55 courses with the subject TSE, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
TSE 100Religion and Socio-Cultural Analysis3
This course explores the intimate relationship between religion and cultural formation/social expression. The purpose is to examine the nature of this relationship and its impact on relevant ministry in local communities and in cross-cultural missions. For United Methodist students this course meets the requirement of the Discipline for a course on mission of the church in the world.
This course is a critical examination of the biblical, theological, philosophical, and praxeological dimensions of the mission of the Church. For United Methodist students, this course meets the requirement of the Discipline for a course on The Mission of the Church in the World. .
This course broadens the students' experience beyond the limits of Christianity. Traditionalism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and Islam are critically examined within their own historical contexts.
This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to the essential elements of Methodist theology, including the Wesleyan way of salvation, the distinctive role played by experience in Methodist theological reflection, and “Christian perfection” as the directing end of the Christian life.
A comprehensive survey of the major structures and currents of thought that inform the Christian world-view. Attention is given to the classical areas of religious philosophy: namely, faith and reason, the nature of religious experience, arguments for the existence of God, interpretations of good and evil, and immortality.
• TSE 120 Christian Ethics (3 credit hours) • PTH 140 Theories in Human Development and Personality (3 credit hours) • PTH 141 Introduction to Pastoral Care and Counseling (3 credit hours) • PTH 145 Chaplaincy (3 credit hours) • PTH 244 Multi-cultural Spiritual/Pastoral Care Ministry (3 credit hours) • PTH 248 Professional Ethics for Chaplaincy (3 credit hours) • Christian Education Requirement (3 credit hours) o PTH 120 Foundations of Christian Education, o PTH 122 Teaching and Learning in Educational Ministry, o PTH 220 Practices for Faith Formation, o PTH 221 Christian Education in the African American Church, OR o PTH 223 Christian Symbolism as a Faith Nurturing Tool Total: 36 Required Credit Hours Students must consult with the Director of the Center for Chaplaincy regarding CPE courses.
A discussion of the ethical implications of abortion, euthanasia, genetic engineering, cloning, contraception, sterilization, behavioral modification, aging, health care system, etc.
TSE 201African American Religious Experience and Leadership2-3
The uniqueness of African American contexts gives rise to the foci of this course that includes a critical understanding of African-American Christian interpretation and expression. It examines leadership styles and contributions of prominent African American leaders in the 20th Century.
This course scrutinizes how religion, especially Christianity, understands and participates in the structures of society that both establish and manipulate power. Of special concern is the role of the Church as "prophet" in raising her voice on behalf of peoples who are systematically marginalized. 94
From various corners of the globe come fresh voices of interpretation and proclamation concerning the Christian Gospel. This course offers an evaluative overview of such voices from Asia, Latin America, Africa and other "minority" perspectives, each of which enters into the dialogue regarding the heart of the Christian faith.
TSE 207Sacraments and Worship in the Global Methodist Church3
The course will explore the foundational elements of worship and sacraments in the Wesleyan tradition. Students will learn skills needed to plan and lead worship and to understand the theological basis and biblical foundations of its various elements, including Scripture, music, prayer, liturgy, proclamation, and sacraments. Students will also learn how to plan and conduct weddings and funerals and understand and utilize the Christian calendar and the cycles of the lectionary year.
This course explores aspects of “Globalization” related but not limited to culture, economics, environment and religious diversity as they bring global perspective to the mission of the church, and challenges people of faith to “think globally and act locally.” The emphasis will be on globalization’s challenges and opportunities for people of faith.
A study of the life and theology of Augustine of Hippo, with attention to Augustine’s influence on the Middle Ages, the Reformation, and modern times. This course can be counted as a MTS concentration elective in Church History as well as in Theology. Pre-requisites: TSE 110.
After a survey of the Reformation, the leading figures such as Luther, Calvin, Zwingli, Erasmus, Melanchthon, and Bucer are examined. Attention is given to selected writings of these figures. Pre-
This course examines the theology and writings of select Neo-Orthodox theologians such as Karl Barth, Richard and Reinhold Niebuhr, and Emil Brunner. The impact of this theological movement is reviewed and detailed. Pre-requisites: TSE 110.
TSE 216Christology: The Person and Work of Christ3
A study of the doctrines of the person and work of Christ in Biblical and historical perspective, with attention to the continuing significance of the central issues related to the confession of Jesus as Lord. Pre-requisites: TSE 110. 91
A chronological survey of the lives, thoughts and contributions of the early Apostolic Fathers of the Christian church, and the impact of the contributions of those church figures to the development of the Christian faith as we know it today. Pre-requisites: TSE 110.
This course will examine the central theological doctrines of Methodist Christianity as expressed in the writings of John Wesley, the hymns of Charles Wesley, and in the doctrinal standards and general rules of Methodist churches. It equips students to appreciate the distinctive doctrinal emphases of the Wesleyan movement and to articulate clearly what Methodists believe about matters such as the authority of scripture; the place of tradition, reason, and experience in theological reflection; the way of salvation; the sacraments; and theological ethics. For United Methodist students this course meets the requirement of the Discipline for a course on United Methodist Doctrine.
TSE 225The Bible Belt in Black and White: Race, Religion and Identity in the South3
What role does Christian faith play in the construction of identity? What difference does race make? What hope is there that Christianity can contribute to a color-blind society in the South? This course is an exploration of the construction of identity, with specific attention to race and religion as key factors.
Why is there evil and suffering in God’s good creation? Does the presence of such things undermine the rationality of belief in God? How should those called to serve the church in leadership capacities think and talk about such matters with laypersons? What responses to evil and suffering are given in the Bible? How have Christian theologians and secular philosophers historically addressed and framed such issues? This course is designed to give students tools to think through these questions both theologically and pastorally. Pre-requisites: TSE 110.
Apologetics (3 hrs.) CHT 115 History of PTH 265 Discipleship and Christianity in Global Spiritual Formation in the Context (3 hrs.) GMC (3 hrs.) PTH 240 GMC and TSE 111 Systematic Ministry of the Holy Theology II (3 hrs.) Spirit (3 hrs.)
This course presents a "praxeoethical" examination of select issues, e.g. bio-medical, family values, violence, racism, and sexism, each with a view to process. This is not a "how-to" course, but a study in creative and faithful interaction with the prevailing issues of the day with critical reflection on how faith can respond to those issues. Pre-requisite: TSE 120.
TSE 302The African American Church and Social Transformation2-3
The purpose of this course is to understand the reactions of African American religious groups in the U.S.A. to systemic discrimination and the institutionalization of social barriers. Of particular interest is the development of approaches and processes to enhance social change and to bring about justice.
The sociological study of religion examines the variety of paradigms and theories which attempt to understand how social groups function within the realm of religious experience and expression.
A comprehensive examination of theologies of liberation; including Black Theology, Feminist Theology, Womanist Theology, and the theologies emanating from the developing countries in the world. Special attention will be given to the writings of the proponents of these theological movements. Pre-requisites: TSE 110.
Directed study in elective courses in the area may be arranged with the faculty of the area with the approval of the Academic Dean. Pre-requisites: TSE 110.
A survey of 20th-century theological movements designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the trends in light of the contributions from literature, science, politics, and economics that influenced them. The course examines Liberalism, Neo-Orthodoxy, Lundensianism, Neo-Liberalism, God-is-Dead Theology, Process Theology, Theology of Hope, Feminist/Womanist Theology, Liberation Theology, Black Theology, and Conservative Theology with its moods of Fundamentalism and Evangelicalism. Pre-requisites: TSE 110.
A study of the life and theology of Karl Barth, whose work left such an imposing mark upon 20th- century Christian thought. Pre-requisites: TSE 110. 92
The voices of women within the Church are critical and creative. The goal of this course is to listen to and to understand both the androcentric bias within the Church and the character of concern raised by women with an assumption of full participation in the life of the Church. Of special concern is the "womanist" critique in light of the African American Church experience.
While most persons know Martin Luther King, Jr., as a great civil rights leader, few understand him as a theologian. This course traces such influences on King’s theology as the Boston School of Personalism, Gandhi, and Reinhold Niebuhr. The course also explores how King’s theology served as the basis for his movement of non-violent civil disobedience. Pre-requisite: TSE 110.
The course offers a cross-disciplinary approach to such questions as the call for cancellation of the “debt” of the Global South, the imbalance between population and consumption of the world’s resources, food scarcity, and the social and ecological costs of globalization. It offers a liberative and contextual reading of biblical texts on the Jubilee as a beginning point for reflection on faith responses to global economic issues.
This seminar is intended for students who have a particular interest in the area of Religion and Society. It offers an opportunity for advanced and detailed focus in a specialized subject of the students’ choice. The content of this seminar is created in consultation with the professor.
Directed study in elective courses in the area may be arranged with the faculty of the area with the approval of the Academic Dean. Pre-requisites: TSE 120.
This seminar is intended for students who have a particular interest in the area of Philosophy of Religion. It offers an opportunity for advanced and detailed focus in a specialized subject of the students’ choice. The content of this seminar is created in consultation with the professor. Pre- requisite TSE 105.
In this seminar, students will engage in advanced study of a particular theologian, theological issue, theological movement, or doctrine. Pre-requisite TSE 110.
TSE 345Howard Thurman: Theologian, Mystic, and Social Activist3
This course will focus on comprehending the ideals of community and oneness as expressed through the theology and praxis of Howard Thurman. The course will explore Thurman’s praxis of community across racial, sexual, cultural, religious, and national boundaries. Students will wrestle with questions such as how spiritual disciplines may become an effective tool for social ministry/transformation and how Christians understand/live the dialectical tension between mysticism and social action. This course can be counted as an MTS concentration elective in Theology as well as in Religion and Society. Pre-requisite TSE 110.
In this course students will explore the concept of salvation in the context of the Christian faith and tradition. Topics covered include why the need for salvation arises in the context of God’s good creation, what the creation needs saving from, the role human beings play in the context of God’s saving activity, salvation’s scope, and the implications of Christian notions of salvation for Christian ethical engagement in the world.
TSE 355Christian Theology and Religious Pluralism3
How should 21st century Christians interpret and proclaim the Christian gospel in the context of societies that are growing more and more religiously diverse? This course aims to provide students with tools and resources to address this question through a selective survey of the Christian theological tradition, recent Christian theology, and writings on religious pluralism by non-Christian religious thinkers.
In this course students will engage an enduring issue in both Western philosophy and Christian theology — the nature of the relationship between faith and reason. Just how and where should one define and draw the boundaries of “rationality”? What constitutes “justified, true belief”? Are faith and reason complimentary? At odds? Through a survey of classic and contemporary sources, students in this course will be equipped to develop their own answers to these questions.
This course deals with traditional and contemporary Christian discourse concerning the “last things.” Topics covered include Heaven, Hell, the nature of post-mortem human existence, the “millennium,” and the New Creation as seen in the context of historical and contemporary theology. Special attention will be given to the relevance of eschatology for the life of the church and for contemporary Christian ethics. Pre-requisite TSE 110 Systematic Theology I.
In this course students will be exposed to the major writings of the influential black liberation theologian, whose work attempted to understand the meaning of the Gospel in light of the African American struggle for freedom and liberation from white racism in the latter half of the twentieth century. Students will also read recent critical reflections on Cone from other African American theologians and ethicists to help them assess the present day significance of Cone’s work. Pre-requisite TSE 110. 93
This course will introduce students to past and present attempts by Christian theologians to work out the ways the Gospel impacts and interacts with human attempts to organize life together in the political arena. Students will examine, analyze, and compare established political theologies that have emerged out of different ecclesial traditions alongside ones that have emerged in the 20th and 21st centuries.
In dialogue with Process Theology, which offers a critique of classical theism based primarily upon philosophy and natural theology, the theological movement known as “The Open God” seeks to offer a biblical challenge to the classical theistic tradition. This course will examine the classical doctrines of immutability, impassibility, omnipotence, and foreknowledge and offer a response to the classical tradition that understands God in “responsive relationship” with creation.
In a society that is no longer religiously homogenous, but includes voices from many different perspectives and religious traditions, how does the theologian of today assert the Christian gospel? This course explores Christian talk about God in conversation with other world religions such as Islam, Buddhism, and so on. The course examines how one can proclaim the Christian gospel with tolerance and respect for other traditions while remaining faithful to the Christian tradition.
TSE 421The Church of the Future: Global Issues in Local Ministry2
This course is designed to equip church leaders to analyze critically and constructively the social, cultural, political, and environmental contexts of a changing, interdependent, and global community from theological and biblical perspectives. The course will consider how local churches can anticipate and address emerging trends and how a local pastor who is not a technical specialist can guide church members through difficult issues in an informed and responsible way. This course may be used as a concentration elective in the Community Advocacy and Social Justice Ministry Specialization and to meet the Biblical Studies/Theology and Social Ethics elective requirement.
This course aims to equip the leaders of the church of the future with practical tools to help their communities reclaim biblical visions of wholeness, reconciliation and justice. Students will consider such questions as: How can the church be more relevant in its prophetic and pastoral roles of upholding individual and communal human rights as reflected in the imago Dei? Will the church be able to understand and offer a way to overcome and heal from violence, racism, and abuse? How can church leaders use religion to help reconcile a community rather than to exacerbate division? This course may be used as a concentration elective in the Community Advocacy and Social Justice Ministry Specialization and to meet the Biblical Studies/Theology and Social Ethics elective requirement.
TSE 425Political Theology: History, Tradition, and Contemporary Application2
This course will examine, analyze, and compare the political theologies that have emerged out of different ecclesial traditions. These traditions include Lutheran, Reformed, Anabaptist, African American, and Roman Catholic. Students in this course will be prompted throughout to develop their own constructive political theologies as they engage with those pertaining to these established, historic ecclesial traditions. This course may be used as a concentration elective in the Community Advocacy and Social Justice Ministry Specialization and to meet the Biblical Studies/Theology and Social Ethics elective requirement.
This course will review and comparatively evaluate different twentieth and twenty-first century political theologies, including the theology of the social gospel, black liberation theology, Latin American liberation theology, feminist and womanist theologies, eschatological theologies, and postliberal theology. Students will be prompted throughout to develop their own constructive political theologies as they dialogue with these contemporary models. This course may be used as a concentration elective in the Community Advocacy and Social Justice Ministry Specialization and to meet the Biblical Studies/Theology and Social Ethics elective requirement. 120
TSE 435Eschatology and the Mission of the Church in the World2
Students in this course will critically examine the mission of the church in the world in light of eschatology, or “the last things.” Topics to be explored include the ways in which different theologies of life after death impact the church’s understanding of its mission in the world, the political implications of Christian theologies of cross and resurrection, and the contemporary significance of biblical understandings of New Creation. This course may be used as a concentration elective in the Community Advocacy and Social Justice Ministry Specialization and to meet the Biblical Studies/Theology and Social Ethics elective requirement.
