130 courses with the subject RELO, 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.
This course is an introduction to the historical, literary, and theological aspects of the Old and New Testaments of the Chrisitan Bible. Major theolog- ical themes, concepts, and literary genres found in the Bible will be discussed and emphasized. The course includes an introduction to Biblical criticism and interpretation.
(Homiletics) (3 cr. hrs.) This course will provide training in the basics of good speech to establish pleasing and appropriate speaking habits. Instruction in rhetorical theory with emphasis on research, organization of materials and oral language, mainly used in a teaching/preaching application.
This course is a general introduction to all books of the Old Testament, their cultural background, and the context from which they emerged.
Hampton University 2026-2028
This course will introduce students to basic concepts and methods of religious studies. Students will examine the development of each religion studied and discussed in its historical and geographical settings.
30 RELO 202 Life and Teachings of Jesus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 60 CREDIT HOURS 30 BACHELOR OF ARTS CURRICULUM CONCENTRATION: RELIGIOUS STUDIES
30 RELO 211 – New Testament I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
3 RELO 205 Other Religious Traditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 3 RELO 309 American Religious Traditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
This course will analyze the Pentecostal movement as it grew in the 20th Century as a transcultural religious phenomenon. Students explore the wider international context of Pentecostalism as it grew in Central and South America. Attention will also be given to how ethnic minorities in the United States have reshaped the practice and the meaning of Pentecostalism, partic- ularly regarding race and gender. The approach will be historical, anthropo- logical, and theological. 392 Course Descriptions – School of Religion
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS 60 School of Religion 159
This course is an overview of select basic principles of teaching biblical truths. The inductive approach to the study of sacred text will be used. A study of the Christian Bible involves learning to observe the text, and to provide sound interpretation and practical application by applying learned principles to Paul’s letter to the church at Rome or the New Testament Book of Romans.
This course analyzes the literature of the New Testament in its social and religious setting, with special reference to the ministry and teaching of Jesus, the emergence of the church as a sect within ancient Judaism, and the devel- opment of Christian institutions in the Greco-Roman world.
30 RELO 200 Introduction to Religious Studies . . . . . . . . . . . .3
TOTAL 30 General Education Core Credit
This course is the second of a two-part introductory study of the history of biblical interpretation with heavy emphasis on the procedures, tools, and skills necessary for sound Biblical interpretation.
& Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
& Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
This course will address financial literacy in church business, budgeting, ethics, and transparency in church ) financial management and accounting. s
Administration (3 cr. hrs.) This course is a companion course to Financial Controls and Reporting. The use of spreadsheets and databases, computer hard drives and software, managing information technology, as well as other topics will be explored. This is a highly hands-on course.
to Office Management (3 cr. hrs.) This course focuses heavily on communication skills, group dynamics, and customer service as well as prioritizing tasks and in-box activities.
Hampton University 2024-2026
30 TOTAL 30 60 General Education Core Credit
This course is a study of sound principles for proper interpretation of the Biblical text with emphasis on context, structure, literacy devices, and genre. Hampton University 2026-2028
This course is a study of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Shinto. The course will focus on the worldview of each tradition and the historical development of that worldview.
This course is a historical survey of religion in America from the Civil War to the present. The course includes study of theological change in Protes- tantism, the emergence of three kinds of Judaism, controversy and change in American Catholicism, the origins of fundamentalism and Pentecostalism, and various expressions of African American faith. It attends to the effects of immigration, urbanization, politics, and other social and cultural changes on American religious life.
Subtotal 30 hrs.
Examination, Junior Recital, Senior Music Project (exit requirement). All required major courses are to be taken at Hampton University and passed with a grade of “C” or better. Electives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Required in General Education Natural Science. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 hrs. Communication 103 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 hrs. English 101-102 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 hrs. History 106 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 hrs. Humanities 201. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 hrs Humanities Elective. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 hrs. Mathematics 110. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 hrs. Physical Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 hrs. Social Sciences (selected from SOC 205, PSY 203, POL 201) . . . 6 hrs. University 101. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 hr.
Historical Perspective . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 30 Year Four HEBO/GREO SPAO/FREO 101 Foreign Language 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 HEBO/GREO SPAO/FREO 102 Foreign Language II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
This course is a survey of theology with emphasis upon the practical applica- tion of the doctrines to the ministry of the Gospel in contemporary culture. Topics include: an overview of various theological perspectives, revelation, biblical inspiration, the Trinity, attributes of God, creation, and providence.
This course exposes students to the theory and practice of pastoral care. Emphasis will be placed on the development of pastoral skills, as well as theological, cross-cultural, and psychological models of interpretation.
*FREN 101-102; SPAN 101-102; HEBW 101-102, GREK 101-102 . ........................................................................ 6 Elective .......................................................................... 3 Elective .......................................................................... 3 Elective .......................................................................... 3 Subtotal 27 hrs. TOTAL CREDITS 120 Additional Requirements: Writing Competency Examination (after 30 credit hours) and Comprehensive Examination (after 112 hours). Hampton University 2018-2020 Bachelor of Science Degree in Systems
The senior capstone project allows a student to demonstrate mas- tery of the religious studies content and integrate that knowledge , with practical experience. The capstone project should also dem- onstrate the students’ analytical and interpretive skills and serve as a summative expression of what a student has learned in the Bachelor of Arts program. To make sure that each student meets outcomes, goals, and objectives of the program, the capstone proj- ect requires the approval of the program’s advisor. RUSO (Russian – Online)
This course introduces the literature and history of ancient Israel with special attention given to the thirty-nine books of the Hebrew Bible. Ancient and Near- Eastern texts will be considered considering the context needed for under- standing early Judaism.
This course introduces the twenty-seven books of the New Testament taking into consideration our Jewish and Greco-Roman heritage and the context in which the New Testament developed.
. . .3
This course is designed to provide students with a working knowledge of how to derive a deeper meaning from biblical text by exploring traditional and emerging methods of interpretation. The role of technology in exegesis and interpretation will be addressed. Hampton University 2026-2028
This course is designed to provide students with a working knowledge of the major themes, issues, and personalities in church history. Students examine the social, historical, intellectual, cultural and political influences upon the theological development of American Christianity from 1620 to the present.
This course introduces the literature and history of ancient Israel. Special attention is given to the thirty-nine books of the Hebrew Bible. Attention given to the development and culture of early Judaism and the theological interpre- tation of biblical texts. Required of M.Div. students in the first year of study.
This course is the first of a two-part study that introduces the twenty-seven books of the New Testament. Emphasis will be on understanding our Jewish and Greco-Roman heritage and development of the New Testament in context. Tools of literary criticism will be used to assist with the interpretation of the Biblical text. Required of M.Div. students in the first year of study.
This course introduces the principles and aspects of Christian education and theology which lead to the spiritual formation and growth of individuals in the Christian faith. The biblical and historical roots of Christian education, current practices, trends, issues and challenges will be presented.
This course serves as an introduction and survey of Biblical Hebrew, using various English translations of the Christian Bible to develop skills utilizing concordances, lexicons, software, technological and electronic tools.
. . .3
of Worship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
This course explores how the worship leader can become more effective in the life of the church and congregation from a renewal theology perspec- tive. Roles and relationships of the worship leader will be emphasized. The worship leader and the pastor, in addition to other key pivotal relationships in the ministry of the church, will be explored.
This course provides a strong foundation in the principles and practices of Christian worship through an examination of biblical, ecclesiastical and historical perspectives on various worship genres within the context of different cultural settings. A priority of this course will be for students to define worship, identify its purpose(s), and describe it in the life of the church and the believer.
This course is an exploration of the rudiments of biblical worship and the essential practices that make the worship leader effective and dynamic in the life of church ministry, particularly in our world today.
This course is a study of the history of biblical interpretation, and an overview of various interpretive methodologies needed for biblical observation, inter- pretation, application, and communication of Old and New Testaments. Required of M.Div. students in the first year of study.
This course will use select books of the Old Testament or select representative passages to analyze biblical text, while developing exegetical skills. Required of M.Div. students in the first year of study. Course Descriptions – School of Religion 393
TOTAL 6 Hampton University 2026-2028
. . 3 RELO 628 – World Religions: Christian Context . . . . . . . . . . . 3
School of Religion 161
This course is a topical course that will examine the major works of influential modern theologians.
This course is the first of a two-part study of the Christian faith by introducing systematic theology as an organized approach to biblical Truth and the knowl- edge of God as He is revealed in His word.
This course is the second of a two-part study of the Christian faith by continuing the study of systematic theology as an organized approach to biblical Truth and the knowledge of God as He is revealed in His word. (Prereq- uisite: Systematic Theology I)
This course is a systematic treatment of the central themes and issues of Christian ethics with particular attention to the life of the Christian community of faith and its place in the social order.
This course is designed to be an introductory course on the study and prepa- ration for preaching. An examination of the place of preaching in the church’s life will be examined. Students will explore the preparation for and practice of preaching. Models and genres of preaching will be explored with the practice of preaching in peer groups for engagement and feedback.
This course will focus on sermon structure and delivery while refining the basic preaching skills presented in Homiletics I for clear and effective commu- nication to the waiting congregation.
This course provides an account of the history of the Christian church from its inception in the first century to the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, including the development of Christian doctrine by major figures and movements leading to the present day.
This course is an introduction to the history of Christianity beginning with the first century and continuing until the 15th century. Emphasis will be placed on biblical and theological traditions and the development of the church as a spiritual, political and social institution.
This course is the second of a two-part study of the history of Christianity concluding with the Protestant Reformation and the 21st century. Emphasis will be placed on biblical and theological traditions and the development of the church as a spiritual, political and social institution. (Prerequisite: Church History I) Course content includes in-depth Bible study, church history, evangelism strategies, and theology. This program is ideal for those who desire to gain a better understanding of theology and how to effectively reach others for Christ both locally and around the world. 394 Course Descriptions – School of Religion
and Discipleship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
In this course, students will work closely under the guidance and supervision of a cooperating church and pastor in the context of his or her theological concentration. This course is designed to facilitate the writing of a series of ministry reflection papers based upon observation and participation in a variety of ministerial and religious experiences. The course will require regular periodic submissions of reflections, assessments and interviews. (P/F)
This course is an introduction to the ministry of pastoral care and counseling with an emphasis on the helping relationship, theological understandings of pastoral care, pastoral uses of psychotherapeutic theories and strategies for change, various forms of pastoral care and counseling and various cultural contexts.
TOTAL 45 Communication Cognate Credit
This course provides real time experience in ministerial settings with pastoral practitioners who provide an experiential understanding of the challenges and rewards of hands-on ministry. Students will plan a major project in the context of their ministry setting and theological concentration. (P/F)
This course provides real time experience in ministerial settings with pastoral practitioners who provide an experiential understanding of the challenges and rewards of hands-on ministry. Students will plan a major project in the context of their ministry setting and theological concentration. (P/F)
This course is a continuation of Practicum I: Internship and continues to provide real time experience in ministerial settings. Students will execute a major project in the context of their ministry setting and theological concen- tration. (Non-thesis or Integrated Project Model used). (P/F)
24 TOTAL CREDIT HOURS 48 72
Self Care and The Executive Minister . . . . . .3
Organization, Church Administration & Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Strategic Planning, Change and Conflict . . . .3
Infrastructure, Building and Maintaining a Healthy Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Self-Care: Pastoral Ethics and Etiquette
Organization: Organizational Leadership
Administration: Church Leadership/Management
Infrastructure Building and Supporting the Healthy Church TOTAL 12 Hampton University 2026-2028 Ha mpton University Global 227
In this two-session course, students will gain practical experience tailored to their M.Div. concentration by meeting specific ministry-learning outcomes. Students are encouraged to select contexts of ministry that will enable them to explore issues of ministry, and/or develop specific skills. Students may intern with a church, an agency or other religious organization. (P/F)
Final Assessment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 TOTAL CREDIT HOURS 72 MASTER OF DIVINITY CURRICULUM CONCENTRATION: EXECUTIVE MINISTRY
TOTAL 12 Pastoral Leadership Emphasis Credit
Online Learning (1 cr. hr.) This course familiarizes students with navigating through the online system for a successful start at the graduate level to be prepared for the academic rigor, social learning, and online engagement required to successfully complete the program. l RELO 701 Graduate Research and Writing in Theology (1 cr. hr.) This course will encourage critical thinking and depth in graduate research and writing, preparing students for inclusion in a professional community of literate pastoral scholars. The graduate student’s thesis and research will sustain seep analysis of a topic with a narrower focus and opportunities to demonstrate proper source documentation.
and Writing in Theology (1 cr. hr.) This course will encourage critical thinking and depth in graduate research and writing, preparing students for inclusion in a professional community of literate pastoral scholars. The graduate student’s thesis and research will sustain seep analysis of a topic with a narrower focus and opportunities to demonstrate proper source documentation.
and Theological Scholarship (2 cr. hr.) This course will introduce and engage Doctor of Philosophy students in the rigorous tasks involved in graduate research, writing, and scholar- ship. Students will explore various styles of documentation using the APA (American Psychological Association) formatting for all written assignments, projects and papers. The graduate student’s research paper will sustain deeper analysis of a topic at great length with a narrow focus and afford opportunities to demonstrate proper source documentation.
This course will focus on selected issues facing Christian leaders in an ever-changing world. Particular attention will be given to understanding the context in which the student lives and serves, and how to develop effec- tive forms of ministry that remain faithful to biblical principles, while being relevant, incarnational in approach, and culturally sensitive in presentation. This course will include a survey of significant events, persons and doctrinal developments over the last one hundred years. Course Descriptions – School of Religion 395
This course will introduce students to the relationship of writer, text, and reader in the interpretation process (philosophical hermeneutics) and to methods for studying the Bible (exegesis). Students will gain skills for inter- preting various literary genres of Scripture and analyze biblical books using sound exegetical methods. This course will re-introduce basic principles of exegesis and use myriad tools for Bible interpretation such as concordances, lexicons, Bible dictionaries, and commentaries to promote sound biblical theological interpretation.
This course will unfold a biblical perspective of the church that inspires deeply rooted theology for creative leadership. We will trace the missional church throughout Scripture and bring alive the original missional contexts in Biblical law, the prophets, wisdom literature, the gospels, and the Pauline epistles. We will also examine how the church can be missional in creative ways beyond the physical building. We will imagine a fresh missional eccle- siology and ask how the missional core of the Biblical narrative informs the church’s cultural engagement—personally, locally, and globally—and what practices can form and sustain the deep engagement of a missional commu- nity.
This course provides an in-depth study of the biblical and historical roots, theological foundations, and current understanding of pastoral theology. It explores a theology of ministry, and study of specific ministries; introduction to theological reflection; and formation for ministry. This course presents students to the ministry of “care of souls.” Aspects of congregational care and ministry through ritual are explored. Students will begin to develop specific caregiving skills. This course will also teach students how to research pastoral theology by looking at its biblical and theological roots.
The goal of social psychology is to understand how people’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the actual, imagined, and implied presence of others. At the heart of social psychology is the recognition that people are dramatically influenced by social situations. The course will take a social scientific look at the influence of people on the thoughts, attitudes, feelings, and behaviors of other people. It examines how individuals affect and are affected by others. Topics include impression formation, conformity and social influence, self-perception, attitudes, aggression, prejudice, helping, attraction, group processes, and other components of social interaction.
Organizational psychology is the application of psychological principles, theory, and research to the work setting. As a DMin course, this course teaches students how to apply this in a congregational setting. It covers a general survey of organizational psychology, including such topics as personnel selection and evaluation, job satisfaction, environmental factors, and current research on individual behavior in complex organizations. This course reveals the usability of organizational psychology to ministry and educates students on how to apply organizational psychology in their churches.
& Change Management (3 cr. hrs.) This course examines how to embrace the integration of faith and health as central to the wellness of the ministry leader and congregation. It demon- strates the knowledge, attitude, and skills needed to lead a healthy vital congregation. This course helps students identify a network throughout their community with other community leaders, clinicians and social workers. It challenges students to make a personal commitment to continued spiritual formation to perform more effectively the role of wellness promoter in their church. 396 Course Descriptions – School of Religion
This course is a study of administrative principles and practices for the local church. The course examines staff, finances, buildings, and public relations in churches and integrates material from both religious and well-proven financial sources. It is designed to inform and educate students regarding management principles, procedures, techniques, theory, and practice for leading and managing churches and non-profit organizations. The course analyzes the subjects of management, administration, supervision, organi- zation, leadership, church government, finance, and legal issues relevant to ministers and lay leaders.
This course offers advanced training in financial management, receipts and payments, bank reconciliation, assets management, investment, budgeting, financial statements and auditing. The course aims to expose students to highly effective church financial management principles and practices. This comprehensive treatment of the subject matter will expose students to the complexities and challenges of sound fiscal responsibility and intentional stewardship.
This course addresses the complexities of managing real estate investments. Students gain knowledge and insight on topics including multifamily opera- tions, commercial leasing, marketing, and specialized housing. Students will address topics vital and inherent to pastoral leadership praxis and care of the physical building to include grounds, security, safety, maintenance, emergency plans, and equipment, and inventory.
in Theology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
and the Black Church (3 cr. hrs.) Unique to Hampton University, this course examines the historical and spiri- tual relationship between historically Black colleges and the Black church. The Black church served as an incubator for the seminal development of historically Black colleges and universities. The church and college continue to be crucial elements in the survival and flourishing of Black communities. This course traces their historic roots and examines the relationship across time and generations. Students will explore myriad ways Black colleges provide opportunities for continuing professional development, and higher theological education to train ministers serving the unique conditions and challenging needs of Black communities.
and Conflict Management (3 cr. hrs.) This course equips students with specific skills necessary for managing and preventing disputes in the church. It presents to students the process of mediation, its history and development, and theories of conflict resolution and negotiation. This course will show students how to examine the nature of disputes and the multiple arenas in which conflict may occur. Students will engage in an overview of the similarities and differences among mediation, arbitration, and conflict resolution and explore professional opportunities in dispute resolution.
This course is designed to explore multiple economic development strate- gies for church congregations. Students will examine the essential tools and concepts of economics to prepare them to understand what makes economic underdevelopment persist, and what helps economic development succeed. Students will receive a comprehensive overview to a field of practice and identify churches as economic partners with the larger community. This course will enable students to improve their analytical ability in under- standing fundraising, obtaining grants, and building networks. Hampton University 2026-2028
This course analyzes curriculum design theory and shows students how to assess learning needs, frame objectives, recognize relevant subject matter, structure appropriate learning events, implement assessments, and determine program effectiveness. Also included are curriculum evaluation, implementing curriculum change, the role of the teacher, relating curriculum theory to traditional forms of church life, and equipping educational leaders to deal with complex curricular issues in discipleship and faith formation in the church in transition. Students will explore the use of technology, online platforms, social media, hybrid church design, and other issues related to curriculum design to meet the needs of the traditional, post-modern, and emerging church models.
This course explores theories of Christian religious education and teaching paradigms used in the church. Students will engage in a comparative study of multiple Christian education curriculum theories and examine the underlying factors that determine what the role of Christian education is or should be for the church. This course will expand students’ concepts of teaching and learning, and the importance of context in local congregations.
This course requires students to design and execute a final project under the direction of a mentor who will guide in the process of this culminating project. Students will design a final innovation that is contextually appropriate and theologically relevant crafted upon the challenges faced by churches, congre- gations and pastors in the 21st century discovered and discussed in the three years; particularly in years one and two. Prerequisite: DMIN 717
This course will present a deeper perspective of interfaith work as an expres- sion of and an exercise in service, compassion, pastoral care, and spiritual leadership to individuals of diverse faith-traditions, the religiously uncom- mitted, as well as those averse to any form of organized religion. With recent relevant polls and statistics on the state of religion in America and a variety of case studies, students will discuss the necessity of interfaith cooperation as a major element of community engagement and advocacy.
Special topics courses are intended to provide a platform for faculty to teach a class that might address a timely issue (e.g., a current election). Special topics in pastoral leadership allow faculty to design their own course on pastoral leadership.
This course introduces and explores the concepts of leadership, citizenship and theology in the Public Square. Students will discern theological principles relevant to issues in public life. The benefits and challenges of a pluralistic society and God’s plan for the world necessitate the integration of theolog- ical thought, reflection and practices applied to public discourse and action in relation to the development and flourishing of communities. How does theology influence and affect a community’s cultural, social, economic, polit- ical and spiritual well-being, and contribute to the formation and thriving of families, churches, congregations and communities? Discussions will center around and pivot on the concept of the common good.
The course is a historical and thematic look at African religions brought to America by enslaved people and continues with an in-depth examination of the cultural and theological connection between African and African American religions, slave religion, the development of praise houses, the birth of denom- inations, and the rise of independent African American churches though 1865. This analytical and historical study of African and African American religions, with an emphasis on the history and development of Christianity, will examine the role of theology and religion in building and sustaining African American communities. Hampton University 2026-2028
Faith, and Life (3 cr. hrs.) This course focuses on the faith traditions of African Americans, which have shaped the predominant identity, and community of African American culture and life. This course explores the intersection of theology, race, culture, and identity and how the cultural identity of African Americans has been forged by the conditions Africans underwent in the Americas before, during and after slavery, reconstruction, Jim Crow, the Civil Rights Movement and into the Twenty-first century.
Narratives of Liberation (3 cr. hrs.) This course will explore major methodologies, personalities, and themes within African American theology, and addresses the place of theological thought within the discipline of Christian theological thought and practice. African American theology is examined from two contexts: the African American struggle for dignity searching for full expression of humanity, and then from the perspective of Christian tradition and belief. Students will interact with African American narrative expressions of faith and explore how black theology is expressed in scholarly publications, sermons, music, news, editorials, biography, literature, popular periodicals, folklore, and philosophy.
Hermeneutic (3 cr. hrs.) This course will explore the vital nature and societal importance of African American biblical hermeneutics (interpretation) as the intense study of the Christian bible, informed by African American history, experiences and culture. Students will experience African biblical hermeneutics as a method- ological resource that shows social and cultural contexts through an African American contextual and cultural hermeneutical lens. An African American hermeneutic seeks to correct the effect of traditional and prevalent biblical interpretation, while exploring what it means to re-interpret the text from an African or African American worldview.
and Black Griotic Methodology (3 cr. hrs.) This course addresses traditional theological methods and approaches to interpretation of the Bible through five interconnected theological disci- plines: exegesis, biblical theology, historical theology, systematic theology, and practical theology. Black Griotic methodology is an additional theological method applied as pedagogy, framework, and a contextually appropriate approach to preserving the history and traditions of African American life and culture. Griotic methodology connects the past and present to weave an authentic historic, religious, and social account of culture and community through the African tradition of dialogue and storytelling.
and Cultural Identity (3 cr. hrs.) This course will cover the process of constituent collaboration with groups and sub-groups connected by geography, interests, circumstances, and proximity. The aim of community engagement and cultural identity is to address those aspects and issues within, among, and surrounding people who have or may have the potential for negatively affecting or disrupting a sense of safety and well-being. Students will come to understand commu- nity engagement and cultural identity can take many forms, involves strong partnerships and includes all segments of civic, social, and religious life.
and Social Transformation (3 cr. hrs.) This course presents cultural leadership as the art, science and agenda of leading communities through a process of change with societal transforma- tion as its aim. The course will address myriad ways cultural leadership may be practiced. Students will discover that managers, directors, public officials, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and others can be social leaders and partici- pate in processes and activities of social transformation. Prerequisite: REL 860 Course Descriptions – School of Religion 397
This course revolves around introducing organizing and advocacy as a system or collection of activities designed to solve problems for the greater good. The focus of this course will pivot on the theories, principles, and practices of providing services and rallying to support communities and neighborhoods to advance social action. Community organizers and advocates serve as community liaisons to public agencies and other not-for-for-profit or philan- thropic organizations. Students will explore the differences and similarities between community advocates and community organizers, and the primary functions of each. Prerequisites: REL 860 and REL 861
and Strategic Leadership (3 cr. hrs.) This course will address digital communications as a tool of strategic leader- ship. The digital leader strategically builds teams, engages and connects people to the mission, drives a culture of innovation, determines risk toler- ance, and embraces and sees the principles and practices of continuous improvement as key to strategy. Students will see community engagement, social transformation, and residential life as directly benefitting from the impact of digital communication to increase human engagement and flour- ishing. Prerequisites: REL 860, REL 861, REL 862
and Advocacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
This course will view practical theology as a research discipline and delve into the relationship between theology and qualitative research and its role in shaping research design and projects. Students will explore theological methodologies of the social sciences and pursue questions about how they can enable the task of research for theological reflection. Students will discover how practical theologians use theological empirical work and incor- porate spiritual practices as an integrative aspect of their qualitative research and theological praxis.
This course will present action research as “an approach in which a researcher collaborates to analyze an issue or problem and works with interested or invested constituents to develop a solution based upon what is discovered in the analysis. Students will be introduced to key components of the grant proposal, characteristics of fundable proposals, analyzing requests for proposals, letters of intent and inquiry, program descriptions and imple- mentation plans, designing measurable goals and objectives, and grant proposal package elements such as the executive summary, abstract, evalua- tion methods with outcomes, program budget and budget narrative. 398 Course Descriptions – School of Religion
Students will develop skills, apply key concepts, critically examine a broad range of program development tools, and design a program plan with an evaluation framework, appropriate communication and marketing tools. This course provides a framework for understanding the continuous and integrated process of program evaluation and program design and begins with an exploration of the various types and purposes of program evaluation.
This course is the first course in a three-part series dedicated to the design and performance of research leading to a Ph.D. The student will work in consultation with the dissertation chair and committee members to conduct research targeting the aims identified in the student’s research proposal, with modifications pre-approved by the Chair and/or committee. The focus of this course is to complete Chapters 1 and 2 (Introduction and Literature Review). Prerequisite: Passage of the Qualifying Examination and admission into candidacy for the Ph.D.
This course is the second course in a three-part series dedicated to the design and performance of research leading to a Ph.D. The student will work with the dissertation chair and committee members to conduct research targeting the aims identified in his/her research proposal or as modified with the approval of the Chair and/or committee. The focus of this course is to complete chapters 3 and 4 (Methodology and Results).
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS 54 164 School of Religion Hampton University 2026-2028
This seminar-based special topics course is intended to provide a platform for faculty to teach a class that might address timely issues. Special topics in public theology will allow students and faculty to co-design a course with student’s specific interest in mind. Hampton University 2026-2028
Source: Hampton University's catalog, linked per course · table learning_unit · CourseShelf publish 59
