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Graduate Courses
This course examines ethical issues in the practice of professions in public life. Significant issues such as justice, honesty and respect for persons are examined in study and dialogue as they emerge in human experience. Philosophical and religious perspectives regarding ethics are considered.
This course is designed to develop an understanding of personal, social, and organizational change. Such issues as personal commitment, social conditions, and technological developments are examined for their impact on personal, social, and institutional situations. Research strategies provide opportunities to strengthen logical thinking, analysis of evidence, and written expression.
RS 545
Introductory Level Topics
Special studies related to Summer Institutes or other topics as needed.
RS 605
Religion and Contemporary Studies
Study of selected aspects of Religious Studies in a contemporary context. Possible topics include: Theology Today, Moral Issues, Communications/Media.
Opportunity to explore the needs of the global and local communities by examining outstanding leaders, systemic and cultural conditions, and possible ways participants can respond to present and future needs.
RS 615
Religious Traditions and the Modern World
Research into the interplay of religious traditions with contemporary studies of cultures, societies, politics, economics and the humanities.
Prerequisite: survey course in world religions
RS 620
Hebrew Scriptures—Advanced Course
An advanced, detailed exegetical study of specific books or themes of the Hebrew Scriptures.
Prerequisite: RS 210A or recent course in Christian Scriptures
RS 625-629
Topics in Religious Studies
Special study of selected topics and themes in Religious Studies which vary according to the goals and needs of the students.
Areas may include:
Religious Leadership/Church Administration;
Church History;
Religious Literature;
Religious Literature of the West;
Religious Literature of the East.
RS 630
Christian Scriptures—Advanced Course
An advanced, detailed exegetical study of specific books or themes of the Christian Scriptures.
Prerequisite: RS 210B or recent course in Christian Scriptures.
RS 640
Development of Religious Life and Thought
An in-depth investigation of specific religious ideas and movements in Christianity and/or other religions, to study the interconnectedness of ideas and movements with one another, especially in the historical context.
Prerequisite: RS 230 or course in history of Christianity or the equivalent.
RS 650
The Sources of Moral-Decision Making in an Ecumenical World
A study of the bases of moral decision-making (e.g. revelation, reason, custom) in ethical and religious traditions and an analysis of authoritative texts using models of moral development, reinterpretation, and modernization.
Prerequisite: RS 240/242 or IC 800 Ethics or course in philosophical or theological ethics.
A study of ritual and the roles of symbol, myth, imagination and the arts in contemporary worship. Includes insights from theology, history, faith development theory, and anthropology.
RS 670
Counseling Models and Skills in Ministry
A study of models of counseling and what constitutes skills for effective ministry, with field experience to practice these skills.
RS 675, 680
Practicum or Internship in a Professional Situation
Supervised observation and participation in situations appropriate to the particular goals of the student.
Research into particular areas of western Christian theologies, including recent and contemporary theologians, and topics such as God, Christ, Spirit, Community, and Eschatology.
RS 710
Theology of Ministry/Models of the Church
An investigation of select theologies of ministry in their historical and cultural contexts and in relationship to contemporary models of church.
RS 720
Sacraments/Liturgy
Research into specialized topics that relate to liturgical and sacramental celebrations including their historical, theological and cultural contexts.
A critical examination of some of the ways persons, groups and/or particular traditions articulate their experiences of prayer, spirit, and community.
RS 790-794
Independent Reading, Research, and/or Project
Topics, orientation, and bibliography to be developed with the approval of the Religious Studies Department.
Variable Credit.
RS 795-799
Workshops/Seminars in Religious Studies
Selected topics and themes studied in a focused manner.
Variable Credit.