GETTYSBURG SEMINARY COURSE DESCRIPTIONS SPRING 2016

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1 GETTYSBURG SEMINARY COURSE DESCRIPTIONS SPRING Hebrew Readings (1.5 credits) The Church's proclamation of the Word finds its source and norm in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments. Proclamation is enhanced when the texts are studied in their original languages. This course is a deeper study of Biblical Hebrew and its use in exegesis. Prerequisite: Knowledge of Hebrew. Fulfills biblical elective. Brooks Schramm Psalter and the Life of Faith (3 credits) A study of the poetic character and theological implications of the Psalms, with reference to their use in corporate and individual prayer. Particular attention is given to the role in the Psalms of the omnipresent "enemy." Prerequisite: Intro to OT. Fulfills OT Core Elective. Brooks Schramm Witness of the Gospels (3 credits) A general introduction to the traditions, the literary structures, the historical settings, and the theological witness of the synoptic Gospels as basis for ministry to the gospel today. Prerequisite: Knowledge of Greek. Mark Vitalis Hoffman Greek Readings: Gospels ONLINE (1.5 credits) *added Dec 1, 2015* Through a study of the Greek text in light of a variety of English versions, this course helps students develop an exegetical foundation in order to understand a passage more accurately and also to prepare for the teaching, performance, or preaching of that passage. Texts studied will be from the Gospels, and students taking the spring Gospels course are especially encouraged to enroll or audit. As an online course, students will be expected to participate in a timely manner in the weekly sessions. Prerequisite: Knowledge of Greek, and students are encouraged to use Bible software and other resources in their work. Fulfills biblical elective. Mark Vitalis Hoffman Studies in the Book of Revelation (3 credits) This course will engage in investigation into apocalyptic theology followed by an exegetical and interpretative investigation into the plot of Revelation, its contemporary importance, expressions of Revelation through cinema, and present-day misuses of Revelation. Prerequisite: Knowledge of Greek. Fulfills biblical elective. Richard Carlson Introduction to Systematic Theology (3 credits) This course will deal with the role and significance of systematic theology for the faith and life of the church by reflecting on the sources, nature, purpose and methods of doing systematic theology. The course will also include a discussion of major systematic theologians and schools,

2 particularly as they relate to specific theological loci. Finally, this course stresses the practice of integration, so that students can think and communicate theologically both in the classroom and also in a variety of public ministry settings. Normally, this course is a prerequisite for any theological thematics course. Kristin Johnston Largen Criminal Justice Ethics (1.5 credits) This course will explore the ways in which John Rawls' theory of justice may be used to construct a criminal justice ethic in the context of jail and prison culture for correctional facilities in the United States. It considers the varied and complex challenges faced while attempting the humane treatment of those incarcerated. The tradition of social contract theory espoused in the writings of such political philosophers as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and more recently amplified in the work of the late Harvard political philosopher John Rawls will be explored and interpreted. Upon the completion of this course students will be able to articulate the foundation for the creation of a criminal justice ethic grounded in social contract theory. An effective criminal justice ethic must analyze and incorporate into its programs, curriculum, policies and procedures, and standard operating procedures a methodology that interprets the context of environmental factors that lead to jail and prison. Fulfills Theological Ethics requirement Larry Covin, Lancaster Theological Seminary Christian-Muslim Relations and Engagement in North America (Hybrid; 3 credits) This course will survey the history of Christian-Muslim Relations. Primary attention will be given to the North American context; including the origins and identities of Islam among African-Americans, immigrant communities and converts, the impact of race, immigration, and 9/11, the role of the Qur an and Hadith in daily piety and various interpretations in different Muslim communities. The focus of the course is to provide opportunities and tools to engage in thoughtful, faithful and just Christian-Muslim engagement in local communities with integrity. This course will be taught in a hybrid format, with six face-to-face meetings during the semester and the rest of the work online. Fulfills Theological Thematics requirement. David Grafton, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia Theological Thematics: Theology from the Margins: 21 st Century Theologies of Liberation (1.5 credits) This course introduces students to the important work of different theologians representing various contemporary theologies of liberation. The theologies we will study include, but are not limited to, the following: Latin American Liberation Theology, Feminist Theology, Black Theology, and Eco-theology. In addition, this course spends significant time discussing Gay/Lesbian theology and Queer theology. We also will examine the influence these theologies have had on traditional Western European theological doctrines and language, specifically on the understanding of the human being, God, and God s relationship to humanity and creation. Prerequisite: Intro to Systematic Theology. Partially fulfills Theological Thematics requirement. Kristin Johnston Largen Luther and the Reformation (1.5 credits)

3 This course surveys the history and theology of the Reformations of sixteenth-century Europe, with a particular focus on Martin Luther and his theology. Luther s theology and his account of Christian life will be illuminated through comparison with the views of other major reformers and confessions, as well as marginalized groups (spiritualists, Anabaptists). We thus will seek to understand the root causes of the division of Western Christianity in the 1500s and beyond. Recommended: Early Church History Vince Evener History of Lutheranism (3 credits) This course will examine the diverse communities and traditions that have contributed to the present shape of the Evangelical Lutheran church in America and its partner churches in the Lutheran World Federation. Both in Europe and in America since the 1600 s diverse social, cultural, and theological challenges have pushed Lutherans in these various churches to adapt to nationalism, industrialism, migration, economic exploitation, and globalization. Students will examine the various strategies and forms of ministry that leaders have used to shape a Lutheran identity. Fulfills Modern Church History requirement. Maria Erling Mysticism and Spirituality: Medieval Reformation (1.5 credits) This course will introduce students to major writings and trends in Christian spirituality from c to c. 1600, with a particular focus on mysticism, the quest for a direct experience of God. Our central question will be: how did beliefs or ideas about salvation shape the quest for union with God and Christians spirituality more broadly? We will investigate the nature of women s extensive contribution to medieval and early modern mysticism and spirituality, and we will ask about the relationship of Luther and Lutheranism to mysticism. Finally, we will read some modern essays on spiritual practice in light of the historical material. Vince Evener Ecology and Stewardship (3 credits) An Action-Reflection course in practices of ecological stewardship that express the social teachings of the church in environmental ethics and ecojustice. Practices are in the areas of food and faith; energy and ecclesiology; and spirituality. Participants explore the implications of ecological stewardship for church finances and inspiration of generosity. Course work involves readings, class sessions with activities, discussions and presentations, and options for students to explore stewardship practices in the field. Fulfills Stewardship requirement. Gilson Waldkoenig Renewing Congregational Mission (1.5 credits) With approximately two thirds of ELCA congregations in decline, training in congregational renewal is essential for faithful ministry and effective evangelical outreach in the twenty-first century. This course will offer a theological framework for congregational mission and practical tools for ministry. Course requirements will include personal reflection and class participation, selected readings, a short paper, and a final class presentation. The course will be offered as a Pass/Fail only. Richard Jorgenson, Director for Evangelical Mission, Lower Susquehanna Synod, ELCA and

4 Kati Kluckman-Ault, Director for Evangelical Mission, Delaware-Maryland Synod, ELCA OL Church Administration, Leadership, and Polity (3 credits) Those called to lead in congregations and other ecclesiastical and public arenas require an indepth knowledge base, as well as a set of practical skills and administrative abilities. The purpose of this course is to enable students to develop a personal theology of administrative leadership, explore organizational dynamics at play in congregations and other settings, and learn practical approaches to common challenges of planning, budgeting and fiscal stewardship, personnel management, and coping with conflict. To function effectively within a church system, the leader must also understand its structure and way of being or polity. By means of readings, lectures and class discussions, as well as case studies and presentations, students will grow in confidence as church leaders. Fulfills Practices of Ministry C (Integrative Seminar III) for capstone interns, who may take the course for 1.5 credits or for 3 credits. Does not fulfill Practices of Ministry C for any other students. Enrollment limited to 18 students. Michael Cooper-White Pastoral Care and Counseling (3 credits) Throughout the history of the church, its pastoral ministry has involved the guidance, healing, reconciling, sustaining, and liberation of communities and individuals. In what ways and by what means may the church now carry out this ministry both faithfully and effectively? In this course, we will explore many kinds of pastoral care and counseling theories and practices. In our exploration, we will attend to resources for this ministry in various fields of theology. In our analysis of pastoral care and counseling, we also will focus on the role of the social sciences--- especially psychology, psychology of religion, and psychotherapeutic psychology---in this ministry of the church. Fulfills Pastoral Theology Requirement. Leonard Hummel Youth and Young Adult Ministry (1.5 credits) People entering rostered ministry will be involved with young adults; therefore it is vital we provide a forum for discussion and the learning of skills, methods and resources to offer ministry to this important segment of the population and the future of the church. This is a course aimed at giving a general overview of the theory and practice of working with young adults. This will include the study of developmental, theological and social issues, as well as analysis of current methods, resources and curriculum that are available. The intended outcome for this course is that future rostered leaders will have the necessary background information and be equipped to minister with and to young adults as they journey and transition through this important time in their lives. Fulfills Christian Education requirement. Michelle Holley Carlson Green Preaching: Ecology and Proclamation (1.5 credits) Fracking, climate change, deforestation and over-consumption: this hopeful and resurrectionfocused course introduces future preachers to green homiletical theory and practice. Students will grow in an awareness of and appreciation for the importance of ecologically-grounded, Christocentric preaching and living. Time spent immersed in creation is an integral component of

5 this class. Prerequisite: Intro to Preaching or Intro to Parish Preaching. Fulfills Preaching elective. Angela Zimmann Music in the Town and Country Parish (1.5 credits) Issues, skills and resources related to music in the life in the town and country parish context are explored. Foundational readings in the history of parish music and contemporary concerns provide grounding for class discussions. Students integrate learnings from other theological studies and apply them to visioning for music ministry in rural settings. Fulfills Music in the Parish requirement. Stephen Folkemer Practicum in Worship Music (.75 credits each semester; 1.5 credits total) A student who participates in either the Motet or Seminary Choir for a fall and spring semester will receive 1.5 credit hours elective credit. Participation in the choir does not need to be in consecutive semesters, but must include a fall and a spring semester. A student will register both semesters s/he is participating in either choir and will receive an Incomplete at the end of the first semester. At the end of the second semester of participation, the student will receive a Pass or Fail grade. Grading will be based entirely on attendance and participation. The course may only be taken once for credit during a student s degree program. Stephen Folkemer 3.922a&b Piety of Parish Pastors (1.5 credits each; 3 credits total) Those who serve congregations as ministers of Word and Sacrament labor with particular spiritual advantages and vulnerabilities, and they nurture their life of faith in very different ways. This course will explore some of the disciplines and practices which grow out of the central tasks of that office, and which link its many responsibilities. It will include practice and reflection, learnings from fiction and films, memoirs and studies, and interviews with practitioners. It will also address the development and nourishment of one s style of worship leadership, as a resource and outgrowth of piety. Mark Oldenburg 3.930b The Church s Worship (1.5 credits) An examination of the origins and meaning of the major acts and forms of Christian worship, with particular attention to baptism and the Lord's Supper. Lectures and practicums. Prerequisite: 3.930a. Mark Oldenburg Practicum in Theological Research (1.5 credits) Students preparing to write MAR theses will develop a trial thesis statement, become familiar with research tools and literature in their areas of interest, formulate search strategies for materials and information pertinent to their projects, and draft a preliminary thesis proposal. Briant Bohleke 4.201b Practices in Ministry B (1.5 credits)

6 This course is concurrently related to the Teaching Parish field education requirement (M.A.M.S. and M.Div.) and therefore extends over two semesters. This seminar focuses on the congregation and has as its purpose to build an effective pastoral understanding of the congregation as simultaneously social system and people of God. Prerequisite: 4.201a. Maria Erling Science in Christian Life: Conflict, Cooperation, Integration (Spring Academy) (1.5 credits) This course employs the activities of the Spring Academy Week to explore key issues in science for the practice of ministry. Among the happenings of that week on which students may choose to focus are: lectures and workshops on Faith, Science and Action through the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania; a retreat sponsored by TEY for high school students on science and Christian Life; Preaching Perspectives on "Preaching & Science in a Time of Creation-Crisis; many exciting guest lecturers; many interesting workshops relevant to congregational leadership and science; and interesting movies/some food. Leonard Hummel STM Job and Human Suffering (3 credits) The most enigmatic, haunting, and elusive of all biblical books is the subject matter of this course. While not ignoring various attempts to reconstruct the original story, the course s focus will be on canonical Job. Special attention will be given to significant paraphrases and reinterpretations engaged in by the Septuagint version(s) of the book. Students may work with the Hebrew text, the Greek text, or various English translations. Fulfills biblical elective for MDiv students. MDiv and MA students must receive permission from instructor to register. Brooks Schramm STM OL Environmental Ethics and Faith (3 credits) From chemical spills to atmospheric carbon overload, ecological issues are pressing concerns in global society. How shall people of faith respond to the theological, pastoral and social justice challenges posed by environmental problems? This course will read and analyze Earth-Honoring Faith: Religious Ethics in a New Key by Larry Rasmussen, the encyclical Blessed Be by Pope Francis, the ecological vision of the Ecumenical Patriarch, Bartholomew I, and a variety of other voices from religion, science and public policy. Participants hone their theological stance for preaching, teaching and outreach in an environmentally troubled world by participating in online discussion boards, viewing presentations and media online, and producing a project. The course happens in weekly units within which the online participation is a-synchronous. Fulfills course in Washington Theological Consortium Certificate in Ecology and Theology. MDiv and MA students must receive permission from instructor to enroll. Enrollment limited to 18 students. Gilson Waldkoenig with Chad Rimmer, Ph.D., Theological Advisor to the Evangelical Church in Senegal STM Practicum in Theological Research (1.5 credits) Students preparing to write STM theses will develop a trial thesis statement, become familiar with research tools and literature in their areas of interest, formulate search strategies for materials and information pertinent to their projects, and draft a preliminary thesis proposal. Briant Bohleke

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