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Iliff courses are designated by the four-letter code of THEO, followed by a four-digit sequence, for example, THEO 6001, whereas University of Denver courses are designated by a four-letter code for each department, followed by the four-digit sequence, for example, RLGS 4000, which is offered through DU's Religious Studies department. Courses must be listed at the graduate level, typically 3000 level or above, to receive doctoral credit.
Core Courses
To provide unity to the program, and prepare students for multi-disciplinary teaching and research, three core courses are required of all students. These are offered annually.
THEO 6001/ RLGS 4000: Theories and Methods in the Study of Religion
This course covers “representative” theories of religion in the modern period, and highlights important contemporary theoretical debates in the academic study of religion.
THEO 6002/ RLGS 4010: Pedagogy and the Teaching of Religion
This course will look at pedagogical methods as they relate to the teaching of religion. Students will design syllabi and materials appropriate for the teaching of religion in at least two different contexts. In addition, the course will cover theoretical issues related to the teaching and learning process.
THEO 6003/ RLGS 4090: Dissertation Proposal Seminar
This seminar will focus upon the range of research topics and methods in religious and theological studies by examining dissertations and dissertation proposals related to the Joint Ph.D. Program at Iliff and the University of Denver. Bibliographic and research methods and matters of style and format will receive particular emphasis. Students will present their own dissertation proposals for discussion.
Course List by Concentration
Religion Social Change
Theology, Philosophy and Cultural Theory
Biblical Interpretation
Religious and Psychological Studies
There are a variety of courses offered during the academic year. Possible course offerings may include those listed below. Additional courses may be added in the future. Students are not restricted to the courses listed for their chosen concentration and may take any class offered at the University of Denver or Iliff School of Theology so long as it is relevant to their field of research and is appropriate for doctoral credit.
ANTH 3020 Native Religions
Cross-cultural survey of concepts of supernatural and associated behavior; emphasis on non-biblical religions, responses of indigenous peoples to attempted missionization and conversion to biblical religion; impact of social/technological change on religions in developing countries; shamanistic techniques to control and channel supernatural power.
ANTH 3430 Visions, Utopias, and Messiahs in Cross-Cultural Perspective
Ghost dance, peyote religion, cargo cults, the Alianza Federal de Mercedes, peasant revolutions, primitive rebels, charismatic leaders, messianic movements in cross-cultural perspectives; roles played by cultural systems, historical circumstances, social conditions in generating social movements.
ANTH 3660 History of Anthropological Theory
History, development of conceptual structures of contemporary anthropology; application to specific problems in cultural anthropology, ethnology, and archaeology.
THEO 6300 Social Ethical Issues
Selected problems in social ethics.
THEO 6334 Doing Christian Ethics from the Margins
Many of us have been taught religion through the eyes of white, middle-class males. How then do we do ethics from the perspective of the disenfranchised?
THEO 6343 Implementing Social Ethics from Liberation Perspectives
The purpose of this course is to explore the roots, development, and history of liberation ethical thought as it first manifested itself within a Latin American context then expanding to other continents and faith traditions.
THEO 6304 Race, Gender, Class: An Historical and Social Scientific Analysis of Individual, Institutional and Systemic Racism in the Modern World
An historical survey of the role of racism, sexism and classism in shaping the oppressive institutional structures of the existing world order and of how sociological analysis of these structures can help justice and peace activists direct effective action toward the elimination of race, gender and class oppression.
THEO 6305 Doctoral Colloquium in Religion & Social Change
Selected topics in religion and social change, approached from the disciplines and perspectives of history, ethics, sociology, international studies and social transformation. Offered annually. Also listed as RLGS 5601.
THEO 6306 The Sociology of Contemporary Religious Movements
Sociological inquiry into the origin, development, structure, and ideology of religious movements. The emergence and life cycle of contemporary groups, sects and cults will be explored in relation to theoretical perspectives on issues such as alienation, recruitment, leadership and power, reform and tension with wider society.
THEO 6335 Contemporary Sociology of Religion
Seminar in which the work of such sociologists as Berger, Bellah, Stark, Wuthnow, Warner and others will be examined and critiqued.
THEO 6336 Classic Theorists in the Sociology of Religion
A treatment of the thought of figures such as Durkheim, Weber, Troeltsch and Marx on the subject of religion and society.
THEO 6307 Research Methods in Sociology of Religion
Critical examination of research classics in the field, with emphasis on particular problems of making religion the object of social scientific concerns. Applications of sociological method to students’ research concerns.
THEO 6311 Religion and Movements of Social Change in America: Social Gospel
An exploration of the Social Gospel movements in the U.S.; formative figures, institutional contexts and theoretical debates.
THEO 6337 Liberal & Evangelical Protestantism in the U.S.
A comparison of the liberal and evangelical Protestant traditions in the United States from 1875 to the present. Students will read both scholarly analysis of these traditions and materials produced by leading voices in these traditions. Specific topics include race, gender, politics, science and postliberal/postconservative convergence.
THEO 6312 Issues in American Religious History
A seminar dealing with selected issues such as religious diversity in American religious history, new directions in the study of American religious history, insiders and outsiders in American religious history, etc.
THEO 6313 Women in American Religious History
Exploration of the history of women’s experience, changing images and roles, and leadership and participation in North American religious life from the 17th to the 20th centuries.
THEO 6325 Muslims, Jews & Christians in Medieval Spain
An exploration of the “Golden Age” of cross-cultural encounters that occurred in Medieval Spain from the Muslim conquest in 711 to the fall of Granada and the expulsion of Jews in 1492; an overview of the historical and ecumenical dimensions of Jewish, Christian, and Muslim coexistence known as “La Convivencia.”
THEO 6314 Feminist Theology
Analysis of feminist theology with attention to methodological issues, the relation of contemporary feminist visions to historical material, the ideas of God/Goddess and the question of what it means to be female.
BT 4250 Liberation Theologies
Consideration of contemporary liberation movements with focus on feminist, black and Third World theologies. Special concern will be with what the various perspectives of sex, race and class analysis suggest for one another and for theology and social ethics generally.
THEO 6317 Multi-Cultural Issues in Theological Study
A seminar especially designed for students of color. Particular issues or fields of study will be
chosen by the participants and will be looked at critically within the context of communities of color. May be repeated for credit.
THEO 6332 Historiography
This course surveys the various theories and methods developed by historians since the emergence of the historical profession from the roots of historicism and philosophy of history in the mid-1800s; and examine the relationship of history to theology, cultural theory and literary studies.
THEO 6333 Violence & Toleration in Medieval Europe
The course examines a wide range of texts and events from the 11th to the 16th centuries dealing with various forms of violence across the medieval world and contrasts these with medieval notions of toleration in theological and political discourse.
THEO 6318 Native American Religious Tradition
A survey of the world views of Native American people, as these pertain to both inter-tribal beliefs and Native American ceremonial life, with an attempt to show how Native American practice proceeds from their world view.
THEO 6339 Indigenous Knowledge, Science & Religion
This course focuses on the spiritual concerns with are central to indigenous knowledge systems, particularly in terms of the indigenous contribution to the science and religion dialogue. This graduate seminar will explore how the indigenous continuum of cognition integrates direct observations and conclusions about the natural world with moral concern for maintaining balance with all forms of life in the universe. In class discussion and small group presentations, students learn about indigenous methods of pursuing knowledge, both rationally and experientially, that have been foreclosed in the dominant theoretical approaches of the academy.
HIST 3190 Immigrants in American History
Immigration to America from the colonial period to the twentieth century; responses of Native
Americans; the role of ethnicity in American life; and assimilation in American society.
HIST 3481 The Role of Women in American History
Accomplishments and struggles for equality seen through the writings and actions of American women; historical perspective on contemporary movements.
HIST 3510 The American Revolution and Its Background
Causes, progress, consequences and significance of the movement for independence in light of the American colonial experience and the problems of imperial authority.
INTS 4010 Research and Training: Epistemology
Aspects of philosophy, history of science, epistemology, causality, and logic of inquiry as related to international studies. What is the aim of science? Are ideas or facts primary? Is science objective? Research analysis, empirical method.
INTS 4350 Economic Problems of Underdeveloped Areas
Use of economic analysis to understand problems of development/underdevelopment, surplus labor and dual economy, economic structure and macro-economy, industrialization, agricultural sector, inequality, poverty and famines, population and labor markets, international economy, role of state in development.
INTS 4420 Comparative Area Problems: Africa
Basic issues and contemporary problems.
INTS 4450 Comparative Area Problems: Latin America
Basic issues and contemporary problems.
INTS 4452 Human Rights, Political Repression, and Domination in Latin America
Human rights record in Latin America, procedures for dealing with violations; Organization of
American States and U.S. foreign policy; roots of repression, structures of domination, cultural and psychological support for those structures, forces of resistance and different patterns in Southern Cone, Brazil, Andean Region, Central America, Caribbean, and Mexico.
INTS 4502 Comparative Revolutions
Major revolutions in England, France, 19th century Europe, Russia, and China during the 20th century; emphasis on historical facts, key theoretical debates generated during various social upheavals, diverse interpretations seeking to understand nature and causes of revolutions, their impact on societies. Prerequisite: INTS 4702.
INTS 4821 Modern Political Theory
How modern theories draw on and challenge ancient political and social conceptions; theories of natural rights, social contract, utilitarianism, rationalism; liberal notions of individual, nationalism, universalism; readings include Machiavelli, Vico, Hobbes, Locke, Montesquieu, Diderot, Voltaire, Rousseau, the Federalist, Hume, Smith and Kant.
INTS 4920 Conflict and Conflict Resolution
Various theories and contemporary research concerning nature and causes of violent conflict at domestic and international levels; methods for avoiding, managing and resolving conflicts;
aggression and obedience; revolution; perceptions on war and inter-group conflict; bargaining and negotiation; alternative societal strategies and international system change.
INTS 4940 Introduction to Human Rights
Focus on historically, theoretically relevant texts in human rights; first/second generation rights emphasized; early liberal, conservative and socialist understandings of human rights highlighted against respective historical background.
INTS 4941 Human Rights and International Organizations
Changing roles of international organizations in their efforts to protect/promote human rights; global, regional levels of human rights activities of international intergovernmental, non-governmental organizations. Recommended prerequisite: INTS 4940.
RLGS 3620 Afro-American Religion
Defines features of the phenomenon of religion among African people in North America.
RLGS 3641 Religion and Movements of Social Change in America: Abolitionism
Abolitionist movement in the U.S.: formative figures, institutional contexts and theoretical debates.
ARTH 3867 Native American Art
This course is designed as an introduction to the art and architecture of the native peoples of North America from the earliest signs of humans in North America to the present. Cultures covered include those from the Southwest, the Northwest, the Southeast Ceremonial Complex, the Plains, and Contemporary Native American Artists. By the conclusion of the class, students will understand the cultural sequence and geographic dispersion of native North America. Students will also understand how the various civilizations of North America shared aspects of world-view, cosmology, and daily life, and be able to identify and discuss how these elements manifested in the art and architecture of native North American cultures.
ARTH 4336 Seminar in American Art
Selected topics in American art and architecture. Students write advanced research papers and give a final presentation on the topic of their choice within the course topic. Topics include art in the history of American religions, sepulchral arts, and individual nineteenth-century artists.
THEO 6991 Independent Study
THEO 6995 Dissertation Research
THEOLOGY, PHILOSOPHY AND CULTURAL THEORY CONCENTRATION
THEO 6426 Philosophy and Culture Conflict
Analysis of various contemporary and competing social philosophies in terms of their assumptions, values, operational procedures, and ideological structures.
THEO 6427 Seminar in Classical Philosophy
One of the following topics: Platonism, Aristotelianism, Stoicism, or Neoplationism examining the basic philosophy and its development and influence on Western religious thought.
THEO 6400 The Philosophy of Mysticism
An overview of several mystical traditions leads to a discussion of key philosophical problems.
BL 4240 The Gods and Goddesses of India
This course explores the development, character, and function of the gods and goddesses of India by looking at a variety of mythological, historical, and ethnographical sources. The course is roughly divided into two halves, the first of which will focus predominantly on male images of the divine, the second predominantly on female images of the divine.
THEO 6401 Colloquium for Religious Thought & Theology
A seminar on selected topics in the philosophy of religion and theology. May also be listed as
RLGS 4984.
THEO 6402 The Comparative Study of Religion
Critical analysis of the literature concerning (a) methods, (b) primary problems and (c) perspectives in the comparative study of religions. Examination of historical, anthropological, psychological and phenomenological approaches to the study of religions. Also listed as RLGS 3801.
THEO 6428 Ritual Studies
By reading some of the most important “classic” and recent theorists of ritual, and by learning to observe and understand ritual behavior, this class will examine the important role of ritual in defining religious groups, creating religious identity, forming religious beliefs, and structuring how we view the world. Prerequisites: Masters students need permission of the instructor.
THEO 6429 Recent Trends in Religious Studies
Recent Trends in Religious Studies is an advanced PhD seminar in theory and method. The object is to understand and analyze the most recent works of importance that are rooted in the theoretical traditions of religious studies and which are on the cutting edge of advancing the discipline. Prerequisite: PhD seminar THEO 6001/RLGS 4000 “Theories and Methods in the Study of Religion.”
THEO 6403 Theology, Religion and Science
An examination of the nature of truth and method in religion and science, and an investigation of the impact/challenge presented by science to religion and vice-versa.
THEO 6430 Religion in the Public Square
What is the proper role of religion in the public debates necessary to healthy democracy? Some argue that religion in the public square threatens the fundamental democratic right, the freedom of conscience; others that only religion can inculcate the communal values that make democracy possible. This course examines the best and most prominent arguments in this contemporary debate.
THEO 6147 Sacred Space and Place in Comparative Perspective
This course examines sacred spaces and sacred places from a comparative perspective. Through close reading and discussion of primary and secondary sources, students will be challenged to think critically and theoretically about sacred spaces and places.
THEO 6701/6702/6703/6704/6705 Selected Topics in Philosophy
Topics may vary. One recent example was a focus on ‘the other’ in terms of issues of human and cultural differences and differentiation. Also listed as PHIL 3701.
THEO 6422 Buddhist Philosophy
An introduction to the Buddhist philosophical tradition that covers both the different philosophical
movements within Buddhism as schools of thoughts and major philosophical issues.
THEO 6433 Twentieth-Century American Theology
Consideration of the developments in American theology in the twentieth century.
THEO 6314 Feminist Theology
Analysis of feminist theology with attention to methodological issues, the relation of contemporary
feminist visions to historical material, the ideas of God/Goddess and the question of what it means to be female.
THEO 6406 Process Theology
Introduction to process thought and its influence upon theological reflection. Readings of major process philosophers and theologians.
THEO 6407 Kierkegaard and Existentialist Theology
Kierkegaard and the origins of existentialism; twentieth-century forms of existentialism and recent
developments; the decline of neo-orthodoxy and resurgence of phenomenology.
THEO 6408 Schleiermacher and Liberal Theology
Consideration of the theology of Friedrich Schleiermacher. Analysis of the philosophical and theological predecessors of Schleiermacher as well as the tradition of theological liberalism that followed him.
THEO 6701/6702/6703/6704/6705 Selected Topics in Theology
Seminar dealing with selected issues or figures in theology; e.g., religious traditions and authority in theology.
THEO 6423 Early Modern Theologies
An examination of the emergence of the theological, philosophical, literary and scientific trends often designated as Early Modern (1400-1700), formative trends, which have become a neglected source of the modern consciousness typified by the European Enlightenment.
THEO 6410 Theology and Culture
An examination of the ways in which artistic and aesthetic expressions reflect and initiate religious meanings, with particular attention to American theology, poetry and fiction.
THEO 6411 Religious and Theological Interpretations of America
A critical examination of religious and implicitly theological interpretations of America from Puritanism to the present.
THEO 6412 Theology and the Challenge of Postmodernism
An examination of representative postmodern thinkers, how they have changed the context for theology, and how theology has responded to them.
THEO 6413 Historicism in American Theology
Traces the development of the modern historical consciousness as it has impacted the nature and self-understanding of theology, especially in North America.
BT 4250 Liberation Theologies
Consideration of contemporary liberation movements with focus on feminist, black and Third World theologies. Special concern will be with what the various perspectives of sex, race and class analysis suggest for one another and for theology and social ethics generally.
THEO 6416 Theology of the Ancient Church to 451 CE
Development of early Christian doctrines to and including the fourth Ecumenical Council, major
theologians, such as Irenaeus, Tertullian, Clement, Origen, Ambrose, Augustine, Athanasius, the
Cappadocians and fifth-century thinkers; and the most significant heretical questions of the period.
THEO 6437/6438 Systematic Theology I & II 4 credits each quarter
Systematics focuses on the importance of system in Christian theology, and on the development of students’ own systematic theology, through a reading of three prominent systematicians, classical, modern, and contemporary. Quarter 1 - method, doctrine of God, sin, and Christology. Quarter 2 - the work of Christ, faith, eschatology, ecclesiology, and sacraments. Either quarter may be taken independently.
THEO 6419 Studies in Popular Culture: Myth, Religion and Story
This course examines the cultural function of mass-market storytelling in television, film and print and looks at religious critiques and interpretations of the media and at religious broadcasting.
THEO 6420 Narrative Approaches to the Religious Life
This course introduces narrative approaches to theology and biblical studies and explores the role of narratives, such as contemporary novels and films, in the religious imagination of individuals and communities.
THEO 6421 16th Century Spanish Mystics
Early modern Spain witnessed the emergence of Catholic and Protestant individuals whose timeless works and popular appeal in subsequent centuries rested largely upon the practice of “contemplation in action.” It also explores the influence of Islam and Judaism on sixteenth century religious movements, as well as modern Spain’s subsequent rejection of this pluralistic legacy as it sought to define its new national identity.
THEO 6441 Contemporary Issues in United Methodism
A seminar exploring contemporary issues facing the United Methodist Church. Prerequisite: BX 2113 UM History or permission of the instructor.
ENGL 3701 American Literature before 1800: The Rhetoric of American Identity
Studies in diverse genres of pre-19th century American letters, construction of American exceptionalism and a self independent of history in writers such as Bradford, Winthrop, Williams, Bradstreet, Wheatley, Rowlandson, Mather, Edwards, Franklin, Jefferson, Crevecoeur, Foster, and Brown.
ENGL 3702 American Literature: 1800 to the Civil War
Major writers and movements in 19th century American literature, including Irving, Cooper, Emerson, Thoreau, Whitman, Hawthorne, Poe, Melville, Dickinson, and Twain.
ENGL 3822 Literary Criticism: 20th Century
Critical methods and philosophies of Modernist and contemporary critics.
PHIL 3000 Seminar in Great Thinkers in Philosophy: Plato
PHIL 3010 Seminar in Great Thinkers in Philosophy: Aristotle
PHIL 3050 Seminar in Great Thinkers in Philosophy: Hume
PHIL 3060 Seminar in Great Thinkers in Philosophy: Kant
PHIL 3070 Seminar in Great Thinkers in Philosophy: Hegel
PHIL 3090 Seminar in Great Thinkers in Philosophy: Heidegger
PHIL 3100 Seminar in Great Thinkers in Philosophy: Wittgenstein
PHIL 3101 Seminar in Great Thinkers in Philosophy: Kierkegaard
PHIL 3120 Metaphysics
Problems in appearance and reality, permanence and change, being and beings, human nature.
PHIL 3130 Knowledge Problems
Problems in the foundations and justifications of claims to knowledge.
PHIL 3160 Theories of Human Nature
The nature of human nature as fixed and as in the process of self-creation.
PHIL 3170 Philosophy and Language
The importance of language in understanding the aims, nature, and methods of philosophy.
PHIL 3180 Socratic Ethics
Study of Plato’s early dialogues to discern the ethical views of the historical Socrates.
PHIL 3450 Phenomenology and Theology
The implications of phenomenology for theology and the issue of theology in relation to phenomenology. Course objectives are the study of important text from Otto and Husserl through Heidegger and contemporary phenomenology for advanced undergraduate majors and graduate students.
PHIL 5300 Joint PhD Colloquium: Philosophy
Readings and discussions of key works on the Joint Doctoral program reading list in Philosophy. The course should help prepare all doctoral students planning to take the examination in Philosophy.
PHIL 5400 Joint PhD Colloquium: Cultural Theory
Readings and discussions of key works on the Joint Doctoral program reading list in Cultural Theory. The course should help prepare all doctoral students planning to take the examination in Philosophy.
RLGS 3400 Great Religious Thinkers
Inquiries into nature of religion, religious experience, language, methods of thinking.
RLGS 3410 God in Modern Thought
Comparison of two rival notions of God in modern thinking as they appear in the work of Hegel and Kierkegaard. Perquisite: two courses in philosophy or religious studies.
RLGS 3460 Nietzsche and the Death of God
Exegesis of the philosophy of Nietzsche (Hegel and Heidegger) in relation to ‘God’s death;’ responses in modern philosophical and religious thought. Also listed as PHIL 3460.
RLGS 3704 Comparative Ethics: The World of Values
Compares and contrasts basic and traditional moral and value systems of Asian and Western cultures; interprets texts from Japan, China, India, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Marxism.
RLGS 3813 Ritual
Nature and function of ritual and its relationship to religion, analyzed from various scholarly perspectives.
RLGS 3814 Hinduism
Doctrines, practices, and history of South Asian Hinduism; special emphasis on paths to liberation and contemporary Hindu practices.
RLGS 3820 Buddhism
Buddhist life and thought from its origins to the present in India, Tibet, China and Japan.
ARTH 3818 Art of Renaissance Europe: Art in Fifteenth-Century Italy
This course will explore the dynamic flowering of the visual arts that attended the growth of cities and courts in fifteenth-century Italy (the Quattrocento). Particular attention will be paid to the rise of Florence as an artistic (and economic) center, though other major artistic schools will be examined. From the competition for the Baptistery doors in Florence (1401) to the decoration of the walls of the Sistine Chapel (1480s), this course will investigate the role of art in shaping and expressing religious, civic, political and economic concepts as well as the rise of the social and intellectual standing of the artist. From the guild motivated sculptures of Ghiberti and Donatello on Orsanmichele in Florence to Botticelli’s paintings for the Medici family villas, we will examine the changing nature of patronage and subject matter over the course of this dynamic century that served as a transition from the medieval to the modern era.
ARTH 3818 Art of Renaissance Europe: Art in Sixteenth-Century Italy
This course will explore the dramatic developments in the arts and art theory that evolved in Italy over the course of the Sixteenth Century, giving rise to the early modern artistic world. From the High Renaissance (Michelangelo, Leonardo, Raphael, Titian, and Bramante) through the Mannerist movements (Pontormo, Parmigianino, and Arcimboldo) to the rise of the artistic academies (particularly the Carracci) and the development of classicizing architecture and art theory (Palladio, Vasari), this course will cover the rich variety of expression in the visual arts that set the template for succeeding centuries of artistic production and discourse. The role of art in shaping and expressing religious, civic, political and economic concepts will be explored, as will be the rise of the social and intellectual standing of the artist.
Art 3479 Northern Renaissance Art
This course will explore the dramatic developments in the arts (particularly panel painting, manuscript illumination, and sculpture) in Northern Europe from around 1350 to 1550. From lavishly decorated Books of Hours and the development of stunningly naturalistic oil paintings on panel in the early Fifteenth century through the development of printing, the rise of self-portraiture, genre and landscape depictions, this class will trace the important role played by Flemish, German and French artists in the transition from late medieval to early modern artistic forms and practices. The role of art in shaping and expressing religious, civic, political and economic concepts will be explored, as will be the rise of the social and intellectual standing of the artist. Among the artists examined will be Jan van Eyck, Rogier van der Weyden, Albrecht Dürer, Hieronymus Bosch, and Pieter Bruegel the Elder.
ARTH 3862 Mesoamerican Art
This course is an introduction to the art and archaeology of the native peoples of Mesoamerica in Precolumbian times, or from about 2000 BC to AD 1521. Cultures covered include the Olmec, Teotihuacan, Mixtec, Zapotec, Aztec, and others. This class presents the cultural sequence of Precolumbian Mesoamerica and explores how the various civilizations of Mesoamerica shared aspects of world-view, cosmology, and daily life. Students will be able to identify and discuss how these elements manifested in the art and architecture of Mesoamerican cultures. Furthermore, the course investigates issues of shamanism, kingship and power, warfare, and human sacrifice.
ARTH 3867 Native American Art
This course is designed as an introduction to the art and architecture of the native peoples of North America from the earliest signs of humans in North America to the present. Cultures covered include those from the Southwest, the Northwest, the Southeast Ceremonial Complex, the Plains, and Contemporary Native American Artists. By the conclusion of the class, students will understand the cultural sequence and geographic dispersion of native North America. Students will also understand how the various civilizations of North America shared aspects of world-view, cosmology, and daily life, and be able to identify and discuss how these elements manifested in the art and architecture of native North American cultures.
THEO 6991 Independent Study
THEO 6995 Dissertation Research
BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION CONCENTRATION
THEO 6147 Sacred Space and Place in Comparative Perspective
This course examines sacred spaces and sacred places from a comparative perspective. Through close reading and discussion of primary and secondary sources, students will be challenged to think critically and theoretically about sacred spaces and places.
THEO 6100 Religious Identity in Antiquity
An exploration of the way individuals and communities understood their religious beliefs and
behaviors during the Hellenistic and Roman periods.
THEO 6101 Studies in Early Christianity
A critical study of themes and selected movements within early Christianity and other religions of the Greco-Roman world. May be repeated for credit.
THEO 6102 Women in Early Christianity
An exploration of the role women played in early Christianity, with attention given to the social and literary constructions of women in Greco-Roman antiquity.
Hebrew Bible Literature
Interpretation of selected Hebrew Bible literature. Each course focuses on a book or selected topic. Different courses are offered each year.
THEO 6103 Genesis
THEO 6104 Job
THEO 6105 Psalms
THEO 6116 Wisdom Literature
THEO 6106 Prophetic Literature
THEO 6107 Writings
THEO 6108 Isaiah
THEO 6109 Ruth and Esther
THEO 6110 Jeremiah
THEO 6111 Jonah
THEO 6112 Poetry of the Bible
THEO 6113 I Samuel
THEO 6114 Judges
THEO 6115 Exodus
New Testament Literature
Interpretation of selected New Testament literature. Each course focuses on a book or selected topic. Different courses are offered each year.
THEO 6119 Matthew
THEO 6120 Mark
THEO 6121 Luke
THEO 6122 John
THEO 6123 Acts of the Apostles
THEO 6124 Romans
THEO 6125 Corinthians
THEO 6126 Galatians
THEO 6128 Revelation
THEO 6129 Hebrews
THEO 6148 Studies in Israelite Religion
Critical study of the phenomenon of religion and selected movements within Israelite religion, e.g., survey of history of Israelite religion.
THEO 6130 Theology
Each quarter the course is offered it will deal with a selected issue, e.g., Old Testament theology, Christology, Jesus the hero. May also be listed as RLGS 3062.
THEO 6131 Ancient Scriptural Interpretation
An exploration of the way ancient Christian and Jewish texts interpret and adapt older scriptural texts. The focus will be on both the dynamism of biblical themes and stories and the enduring nature of specific threads of biblical tradition.
THEO 6132 Deutero- and Extra Canonical Literature
Interpretation of selected deutero-and extra-canonical books.
THEO 6133 New Testament in Its Environment
This seminar examines the Jewish and Greco-Roman context of New Testament literature and Christian Origins.
THEO 6136 Feminist Interpretation of the Bible
An exploration of feminist hermeneutics as it pertains to selected texts from the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament.
THEO 6137 PhD Colloquium in Biblical Interpretation
Discussion of selected topics in the field of biblical studies. Also listed as RLGS 4119.
THEO 6138 Tutorials in Biblical Interpretation
Tutorials are offered to students who make arrangements with the faculty. The course may be taken more than once. Some examples are:
Conversion in the Ancient World
Dead Sea Scrolls
Gnosticism
Sociology of Pauline Christianity
Genesis
Prophetic Literature
Narrative Analysis
Psalms
Paul and the Law
Apocalyptic and the Apocalypse of John
Theodicy
Job
THEO 6139 Methods for Interpreting Biblical Texts
This seminar addresses critical study of biblical texts, the history of interpretations and hermeneutics
THEO 6701/6702/6703/6704/6705 Selected Topics in Biblical Studies
Seminar dealing with particular themes, topics, or issues in biblical studies. May be repeated.
THEO 6140 Teaching the Bible
Education instructional models for the purpose of assisting students to develop professional self-understanding and functional skills as interpreters and teachers; experience in teaching adults in a local setting.
THEO 6141 Asceticism in the Ancient World & Early Christianity
Critical study of the theories and practices of asceticism in early Christian literature. Special
emphasis the integration of modern critical theory and ancient texts.
THEO 6147 Greek Reading
Selected readings from the New Testament and other early Christian literature. Greek I, II and Exegesis are prerequisites. May be repeated for credit.
THEO 6143 New Testament Seminar: Language & Text
This seminar focuses on advanced Greek grammar, reading and vocabulary building, textual
criticism, and reference tools. May also be listed as RLGS 5113. At least one year of Greek language is prerequisite.
THEO 6144 Language Seminar
Advanced work in biblical languages or a selected issue in a language study.
THEO 6145 Hebrew Reading
Selected readings from the Hebrew Bible. Hebrew I, II and Exegesis are prerequisites. Offered each year. May be repeated for credit.
THEO 6146 Hebrew Bible Seminar: Language & Text
This seminar focuses on the Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia; Hebrew grammar and syntax; and text critical methodology. May also be listed as RLGS 5110.
RLGS 3062 Israel in the Ancient World
Social, political, economic and religious history of Jews in biblical times and their relations with contemporary states, empires and cultures.
RLGS 3151 Dead Sea Scrolls
Dead Sea scrolls in their historical, literary and religious context in English translation, together with the relevant scholarly research.
RLGS 3165 Life and Teachings of Jesus
Intensive review of the Gospels (especially Synoptics), examination of selected modern attempts to reconstruct the events behind them.
RLGS 3170 Life and Letters of Paul
Intensive review of Paul’s letters, examination of some modern attempts to reconstruct the events and thoughts behind them.
RLGS 4122 The Book of Genesis
Text and ideas of Genesis, emphasis on its relationship to ancient mythology and Israelite religion.
RLGS 4130 The Prophets of Israel
Comparison of emergence of Israelite prophecy with similar phenomena in other religious societies, reference to the Ancient Near East and the history of Israel’s “prophetic Movement.” Scholarly literature on the subject and reading of central prophetic texts in original language.
RLGS 4169 New Testament Theology
Consensus and variations of New Testament teaching about such fundamental theological issues as God, Christ, humanity, sin, salvation and the future.
RLGS 5116 Formation of the Christian Bible
Historical study of the rise of early Christian writings to authoritative status and their collection into a closed ‘canon’ of scripture, attention paid to the role of Eusebius of Caesarea in that process.
ARTH 3817 Gothic Art
This course will examine the art of the Late Middle Ages in Europe, from roughly 1140 to 1400. From the rise of the first Gothic churches in France to the fourteenth-century developments in painting and sculpture in Italy, this course will survey the rise, diffusion and function of Gothic art. In addition to examining the style and technical aspects of Gothic art, we will analyze the meaning, intention and symbolism conveyed through these monuments. Architecture, sculpture, painting, stained glass and the sumptuous arts (metal, textiles) will be examined within their broader social, political, and religious contexts. Particular attention will be paid to the Gothic Cathedral – that quintessential window onto the Medieval world – its beliefs, aspirations, social and political realities. This course will seek to explore the way in which these monuments shaped, and were shaped by, the fabric of daily life in late Medieval Europe. We will also consider the ways in which Gothic notions have manifested/mutated within modern and contemporary sensibility.
ARTH 4314 Seminar in Medieval Art - Art and Pilgrimage
This course will explore the phenomenon of pilgrimage and its attendant monuments and art forms. We will examine pilgrimage in a variety of global and historical contexts in an attempt to discern both diversity and continuity in the relationship between art and pilgrimage. While analyzing the practice of pilgrimage, we will concentrate on monuments and art forms that developed and proliferated at and around pilgrimage sites. Particular attention will be paid to the pilgrim’s goal – the holy site or saint’s shrine and its ornamentation. The pilgrim’s experience and the role of visual culture in both directing and reflecting this experience will be explored, via primary sources (read in translation) and discussions of first-hand observation.
THEO 6991 Independent Study
THEO 6995 Dissertation Research
RELIGIOUS AND PSYCHOLOGICAL STUDIES CONCENTRATION
THEO 6200 PhD Colloquium in Religion and Psychological Studies
A departmental seminar focusing on interdisciplinary issues in religion, theology, and psychology. May also be listed as RLGS 5301.
THEO 6209 Theodicy and Tragedy
Study of tragic and theological literature for pastoral care in tragic circumstances.
THEO 6217 Multi-Cultural Pastoral Care & Counseling
Examines multicultural issues in pastoral care and counseling and explores the dynamics and complexities of culture, race and other socializing factors in pastoral care conversations.
THEO 6201 Seminar on Pastoral Psychology
Topics will vary with needs and interests of students. May be repeated for grade.
THEO 6218 Care & Consultation with Congregations
Assists congregations to become caring corporate communities and to enhance their organizational and institutional vitality.
BV 4140 Theological Themes in Pastoral Care
Theological bases of pastoral care. Contributions of contemporary pastoral care to theology.
THEO 6205 Therapeutic Assessment of Individuals and Families
Examination of marriage and family from religious perspectives. Basic methods of marriage and family counseling for the parish minister.
THEO 6219 Research in Religion and the Behavioral Sciences
A post-modern approach to cross-disciplinary quantitative and qualitative research in
religious/theological studies and the social sciences.
THEO 6208 Theology and Psychodynamics
Seminar comparing theological and psychological interpretations of dynamics and issues in pastoral counseling and psychotherapy using readings, case analyses and reaction, and seminar papers.
BV 4190 Practicum in Counseling
Supervised counseling in a church-related context.
CNP 4641 Adolescent Development
Physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and moral development in adolescents with emphasis on interaction of various aspects of development within an environmental context; focus on normal development with exploration of special problems of adolescents.
CNP 4642 Adult Development
Literature on normal development of adult thinking and problem-solving processes and the self system. Physiological changes and relationship between cognitive development and developmental tasks of adults included. Prerequisite(s): prior course in development.
CNP 4700 Counseling Theory
(Previously EDUC 4701) Basic counseling theories and philosophical principles as a foundation for professional training including history, concepts, techniques, and trends.
CNP 4720 Group Counseling Theory
Theory and research on group process, group treatment and leadership strategies; implications for group counseling and psychotherapy. Prerequisite(s): masters or doctoral student in counseling or related field.
CNP 4740 Counseling Techniques
Basic counseling and interviewing skills; emphasis on building counseling relationships and
facilitating client’s self-exploration; skills of empathy, advanced empathy, self-disclosure,
confrontation, and immediacy. Prerequisite(s): instructor’s permission.
CNP 4769 Counseling Psychology Seminar: Cognitive Behavioral Strategies
Historical perspective on cognitive and behavioral theories in psychology, assessment, treatment, and evaluation from a cognitive-behavioral approach. Prerequisite(s): advanced masters or doctoral student.
CNP 4770 Counseling Psychology Seminar: Research on Counseling
Review of current process and outcome research in counseling and psychotherapy; substantive issues, including client and therapist variables, as well as methodological issues and experimental designs. Prerequisite(s): doctoral student.
CNP 4772 Diversity Seminar: Psycho-Social Issues
Series of courses to analyze social and psychological impacts of oppression related to minority status, socioeconomic status, gender and family configurations; taught using an awareness and knowledge approach; implications for counseling; series includes general seminar and series of 1 credit follow-up seminars on particular topics, e.g., American Indian mental health, African-American mental health, and women’s mental health. Prerequisite(s): students must take the 3-credit general seminar prior to the individual seminars.
CNP 4776 Family Counseling
Introduction, including survey of major theories and research, in-class demonstrations of techniques. Prerequisite(s): advanced masters or doctoral student.
CNP 4784 Psychopathology
Introduction to psychopathology and overview of several broad topics including schizophrenia, mood disorders, and personality disorders.
CNP 4790 Counseling Psychology Seminar: Ethics
Professional ethics in practice of and research in counseling and school psychology, including informed consent, confidentiality, clients’ rights, psychologists’ obligations, etc.; basic APA documents. Prerequisite(s): doctoral student. Must have permission of instructor.
CNP 4791 Counseling Psychology Seminar: Counseling Couples
Introduction to couples counseling, including survey of major theories and research.
CNP 4797 Counseling Addictive Behaviors
Introduction to assessment, treatment and outcome evaluation of chemical and non-chemical
addictive behaviors. Requirements include abstinence from a “compulsive” behavior; journaling about one’s cognitive, emotional and behavioral reactions during the abstinence period; attending 12-step meetings; participating in a quasi-12-step in-class meeting; critiquing a film depicting dynamics of an alcoholic family.
CPSY 5010 Cognitive Social Learning Models
Philosophical bases of cognitive models of personality, psychopathology, psychotherapy, nature of cognition, relationship to emotion, behavior, physiology; uses of cognitive models to answer clinical questions.
CPSY 5020 Psychoanalytic Models
Overview of psychoanalytic theorizing, from Freud’s original work in 1890’s to present relational perspectives.
CPSY 5030 Systems Models
Basic concepts of general systems theory and their applications in psychology, focusing on family systems, groups and organizations.
CPSY 5080 Diagnosis and Classification
Psychopathology in terms of DSM-IV system of diagnosis and classification; process of deriving a complete 5-axis diagnosis.
CPSY 5170 Life Cycle: Infancy and Early Childhood
Understanding normal development of children (0-6 years), integrating theory, research, and a dynamic-developmental perspective.
CPSY 5250 Existential and Human Theory and Therapy
Historical roots and basic assumption of existential and humanistic views. Students encouraged to integrate materials with their personal values and assumptions about human nature and their interaction with clients.
CPSY 5340 Social Psychology of Racism and Oppression
Theoretical and experiential nature of racism and oppression, primarily in the United States,
definition of such terms as stereotypes, prejudice, racism, white supremacy and privilege; exploration of various theories regarding these terms and how they manifest themselves historically and contemporarily.
CPSY 5360 Racial/Ethnic Identity Development
This course will explicate the concept of ethnic identification, and the process by which this central aspect of a person’s overall identity develops. Accordingly, the two central questions that this course will address are: a. Who are they? and b. How did they get that way? These questions will be examined utilizing a Descriptive Psychology perspective.
CPSY 5370 Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Issues
Various aspects of gay, lesbian life explored cross - culturally; nature of homosexuality, including the controversy of heredity vs. choice. Issues of oppression and discrimination will also be explored. The role of psychology and the politics of homosexuality will be studied. Students will also be asked to explore their personal awareness regarding homosexuality in their everyday lives and in a therapeutic context.
CPSY 5380 Culturally Competent Psychotherapy
As the final class in the year-long multicultural course sequence, this class will integrate the
theoretical content of the preceding classes and focus on their psychotherapeutic implications. This course will address psychotherapy with the following groups - African Americans, Asian Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, and the GLBT community.
INTS 4020 Preparing a Grant Proposal: Research Design
An intermediate course on methodological issues in scientific data analysis. Prerequisite: INTS 4050.
INTS 4050 Statistical Methods I
An introductory course featuring statistical reasoning, probability, sampling, statistical inference, nominal and ordinal measures of association, and correlation. Open only to students with no prior background in statistics.
PHIL 3160 Theories of Human Nature
The nature of humanity as fixed and in the process of self-creation.
PSYC 4020 Proseminar in Personality
Personality structure and dynamics, theory and findings, and interrelationships between personality and socio-cultural determinants of behavior.
PSYC 4021 Proseminar in Social Psychology
Major theoretical issues and empirical research in social psychology; social influence, perception and motivation, interpersonal attraction and hostility, prejudice and racism; some group phenomena.
PSYC 4031, PSYC 4032 Proseminar in Developmental Psychology I, II
Problems and theories in developmental psychology, including Piagetian theory; language, emotional, perceptual and personality development; learning, biological bases of behavior and genetic influences.
PSYC 4041 Clinical Approaches: Behavioral
Behavioral approaches, major theoretical points of view in behavior modification, assessment techniques and intervention modes.
PSYC 4042 Clinical Approaches: Psychoanalytic
Psychoanalytical ego psychology; major theoretical and conceptual issues; assessment and
intervention techniques.
PSYC 4043 Clinical Approaches: Community
Community psychology; major theoretical and conceptual issues; assessment and intervention techniques.
PSYC 4060 History of Systems of Psychology
General nature of scientific progress throughout history as relates to evolution of psychology as scientific/academic discipline; history explored by asking whether prevailing Zeitgeist, the
appearance of the “Great Mind,” or some combination of both factors was responsible for pivotal changes seen throughout psychology’s history.
PSYC 4571 Multicultural Issues in Mental Health
Conceptual practice, research issues affecting mental health of ethnic minority groups.
PSYC 4589 African American Culture and Psychology
Salient themes found in African American culture from a psychological perspective.
QRM 4920 Nature and Methodology of Educational Research
This is the introductory course on research methods for all PhD students in the College of Education. Included are discussions of identification and development of problems for research; introduction to basic quantitative and qualitative methods of conducting research in educational and human service settings; and critical review of experimental, survey, case study, educational, historical, ethnographic, and criticism methods.
QRM 4930 Statistical Methods in Education and Psychology
This is the beginning statistics course and examines use and interpretation of statistics in educational and human services research, including descriptive and inferential techniques.
RLGS 3300 Psychology of Religion
Beliefs, feelings, actions representing human religious response or experience; function of religion in individual life.
RLGS 3315 Religion and Moral Psychology
Philosophical foundations and research strategies of psychological studies of moral thought,
including Aristotelian, Kantian and utilitarian thought; religious dimensions of morality.
RLGS 3350 Myth and Symbol
Myth and symbol in religion from psychological and theological perspectives.
RLGS 3351 Symbols in Action: Observational Study of Religion
Field-based course designed to coordinate theories of religion with observed religious thought and practice.
RLGS 3381 Religion and Psychobiography
Variety of psychological interpretations of lives of famous religious leaders; systematic investigation of subject’s lives through psychological analysis of their writings.
RLGS 4350 Culture, Psyche and Religion
Classic and contemporary approaches to relationship of culture and psyche. Focus will be on studies of various religions as forms of culture and social practice.
THEO 6991 Independent Study
THEO 6995 Dissertation Research
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