Courses during the 2223-40 term

Field Education 600/610 SU & SU/FA 23

In an approved teaching site, with an experienced site supervisor, and participating in a facilitated peer group, students will begin developing competence in the practice of ministry and will begin growing in their ability to reflect on ministry practice in light of scripture, their faith tradition, and their experiences.

Decolonizing Spirituality (DM---745-, 2223-40)

Decolonizing Spiritualities

In what ways have spiritualities, how people experience themselves  and make meaning as spiritual beings in relation to God, been colonized since Christendom and the exploratory voyages that are the result of the errant Doctrine of Discovery? What ways were the spiritualities of indigenous peoples suppressed, demonized and jettisoned and replaced with a faith by which many could not find meaning resulting in ill-fitting syncretistic spiritualities in private and public life whether in the form of shamanistic Christianities (e.g., Candomblé and strands of Afro-Brazilian Religions or the Afrikania Mission) or Christian Nationalism and its various strands?

The ways in which assumed orthodoxy, tied to colonialism, occupies and determines the spiritual ethos of other people's religious experience and expression largely through what is presented as true knowledge of God or proper theology, will be analyzed and critiqued. Ultimately the course aims at disrupting the unequal production of knowledge and thus power that continues to occupy cultures and by extension various spiritual spaces in order to  help people reclaim their spiritual narratives as legitimate and equal partner in creating sustainable spiritualities for a global world

Theories and Practices ofNon-Violent Social Change (DM---718-, 2223-40)

Theories and Practices ofNon-Violent Social Change

Sexuality Education and Ethics (ETH--661-, 2223-40)

The course provides a solid foundation in Christian sexual ethics while developing skills in sexuality education for Christian contexts. 

Learning Objectives 

During the course, the student will: 

  • Assess their own sexual attitudes and histories as well as gain a basic knowledge of sexual health related to human sexuality. 

  • Examine the biblical and theological influences on understandings of sexuality and sexual ethics including theologies of power and privilege related to sexual oppressions and violence. 

  • Study a range of denominational stances on sexuality and sexual ethics, including knowing one’s own denominational policies and procedures. 

  • Understand the thought of major, contemporary scholars of sexual ethics. 

  • Explore current socio-political issues related to sexuality and develop theological responses appropriate for religious education, worship, and adult forums. 

  • Participate in exercises that model best practices in sexuality education and policy development. 

Seminar in Christian Education: (CE---850-A, 2223-40)

Advanced seminar in Christian religious education, including topics such as theology, theological education, gender, social change, or ethnicity.Prereq: 500-level CE course and by permission for Master's students

Focused Study: (CE---661-, 2223-40)

Organized around participation in conference (for example, Christian Educators Fellowship) including pre-reading, workshops, directed final project. Topics vary according to conference.

Summer 2023 -- Proctor Institute for Child Advocacy Ministry at Haley Farm in Clinton, TN