50 courses with the subject RAPT, 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.
RAPT 110Christian Formation 1 SH
By engaging in time-honored Christian practices and learning the interconnection of body, mind, and spirit, students grow in their spiritual development and faith development. Students will meet weekly to discuss topics of vocational discernment, church of the 21st century, and Christian Formation, be involved in in small groups with confessional and lay leaders in the wider community, and critically reflect on their personal theology. Students who complete this course six times, in addition to RAPT 230R and 2 additional RAPT courses, will receive an endorsement from the University Chaplain in Christian leadership. This class can be repeated for course credit and is offered as pass/fail.
Subject
RAPT
Type
course
Repeatable
can be repeated for course credit and is offered as pass/fail.
Providing a foundation for theological reflections and ethical debate, this course gives students a knowledge of philosophical theories and assists them in developing their own analytical and critical skills. An introduction to a range of philosophers, ancient and modern, this course will cover theories of knowledge, metaphysics, philosophy of science, ethical theory, social and political philosophy, philosophy of art, and philosophy of religion.
RAPT 201RSpiritual Formation and Faith Development
F (3 SH) By engaging in time-honored spiritual practices and learning the interconnections of body, mind, and spirit, students grow in their spiritual formation and faith development.
An exploration of various theories and approaches in philosophical and Christian ethics and their application to current social issues. This course gives students a knowledge of theory and method in both philosophical and Christian ethics and assists them in developing their own analytical and critical skills in doing ethical assessment.
An introduction to the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) and the scholarly issues most relevant to its academic study. Emphasis will be placed on both historical and theological approaches to the text.
An introduction to the New Testament and the scholarly issues most relevant to its academic study. Emphasis will be placed on both historical and theological approaches to the text.
RAPT 210RReligion and Modern American Culture 3 SH
This course provides an introduction to religious beliefs and behaviors in the United States. While this course will look at influences from earlier centuries, the focus will be upon the last 100 years and the relationship of culture and religion in America, especially Christianity.
This course introduces students to the study of the beliefs and practices of the major religions in the world. Attention will be paid to those major world religions being practiced in America.
F even (3 SH) A survey of the history of the Christian Church, beginning with its origin in the Jesus movement of the first century and concluding with the Protestant and Catholic reformations of the 16th-17th centuries. The thought of specific church theologians will be highlighted.
RAPT 220Introduction to the Study of Religion and Practical Theology 3 SH
This course introduces students to the various and unique fields of Religion and Practical Theology, with focus on history of the disciplines, and contemporary methods and approaches used in Biblical Studies, Christian Education, Intercultural Studies, Religious Studies, and Youth Ministry.
Students participating in this course will practice in an Ethics Bowl type debate, similar to the competition sponsored by the NCICU in the spring of each year. Students will get credit for taking part in the weekly team practices. Course may be repeated.
S (3 SH) A study of Christian American Church History with special emphasis on the current state of American Christendom. This is a service-learning course.
F odd (3 SH) A comprehensive introduction to educational ministry that apprises students of the varied services required to work with people of all ages in ministry contexts across the globe. Students ascertain the history of the profession of Christian Education as well as the many skills required to work in the field. They will know the critical role that education plays in the formation and transformation of persons in their relation- ships with the divine and the world. Students will understand the leadership, management, organizational and relationship skills needed to work with volunteers, staff members, agencies, and community leaders.
A survey of the history of the Western Christian Church, beginning with its origin in the Jesus movement of the first century and concluding with the modern period. The thought of specific church theologians will be highlighted.
RAPT 305Teaching/Learning: Theories and Practices in Educational Ministries
S odd (3 SH) Students explore various ways that people learn and demonstrate their ability to apply appropriate teaching strategies for various learning styles. They practice creative ways to teach Scripture and other relevant content in various educational ministry settings. They demonstrate their comprehension of appropriate teaching strategies for various learning styles.
This course introduces students to the Holy Scriptures of the three Religious traditions, The Torah, The New Testament, and the Quran through the investigation of related critical issues. How, when, and whey these text written? Why were they collected by their respective communities? How are narrative, ethical, and theological themes treated by each other?
RAPT 307Leadership and Administration in Educational Ministry
S odd (3 SH) A study of the process required for healthy, effective organization in local church Christian Education and Youth Ministry programs. Students will learn how to work with volunteers and multiple-member staffs, build and supervise budgets, and organizational management strategies useful to administering church programs.
S odd (3 SH) (WI) An introduction to Cultural Anthropology and Cross-Cultural studies. The course will introduce the participant-observer approach to ethnography as a method of the study of culture. An emphasis will be made on anthropological tools for Christian ministry in cross-cultural settings. This is a writing intensive course.
F odd (3 SH) (WI) This course connects Pfeiffer University’s emphasis on its Christian roots and servant leadership, illustrated in its vision statement “Pfeiffer University will be recognized as the model-church-related institution preparing servant leaders for lifelong learning.” We will do an in-depth exploration of what the concept “servant leadership” means from a Christian theological lens. To do this we will read stories of Christian servant leaders who have written theologically about their service. We will also theologically reflect on our own service in the community. This is a writing intensive course.
RAPT 319Spiritual Practices of the World Religions 3SH
Discovering time-honored spiritual practices and exploring interconnections between body, mind, spirit, and social and cultural contexts, students will engage the shared and unique experiences of Religion in a Global Context. At the end of the course, students will: demonstrate growth in reflection upon their values and sense of identity by integrating though from two or more areas of knowledge as they practice time-honored and new spiritual practices; use human creativity to help solve problems as they engage classmates and others in conversations and experiences which they may grow in their understand and compassion for people in all ages and stages of life; develop observation and critical thinking skills as they assess the intersection of religion, culture and various aspects of their lives. This course meets the requirements of the critical thinking component of General Education at Pfeiffer University.
A study of the sources, tasks, and methods, of Christian theology, and a review of its basic doctrines: rev- elation, God, Christ, Holy Spirit, sin, salvation, church, and the kingdom of God. This course is intended for majors. Prerequisites: Any RAPT course and sophomore status or higher.
RAPT 330United Methodist History, Doctrine and Policy 3 SH
An introduction to the history, organization and beliefs of the United Methodist Church. This course is required for those seeking certification in the various certification programs of the United Methodist Church including, youth ministries, Christian education and church music. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
This course explores the life and person of Jesus of Nazareth as presented through the Gospel Narratives of the New Testament. Connected with Pfeiffer University’s emphasis upon “Servant Leader- ship” and in dialogue with recent academic discussions about the historical Jesus and the world in which he lived, students will explore the ethically significant dimensions of Jesus’ life and ministry through a combination of academic study and service learning. The goal of the course will be to lead students to a deeper understanding of the identity of Jesus of Nazareth through study and practical engagement. Prerequisites: RAPT 206R or permission of the instructor.
An exploration of major prose works of each writer including essays, short stories, and novels. The course will also examine the contributions made by Lewis and Tolkien to theological, philosophical, and literary discussions in the twentieth and twenty first centuries through their writings on faith, fantasy, science fiction and mythology. Special emphasis will be given to the role of friendship in the development of the writers’ works and Lewis and Tolkien’s enduring place in popular culture.
S Even (3 SH) (WI) An exploration of major prose works of each writer including essays, short stories, and novels. The course will also examine the contributions made by Lewis and Tolkien to theological, philosophical, and lite rary discussions in the twentieth and twenty first centuries through their writings on faith, fantasy, science fiction and mythology. Special emphasis will be given to the role of friendship in the development of the writers’ works and Lewis and Tolkien’s enduring place in popular culture. This is a writing intensive course. (Crosslisted as ENGL 343L.)
F even (3 SH) This course is for students who love sports, who want to serve God and their communities, and seek to combine them. Sports ministry is the newest and one of the most effective ways to build bridges to communities, The course includes an introduction and the history of sports ministry, how to lead a sports ministry, relational outreach, a theology of competition, and the various venues for service.
RAPT 390Topics in Religion and Intercultural Studies 3 SH
Each time this course is offered it will feature a special aspect either of Biblical Study or Intercultural studies such as: an in-depth look at a particular biblical book; a review of work by selected scholars; consideration of new understandings of Scripture, historical studies related to missiology, cultural anthropology, or other topics.
Students explore the meanings, history, various expressions and elements of worship, including the arts, technology, and resources for worship. The course experiences planning and leading worship.
F odd (3 SH) In this course students continue to explore the field and methodology of Practical Theology by exploring critical issues which emerge in contemporary ministry contexts. In particular, students will explore methods for ministering effectively in diverse contexts and for addressing social justice concerns. This course will also explore an array of responses and approaches.
F even (3 SH) Building on the modern missionary movement, this course reflects critically on the past while building for the future through the exploration of new opportunities, trends and challenges in local, national and international mission contexts. Attention will be paid to mis-sociological themes of the 21st century.
S odd (3 SH) This course explores theological methods, scholarship and issues which have emerged since the mid- twentieth century. This course pays particular attention to the contextual nature of theology and the implications of theological doctrines for contemporary communities. The course includes an introduction to Feminist, Womanist, Mujerista, Asian, Liberation, and Black Theologies, among others. Prerequisite: RAPT 321.
F; S; Sum 3 SH One semester of work (150 hours) in a local ministry setting which provides the student opportunities to observe and participate in the many facets of service/learning and ministries related to Religion, Christian Missions, Christian Education, or Youth Ministries. Students will focus on the specific area of ministry related to their degree.
Junior or Senior status or permission of instructor.
RAPT 460Ministries with Children and Families
S odd (3 SH) This course prepares students for ministries with children and families. Students learn prevalent theories and philosophies about accompanying children, parents, siblings, and other significant mentors in their spiritual journeys. They examine resources, programs, weekday education, policies, supervision, and methodologies for effective ways that they church can meet the needs of contemporary families.
S even (3 SH) This service-learning course will examine how to carry out youth ministry in congregations. Special emphasis will be placed on the history of congregational youth ministry while considering current practices in youth ministry and the relationship between congregational youth ministry and other youth serving agencies.
S even (3 SH) This course acquaints students with theories, methods and resources for working with adults. It explores the pedagogical and theological bases for ministries with younger, middle, and older adults, and for equip- ping them to serve throughout their lives.
An exploration of the relationship between biblical interpretation and contemporary social is- sues. Special attention will be paid to the way presuppositions and life experiences influence how one understands the meaning of both biblical texts and human cultures. A service-learning component will aid students in placing the Bible in conversation with a current social issue that challenges their view of the world in which they live. Prerequisite: RAPT 205R or RAPT 206R or permission of the instructor.
This course will study the seven major letters of Paul and the “Pauline School” that built upon Paul’s legacy. It will also focus on the distinctive historical and theological components of each correspondence while also addressing the possibility of an overarching Pauline theology. Prerequisite: RAPT 206R.
S even (every 4 yrs) (3 SH) General Conference is the governing body for all things connectional in the worldwide United Methodist denomination, including doctrine, polity, and stands on social principals. This seminar course includes two weeks intensive study off campus at General Conference where students will attend all plenaries, legislative committees, subcommittees, worship services, and other events related to General Conference. Conflicts with the final exam schedule may preclude participation in this class. Prerequisites: School of Religion major or permission of instructor.
RAPT 552Research in Practical Theology or Religion II
S (1 SH) Students complete and present an article-length paper, or field study write-up or curriculum/program plan based on original research conducted in RAPT 550. Prerequisite: Completion of RAPT 550.
Students engage in original research in a topic of personal interest, and complete and present an article-length paper, a field study write-up, or a curriculum/program plan based on their research. Discussions of methodology, oral presentations, peer evaluations and extensive work with primary and secondary materials prepare students to write an article-length paper worthy of publication or presentation at an undergraduate conference; or 2) prepare a context specific field study in practical theology that could be used towards the development of a program, or published as a curriculum. Prerequisite: Senior standing or permission from instructor.
