Course Descriptions
— Integrative Studies
Courses
are for 3 credits unless otherwise noted.
IS100 Principles
of Writing and Critical Thinking in Theological Interpretation
Faculty
This
course introduces students to the guiding principles of critical
thinking necessary for articulating a theological
argument in an academic paper. Students are introduced to the
expository writing principles and processes necessary for writing
and develop skills in generating ideas, organizing and developing
thoughts, analyzing texts, revising, and handling the mechanics
of writing. The main emphasis is on how various expository
methods of organizing essays help writers to clearly present
both informational and abstract ideas. Paper topics will be
drawn from theological texts. 0 credits
IS151 Theological
Interpretation: God, Community, and Transformation
Faculty
(rotating
teams of two instructors)
This course serves as an introduction
to the approach to theological thinking and learning that is
fundamental to the
ethos and pedagogy of United Theological Seminary. United
uses a theological model of education that attends seriously
to the
pluralistic
contexts
in which theology is done, to the person doing the theology,
to the resources of the students’ traditions, and
to their/our deepest theological values/norms (e.g., justice,
love,
hope, liberation).
Focus on one theme throughout the course is intended to
provide a sharpened and integrated learning experience for the
student’s
beginning year. The course will seek to engage and analyze
different expressions of religious community, look at perspectives
on the
church in relation to the year's theme, and visit ministry
contexts in the larger Twin Cities area.
No prerequisites
IS152 Integration
of Ministry and Local Theologies
Faculty (rotating
teams of two instructors)
Building upon the focus of studies from IS151, this integrative
seminar adds an intentional, multicultural contextual component.
In partnership with community leaders and student colleagues,
we will participate in the life of local neighborhoods through
contextual placements in social ministry settings. In addition
to regular class meetings, students spend five hours per week
in their contextual placements. Classes generally meet in the
neighborhoods. Using critical socio-theologically narrative
methods, we interrogate community issues and assets, ministerial/leadership
practices, and ecclesiological considerations for social justice.
Students will explore vocational directions while learning
skills for ministerial discernment and resources for spiritual
formation.
Prerequisites: IS151 and one biblical studies course
IS261 Final
M.A.R.L. Integrative Seminar
This course is to be taken the final spring term of
studies in order to integrate the student’s comprehensive
understanding of religious leadership. The seminar will include
three primary
components: (1)
Identity Formation - each student will be required
to construct a “vocational credo” as to their
distinct identity and calling; (2) Theological Integration
- each student
will be expected to articulate the theological framework
out of which they do ministry and function as religious leaders
in specific contexts; and (3) Specialized Projects - each
student
will create a major project in their area of specialization
(e.g., Christian Education, church administration, pastoral
care).
Prerequisites: IS151, IS152, CS251
IS351 Final
M.DIV. Integrative Seminar
The purpose of this seminar, to be taken in the student’s final year,
is to assist the student in integrating course work, formational activities,
and
contextual experiences into a clear statement of ministry. In addition, each
student will develop a case study that presents issues around their understanding
of ministry, which will be peer reviewed and explored. Issues around spiritual
formation in various contexts of ministry will also be addressed.
Prerequisites: CS252, TR105 |
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