
Th 1:30pm-4pm

REL 812a, Principles and Practices of Preaching  Carolyn Sharp

This is the introductory course in theologies and practices of preaching. Students explore a rich variety of approaches to preaching, learn skills for exegeting listening communities, develop their understanding of preaching as public theology, and more. Attention is given to compelling biblical exposition, development of a powerful and supple homiletical imagination, reflection on the preacher’s spirituality, and ways to engage all of the preacher’s gifts for communication. The course includes plenary instruction and preaching sections in which students prepare and deliver sermons. This course meets the homiletics requirement for the M.Div. degree. Area IV. Prerequisite: one course in Hebrew Bible at the master's level  3 Course cr
TTh 10am-11:20am

REL 824a, Ministry and the Disinherited  Frederick Streets

There is a serious and vigorous public debate about the influence of religious values upon society. What ought to be our social responsibilities, particularly to those who are most vulnerable and in need of support, is a contested issue. The COVID-19 pandemic intensively and sharply reveals the public health crisis before us as well as some of the social and systemic inequities that structure our society and how those inequities impact the lives of people. This course has as its focus the effort to theologically reflect on, and discern from, an interdisciplinary approach to defining “the disinherited.” Students explore aspects of the Christian dimensions of social and political reform movements; the contours of faith-based social services; the influence of religious values on individual behavior; and ideas about the role of the church and government in meeting human needs. Through the interests and research of students, the course addresses topics such as poverty; health care disparities; sexual orientation; ethnic, gender, and racial discrimination; hunger; immigration; homelessness; public education; and the welfare of children. Students are expected to develop an interdisciplinary approach from perspectives found in biblical scriptures, sacred texts, theological/religious beliefs and values, social work, sociology of religion, law, psychology of religion, political science, and social welfare theories. In that setting, students contextualize a theological understanding of the disinherited and what might constitute a ministry that addresses the needs of these groups. The learning journey of the course intentionally engages students on three overlapping themes or levels: theological frameworks, personal identity/sense of vocation, and practical tools one uses in living out one’s ministry and/or sense of self in the world. Area IV and Area II.  3 Course cr
M 3:30pm-5:20pm

REL 833a, Research Methods in Practical Theology  Donyelle McCray

When research focuses on a faith community or spiritual practice, unique questions emerge. There are practical, theological, ethical, and methodological considerations. How, for example, might faith leaders study communities that they also lead? How might power dynamics shape research in congregational contexts? What are the best strategies for studying a community’s spiritual practices and where are the pitfalls? This course explores practical theology research with attention to methodology, ethics, reflexivity, and analysis. These elements will be explored through interviewing practitioners, examining research models, and the development of original research projects.    3 Course cr
T 9:30am-11:20am

REL 848a, Educational Ministry in Schools and Colleges  Daniel Heischman

This course prepares students of all denominations for the ministry of working with adolescents and young adults, primarily in schools and colleges, but also in church settings. It begins with an analysis of where young people are today, their existential/spiritual concerns, and the current state of their religious practices. The course then considers the similarities and differences between ministry in church settings and in school settings, both secular schools and schools with some sort of religious affiliation. Our principal text is “What Schools Teach Us About Religious Life.” In our study of schools, students consider the issues of school mission, culture, and leadership, including the relationship between church-based schools and the host church/denomination. Issues of race, class, gender, and sexuality are considered throughout the course. Through required field trips, the course considers the particular problems and opportunities in inner-city schools and parish day schools. Area IV and Area V.  3 Course cr
TTh 10am-11:20am