Our Programs ~ Courses Offered Spring 2007
Courses Offered Spring 2007
Course Descriptions
Easter Term 2007
Revised: November 15, 2006
note: Course Schedule Easter 2007 (pdf) and Course Listing 2006-08 are also available on-line.
Integrative Seminars
MA10: Integrative Seminar: Master of Arts
This course is designed to prepare and form laypersons who are discerning a call to transformative faith-based leadership. Students develop a biblically-based theology of mission and lay ministry. They engage in critical, creative and integrative thinking about the gospel’s message, humanity’s pressing needs, and the call to be instruments of God’s blessing. The course highlights how theological formation shapes and enriches the approach, meaning and purpose of lay vocations. There are opportunities for field trips, dialogue with outstanding lay persons serving in a variety of professions, and exposure to spiritual practices that direct and sustain growth in a realized life of faith.
Prof TBD * 2-3 credits * W 7:00-8:50 pm * Sherred 1A
AS583: Anglican Studies Graduate Seminar: Authority in the Thought of Augustine of Hippo and Selected Archbishops of Canterbury
Since ancient times, believers have been poised between two cultures: the Christian Church and a secular world of competing intellectual systems and practices. Aurelius Augustine, 4th-century bishop of Hippo, was among the first of his generation to assert the Church’s authority to judge secular beliefs and customs. Caught in analogous circumstances, Archbishops of Canterbury also have struggled to articulate and assert the Church’s authority. This course explores the literature on authority and seeks to describe conscionable positions in today’s ecclesiastical context. Designed and required for S.T.M. and Th.D. students.
Prof. E. Koenig * 4 credits * M 3:30-5:20 pm * West Building 2D
Old Testament
OT2: Introduction to the Old Testament: The Latter Prophets, the Writings, and the Apocrypha
This continuation of OT1 focuses especially on writings of the exilic and post-exilic periods, the rise of scripture and the origins of biblical interpretation.
Prof. Owens * 3 credits * M + W 10:10-11:30am * Seabury Auditorium
OT112/512: Wisdom in the Books of Proverbs and Ben Sira
This course is a study of selected passages and themes in both books, with attention to their overall design and the ways in which Ben Sira draws on Proverbs. The dominant ethical and moral values reflected will be compared with those of other canonical writings. Some attention will be given to the use of both books in the New Testament and early Christian writings.
Prof. Owens * 2-3 credits * M 1:30-2:30pm * Sherred 3B
New Testament
NT1: Introduction to the New Testament
This course surveys the origin, contents and theology of the synoptic Gospels and introduces students to contemporary methods of gospel research, including BibleWorks. This course uses Blackboard, a web-based platform.
Prof. Good. * 3 credits * M + W 8:40-10:10 am * Sherred 1B
NT5: Introduction to the New Testament
This foundation course is a one-semester overview of the New Testament for M.A. students and interested persons from beyond the seminary. Class sessions combine lectures with discussions of assigned primary and secondary readings. (This course is not a foundation course for M.Div. students.)
Prof. J. Koenig and Tutor * 3 credits * M 7-9:40 pm * Sherred 3B
NT105M-1: Bible Works 7
This six-week module in the first half of Easter Term introduces students to the resources and use of Bible Works 7, an important tool for biblical exegesis.
Prof. Good * 1 credit * T 7:30-9:20pm * Sherred 1A
NT110M-1: Jesus’ Death and Resurrection: New Testament Ways of Understanding
This 6-week module explores the major New Testament ways of understanding Jesus’ death and resurrection in dialogue with our own understandings of Jesus’ death and resurrection. It surveys the major 1st-century categories for understanding Jesus’ death (Jesus as victim, Jesus as martyr, and Jesus as sacrifice) and the major ways of viewing the resurrection. We will read much of Mark, Luke, and John, selections from Paul and Hebrews, 1st Peter, and some secondary material.
Adj. Prof. Dewey /Audit, 1 or 2 credits * T 6:00-7:50pm, Jan. 30-March 6, 2007 * House of the Redeemer, 7 E 95th St., NYC
NT135/535: The Gospel According to Luke
This exegesis of the text of Luke’s gospel does not require knowledge of Greek. Prerequisites: NT1, NT2 or equivalent.
Prof. Good * 2-3 credits * T 3:30-5:20pm * Sherred 1A
NT168/568: I Corinthians
This course is an exegetical approach to the English text of the epistle. Special attention will be given to Paul's views on the Body of Christ, the pastoral care of believers, and the importance of word and sacrament in community life.
Prof. J. Koenig * 2-3 credits * Th 3:30-5:20pm * Sherred 1B
NT175M-2: Jesus and Family Values
This 6-week module in the second half of Easter Term identifies constructions of family and household in the first century from New Testament Gospels and Epistles and asks questions about application of these ideas to modern family life.
Prof. Good * 1 credit * T 7:30-9:20pm (March 22 to May 3-note: day after classes end) * Sherred 2B
Biblical Languages
HB10: Biblical Hebrew
Introduction to the basic elements of Hebrew grammar as presented in C. L. Seow, A Grammar for Biblical Hebrew (1995).
Adj. Prof. Jin Han * 3 credits * T + Th 1:30-2:50 pm * Sherred 1A
HB101/501: Hebrew Prose
The course is given primarily to translation of various narratives in the Hebrew Bible. There is some study of selected features of advanced Hebrew grammar and attention to resources and methods for exegesis. Prerequisite: A full introductory course in Hebrew grammar.
Prof. Owens * 2-3 credits * Flexible Times TBD
GK100: Elementary Greek Reading
Readings in selected passages from the Gospels and Epistles and intensive grammar review.
Adj. Prof. Dewey * 3 credits * M + W 4:00-5:20pm * Sherred 1A
GK102: Intermediate Greek
This class will meet concurrently with Greek 100 one day a week on either Monday or Wednesday.
Adj. Prof. Dewey 3 credits * M + W 4:00-5:20pm * Sherred 1A
CP100: Coptic Reading
A continuation of Coptic 10, including grammar and reading of Coptic texts.
Prof. Good * 2 credits * Flexible Times TBD
Church History
CH1: Patristics
This course surveys the history of the early church from the close of the New Testament canon into the early Middle Ages in both East and West. It is an integrated presentation of church history, theology, spirituality, and worship.
Prof. Wright * 3 credits * T + Th 10:10-11:30am * Sherred 1A
CH3: The World-Wide Church: The Church in Europe, America and the World Since 1688
Emphasis is on significant issues, movements and persons as the churches faced intellectual, social, and pluralistic issues during the modern and contemporary periods. The development of American Christianity and the evolution of the Anglican tradition are major concerns.
Prof. Mullin * 3 credits * M + W 8:40-10:00am * Seabury Auditorium
CH150/550: The Episcopal Church and American Society 1945 to the Present
This course surveys developments in American religious life since 1945, with particular attention to how they have impacted the Episcopal Church. Topics include: church and state, race, gender, war and peace, and competing theologies.
Prof. Mullin * 2-3 Credits * T 3:30-5:20pm * West Building 2B
Theology
Systematic Theology
ST01: Philosophical Foundations for Theology
This course introduces students to basic philosophical questions and concepts encountered in Christian theology. Students read primary texts from the Greek classics to the modern era. It is recommended as a preparation for ST1.
Prof. Richardson * 3 credits * T + Th 8:40-10:10am * Sherred 1B
ST111/511: Readings in Modern Anglican Theology
This course cover primary works by such figures as Butler, Maurice, Coleridge, Gore, and, in the 20th century, Temple, Farrer, and some mid-century essayists in philosophical theology.
Prof. Richardson * 2-3 credits * W 3:30-5:20pm * Sherred 2A
ST181/581 (also LT181/581): Suffering, Evil, and Worship
See listing at LT181/581.
ST582 (also LT582): The Eucharist in Contemporary Theology and Philosophy
See listing at LT582.
Ethics and Moral Theology
ET1: Introduction to Christian Ethics
This course surveys representative approaches to Christian ethics, with special attention to how these interact and resonate with the Anglican tradition. The course reviews the grammar and concepts that moral arguments employ (Divine Command, Natural Law, Teleology, Consequentialism, Deontology, and Virtue Theory); the sources of authority that moral arguments engage (Scripture, Tradition, Reason, Experience); fundamental approaches to the normative content of love (Agape, Eros, Philia); the role of doctrines in the moral imagination (such as Trinity, Christology, Ecclesiology, and Original Sin); and the formative communities and locations in which moral action and reflection takes place (Church, State, Society). Students interact with primary sources and voices in the Christian tradition, both classic and contemporary.
Prof. Danaher * 3 credits * M + W 8:40-10:00am (Note: Half of class meets on Thursday from 10:10-11:30am, in place of Wed.) * Sherred 2B
ET125: The Body’s Grace: Religious Accounts of the Body
This course explores religious accounts of the body by examining ecumenical voices and perspectives and highlighting examinations of the body as an individual, corporate, ecclesiastical, and political representation. Religious accounts of the body are not restricted to questions surrounding individual embodiment, but they involve cultural, anthropological and sociological considerations, as in the terms, "body of Christ" and "body politic." While many have explored the provocations of the desiring body, this course also explores other provocations, specifically the imprisoned body and the tortured body. While many of the course readings explore the Christian tradition in depth, we will also read perspectives on the body in other faith traditions and by those who do not profess any faith tradition.
Prof. Danaher * 2-3 credits * Th 1:30-2:50pm * Sherred 2A
Ascetical Theology
AT89/589: Discernment
This course is a theological, experiential, and praxis-oriented exploration of the theme of Christian discernment from the New Testament to the present, with particular reference to its social and political implications. Human embodiment, both personal and communal, and desire are studied as special influences on the process of discernment. Students are expected to participate in meditative exercises and to keep a journal. With permission of the instructor, qualified students may substitute this course for AT 1.
Prof. E. Koenig * 2-3 credits * W 7:00-8:50 pm * West Building 2D
AT104/504: Praying with Christian Spiritual Classics
This seminar focuses on selected writings of many of the most significant figures of Christian spiritual traditions in the Patristic, Medieval, Reformation and Modern eras. Time together in class includes intensive discussion of the texts alongside prayerful engagement with the authors and their writings.
Prof. Linman * 2-3 credits * M 7:00-8:50 pm * Sherred 2A
AT120M: Leading Themed Quiet Days
Retreats and quiet days enjoy greater popularity in parishes and church organizations today than ever before. A community's corporate life and the spiritual lives of its members are enriched by an intentional turning aside from the busy-ness of modern life, even if only for a day. You can facilitate this growth for the people in the community you lead by making quiet days a frequent occurrence. Learn how to plan a quiet day, how to choose themes appropriately, and whether you might have a gift for conducting this unique ministry. Students choose two books from a list of suggested texts for this six-week module and write written responses to each. They also propose a themed quiet day and create a written plan for it, including at least one written meditation.
Adj. Prof. Barbara Crafton * 1-2 credits * T 7:30-9:20pm, Jan. 30-March 6 * Sherred 2A
Studies in Contemporary Society
CS106/506 (see PR106/506): Communicating the Gospel in Contemporary Society
Prof. DeChamplain * 2-3 credits * W 1:30-3:20pm * Sherred 1B
CS107/507 (also PR107/507): Faith, Film, and Popular Culture
This course focuses on the analysis and interpretation of film for the scriptural, theological, and homiletical insights that movies offer those who preach and teach the faith in the North American context.
Prof. DeChamplain * 2-3 credits * M 1:30-4:20pm * Sherred 1B
CS138M-1: Pastoral and Community Intervention in Alcoholism
The course addresses particular opportunities and challenges of intervention in situation of alcoholism. The course is designed for lay ministers and other interested persons as well as for pastors. It is a six-week module offered in the first half of term.
Adj. Prof. Hoke * 1 credit * Th 7:00-8:50 pm, Feb. 1 to March 9 * Sherred 2A
CS150 Introduction to Judaism: Bridges to Understanding
This course introduces the history, faith, and practice of Judaism from the biblical period to the present. Highlights include the Jewish understanding of the Bible and other significant texts within the historic tradition of Judaism, and an overview of the denominations of contemporary American Judaism. Jewish festivals, life-cycle events and other traditions are studied in light of Jewish values, and students are asked to attend at least one synagogue service. Jewish responses to theodicy, social justice, and contemporary challenges such as feminism, gay rights, and other issues are addressed.
Adj. Prof. Diane Sharon * 3 credits * M 3:30-5:20pm * Sherred1A
CS304: Christian Social Action and Social Entrepreneurship
This introduction to a particular kind of Christian social action combines a robust theology of the world with leadership training in social transformation. The course draws on ecclesiology, eschatology, ecumenical theology and historical theology, with a special emphasis on American religion. Planned activities require students to be flexible, but the total time required is commensurate with the credits offered for the course.
Adj. Prof. Walden * 3 credits * W 7:00-8:50 pm * Sherred 1A
Liturgics
LT160/560: Eucharistic Celebration
This course surveys the mechanics, theology, and history of eucharistic celebration, adapted for the American Book of Common Prayer and set within the context of vocation to priestly ministry. Each student prepares and implements a practice eucharist. Enrollment limited to students in their last year before ordination.
Prof. Wright * 2-3 credits * W 3:30-5:20pm * Sherred 3A
LT143 Making Disciples through the Catechumenate
This course addresses the history, theology and practice of welcoming new members to the Body of Christ, especially through recovery of the ancient practice of the catechumenate. Through readings, class discussion, role-playing and a research paper, students will engage the theology, history and practice of Christian Initiation as well as modern tools for pastorally accompanying those who are new to the faith - or to the congregation.
Adj. Prof. Oliver * 2-3 credits * Th 7-8:50 p.m. * Sherred 1A
LT181/581 (also ST181/581): Suffering, Evil, and Worship
This course considers human suffering and the problem of evil from the dual standpoint of theological reflection and pastoral liturgical practice. Lectures, discussions, and readings in theodicy are woven around the challenge of liturgical leadership in especially tragic circumstances: incurable illness; the death of a child; death by suicide; death by murder; and civic or national catastrophe. Against the background of issues raised in classical and contemporary theology, philosophy, and contemporary literature, students analyze the theology of relevant prayers and rites of the Book of Common Prayer and the second volume of Enriching Our Worship; identify the pastoral and theological issues in the above mentioned cases; and identify the ritual, homiletical, and musical issues in planning liturgies of hope for such situations of extraordinary crisis. Prerequisites: LT1, LT121, ST1.
Prof. Farwell * 2-3 credits * T 1:30-3:20pm * Sherred 1A
LT582 (also ST582): The Eucharist in Contemporary Theology and Philosophy
After a review of several issues in eucharistic theology, this course explores the upsurge of interest in the eucharist among philosophers and theologians outside the field of liturgics. Among the readings, at least two of the following texts will be included: Catherine Pickstock, After Writing: On the Liturgical Consummation of Philosophy; William T. Cavanaugh, Torture and Eucharist or Theopolitical Imagination; Jean-Luc Marion, God Without Being; Robert Sokolowski, Eucharistic Presence: A Study in the Theology of Disclosure; Oliver Davies, The Creativity of God: World, Eucharist, Reason. Intended for Th.D. and S.T.M. students, this course is open to qualified Senior M.Div. students with permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 12.
Prof. Farwell * 3-4 credits * W 1:30-3:20pm * Sherred 1A
Preaching
PR106/506 (also CS106/506): Communicating the Gospel in Contemporary Society
This course focuses on the dynamics of preaching Jesus Christ today. The primary concern is to explore strategies for making a lively and credible witness to the gospel in a postmodern, pluralistic age. Attention is also given to assessing the current shape of Christology for purposes of enriching interpretation of lectionary texts and deepening the theological content of sermons. Every student preaches twice during the term. Prerequisite: PR1.
Prof. DeChamplain * 2-3 credits * W 1:30-3:20pm * Sherred 1B
PR107/507 (see CS107/507): Faith, Film, and Popular Culture
Prof. DeChamplain * 2-3 credits * M 1:30-4:20pm * Sherred 1B
PR120: Extemporaneous Preaching
Prof. DeChamplain * 1-2 credits * Flexible Times TBD
Church Music
CM85/585: Hymns and Hymnals
This course examines the evolution of the Episcopal Hymnal from the 1916 edition to the present 1982 edition and its supplements, the use of hymns in the liturgy as prescribed by the various prayer books, the shape of the corpus of texts as it reflected the church’s teaching in different ages, and the forms of music and principles of editing which shaped the three editions. Music supplements since 1982 and some hymnals of other denominations are examined.
Prof. Hurd * 2 credits * Th 7-8:50pm * Sherred 1B
CM112: The Schola
The class takes the shape of a choir, which rehearses and performs representative sacred choral music at Tuesday evening celebrations of the Eucharist in the Chapel of the Good Shepherd and at other times. Admission to this course is by audition. Vocal and music reading ability are prerequisites.
Prof. Hurd * 1 credit * M 7:30-9:20, Tu 5:30-6:00pm * Seabury Auditorium & Chapel
CM120: Music in Parish Life and Liturgy
This course explores elements of a parish rector’s responsibilities and possibilities for leadership in church music. It explores the Canon on church music and probes its implications for parish life in terms of practical, liturgical and pastoral concerns. Included is a survey of printed resources, exercises in liturgical planning, discussion of instrument purchase and care, and coaching in the standard chants of cantors, officiants and eucharistic ministers. CM1 or its equivalent is a pre-requisite for this course. It is especially appropriate for those in their last year of study before ordination.
Prof. Hurd * 2 credits * M 1:30-3:20pm * Sherred 1A
Ministry Leadership
Pastoral Theology
PT2: Pastoral Care through the Life Cycle
Using the Book of Common Prayer as a framework, this course explores issues and resources for pastoral care through the life cycle. Topics explored include birth, baptism, nurture, catechesis, confirmation, marriage, sickness, reconciliation, aging, death and grief. Pastoral care is considered in biblical, historical, theological and ethical dimensions, using pastoral, spiritual, liturgical and homiletic resources.
Adj. Prof. Horace Griffin * 2 credits * W 10:10-11:30am * Sherred 2B
PT4: Leading Empowered Congregations
The transition of leaving seminary and entering into ordained or other ministries is the environment of this course. Theological integration and apologetics are used to develop an approach to congregational ministry. Best practices in parish administration and the dynamics of grief, change and conflict in congregations are addressed. Self-care, continuing education, time management, stewardship, professional ethics and boundaries, and personal and parochial finances are among the themes addressed in workshop style.
Prof. Ewing * 2 credits * T 8:40-10:30am * Sherred 2A
PT142M: Creating Chapels for Children
This 6-week module in the first half of Easter Term explores the effective structuring and presentation of an Early Childhood Chapel gathering. Storytelling is central to this ministry, and time is spent on developing the ability to craft and tell stories with young children. The use of storytelling, music and visuals in the retelling of Bible stories in a simplified (not simplistic) form is discussed, demonstrated and developed, as is inclusion of non-Bible stories and picture books, and creating songbooks. Since many Episcopal centers and schools invite other faiths, creating an inclusive chapel is addressed.
Adj. Prof. Gordh * 1 credit * M 7-8:50pm, January 29-March 6 * Sherred 1A
Mission and World Christianity
WM110/510: From Colonialism to Companionship: Mission Theology from 1900 to the Present
Organized chronologically, this course considers major western and Two-Thirds-World writers on mission, enculturation and contextualization in light of historical mission emphases of evangelism, development, social justice, Christian presence, inter-religious dialogue, reconciliation, and eco-mission. Ecumenical initiatives from the World Council of Churches and Lausanne streams of thought are discussed alongside Anglican and Lutheran emphases on partnership, companionship and accompaniment.
Prof. Presler * 2-3 credits * Th 3:30-5:20pm * Sherred 1A
