2019/20 CATALOG
CULTIVATING FAITHFUL LEADERS FOR GOD’S CHANGING WORLD! Columbia Theological Seminary P. O. Box 520701 S. Columbia Drive Decatur, Georgia 30031 www.CTSnet.edu Columbia Theological Seminary is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award masters and doctorate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Columbia Theological Seminary. Columbia Theological Seminary is also accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada to award the following degrees: Decatur, GA — Master of Art (Theological Studies), Master of Arts in Practical Theology, Master of Divinity, Master of Theology, Doctor of Ministry, Doctor of Educational Ministry, and Doctor of Theology Kingston, Jamaica — Doctor of Ministry Questions regarding Columbia Theological Seminary’s accreditation status or adherence to ATS’s standards should be addressed to the Association of Theological Schools, 10 Summit Park Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15275-1110 or by calling 412-788-6505. The regulations, requirements, and general information included in this catalog are official for the 2019-2020 academic year, but are subject to revision at any time and, therefore, are in no way binding upon the seminary. An electronic update of this catalog will be available on the Columbia Theological Seminary website for the 2019–2020 academic year, and will serve as the official catalog for that year. Please consult the Columbia Theological Seminary website for updates and the most current information.
CONTENTS MISSION
Our Identity...............................................................5 Our Mission...............................................................5 Our Mission Is Framed by Commitments.................5 Our Institutional Goals..............................................7
DEGREE PROGRAMS
Degree Programs...................................................... 9 Master of Divinity.................................................. 10 Master of Arts in Practical Theology..................... 14 Master of Arts (Theological Studies)...................... 17 Advanced Degrees Introduction.............................20 Master of Theology.................................................20 Doctor of Ministry.................................................. 23 Doctor of Educational Ministry............................. 28 Doctor of Theology in Pastoral Counseling........... 32 Application Information for International Students and Exchange Visitors............................................34 Special Students and Auditors............................... 35
FACULTY
Faculty.................................................................... 36
HOUSING
Housing...................................................................43 Hospitalization Insurance...................................... 44 Financial Aid.......................................................... 44 Scholarships for Basic Degree Students................45 Tuition, Fees, and Other Charges Effective Summer Term 2017............................................................... 47 Refund Policies.......................................................49
RESOURCES
The John Bulow Campbell Library..........................51 Related Academic Programs................................... 52 Programs in Other Locations................................. 53
SERVICE 2
Columbia Theological Seminary
The Center for Lifelong Learning........................... 55 International Theological Education...................... 55
COMMUNITY LIFE
Yearly Schedule...................................................... 57 Orientation............................................................. 57 Community Worship and Convocations................. 57 Awards and Prizes...................................................58 Graduate Fellowships...............................................61 Vocational Services..................................................61
CURRICULUM & COURSES
Courses of Instruction............................................64 Biblical Area............................................................ 65 Historical Doctrinal Area....................................... 70 Practical Theology Area.......................................... 76 Interdisciplinary Courses........................................84 Supervised Ministry...............................................86
ACADEMIC POLICIES
Basic Degree Students............................................89 Advanced Degree Students.....................................91 All Degree Students............................................... 92
CALENDAR
Calendar 2018–2019 ............................................. 97
INDEX
Index.......................................................................98
DIRECTORY
Staff Directory.....................................................100
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MISSION
OUR IDENTITY
Columbia Theological Seminary is an educational institution of the Presbyterian Church (USA), and a community of theological inquiry, leadership development and formation for ministry in the service of the Church of Jesus Christ.
OUR MISSION
Columbia Theological Seminary exists to educate and nurture faithful, imaginative, and effective leaders for the sake of the Church and the world.
OUR MISSION IS FRAMED BY COMMITMENTS
WE UNDERSTAND CHRISTIAN FAITH TO INCLUDE a growing love for God expressed in daily faithfulness to Jesus Christ, vibrant worship as an essential feature of life together, cultivation of the mind, and the disciplines of the Christian life;
a growing love for the Church expressed in authentic community, participation in the life of local churches, and responding to God’s call to and gifting for leadership; a growing love for Christ’s work in the world expressed in ministries of proclamation, nurture, compassion, justice, creativity, and the care of all creation.
BECAUSE WE ARE A CONFESSIONAL COMMUNITY OF THE CHURCH, WE believe in Christ’s reign over the whole world; articulate a missional understanding of life rooted in the rule of God’s love and justice; celebrate the goodness of God in all creation; live under the authority of Jesus Christ as witnessed in the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, in the Church throughout the ages, and in the Reformed tradition and its confessions; nurture a personal and corporate faith which takes responsibility for our choices amid the political realities, the social institutions, and the global contexts in which we live; commit ourselves to diversity and inclusivity, to ecumenicity, and to discerning the ongoing manifestations of God’s presence in human affairs; listen with openness to voices of hopelessness and hope around and within us; and acknowledge our own brokenness and need for redemption.
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Mission continued MISSION
AT COLUMBIA, WE SEEK TO WITNESS TO God’s creative power—seen in the wonder and beauty of creation; God’s reconciling love—demonstrated in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ; and God’s redemptive action and transforming justice—visible through the Church and in the broad work of the Holy Spirit in a pluralistic and interdependent world.
OUR SPECIAL MISSION IN THE SERVICE OF THE CHURCH, AND ESPECIALLY THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA), IS to educate women and men for leadership in ordained and lay ministries by offering graduate degrees, certification programs, and lifelong learning opportunities; to attend diligently to both text and context; to keep learning as a community of scholars and practitioners together; and to provide theological resources through an exceptional faculty, library, and campus facilities.
BECAUSE WE ARE AN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION, OUR CALLING IS to prepare persons to be leaders in worship, witness, teaching, mission, and service; to pursue learning that joins mind and heart—that enlarges intellect and imagination and nurtures passion, compassion and empathy; to develop personal and professional skills for leadership in the Church; to learn from the world-wide Church, from other faith traditions, from education, the arts, politics, economics, and science, and from those outside the centers of power and influence; and to consider critically from the perspective of the Christian faith, ideological, technical, and scientific assumptions—including our own—about the human situation.
IN CARRYING OUT OUR MISSION, we seek to be faithful to the gospel, and to become a living expression of the Body of Christ in the world.
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Columbia Theological Seminary
OUR INSTITUTIONAL GOALS
Columbia Theological Seminary seeks:
1. To participate with the Church in the formation of students for pastoral vocations in the Church and the world by providing preeminent theological education within the Reformed tradition; 2. To educate men and women for leadership in ministry through its MDiv, MA(TS) and MAPT degree programs; 3. To enhance the ministries of men and women who are currently engaged in ordained and other forms of leadership by educating them in its ThM, DMin, DEdMin and ThD programs; 4. To enhance the ministries of the PC(USA), the ecumenical Church, and persons with a variety of theological interests through its Lifelong Learning programs; 5. To provide a learning community in which theological education, scholarship and formation for ministry flourish; 6. To provide a physical environment that contributes to an atmosphere for effective learning; 7. To be a good steward of its resources in order to provide quality education both in the present and the future; and 8. To foster and sustain Columbia’s connection to the PC(USA), the ecumenical Church, the greater Atlanta, national and global communities.
OUR EDUCATIONAL VISION
At Columbia Theological Seminary, we seek to:
zz Prepare persons to be led by God as they lead God’s people in worship, witness, mission, and service; zz Cultivate lifelong spiritual practices to sustain and support ministry; zz Pursue learning that joins body, mind, and heart, enlarges imagination, engages intellect, nurtures passion, and deepens empathy; zz Learn from the world, both locally and globally, from other faith traditions, and from those outside the centers of power and influence; and zz Interpret the Christian faith as a continuing conversation between the human situation and the gospel.
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DEGREE PROGRAMS & ADMISSIONS
DEGREE PROGRAMS
Columbia’s seal carries a motto which consists of the Greek words for pastors and teachers. These words are taken from the letter to the Ephesians: “The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-12 NRSV). Since its inception, Columbia has seen its role as training persons for leadership in the Church by offering courses of study leading to both basic and advanced degrees. THE MASTER OF DIVINITY (MDiv) and the MASTER OF ARTS IN PRACTICAL THEOLOGY (MAPT) are first professional degrees in theological education. THE MASTER OF ARTS (Theological Studies) (MA[TS]), a basic theological degree, is academic rather than professional in orientation. Advanced degrees include the MASTER OF THEOLOGY (ThM), the DOCTOR OF MINISTRY (DMin), and the DOCTOR OF EDUCATIONAL MINISTRY (DEdMin). Women and men from all denominations are eligible to apply for any of Columbia’s degrees. THE DOCTOR OF THEOLOGY IN PASTORAL COUNSELING (ThD) is being discontinued and is no longer accepting students.
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MASTER OF DIVINITY
DEGREE PROGRAMS & ADMISSIONS
AIMS OF THE PROGRAM
The Master of Divinity degree is offered as a basic theological degree for those who seek to serve as pastors, prophets, evangelists, teachers, and other leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ.
The curriculum offered to MDiv students emerges from the seminary’s identity as a community
of memory and hope. Claiming memory, the seminary finds its identity as part of the people of God stretching back thousands of years. Resting in that identity, it leads students to a fresh and critical appropriation of the Christian tradition for themselves and for the sake of those to and with whom they minister. Claiming hope, Columbia finds its identity in the promises of God, in the world that God will bring about, and in the opportunities still ahead for the work of the Church in the midst of the work of God. In all this, the MDiv curriculum draws upon the rich resources of the Church’s memory to nurture students’ hope and engage their imaginations for mission in the Church and world.
The Christian ministry needs persons who are possessed with a deep, informed, and personal faith
and who are equipped with skills and imagination to lead the people of God in acts of compassion, proclamation, praise, confession, celebration, justice, reconciliation, and healing. Teaching and learning at Columbia equip and form the people who equip the saints to engage in the work of ministry. Once a student has completed the degree program, the student is expected to be able to:
• • • • •
Provide effective leadership in corporate worship and the public arena Integrate personal experience with the history and theology of the Christian Church in a way that clarifies call Interpret particular ministry contexts Respond to the challenges and opportunities of the contemporary Church, the world, and creation by engaging biblical, historical, doctrinal, and practical theological resources Interpret God’s changing world and respond with imagination and resilience
These are the student learning outcomes for the Master of Divinity degree program each term. As a result of conversations with their LENGTH OF PROGRAM
advisers, students make course selections that take
The MDiv curriculum is designed so that a full-
into account areas of past experience, identified
time student can complete the requirements for
interests and weaknesses, and the assessments
the degree in three full years and is comprised of
of teachers and ministry supervisors. Early in the
90 semester hour credits. A student’s program
first year of studies, students undergo an individual
may be lengthened by a variety of factors,
supervised ministry assessment with the director of
including participation in internships or taking a
contextual education who makes a recommendation
reduced load in any given semester. All students
to the student about ways to optimize the student’s
must complete their work within six years from the contextual education experience while at Columbia. date of matriculation. CALENDAR AND CREDIT SYSTEM ADVISING
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Academic work for the MDiv is offered throughout
In theological education, students integrate their
the year. Two semester-length terms, in the fall and
studies with their own lives. Faculty members aid
in the spring, anchor the academic year. Half-term
this process of integration by serving as advisers,
courses are also offered during these terms. The
assisting students in their course selections
calendar also includes an intensive term in January
Columbia Theological Seminary
and a summer term designed primarily for language study and supervised ministry experiences. Each semester-length term consists of 6 weeks of classes, a midterm exam and assessment period, another 6 weeks of classes, and a final exam week. The exam days enable students to complete the work for half-term courses.
All credit is awarded in standard semester hours.
Courses that meet for the whole term are assigned 3 credit hours. Those meeting for half the term are given 1.5 credit hours. The half-term courses allow students to take more subjects in a given term without increasing the number of classes they will carry simultaneously. CANDIDACY DISCERNMENT CONSULTATION A student’s admission to candidacy for the degree emerges from the Candidacy Discernment Consultation (CDC) and must be approved by the faculty. The CDC is a major review of the student’s work in the MDiv degree and the student’s potential for ministry and includes conversation with a small group of selected faculty and fellow students. It occurs after the student has completed at least thirty-nine credit hours of the degree requirements and three hours of a contextual education experience. At the CDC, questions of personal and professional growth and other issues are addressed. Any recommendations or stipulations that arise from the consultation are reviewed by the faculty before they award the MDiv degree. REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MASTER OF DIVINITY DEGREE To be eligible for graduation with the Master of Divinity degree, students are required to: • Have on file with the seminary a complete and official transcript of credits showing graduation with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college of liberal arts and sciences (unless admitted by special action of the faculty), a completed health form, and any required standardized test results; • Be tested for and achieve competency in English writing and speech;
• Be admitted to degree candidacy through the successful completion of the Candidacy Discernment Consultation; • Satisfactorily complete all the requirements of the degree with a total of 90 credit hours within six years of the date of matriculation, 48 of which must be completed at Columbia (excluding cross-registration courses); • Successfully complete the Scripture Reading Practicum, a not-for-credit transcripted requirement; • Maintain a minimum overall grade point average of 2.30; • Lead community worship at least as once after having completed 66 credit hours; • Be in residence for at least four semesters (residency is defined as enrollment as a degree-seeking student and registered for classes); • Demonstrate to the faculty that they have sustained a sound moral and religious character in seminary life and give promise of useful service in the ministry or related vocations; and • Pay all bills to Columbia and give assurance that all open accounts in the community and elsewhere have been satisfied. Students with education loans must agree to make prompt and regular payments. www.CTSnet.edu
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MDiv continued DEGREE PROGRAMS & ADMISSIONS
FURTHER THEOLOGICAL STUDY BEYOND THE BASIC DEGREE
form including essays, b) statement of
Although the Master of Divinity program does
self-disclosure, c) transcripts from all
not equip graduates with everything they will
institutions of higher education, d) three
need for effective and faithful ministry, they
recommendations on forms produced by
are equipped with initial and essential tools for
Columbia, e) an official criminal background
their ministries. Because the search for faithful
check report, and, f) an interview with a
answers to the challenges of the Christian life
member of the Admissions Committee or
today requires an ethic of learning for the faith,
other faculty member as assigned.
many graduates return to this and other places of group learning for regular additional formal study. Further knowledge, additional insight into the life of faith, and strengthened practice for faithful leadership result when graduates engage in regular, disciplined theological study at various stages in their ministries. ADMISSION TO THE MASTER OF DIVINITY PROGRAM Persons seeking admission to the Master of Divinity program may obtain an application from the Columbia website. To be considered for admission, prospective students are required to: • Have completed a baccalaureate degree, or its equivalent, at a university or college accredited by one of the six regional accreditation agencies. Applicants with degrees from educational institutions not accredited by one of the six agencies must submit a written essay response to an academic article provided by the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid along with their applications. Applicants without a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution are not eligible to enter the MDiv program at the seminary except by special action of the faculty. When requested to do so by presbyteries of the Presbyterian Church (USA) or other denominations, Columbia may accept applicants without a university or college degree for a special course of study.
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• Furnish a) a completed application
Columbia Theological Seminary
• Submit the application for the Master of Divinity degree by April 1. • Test scores from the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test are not required. All applicants for whom English is not their first language must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and submit the official score with application materials. Those seeking admission must score at least 550 (paper based format), or 76 (internet format) with minimum scores in the following areas: Reading 22; Listening 16; Speaking 16; and Writing 22. All test fees are the responsibility of the applicant. TRANSFER CREDIT Students in good standing in other accredited seminaries may be admitted after transcripts have been evaluated and their applications approved by the Admissions Committee. Such students must secure a letter from their academic dean indicating that they are students in good standing. Students in the MDiv degree program may receive no more than 45 credit hours for work completed at another Association of Theological Schools (ATS) accredited institution within the past five years. Transfer credit will only be given for courses passed with a grade of B or higher. A student who has completed a Master of Arts (MA) degree from an ATS accredited institution may transfer in up
to half of the MA degree toward Columbia’s MDiv degree. The determination of whether or not particular courses taken at other institutions receive credit is made by the Office of Academic Affairs, which also determines whether the credits will fulfill either required or elective credit hours. All petitions for transfer credit and advanced standing must be made by the end of the student’s first academic year.
MDIV AT A GLANCE
2019/2020
COMPONENTS OF THE CURRICULUM Required Courses
11 COURSES · 33 CREDITS Each of these courses must be successfully completed to earn the MDiv degree: · Old Testament Interpretation I & II (6 credits) · New Testament Interpretation (3 credits) · Christian Theology I & II (6 credits) · Pastoral Care (3 credits) · Imagination & Resilience in God’s Changing World (3 credits) · Explorations (3 credits) · Cross/Roads (3 credits) · Supervised Ministry (6 credits) · Scripture Reading Practicum
General Electives
7 COURSES · 21 CREDITS
Distribution Requirements
11 COURSES · 36 CREDITS One course from among a specified set of courses in each of the following areas must be successfully completed to earn the MDiv degree: · Biblical Greek OR Biblical Hebrew (3 credits) · Biblical exegesis using Greek or Hebrew (3 credits) · History of Christianities (3 credits) · American Religious History (3 credits) · World Religions (3 credits) · Christian ethics (3 credits) · Christian education (3 credits) · Christian leadership (3 credits) · Preaching (3 credits) · Worship (3 credits) · Advanced Supervised Ministry or Practica courses (courses with significant practice components) (6 credits)
TOTAL: 90 CREDITS www.CTSnet.edu
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DEGREE PROGRAMS & ADMISSIONS
MASTER OF ARTS IN PRACTICAL THEOLOGY
AIMS OF THE PROGRAM
The purpose of the Master of Arts in Practical Theology degree is to equip persons for a broad array of ministries through the practice of theological and contextual reflection. The degree program combines a core curriculum of theological studies with the study of particular ministry arts through three areas of concentration: Educational Ministry, Pastoral Care/Pastoral Theology, or Worship, Preaching, and the Arts. The degree may be appropriate for ordination in those traditions that do not require a three-year Master of Divinity program, or for those lay people who desire a theological education in order to carry out their professional or volunteer ministries in congregational settings or beyond. This degree may also be used to add an area of specialization to a Master of Divinity degree. Once a student has concluded the degree program, the student is expected to be able to: • Understand the nature and task of practical theology • To engage in theological action and reflection within contexts of ministry in order to bring theological resources to bear on issues and problems they may face in their future ministry settings • Develop the habitus of Christian identity for service of Church and world. Christian identity is defined by clarity in beliefs, practice of spiritual disciplines, self-reflection on gifts, and growing edges in leadership within faith communities These are the student learning outcomes for the Master of Arts in Practical Theology degree program. COMPONENTS OF THE PROGRAM The Masters of Arts in Practical Theology requires 48 credit hours and can be completed in two years and one summer if pursued on a full-time basis. Typically, the summer will be used to complete the contextual education requirement. Over the course of the 48 credit hours in this program, students will complete a core set of general courses in biblical studies, history, and doctrine totaling 15 credit hours. In addition, all students will complete the Introduction to Practical Theology and Capstone Course in Practical
• Have on file with the seminary a complete and official transcript of credits showing graduation with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college of liberal arts and sciences, a completed health form, and standardized test results; • Be tested for and achieve competency in English writing skills; • Satisfactorily complete all the requirements
Theology (6 credit hours total) and a contextual
of the degree with a total of 48 credit hours
education course (6 credit hours). Courses in the
within five years of the date of matriculation,
area of concentration (Educational Ministry, Pastoral
24 of which must be completed at Columbia
Care/Pastoral Theology or Worship, Preaching and
(excluding cross-registration courses);
the Arts) and general electives will constitute the remaining 21 credit hours.
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REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE
Columbia Theological Seminary
• Maintain a minimum overall grade point average of 2.30;
• Be in residence for at least three long terms (residency is defined as enrollment as a degreeseeking student and registered for classes), unless having already attained a Master of Divinity or Master of Arts degree; • Demonstrate to the faculty that they have
• Submit the application for the Master of Arts in Practical Theology degree by April 1. • Test scores from the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test are not required. All applicants for whom English is not their first language must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language
sustained a sound moral and religious character in
(TOEFL) and submit the official score with application
seminary life and give promise of useful service in
materials. Those seeking admission must score at least
the ministry or other church vocations; and
550 (paper-based format), or 76 (internet format) with
• Pay all bills to the seminary and give assurance that all open accounts in the community and elsewhere have been satisfied. Students with education loans must agree to make prompt and regular payments. ADMISSION TO THE MASTER OF ARTS IN PRACTICAL THEOLOGY PROGRAM Persons seeking admission to the Master of Arts in Practical Theology program may obtain an application from the Columbia website. To be considered for admission, prospective students are required to: • Have completed a baccalaureate degree, or its
minimum scores in the following areas: Reading 22; Listening 16; Speaking 16; and Writing 22. All test fees are the responsibility of the applicant. TRANSFER OF CREDIT AND DUAL DEGREE OPTION A student may receive no more than 18 credit hours for work completed within the past five years towards an unearned degree at another Association of Theological Schools (ATS) accredited institution. Transfer credit will only be given for courses passed with a grade of B or higher. The determination of whether or not courses taken at other institutions may receive credit is made by
equivalent, at a university or college accredited
the Office of Academic Affairs, which also determines
by one of the six regional accreditation agencies;
whether the credits will fulfill either required or elective
applicants with degrees from educational
credit hours. All petitions for transfer credit and
institutions not accredited by one of the six
advanced standing should be made by the end of the
agencies must submit a written essay response
student’s first academic year.
to an academic article provided by the Office of
A student who has completed a Master of Arts
Admissions and Financial Aid along with their
(MA) degree from an ATS accredited institution may
applications. Under special circumstances some
transfer in up to 18 credit hours or one half of the total
applicants, who are deemed to possess the requisite
credit hours of the degree program (if less than 48
academic skills and abilities due to their life
CH) toward Columbia’s MAPT degree. A student who
experience, may be admitted in a provisional status
has completed an MDiv at Columbia or at another ATS
to pursue this degree. Such applicants must also
accredited institution, may also apply up to 18 hours
submit a written essay response to an academic
toward the MAPT degree. Applied credit will only be
article provided by the Office of Admissions and
given for courses passed with a grade of B or higher. The
Financial Aid.
determination of whether or not courses taken at other
• Furnish a) a completed application form including essays, b) statement of self-disclosure, c) transcripts from all institutions of higher education, d) three recommendations on forms produced by Columbia, e) an official criminal background check report, and f) an interview with the MAPT Program Director, a member of the Admissions Committee or other faculty as assigned.
institutions may receive credit is made by the Office of Academic Affairs, which also determines whether the credits will fulfill either required or elective credit hours. A student may pursue the Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Practical Theology in a dual degree format. Both degrees are awarded at the same commencement, after the student has earned 114 credits and met the requirements of both degrees. www.CTSnet.edu
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MAPT AT A GLANCE
2019/2020
COMPONENTS OF THE CURRICULUM Areas of Concentration
· Educational Ministries · Pastoral Care/Pastoral Theology · Worship, Preaching , and the Arts
Required Courses
7 COURSES · 21 CREDITS Each of these courses must be successfully completed to earn the MAPT degree:
Contextual Education Course Credits 1 COURSE · 6 CREDITS
Area of Concentration Course Credits 4 COURSES · 12 CREDITS
· Intro course in Area of Concentration (3 credits) · Three additional courses (9 credits)
· Intro to Practical Theology (3 credits) · Old Testament Interpretation Elective Course Credits (3 credits) · New Testament Interpretation 3 COURSES · 9 CREDITS (3 credits) · Christian Ethics (3 credits) · 1 course in History of Christianities, American Religious History, or World Religions (3 credits) · Christian Theology I (3 credits) · Capstone Course in Practical Theology (3 credits)
TOTAL: 48 CREDITS
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Columbia Theological Seminary
MASTER OF ARTS
(THEOLOGICAL STUDIES) AIMS OF THE PROGRAM The Master of Arts (Theological Studies) (MA[TS]) is a two-year flexible degree program that provides theological studies for persons who are exploring career options, preparing for doctoral studies, church leadership positions, or specialized forms of lay ministry. The MA(TS) program is also for those persons who wish to engage theological issues of faith and the modern world in relation to their professions. While this program is not designed to prepare persons for the practice of ordained ministry, it may be useful for those ministers who serve in traditions that do not require a degree in divinity for ordination, but who nevertheless wish to develop their formal knowledge of theology. Once a student has concluded the degree program, the student is expected to be able to: • Demonstrate knowledge and research skills within one of the five areas of specialization (OT, NT, Ethics, Church History, Theology) • Demonstrate familiarity with content in an auxiliary area of concentration (OT, NT, Ethics, Church History, Theology) • Develop and describe their personal sense of vocation • Address challenges to pursuing their vocations and articulate intersections between coursework and their lives • Prepare materials suitable for post-graduation endeavors These are the student learning outcomes for the Master of Arts (Theological Studies) degree program. COMPONENTS OF THE PROGRAM Because students enroll in the MA(TS) program for a wide variety of reasons, they enjoy an extremely flexible schedule. Indeed, the only class they must all take is the MA(TS) Seminar, normally during the fall of their first year at the seminary. Among its primary purposes, this seminar helps them to clarify their plans for the degree, structure their coursework accordingly at the seminary, and choose a faculty advisor within their area of specialization. The seminar will also help students in their exploration of various career options. MA(TS) students must choose one of five disciplines as an area of specialization: Old Testament, New Testament, Theology, Church History, or Ethics. They will each take 15 credit hours in this discipline, three of which are met in I600 MA(TS) Independent Study, which is done under the direction of a faculty member in that discipline. Taken near the end of
their degree work, I600 requires the production of a 25-35 page major research paper and provides students with the opportunity to deeply explore a critical issue in their field, thus revealing the ability to do in-depth and independent research, to critically engage and analyze that research, to think constructively and do original work, and to write at a master’s level. Ordinarily, MA(TS) students shall only take one independent study (which is B699 or HD699). Students specializing in Old Testament must take Hebrew; likewise, students specializing in New Testament must take Greek. The other courses in the discipline may be chosen from among any offered to basic degree students at Columbia. To help round out their education, MA(TS) students must choose a different discipline than their area of specialization and take any nine credit hours in it. Additionally, they must take at least three hours in yet a third discipline. Beyond these requirements, students www.CTSnet.edu
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DEGREE PROGRAMS & ADMISSIONS
are invited to take any course in the curriculum
Details of the program are available from the
provided that they do not take more than nine
director of the Master of Arts (Theological
credit hours in the Practical Theology area. Courses Studies) program. that are either Interdisciplinary or in Supervised Ministry may be allowed with the prior approval of the MA(TS) Director.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MASTER OF ARTS (THEOLOGICAL STUDIES) DEGREE
(THEOLOGICAL STUDIES) PROGRAM Persons seeking admission to the Master of Arts (Theological Studies) program may obtain an application from the Columbia website. To be
To be eligible for graduation with the MA(TS)
considered for admission, prospective students
degree, students are required to:
are required to:
• Have on file with the seminary a complete and
• Have completed a four-year baccalaureate
official transcript of credits showing graduation
degree, or its equivalent, at a regionally
with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited
accredited university or college of arts and
university or college of liberal arts and sciences,
sciences;
a completed health form, and any required standardized test results; • Be tested for and achieve competency in English writing skills; • Satisfactorily complete all the requirements of the degree with a total of 48 credit hours within five years of the date of matriculation, 27 of which must be completed at Columbia (excluding cross-registration courses); • Maintain a minimum overall grade point average of 2.30; • Be in residence for at least three long terms (residency is defined as enrollment as a degreeseeking student and registered for classes); • Demonstrate to the faculty that they have sustained a sound moral and religious character in seminary life and give promise of useful service in the ministry or other church vocations; and • Pay all bills to the seminary and give assurance that all open accounts in the community and elsewhere have been satisfied. Students with education loans must agree to make prompt and regular payments. 18
ADMISSION TO THE MASTER OF ARTS
Columbia Theological Seminary
• Furnish a) a completed application form including essays, b) statement of selfdisclosure, c) transcripts from all institutions of higher education, d) four recommendations on forms produced by Columbia, e) an official criminal background check report, and f) an interview with the MA(TS) program director, a member of the Admissions Committee or other faculty as assigned. • Submit the application for the Master of Arts in Theological Studies degree by April 1. • Test scores from the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test are not required. All applicants for whom English is not their first language must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and submit the official score with application materials. Those seeking admission must score at least 550 (paperbased test) or 76 (internet-based test) with minimum scores in the following areas: Reading 22; Listening 16; Speaking 16; and Writing 22. All test fees are the responsibility of the applicant.
TRANSFER CREDIT A student may transfer no more than 15 credit hours in the five fields of the program from work completed before admission. The credit must be earned from regionally accredited or ATS accredited institutions. No transfer credit may be obtained for work done more than 36 months before admission. Transfer credit will only be given for courses passed with a grade of B or higher. The determination of whether courses taken at other institutions may receive credit is made by the Office of Academic Affairs. All petitions for transfer credit and advanced standing must be made by the end of the student’s first academic year.
MA(TS) AT A GLANCE
2019/2020
COMPONENTS OF THE CURRICULUM Areas of Specialization
· Old Testament
· New Testament · Theology · Church History · Ethics
Required MA(TS) Courses
2 COURSES · 6 CREDITS · MA(TS) Seminar (3 credits) · Independent study resulting in a final paper (3 credits)
Specialization Area Courses
8 COURSES · 24 CREDITS · 4 courses in area of specialization (12 credits) · 3 courses in second area of specialization (9 credits) · 1 course in third area of specialization (3 credits)
Electives
6 COURSES · 18 CREDITS Up to 3 courses may be from the Practical Theology area.
TOTAL: 48 CREDITS www.CTSnet.edu
19
ADVANCED DEGREES
Columbia offers four programs leading to an advanced degree. They include the MASTER OF DEGREE PROGRAMS & ADMISSIONS
THEOLOGY, DOCTOR OF MINISTRY, DOCTOR OF EDUCATIONAL MINISTRY, and DOCTOR OF THEOLOGY IN PASTORAL COUNSELING. The ThD degree is no longer accepting applicants and will be discontinued once current students complete the degree. Each of these advanced degrees builds on the work completed in the MDiv, MAPT, or MA(TS) degrees.
In addition to the resources of the faculty and library on Columbia’s campus, advanced degree
students may draw upon the resources of the Atlanta area. Additional educational opportunities and resources are available through the Atlanta Theological Association. Accredited programs of clinical pastoral education and pastoral counseling are available in many settings. Numerous national and regional offices of denominational and interdenominational agencies are located in Atlanta.
MASTER OF THEOLOGY
AIMS OF THE PROGRAM
The Master of Theology (ThM) is designed for persons already holding the MDiv degree or its equivalent who wish to deepen their mastery of one area or discipline of theological study through reflection, research, and writing for the service of the Church. The distinctive element of Columbia’s ThM program is the opportunity to work closely with faculty mentors in research of mutual interest. Students pursue a one-year course of full-time study that includes coursework in relevant curricular areas; a seminar in research methods; close work with a faculty mentor; the production of a publishable research thesis project; and, by application to the faculty, the opportunity to serve as a research or teaching assistant. Once the student has concluded the degree program, the student is expected to be able to: • Demonstrate advanced research methodology and scholarship in the production of a thesis • Demonstrate an academic understanding in a focused area of study • Demonstrate competency in teaching in a specific field of study, in the case of students accepted for teaching assistantships These are the student learning outcomes for the Master of Theology degree program. COMPONENTS OF THE PROGRAM Students must earn at least 12 credit hours, in addition to the 18 credit hours for the ThM thesis preparation (reading and writing) in the area of specialization. ThM students participate in an intensive oneweek Research Seminar in the late summer and a
thesis writing. During the spring semester, students present and discuss work they are doing on their thesis. Students complete a ThM thesis. The thesis is worth 12 semester hours of credit, 3 credit hours for focused reading and research, 3 credit hours for writing a literature review, 3 credit hours for writing the thesis,
and 3 credit hours for colloquium participation.The one semester writing colloquium in the spring with progress of the writing and the provisional and final other students in the program. The intensive late approval of the thesis are overseen by the student’s
summer session focuses on research methods, and advisor and the ThM director in consultation with the the fall focuses on research and the beginning of Office of Academic Affairs. 20
Columbia Theological Seminary
Summer (registered as fall) • Research Seminar (3 credits)
Fall term
January term
•
Thesis research (3)
• •
•
Thesis writing (3)
Literature review (3)
•
2 electives (6)
2 electives (6)
•
ThM colloquium (3)
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MASTER OF
THEOLOGY DEGREE
•
1 elective (3)
Spring term
• Have completed the MDiv degree, or its academic equivalent, at an accredited seminary or divinity
To be eligible for graduation with the ThM degree, students
school. In certain cases, a Master of Arts or a Master
are required to:
of Theological Studies degree in the appropriate
• Have on file with the seminary a complete and official transcript of credits showing graduation with the MDiv degree (or its equivalent) from an accredited institution, a completed health form, and standardized test results; • Satisfactorily complete all the requirements of the degree with a total of 30 credit hours (at the advanced level) within two years of the date of matriculation, 18 of which must be completed at Columbia (excluding crossregistration courses); • Complete a ThM thesis; • Complete the ThM Research Seminar; • Be in residence for at least two long terms (residency is defined as enrollment as a degree-seeking student and registered for classes); • Maintain a minimum overall grade point average of 3.00; • Demonstrate to the faculty that they have sustained a sound moral and religious character in seminary life and give promise of useful service in the ministry or other church vocations; and • Pay all bills to the seminary and give assurance that all open accounts in the community and elsewhere have been satisfied. Students with education loans must agree to make prompt and regular payments. Students in the ThM degree program are assessed an administrative extension fee if they do not finish within the academic year in which the student matriculated.
area may be accepted as a substitute, but additional preparatory work may be required; ordinarily, a B average in an applicant’s college and seminary program is considered a minimum standard for admission. Applicants shall have official transcripts of all work since high school sent directly from the institution; • Have a knowledge of both the Hebrew and Greek languages if they seek to do their ThM in biblical studies; • Submit three references (on reference forms provided by Columbia): two academic references from seminary or other graduate school professors and one character reference from a person who is familiar with the applicant’s ministry or professional ministry; • A scholarly writing sample may be requested in addition to the application; • Submit the application for the Master of Theology degree by March 1 for the following academic year; • Indicate to the admission office within two weeks after receiving notification of admission whether or not they will accept admission; and • Begin their course of study only in the fall semester. All ThM applicants for whom English is not their first language must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the TOEFL score must be from a test date that is two years or less from the date of application to Columbia Theological Seminary. A minimum score of 575 (paper-based test) or 86 (internet-based test)
ADMISSION TO THE MASTER OF THEOLOGY PROGRAM Persons seeking admission to the Master of Theology program may obtain an application from the Columbia web
is required, with the following minimum scores required in these areas: Reading 22; Listening 20; Speaking 20; and Writing 24. All test fees are the responsibility of the applicant.
site. To be considered for admission, prospective students are required to: www.CTSnet.edu
21
ThM continued DEGREE PROGRAMS & ADMISSIONS
TRANSFER OF CREDIT In planning the student’s program with her/his adviser or the ThM program director, a student may request the transfer of limited credit for work done prior to entry or at another institution while enrolled in the ThM program at Columbia. Ordinarily, the number of hours of transfer credit will be limited to three semester hours, or the equivalent of one elective course at Columbia. The work must have been done at a comparable graduate level within the last five years. A grade of B or better must have been earned for the course. The student must be able to show that the work is relevant to the ThM program and that the coursework was not credited toward a degree which was received. Final approval regarding transfer of credit resides with the Office of Academic Affairs.
THM AT A GLANCE
2019/2020
COMPONENTS OF THE CURRICULUM Students pursue a one-year course of full-time study that includes: · Coursework in relevant areas · A seminar in research methods · Close work with faculty · Production of a publishable research project · By application to the faculty, the opportunity to serve as a research or teaching assistant
Thesis Preparation
Area of Specialization
FALL TERM · Thesis research (3 credits) · Literature Review (3 credits)
FALL TERM · 2 electives (6 credits)
5 COURSES · 15 CREDITS SUMMER INTENSIVE · One-week Research Seminar (3 credits)
SPRING TERM · Thesis writing (3 credits) · ThM colloquium (3 credits)
15 CREDITS Columbia’s ThM program allows students to work closely with faculty mentors in research of mutual interest.
JANUARY TERM · 1 elective (3 credits) SPRING TERM · 2 elective (6 credits)
TOTAL: 30 CREDITS 22
Columbia Theological Seminary
DOCTOR OF MINISTRY
AIMS OF THE PROGRAM
The Doctor of Ministry degree program is designed for persons now engaged in ministry, who have completed basic theological studies (the Master of Divinity degree or its equivalent) and at least three years of full-time service in the practice of ministry after their MDiv studies. Persons from other countries may be eligible to apply. The program provides a course of graduate study for ministers of the people of God in the Church of Jesus Christ. It requires disciplined reflection upon, and further specialization within, ministry. The program focuses on the critical engagement between the biblical, historical, theological, and pastoral disciplines of ministry. By helping students integrate ministerial theory and practice with basic faith commitments, the program strengthens ministers to exercise a critical kind of teaching role in the church and to increase their competency and faithfulness in practice. Because the program seeks to help students strengthen a holistic ministry in community, the program is largely generalist in character, involving questions of personal ministerial identity and of the nature of the Church and its mission in a postmodern world. A doctoral project requires students to focus this integrated concentration in a particular context. Following the completion of the degree program, students are expected to: • Demonstrate advanced capacity to analyze ministry contexts and bring to bear one or more of the following disciplines and practices in relation to ministry: biblical, historical, theological, pastoral • Demonstrate advanced capacity to analyze pastoral situations theologically and demonstrate mature leadership in addressing them • Demonstrate competence in methods of pastoral research • Demonstrate competence in effective communication of their pastoral research to lay and professional ministry colleagues • Demonstrate advanced understanding of both local and global contexts and develop effective ways of engaging in the student’s particular cultural context of ministry. These are the student learning outcomes for the Doctor of Ministry degree program.
CONCENTRATIONS
Each student’s selection of electives and the direction
Students pursue the DMin degree in one of three
of their research allow them to focus on an area of
concentrations:
their own choosing, such as biblical studies, worship, preaching, pastoral care, or community ministry.
CHURCH AND MINISTRY Equipping leaders for the ministry and mission of the local congregation Focusing on ministry with the local congregation, this DMin concentration for Church and Ministry offers students the opportunity to become more effective leaders for God’s people. The program’s collegial approach, with shared readings and critical reflection, encourages students to examine the settings and practices of their own ministries.
ASIAN NORTH AMERICAN MINISTRY AND THEOLOGY Equipping leaders for more vibrant, critical, and creative engagement in their Asian North American ministry contexts The Asian North American DMin concentration is designed to support and equip those who are presently engaged in various types of ministries in the Asian North American context where English is the primary www.CTSnet.edu
23
DMin continued DEGREE PROGRAMS
language used for ministry. This concentration will
courses. Classes are offered over a three- to
& ADMISSIONS
be offered every other year. Students will have the
four-year period of the degree, but students will
opportunity to critically analyze their particular
complete most of their studies, their practicum,
ministry contexts by engaging in the emerging
and their project in their own ministry setting in
themes in Asian North American theologies and
consultation with the faculty.
ministries. Coursework will include study of Asian North American theology, history, ethics, pastoral
DMIN PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
care, religions, social sciences, family and cultural
The DMin program operates under the
systems theory of ministry, and participation in
supervision of Columbia’s Advanced Degrees
a practicum and travel seminar. The trajectory
Committee and is administered by a faculty
of this concentration will be towards students’
member serving as associate dean for advanced
reengagement in their ministry with new vision
professional studies. The program cooperates
and creative energy, undergirded by a deepened
with the other member schools of the Atlanta
understanding of critical issues in Asian North
Theological Association (ATA). Students may
American contextual theology.
take courses in the DMin programs of other ATA member schools through cross registration.
GOSPEL, CULTURE, AND THE ADVISING TRANSFORMATION OF THE CHURCH Equipping leaders for a new, more Each student is guided by an adviser who is faithful church, reformed not through assigned during the introductory seminar. The accommodation to contemporary student is responsible for consulting with the culture, but through critical engagement advisor to develop a plan of study. When the Addressing a pervasive need in the Church for a student is ready to submit a proposal for the new paradigm for relating gospel and culture, this student’s project, first and second readers are DMin program in Gospel and Culture enables chosen. The adviser may serve as either the first pastors to engage the mission field of North or second reader for the project; however, the American, postmodern, post-Christian society. first reader will become the new adviser of record. As students engage in disciplined cultural analysis, The first and second readers assist the student they will find that familiar biblical texts, doctrines, in developing a project proposal and evaluate the and ethics take on new meanings as they student’s written DMin research project. confront the challenges of today. They will see the emergence of new readings of the Church’s situation and the human project alongside their own renewed and enlivened commitment to theological truths. COURSE FORMATS Classes are taught in one of three formats: 1) intensive two-week courses at the seminary; 2) hybrid courses where students will take classes on campus for one week and complete the remainder of the course online; or 3) fully online 24
Columbia Theological Seminary
COMPONENTS OF THE PROGRAM The thirty-six-hour program comprises the following: • Introductory Seminar (6 credit hours). Students take part in an intensive seminar at the outset of the program to explore interdisciplinary perspectives around contemporary issues of ministry and professional development. In this seminar students begin interdisciplinary integration and
clarify an operative theory of ministry to guide
each student participates in a project development
their development of a study plan.
and design seminar to clearly articulate the topic
• Elective Courses (15 credit hours). The program requires a plan of study involving the integration of three dimensions: the biblical and theological norms of Christian faith; critical attention to the contemporary human situation; and the practices of ministry and
and design of the student’s final DMin project. This seminar, together with the Introduction to Research Methodologies offered near the beginning of the students’ program, is offered to prepare the students to articulate well-designed project proposals before writing their final projects.
church mission. In consultation with an adviser, • Literature Review (3 credit hours). After students each student draws up a course of study to
successfully complete their project proposals, they will
achieve the aims of both the student and the
critically review relevant literature for their projects
doctoral program. Students must complete at
with the careful guidance of their first readers. The
least one course in each of the three areas of
culmination of the literature review may be the
the Columbia curriculum: Biblical, Practical
completion of the chapter outlining the theoretical and
Theology, and Historical/Doctrinal.
theological framework of the student’s project. The
• Introduction to Research Methodologies
student must receive satisfactory evaluation from the
(1.5 credit hours). This seminar is designed to
first and second readers in order to pass the course.
introduce to the students the basic rudiments
• Doctor of Ministry Project (6 credit hours). Elements
of qualitative and quantitative research
of the degree converge in the Doctor of Ministry
methods and research design that students
Project. The student must complete a DMin project,
will need to know in order to design their final
comprised of detailed, expanded research and a
DMin projects. This seminar and the Project
shorter summary article of the research. In order that
Proposal Workshop offered near the end of the
the project can be an integrating focus for the entire
students’ coursework are offered to prepare
course of study, students should start thinking about
the students to articulate a well-designed
the proposal for the project early in the program.
project proposal before writing their final
Ordinarily, the student’s ministry setting is the
research projects.
context of the DMin research project.
• Doctor of Ministry Practicum (3 credit hours). The practicum is a student designed supervised ministry project that normally takes place in the student’s ministry context, providing new perspectives on self, theology, profession, leadership, and the needs and challenges of particular aspects of ministry
Students enrolled in the Doctor of Ministry degree program are required to request an extension if they have not completed the degree requirements within four years of the date of matriculation. The extension request must be sent to the registrar, indicating in the request an expected graduation date. If the request is approved, an
through an action-reflection model of learning. extension fee will be charged by the Business Office. A practicum supervisor outside of the student’s ministry context and a peer group that will be part of the practicum project will be chosen by the student. A unit of Clinical
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DOCTOR OF MINISTRY DEGREE To be eligible for graduation with the DMin degree,
Pastoral Education may be used to meet this
students are expected to:
requirement.
• Have on file with the seminary a complete and official
• Project Proposal Workshop (1.5 credit hours). Toward the end of the program coursework,
transcript of credits showing graduation with the MDiv degree (or its equivalent) from an ATS-accredited institution; www.CTSnet.edu
25
DMin continued DEGREE PROGRAMS & ADMISSIONS
• Satisfactorily complete all the requirements
• A personal statement of the applicant’s
of the degree with a total of 36 credit hours
ministry to date, vision for future ministry,
within four years of the date of matriculation,
reasons for pursuing a DMin degree, and
30 of which must be completed at Columbia;
reasons for choosing Columbia for the DMin program
• Complete the Introduction to Research Methodologies course and the Project
• An up-to-date resume;
Proposal Workshop;
• A background check (done through the online application process);
• Complete the DMin project; • Maintain a minimum overall grade point
• Verification of three years of experience in ministry after completion of the MDiv degree;
average of 3.00; • Demonstrate to the faculty that they have
• Official transcripts for all degree program
sustained a sound moral and religious character
work completed after high school, sent
in seminary life and give promise of useful
directly from the appropriate institutions; and
service in the ministry or other church vocations; and
• Three letters of recommendation (on forms provided by Columbia): one academic reference from a seminary or other graduate
• Pay all bills to the seminary and give assurance that all open accounts have been satisfied.
school professor and two character references
Students with education loans must agree to
from persons who are familiar with the
make prompt and regular payments.
applicant’s ministry. In some cases, the associate dean for advanced professional
ADMISSION TO THE DOCTOR OF
studies may request a personal interview with
MINISTRY PROGRAM
the applicant.
Persons seeking admission to the Doctor of
All DMin applicants for whom English is not
Ministry degree program are required to have
their first language must take the Test of English
an MDiv or an equivalent degree with a superior
as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Internet-based
academic record (B average or higher) from a
test (iBT), and the iBT TOEFL score must be
school of theology accredited by the Association
from a test date that is two years or less from
of Theological Schools (or an equivalent
the date of application to Columbia Theological
accrediting body outside the United States and
Seminary. Normally a minimum total iBT TOEFL
Canada). In addition, applicants are required to
score of 86 is required, with the following
have completed at least three years of full-time
minimum required scores in the areas: Reading
work in ministry with demonstrated superior
22; Listening 20; Speaking 20; and Writing
professional performance; normally this work
24. All test fees are the responsibility of the
must have been completed after the applicant
applicant.
received the MDiv degree.
To be considered for admission to the DMin
must first contact the Office of Admissions
program, applicants are required to supply the
and Financial Aid (admissions@ctsnet.edu) for
Office of Advanced Professional Studies with the
additional application information pertaining to
following:
international students.
• An online application form; 26
Columbia Theological Seminary
International applicants to the DMin program
TRANSFER CREDIT With prior approval from the Office of Academic Affairs, a student may receive up to 6 hours of transfer credit from another ATS accredited institution. Each course must be at the advanced degree level and the grade must be at least a B (3.0 on a scale of 4.0). Independent studies and enhanced basic degree courses will not be considered for transfer credit. A course submitted for advanced standing must have been taken no more than five years before entrance into the program. Students may not receive credit for academic work applied toward another degree.
DMIN AT A GLANCE
2019/2020
COMPONENTS OF THE CURRICULUM Areas of Concentration
· Gospel, Culture, and Transformation · Church and Ministry · Asian North American Ministry and Theology
Year 1 10.5 CREDITS
· Introductory Seminar (6 credits) · Intro to Research Methodology (1.5 credits) · One elective course (3 credits) · Faculty adviser assigned
Year 3 10.5 CREDITS
· Two elective courses (6 credits) · Practicum completed (3 credits) · Project Proposal Workshop (1.5 credits) · First reader · Second reader · Complete DMin Project Proposal
Year 4 9 CREDITS
· Literature review (3 credits) · Final project (6 credits)
Year 2 6 CREDITS
· Two elective courses (6 credits) · Begin Practicum
TOTAL: 36 CREDITS www.CTSnet.edu
27
DEGREE PROGRAMS & ADMISSIONS
DOCTOR OF EDUCATIONAL MINISTRY AIMS OF THE PROGRAM The goal of the Doctor of Educational Ministry degree program is to enhance the practice of and theological reflection on educational ministry for persons who hold their first professional degree in religious education or its equivalent and have engaged in educational ministry leadership for at least three years of full-time service in the practice of Christian Educational ministry after their studies. Persons from other countries may be eligible to apply. The program offers a course of graduate study for educators who serve in churches, church governing bodies, schools, or other educational ministry settings. The program focuses on (a) an advanced understanding of the nature and purposes of educational ministry, (b) enhanced capacity to reflect theologically on issues and practices related to educational ministry, (c) acquisition and refinement of skills and competencies for more effective ministry, (d) an understanding of emerging models in educational ministry and ability to critically evaluate those models, and (e) continued growth in spiritual maturity. Incorporating a variety of pedagogical methods, the Doctor of Educational Ministry program provides advanced-level study of the theological, educational, and administrative disciplines including: • An advanced and critical study of Christian
the data, and implement and evaluate any ministry
formation from theological, historical,
model that emerges from the research. While the
behavioral science, and social science
first reader for the report will likely be one of the
perspectives;
faculty members in Christian education, the second
• An advanced and critical study of organizational and leadership development and the social contexts for ministry; • An advanced and critical study of educational theory and practice as it relates to congregational and other ministry contexts; and • The development of skills and competencies
reader must come from outside the field of Christian education. Columbia also requires a public presentation, in which the candidate demonstrates an advanced capacity to reflect theologically on the practice of educational ministry, to identify critical issues in the context of the ministry project, and to think constructively and imaginatively about
necessary for research, planning, and evaluation the educational and administrative aspects of
28
of the practice of educational ministry in
congregational life and other contexts of educational
congregations or other settings.
ministry practice.
The DEdMin program includes the design and
Following the completion of the degree program,
completion of a doctoral level project. Such a
students are expected to:
project addresses the nature and practice of
1. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the
educational ministry and should be of sufficient
theology and purpose of educational ministry both
quality that it contributes both to the student’s
in the classroom and in their ministry settings.
and the profession’s understandings of the practice
2. Demonstrate advanced competence in
of educational ministry. The ministry project
teaching and learning theory as well as curriculum
demonstrates the candidate’s ability to identify an
design for more effective educational ministry in
educational ministry need, organize and carry out
their current settings.
research methods that address that need, interpret
3. Demonstrate competence in methods of
Columbia Theological Seminary
Christian Educational research.
theology, history and philosophy of educational ministry; 2)
4. Demonstrate competence in effective
advanced study in human development; 3) advanced study
communication of their Christian Educational
in curriculum theory and curriculum development; and 4)
research to suitable educational ministry
advanced study in teaching theory and teaching methods.
colleagues. 5. Demonstrate advanced understanding of both local and global contexts and develop effective ways of engaging in the student’s cultural context of educational ministry. These are the student learning outcomes for the Doctor of Educational Ministry degree program. DEDMIN PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION The DEdMin program operates under the supervision of Columbia’s Advanced Degrees Committee and is administered by the associate
• Elective Courses (9 credit hours). To fulfill the degree requirement of significant interdisciplinary learning experiences that provide integration of theological understanding and ministerial practice, students take three elective courses from the broader offering of Advanced Professional Studies electives. Only one elective may be from the practical theology area. • Development of a Curriculum Design (3 hours). An original curriculum design is produced, tested, and assessed by the student. • Doctor of Educational Ministry Practicum (6 credit
dean for advanced professional studies. Students
hours). The practicum is a supervised activity in educational
may also take courses in other schools of the
ministry that takes place outside the student’s ordinary
Atlanta Theological Association.
work situation, providing new perspectives on self, theology, profession, and the needs and challenges of other persons
ADVISING
and institutions. It can take place in settings as diverse as
Each student is guided by an adviser who is one
business, governmental, community, or church agencies
of the professors of Christian education. This
where appropriate supervision and learning opportunities with
assignment takes place after the introductory
peers are available.
seminar. This adviser works with the student to develop a plan of study. When the student is ready to submit a proposal for the project, the adviser becomes the first reader and a second reader is chosen. The first and second readers comprise the doctoral committee that administers the literature review, assists the student in developing a project proposal, and evaluates the student’s written project report. COMPONENTS OF THE PROGRAM The forty-five-hour program comprises: • Introductory Seminar (6 credit hours). Students take part in an intensive seminar at the outset of the program to explore educational theory and practice. • Educational Core Courses (15 credit hours). The DEdMin requires four specific courses that are instrumental to the degree. These courses include 1) advanced study in the
• Project Proposal Workshop (non-credit). Toward the end of the program coursework, each student participates in a project development and design seminar to clearly articulate the topic and design of the student’s final DEdMin project. This seminar is offered to prepare the students to articulate well-designed project proposals before writing their final projects. • Doctor of Educational Ministry Project (6 credit hours). Elements of the degree converge in the Doctor of Educational Ministry Project. The student must complete a DEdMin project, comprised of a detailed, expanded research and a shorter summary article of the research and other related artifacts as determined by the student. In order that the project can be an integrating focus for the entire course of study, students should start thinking about the proposal for the project early in the program. Ordinarily, students conduct the DEdMin project in their own educational ministry setting. Students enrolled in the Doctor of Educational Ministry degree program are required to request an extension if they have not www.CTSnet.edu
29
DEdMin continued DEGREE PROGRAMS & ADMISSIONS
completed the degree requirements within four
MACE, MA(TS) or MAPT with a concentration
years of the date of matriculation. The extension
in Christian Education, MDiv with demonstrated
request must be sent to the registrar, indicating
coursework in educational ministry). Ministerial
in the request an expected graduation date. If
experience cannot be considered an alternative
the request is approved, an extension fee will be
to or a substitute for the professional master’s
charged by the Business Office.
degree in educational ministry, nor can other master’s degrees in education that do not have
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DOCTOR
a comprehensive exposure to the theological
OF EDUCATIONAL MINISTRY DEGREE
disciplines. Applicants with appropriate coursework
To be eligible for graduation with the DEdMin degree, students are expected to:
Applicants for admission shall be required to
• Have on file with the seminary a complete and official transcript of credits showing graduation with the first professional degree in religious education (or its equivalent) from an ATS-accredited institution; • Satisfactorily complete all the requirements of the degree with a total of 45 credit hours, 39 of which must be completed at Columbia, within four years of the date of matriculation; • Complete the Project Development and
educational ministry, superior academic aptitude, and capacity both to contribute to the program and benefit by participation in it. Ordinarily, applicants are employed by or hold an official position in educational ministry throughout the duration of their enrollment in the degree program. To be considered for admission to the DEdMin program, applicants are required to supply the Office of Advanced Professional Studies with • An online application form;
• Complete the DEdMin project;
• A personal statement detailing the applicant’s
• Maintain a minimum overall grade point
educational ministry to date and vision for future
average of 3.00;
ministry; reasons for pursuing a DEdMin degree, and for choosing Columbiafor the DEdMin
• Demonstrate to the faculty that they have sustained a sound moral and religious character in seminary life and give promise of useful service in the ministry or other church vocations; and • Pay all bills to the seminary and give assurance that all open accounts have been satisfied. Students with education loans must agree to make prompt and regular payments.
program • An up-to-date resume; • A background check; • Certification of three years of experience in educational ministry after completion of the first professional degree; • Official transcripts for all degree program work completed after high school, sent directly from
EDUCATIONAL MINISTRY PROGRAM
30
demonstrate ability to engage in the practices of
the following:
Design Workshop;
ADMISSION TO THE DOCTOR OF
may be considered eligible for advanced standing.
the appropriate institutions; and • Three letters of recommendation (on forms
Admission to the degree program requires the
provided by Columbia): one academic reference
possession of an ATS-approved first professional
from a seminary or other graduate school
degree in educational ministry (i.e., M.R.E.,
professor and two character references from
Columbia Theological Seminary
persons who are familiar with the applicant’s
must first contact the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid
ministry. In some cases, a professor of Christian
(admissions@ctsnet.edu) for additional application information
education may request a personal interview with
pertaining to international students.
the applicant. All DEdMin applicants for whom English is not their first language must take the Test of English as a
TRANSFER CREDIT With prior approval from the Office of Academic Affairs, a student
Foreign Language (TOEFL) internet-based test (iBT), may receive up to 6 hours of transfer credit from another ATSand the iBT TOEFL score must be from a test date
accredited institution. Each course must be at the advanced degree
that is two years or less from the date of application
level, and the grade must be at least a B (3.0 on a scale of 4.0).
to Columbia Theological Seminary. A minimum total Independent studies and enhanced basic degree courses will not iBT TOEFL score of 86 is required, with the following be considered for transfer credit. A course submitted for advanced minimum required scores in the areas: Reading 22;
standing must have been taken no more than five years before
Listening 20; Speaking 20; and Writing 24. All test
entrance into the program. Students may not receive credit for
fees are the responsibility of the applicant.
academic work applied toward another degree.
International applicants to the DEdMin program
DEdMIN AT A GLANCE
2019/2020
COMPONENTS OF THE CURRICULUM Year 1 15 CREDITS
· Introductory Seminar (6 credits) · Advanced Teaching and Learning Theory (3 credits) · Advanced Human Development (6 credits) · Faculty adviser assigned
Year 2 9 CREDITS
Year 3 15 CREDITS
· Complete practicum (6 credits) · Three elective courses: from Bible (B), Historical Doctrinal (HD) area, or independent study (9 credits)
Year 4 6 CREDITS
· Project Proposal Workshop · Final project (6 credits) · Advanced Study in Curriculum Theory (3 credits) · Theory, History, & Philosophy of Educational Ministry (3 credits) · Curriculum design (3 credits) · Begin Practicum
TOTAL: 45 CREDITS www.CTSnet.edu
31
DOCTOR OF THEOLOGY
DEGREE PROGRAMS & ADMISSIONS
IN PASTORAL COUNSELING INTRODUCTION
The Doctor of Theology program is being discontinued and will no longer accept applications. Students currently in the program have completed all coursework, and are being supported through the exam and dissertation phases in order to complete the degree. The Doctor of Theology (ThD) degree is offered through the Atlanta Theological Association by Columbia, Candler School of Theology, and the Interdenominational Theological Center of Atlanta. Students register for courses at any of these three seminaries within the ATA, as well as intensive clinical training (normally at the Care and Counseling Center of Georgia in Atlanta), with at least one-third of the student’s courses taken through the student’s school of enrollment. The program of study is conducted jointly under the direction of the ThD Committee of the Atlanta Theological Association, comprised of full-time teaching faculty in pastoral theology, care, and counseling at Columbia, Candler, and ITC. The ThD Committee has responsibility for approving student admission to the program, establishing curriculum offerings, and certifying candidates for the awarding of the degree. AIMS OF THE PROGRAM
congregations, and as consultants and researchers.
This program is unique among doctoral programs There is also an option for coursework fulfilling in the U.S. for its integration of theological, academic requirements for licensure in the State of clinical, and research dimensions of the
Georgia as a Marriage and Family Therapist. The advanced study of pastoral theology and pastoral ThD is comparable to the PhD, but it is designed psychotherapy. Graduates receive in-depth for those whose vocation is primarily clinical and education in psycho-dynamic, family systems,
theological.
narrative and intercultural approaches to pastoral psychotherapy, together with training in pastoral
PROGRAM OF STUDY
theological methods and social science research.
The studies included within the program help The program includes both academic coursework students gain an advanced understanding of and clinical residency, and culminates in a appropriate theological and theoretical concepts.
32
dissertation. Graduates currently serve in a
Students learn under qualified supervision the
wide range of settings as pastoral counselors,
application of these concepts in pastoral counseling
chaplains, consultants, pastors in church
and how to promote professional integration of
settings, researchers, and seminary professors.
theory and skills in both pastoral counseling and
The program is designed to prepare persons for
pastoral guidance. In addition, students design and
the specialized ministry of pastoral counseling
execute a research project appropriate to their own
at a doctoral level of competence and for
professional practice that gives evidence of their
membership at the Clinical Member level in the
creative ability to contribute to this aspect of pastoral
American Association of Pastoral Counselors.
counseling.
With this training, graduates currently serve
To receive the degree a student must complete
in a wide range of settings including pastoral
50 semester credit hours of academic and clinical
counseling centers, chaplaincies, seminaries,
practicum courses (21 core courses, 17 practicum
Columbia Theological Seminary
TRANSFER OF CREDIT FOR THD STUDENTS
courses, and 12 electives), pass both a Clinical Performance exam and five Qualifying exams, pass a
In planning the student’s program with her/his adviser or
comprehensive oral exam, and complete a dissertation.
ThD program director, a student may request credit for work done prior to entry under the following guidelines:
COURSEWORK AND PRACTICUM
•
Credit for prior academic and/or clinical training
Students will normally be in full-time coursework
must be approved by the ThD Committee, in
and residency for the first 21 months of the program,
conversation Office of Academic Affairs at
including the first summer. Clinical counseling residency
Columbia. All transfer credit must have been done
normally takes place at the Care and Counseling Center
at a PhD or ThD level and a grade of B or better
of Georgia (CCCG) in Decatur, GA.
must have been given for the prior coursework. The student must be able to show that the work
Each student admitted to the program has one member
is relevant to the ThD program. The coursework
of the pastoral counseling faculty as adviser.
normally can be no older than five years old. No EXAMINATIONS
more than 12 credit hours may be transferred from
Following completion of all academic and practicum
either an earned degree or from other coursework.
courses totaling 50 credits, and having earned a least a
All classroom work transferred in will be counted as
B average, the student will take a Clinical Performance
elective credit. In the case of clinical practicum work,
exam (normally May of the second year), showing
a student may receive credit for practicum work
competency in counseling. Following the performance
that was done in conjunction with licensure, clinical
exam, students will prepare for five Qualifying Exams,
work for another degree, or prior enrollment at the
covering therapeutic relationship and personality
Care and Counseling Center of Georgia’s practicum
theory, marriage and family theory, pastoral theology,
program. No more than 8 credit hours will be
socio-cultural dimensions of pastoral counseling, and
awarded for this work and will be credited toward the
ecclesiological and ethical dimensions of pastoral
basic practicum requirement. The student would be
counseling. The five written exams are followed by a
enrolled for the remaining 9 hours of practicum work
comprehensive oral examination.
•
Credit for work done after entry into the program at schools and agencies not related to the ATA may
DISSERTATION
be transferred to fulfill requirements for the ThD
Following satisfactory performance in the qualifying
degree under the following guidelines:
examinations, students prepare a dissertation proposal in consultation with their advisor. Following approval of the
at the advanced residency level.
• Prior to registration for a course for which
dissertation proposal by their dissertation committee and
credit is to be transferred, the student must
the Institutional Review Board (IRB), students engage in
have written permission of his/her adviser or
the approved research project and write the dissertation.
the ThD program director and the Office of
Academic Affairs at the student’s school of
TIMEFRAME
enrollment.
Four to five years is a reasonable minimum timeframe
• The student pays his/her own fees to the
for completion of all requirements for the degree on a
school where such work is done at institutions
full-time basis, depending on the student’s other work
not related to the ATA. The number of credits
commitments. Students may negotiate to complete
to be allowed within this limitation is, in
some of the degree requirements on a part-time basis,
each instance, subject to the approval of the
typically after completion of the first two years of the
respective ATA school.
program. Students are required to complete all degree
A limit of 12 semester hours is placed upon any work done
requirements within nine years.
at institutions not related to the ATA whether earned prior to enrollment or during enrollment in the program. All work transferred in will be credited as elective courses. www.CTSnet.edu
33
DEGREE PROGRAMS & ADMISSIONS
APPLICATION INFORMATION FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AND EXCHANGE VISITORS In order to matriculate for a course for credit, international students must hold either a valid F1 or J1 non-immigrant student visa. All applicants for whom English is not their first language must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Internet-based test (iBT), and submit an iBT TOEFL score from a test date that is two years or less from the date of application to Columbia Theological Seminary
20; and Writing 24. The Columbia institutional
before admission and enrollment for credit can
code for reporting the TOEFL score is 5118. All
be attained. Those applicants seeking admission
test fees are the responsibility of the applicant.
to basic degree programs (MDiv, MAPT,
Columbia has a limited number of
MA[TS], and Dual MDiv/MAPT) must score at
scholarships. International students are eligible
least 550 (paper based format), or 76 (internet
for institutional scholarships and financial aid
format) with minimum scores in the following
money. Students must be prepared to cover
areas: Reading 22; Listening 16; Speaking 16;
the expenses involved while engaged in study
and Writing 22. Applicants seeking admission
at Columbia. Therefore, upon admission, and
to advanced degree programs (ThM, DEdMin,
before the visa application process can begin,
DMin) must present an iBT TOEFL score of 86,
persons must show proof of adequate financial
with the following minimum required scores in
resources to cover costs which include, but are
the areas: Reading 22; Listening 20; Speaking
not limited to, tuition, fees (including but not limited to activity, program, and graduation fees), textbooks, health insurance, travel, and living expenses for the entire period of study in the United States. The required form I-20/ DS-2019, and other visa documents will not be issued until this financial information has been received and verified. ALL international students and accompanying family members are required to carry health insurance which meets the standards of the U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Service. No applicant should come to Atlanta until the applicant has received a formal letter of admission to a degree program from the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid and the required form I-20 or form DS-2019. Prospective international applicants should contact the Office of Admission and Financial Aid (admissions@ctsnet.edu) for application assistance and additional information.
34
Columbia Theological Seminary
SPECIAL STUDENTS AND AUDITORS SPECIAL STUDENTS Those who meet requirements for admission to a basic degree program but do not wish to
instructor and the Office of Academic Affairs when space permits. Auditors must register for courses with the registrar. Auditors are advised to
work toward a degree may enroll as a special
follow the following procedures:
student and take courses for credit. Those who
•
Request a class schedule from the registrar;
•
Select the class to be audited;
•
Secure permission from the professor of
do not meet the requirements for admission to a master’s degree program may be admitted as an unclassified student. Unclassified students are admitted for a limited number of courses as determined by the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid. Special students may be enrolled for an approved course of study over a specified time period determined by the Office of Academic Affairs. All applicants for whom English is a second language must pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
that class; and,
•
Secure permission from the registrar.
The cost for auditing a course is one-half the tuition for the course. Full-time basic degree students may audit a course in the Fall and Spring semesters for no charge pending the professor’s and registrar’s permissions.
before admission and enrollment for credit can be attained. Those seeking admission as either an unclassified or special student must score at least 550 (paper-based test), or 76 (internetbased test) with minimum scores in the following areas: Reading 22; Listening 16; Speaking 16; and Writing 22. Applications are available through the Columbia website. Students from other institutions of theological education who want to take courses for credit at Columbia can enroll as special students. Their applications must include either a letter of good standing from their home registrar or an official transcript of work completed at their home institution. It is the responsibility of the student to determine the transferability of Columbia’s credit to the student’s home institution.
AUDITORS Columbia students, spouses of students, and other members of the community are invited to audit courses with the permission of the
www.CTSnet.edu
35
FACULTY
LEANNE VAN DYK 2015 | President and Professor of Theology
BA Calvin College; MA Western Michigan University; MDiv Calvin Theological Seminary; PhD Princeton Theological Seminary She has served as a member of the Board of Commissioners of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). As a theological educator, Van Dyk is a strong proponent of theology addressing the present needs of the Church, particularly in the areas of worship and racial-ethnic diversity. BRENNAN WILLIAM BREED 2012 | Associate Professor of Old Testament and Director of QEP BA University of Virginia; MDiv Princeton Theological Seminary; PhD Emory University His research focuses on the reception history of the Bible, which traces the divergent uses and understandings of biblical texts from their ancient contexts of production to the present day. His other interests include Hebrew poetry, biblical theology, textual criticism, ancient and medieval visual art, and philosophy. WILLIAM PATRICK BROWN 2004 | William Marcellus McPheeters Professor of Old Testament BA Whitman College; MDiv Princeton Theological Seminary; PhD Emory University He has abiding interests in the use of scripture in the life of the Church and the world, particularly in the context of ecology and justice. Specific interests include creation theology, faith and science dialogue, the Psalms, and wisdom literature (Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes). He was named as a Henry Luce III Fellow in Theology for 2007–2008. MELISSA BROWNING 2018 | Interim Director of Contextual Education and International Partnerships and Visiting Assistant Professor of Contextual Education BA Gardner-Webb University; MDiv Baylor University; PhD Loyola University Chicago She studies community-based responses to injustice and writes and teaches about faith-based approaches to community development, community organizing, and social entrepreneurship. She is currently conducting a qualitative research study funded by the Louisville Institute with congregations formed for people experiencing homelessness. Melissa also does extensive work on teaching and learning, with a particular focus on experiential pedagogies and embodied learning. KELLY D. CAMPBELL 2013 | Associate Dean for Information Services and Director of the John Bulow Campbell Library BS Wichita State University; MLS Texas Women’s University; MATS Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary; EdD Pepperdine University She is passionate about equipping people for learning and life, strategizing to develop best practices, and providing high quality service. Her current research focuses on leading others to strive for excellence, and contributing to organizations by helping to develop future leaders. 36
Columbia Theological Seminary
*The date after each name indicates the year service began at Columbia.
KATHY DAWSON 2004 | Benton Family Associate Professor of Christian Education BA California State University, Long Beach; MACE Presbyterian School of Christian Education; MDiv Columbia Theological Seminary; PhD Princeton Theological Seminary Her interests revolve around spiritual development, creative teaching methodologies, curriculum theory, and children’s ministry. Her current research explores how parents and the church can have faithful conversations around fantasy literature for children and youth. She was chosen as the 2015 Educator of the Year by the Association of Presbyterian Church Educators. MARK DOUGLAS 1999 | Professor of Christian Ethics and Director of the MDiv Program BA Colorado College; MDiv, ThM Princeton Theological Seminary; PhD University of Virginia His wide-ranging interests include: ethics in neo-orthodox theologies, medical and business ethics, the American philosophical tradition of pragmatism, and the role of religion in political philosophy. ANNA CARTER FLORENCE 1998 | Peter Marshall Professor of Preaching and Worship BA Yale University; MDiv, PhD Princeton Theological Seminary She is interested in historical, theological, aesthetic, and performative dimensions of preaching, and in reflecting on the theories and practices that emerge when preaching engages other fields and different traditions. Her current research focuses on testimony, feminist theology, the role of experience in preaching, and the history of preaching women. ISRAEL GALINDO 2013 | Associate Dean for Lifelong Learning BA Northeastern College; MRE, MDiv, EdD New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary His interests are in the areas of congregational and organizational leadership, instruction and pedagogy, educational assessment, and Christian faith formation. His work in lifelong learning includes helping leaders apply Bowen Family Systems theory for healthy and effective functioning in home and work settings. JOHN WILLIAM HARKINS III 1999 | Senior Lecturer in Pastoral Theology and Care and Co-director of the ThD Program BA Rhodes College; MDiv, PhD Vanderbilt University He is interested in applications of pastoral theology, care, and counseling to both congregational life and clinical settings. Research interests include psychoanalytic theory, marriage and family therapy, and psychological/religious dimensions of literature and film. TIM HARTMAN 2014 | Assistant Professor of Theology BA Stanford University; MDiv Princeton Theological Seminary; PhD University of Virginia His research interests include contemporary Christian theologies worldwide, Christology, Lived Theology (the interrelationship between religious beliefs and practices), and the work of Kwame Bediako and Karl Barth.
www.CTSnet.edu
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Faculty continued CHRISTINE J. HONG 2017 | Assistant Professor of Educational Ministry BA University of Washington; MDiv, ThM Princeton Theological Seminary; PhD Claremont School of Theology Her research and teaching interests include decolonial and anti-racist approaches to religious and interreligious education, particularly in the contexts of theological and spiritual formation of children and youth among communities of color. MELINDA A. MCGARRAH SHARP 2017 | Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Pastoral Care and Director of the MAPT program BA University of Virginia; MAR Yale Divinity School; MA, PhD Vanderbilt University Her research includes intercultural pastoral care, particularly the intersections between care, ethics, and postcolonial studies. She is interested in teaching and learning forms of care that weave global interconnectedness, moral imagination, and faith practices. MARTHA MOORE-KEISH 2004 | J.B. Green Professor of Theology AB Harvard College; MDiv Union Theological Seminary in Virginia; PhD Emory University Her research interests include Reformed theology, liturgical theology (especially the theology and practice of the sacraments), and feminist theology. She also has interests in ecumenical theology and interfaith issues including: Reformed-Roman Catholic relations, Christian-Jewish relations, and the religions of India. She is currently co-editing a book on Karl Barth and Comparative Theology. JACOB D. MYERS 2015 | Assistant Professor of Homiletics BA Gardner Webb University; MDiv Princeton Theological Seminary; PhD Emory University He is interested in homiletical theories and theologies, continental philosophies (esp. poststructuralism, existentialism, and phenomenology), and emerging expressions of faith and practice in postmodern, post-Christian contexts. His research focuses on alternative epistemologies for sermon development and delivery, the philosophical and theological conditions for the im/possibility of preaching, contextual/constructive biblical hermeneutics and theologies, and the ways in which preaching interacts with cultures and traditions. RAJ NADELLA 2012 | Samuel A. Cartledge Associate Professor of New Testament and Director of the MA(TS) program BTh Serampore College; MDiv/BD United Theological College; MABL Graduate Theological Union; PhD Union Theological Seminary in Virginia His research and teaching interests include Bakhtin and Biblical Studies and postcolonial readings of the New Testament, especially the parables of Jesus. Additionally, his research focuses on New Testament perspectives on the issues of economic justice and their ethical and theological implications for the Church and society today.
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Columbia Theological Seminary
MARCIA Y. RIGGS 1991 | J. Erskine Love Professor of Christian Ethics and Seminary Ombudsperson AB Randolph-Macon Woman’s College; MDiv Yale Divinity School; PhD Vanderbilt University Her current interests are in the areas of descriptive ethical analysis addressing the relationship between social processes of oppression and socio-religious ethical praxis; ethical discourse that bridges the gap between womanist religious scholarship and the practice of ministry in the Church; moral foundations for public policy; and the Church and its role in social justice ministry. She was named as a Henry Luce III Fellow in Theology for 2018. STANLEY P. SAUNDERS 1991 | Associate Professor of New Testament BA San Jose Bible College; MDiv Emmanuel School of Religion; PhD Princeton Theological Seminary His research and teaching interests focus on early Christian understandings of “the last days,” the nature of the Church, spirituality, and ecclesial self-definition, with a special interest in the Gospel according to Matthew. LOVE L. SECHREST 2018 | Dean of Faculty, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Associate Professor of New Testament BS Duke University; MS Villanova University; MDiv Trinity Evangelical Divinity School; PhD Duke University Fascinated by the ways that different ethnic groups are racialized, she studies race and ethnicity from an interdisciplinary perspective. With research in womanist and African American biblical hermeneutics, her work explores the ethical implications of NT interpretation especially in the Pauline epistles and Revelation. Formerly a senior manager in the aerospace industry, her focus in theological education is on equipping a diverse church to live out the gospel in fruitful and generative multiracial coalitions for justice. MITZI J. SMITH 2019 | J. Davison Philips Professor of New Testament BA Columbia Union College; MA the Ohio State University; MDIV Howard University School of Divinity; PhD Harvard University Her research interests are close, critical readings of sacred texts with attention to social justice and the intersection of race, gender, class, sexuality, and religion. She is an expert in womanist and African American biblical interpretation. Her dissertation and first book are a literary reading of the Acts of the Apostles with attention to ‘othering.’ She is interested in reading biblical texts from the perspective of the marginalized and oppressed; her research is a principal form of activism. Smith’s other foci are ancient and modern slavery and language studies. She participated in the 2019 SBL review of the NRSV Bible. Smith is currently writing a womanist reading of the parables of Jesus.
www.CTSnet.edu
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Faculty continued WONCHUL SHIN 2019 | Visiting Assistant Professor of Christian Ethics and Theology and Louisville Institute Postdoctoral Fellow BS/BTh Yonsei University; MDiv Candler School of Theology; PhD Emory University He is interested in the issues of violence against the marginalized and moral transformation of the marginalized from ‘passive victims’ to moral agents in society. His research focuses on reconstructing moral philosophy, especially virtue ethics, and theological ethics by employing qualitative research on the lived experiences of marginalized communities, particularly their religious practices for building peace and justice in the public sphere. REBECCA F. SPURRIER 2016 | Associate Dean for Worship Life and Assistant Professor of Worship BA Calvin College; MDiv Candler School of Theology; PhD Emory University She is interested in a theologies and practices of public worship that reflect the beauty and tension that human difference brings to Christian liturgy. Engaging ethnographic theology, disability studies, and liturgical aesthetics, her research explores the hope of human interdependence and the importance of liturgical access for ecclesial practice and Christian community. She integrates a focus on liturgical and practical theology in the classroom with the formation of worship leaders through daily chapel services. JEFFERY L. TRIBBLE SR. 2007 | Associate Dean for Advanced Professional Studies and Associate Professor of Ministry BS Howard University; MDiv Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary; PhD Northwestern University He is interested in educating and forming persons for the transformative praxis of ministry in Church and society. He bridges the Church, community, and seminary through his teaching, ministry, and scholarship in the areas of practical theology, congregational studies, ethnographic research, urban church ministry, black church studies, congregational leadership, and evangelism. HARUKO NAWATA WARD 2002 | Professor of Church History BFA Tokyo University of Fine Arts and Music; MA New York University; MDiv Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary; ThM, PhD Princeton Theological Seminary Her research interests include the age of Reformations, the Jesuits, encounters of cultures and religions, women and religious vocation, history of biblical interpretation, history of Christianity in Asia, and justice issues in Church history.
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Columbia Theological Seminary
RALPH C. BASUI WATKINS 2011 | Peachtree Associate Professor of Evangelism and Church Growth AA American River Junior College; BA California State University at Sacramento; MA University of Dubuque Theological Seminary; DMin Pittsburgh Theological Seminary; PhD University of Pittsburgh; MFA Savannah College of Art and Design His work and research centers around building 21st-century churches. His writing and research is done with congregations as they partner to be faithful to the call of being the Body of Christ. He is presently working on ways the Church can use multi-media approaches and web 2.0 strategies to be effective at evangelism and discipleship. LISA WEAVER 2018 | Assistant Professor of Worship BA Bernard M. Baruch College; MA Columbia University Teachers College; MDiv Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York; PhD The Catholic University of America Her research interests are centered in her life’s passion: the worship life of the Christian church. Specifically, they are Christian Initiation, Patristics, Ritual Theory and Praxis, Pneumatology, and the Early Worship Practices of Africans Americans. She also serves as a grants advisory board member of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship. CHRISTINE ROY YODER 1998 | J. McDowell Richards Professor of Biblical Interpretaion BA Swarthmore College; MDiv, PhD Princeton Theological Seminary Her research interests include creation theology, wisdom literature, the socio-historical and theological dynamics of the post-exilic period, women in the Bible, and the history of methodologies of biblical interpretation. She was named as a Henry Luce III Fellow in Theology for 2014-2015. WILLIAM YOO 2014 | Assistant Professor of American Religious and Cultural History and Director of the ThM Program BSE University of Pennsylvania; MDiv Westminster Theological Seminary; ThM, PhD Emory University His research interests within the history of Christianity in the United States include the expansion of the American foreign missionary enterprise, the formation of immigrant religious communities, the religious cultures of the American South, the Presbyterian experience, and the transnational encounter between American and Korean Protestants across both nations.
ADJUNCT/VISITING PROFESSORS Katie Owen Aumann Chentu Nguvugher George Stroup Joel Winchip
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41
HOUSING & FINANCIAL INFORMATION
HOUSING
Columbia’s housing is reserved for full-time MDiv, MAPT, and MA(TS) students. Full-time ThM students may be eligible for housing as space permits. The Admissions Office distributes housing application forms to admitted students. Students should apply as early as possible following acceptance and should direct all inquiries to the Business Office. For students who prefer to live offcampus, numerous housing options are within easy commuting distance.
HOUSING FOR SINGLE STUDENTS
HOUSING FOR STUDENTS WITH
FLORIDA HALL
CHILDREN
This residence hall offers efficiencies, suites, and
VILLAGE APARTMENTS
individual rooms, all with private baths. Most
This housing offers two-, three-, and four-
single rooms are fully furnished. Furnished
bedroom apartments for students with children.
suites consist of two rooms and a private bath.
Refrigerators are not included; however, most
Efficiency apartments are unfurnished and
apartments are equipped with washer/dryer
available to single students if these units have not
hook-ups. The apartment community includes a
been assigned to married students.
playscape and picnic area.
Housing for Students with Special Needs
NEW RESIDENCE HALL
Columbia has a small number of housing units
This building contains one-bedroom apartments
that are accessible to persons with physical
for singles, two- and four-bedroom apartments
limitations.
that can be shared by full-time students, as well as suites and studios. All units include private
LEASE AGREEMENT AND PAYMENT
bathrooms (one per bedroom). Apartments
A student who has entered into a lease
have full kitchens, including refrigerators and
agreement for a seminary housing unit for a
microwave ovens.
term, but who has not yet occupied the unit, is
Note: Students who live in single rooms and
responsible for payment in full unless written
suites are required to participate in the standard
notice that the unit will not be used is given to
meal plan (15 meals per week). Students who
the vice president for business and finance at
live in efficiencies or apartments are required to
least two weeks before the first day of classes.
participate in the lunch plan during their Junior
In that case, no rent will be charged for that
year.
term. In other cases, a refund amount may be given upon the initiative of Columbia Theological
HOUSING FOR MARRIED STUDENTS
Seminary.
WITHOUT CHILDREN Married students without children may live in residence hall efficiencies or apartments (above) or in apartments (below), which include cooking facilities. They are also eligible for one- and twobedroom apartments. Students with children have first priority.
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43
HOSPITALIZATION INSURANCE HOUSING &
Basic degree students are required to carry some form of hospitalization insurance acceptable to the
FINANCIAL
seminary. Presbyterian students who are enrolled as inquirers or candidates with their presbyteries’
INFORMATION
Committees on Preparation for Ministry are eligible to participate in the major medical plan of the Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Students holding J or F visa status (and their J-2 or F-2 dependents in the United States) and enrolled in any program of the seminary are required to carry health insurance which meets the minimum standards set by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Health insurance which meets the minimum standards set by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services MUST be effective the date the student (and accompanying dependents) arrives in the U.S. Once a student is accepted and confirms intention to enroll, the student should contact the office issuing the acceptance for additional information regarding this requirement.
FINANCIAL AID
The seminary grants financial aid to eligible
students must demonstrate financial need via the
full-time master’s degree students using the
Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) form
seminary’s financial aid policies to determine
on the web. Students must re-apply annually
need. Students apply for financial aid by
for seminary scholarships (with the exception
completing the Free Application for Student Aid
of Columbia and Honors Scholars who must
(FAFSA) form on the web.
show evidence of academic progress) and federal
Financial need is calculated at Columbia
Stafford loans. Returning students are notified
Seminary by evaluating the information received
each year in a timely manner of the procedure
from the FAFSA and the cost of attendance
and must submit their updated FAFSA by April
established by Columbia. After financial need
15.
is established, institutional financial aid is
All students receiving financial aid must
administered and awarded. Columbia’s financial
be making satisfactory academic progress
aid includes scholarships, grants and seminary
and be responsible members of the seminary
service awards. Students may supplement their
community to maintain scholarship eligibility, in
institutional aid with outside grants, scholarships
accordance to academic standards.
and student loans. Institutional aid will not be
The Seminary will provide funds for a maximum
reduced due to outside awards unless the sum of
of 48 attempted credits for the Master of Arts
institutional aid and outside monies exceed the
(Theological Studies), 48 attempted credits for
cost of attendance.
the Master of Arts in Practical Theology, 90 attempted credits for the Master of Divinity
ELIGIBILITY
program, and 114 attempted credits for the
Only degree-seeking students enrolled or
Master of Arts in Practical Theology and Master
accepted to enroll in the Master of Arts
of Divinity dual degree program. When a student
(Theological Studies), Master of Arts in Practical
transfers to Columbia from another institution
Theology, Master of Divinity, and the dual
or switches programs of study after beginning
degree (MDiv/MAPT) programs may apply. To
coursework at Columbia, credits earned in those
be considered, master’s students must enroll for
categories are subtracted to determine remaining
9 or more credit hours each semester.
eligibility.
To be considered for seminary scholarships, 44
Columbia Theological Seminary
Credits for courses for which F, Fail, WP,
student does not receive such statements or wish to pay
WF and/or Incomplete are recorded count as
more frequently, they can contact their lender directly
attempted credits, but do not count as earned for
and make arrangements. If the student does nothing,
the degree. Students are responsible for tuition,
the interest will be automatically added to the principal
without the aid of additional seminary scholarship
while they are in school at least half time (6 credits or
funds, for attempted credits exceeding 48 for the more). MA(TS), 48 for the MAPT, 90 for the MDiv, and Before taking on student loan debt, students first 114 for the MDiv/MAPT. Columbia Theological
consider how to reduce expenses by living simply while
Seminary scholarship funds cannot be applied to
in school and exhausting options for financing education
classes taken at other seminaries or institutions.
with sources that will not need to be repaid, such as
Students who withdraw from the seminary or
scholarships, grants, employment and contributions. If
become part-time students (less than 9 credit
these measures do not resolve the student’s financial
hours for basic degree students, less than 6 credits need, a federal Stafford loan may be a useful resource. for student loans) during a semester forfeit their
A student should be sure to limit borrowing to an
right to financial aid for the term in which such
amount that the student can comfortably repay.
action is taken.
To maintain eligibility for loans and deferment of prior loans, a student must continue enrollment in an eligible
FEDERAL STAFFORD LOANS
degree program, classified as at least half-time and be
Columbia participates in the William D. Ford
making satisfactory academic progress as determined
Federal Direct Loan program. Unsubsidized
by the seminary’s Satisfactory Academic Progress
Stafford loans are available up to established
Policy. Copies of this policy are available from the
federal limits. Students are encouraged to borrow
registrar’s office and the Admissions and Financial
only what they need, to avoid unmanageable
Aid Office and are published each year in the Student
debt repayment following the completion of their
Handbook.
studies. For more information on Stafford loans,
When a student withdraws or drops below half-time
visit www.studentaid.ed.gov.
status, he or she may no longer be eligible for the
Graduate and professional students are only
entire certified amount of a loan. Federal regulations
eligible to receive unsubsidized loans after June
require that, within thirty days of a change in eligibility,
30, 2011. Unsubsidized loans are non-need-based
the seminary return the portion of the loan funds
loans guaranteed by the government and made
applied to fees (tuition, room, and board) for which the
through the US Department of Education. The
student is no longer eligible. The student will be billed
student, not the taxpayers, pay interest on these
for any resulting amount owed Columbia. Changes in
loans; thus the term “unsubsidized.” The fixed
enrollment status and financial assistance from other
interest rate for Stafford Loans disbursed on or
sources may also affect loan eligibility.
after July 1, 2006, is 6.8%. The interest may be paid regularly (recommended) or capitalized (that
VETERANS ADMINISTRATION BENEFITS
is, added to the loan principal) while the student is Certification for V.A. benefits is handled through the in school.
Office of Academic Affairs. Columbia Theological
Repayment options include graduated, income- Seminary complies with the requirements of Title 38 sensitive and extended (up to 30 years). The
United States Code Section 3679(e) by not penalizing
standard repayment term is 10 years.
VA benefits covered students for possible delayed
It makes good financial sense to regularly
disbursement funding from the VA, after students are
pay the interest for unsubsidized loans while in
certified by Columbia with the VA for tuition and fees
school, to prevent loan principal from growing.
for any particular academic term.
Some lenders send quarterly statements inviting students to pay the interest if they wish. If the www.CTSnet.edu
45
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR BASIC DEGREE STUDENTS HOUSING &
COLUMBIA SCHOLARSHIPS
A completed admissions application is required.
FINANCIAL
This scholarship is for students entering into
Application is made through the Office of
a master’s degree program who have exhibited
Admissions and Financial Aid and must be received
exceptional academic and leadership abilities
no later than February 15. Announcement of
during their undergraduate studies, as well
Columbia Scholarship awards will ordinarily be
as in community involvement and church
made by March 15. No additional application is
commitments.
required to be considered for this scholarship.
INFORMATION
The Admissions Committee may award up to five Columbia Scholarships per academic
RACIAL/ETHNIC MINORITY GRANTS
year. The scholarship covers tuition, room (at
Eligible full-time master’s degree students are
the lowest single student rate), and board. A
awarded the Racial/Ethnic Minority Grant for the
Columbia Scholarship will be renewed up to the
fall and spring semesters based on self-declaration
maximum credit hours for the program for which
of race and ethnicity.
the award was originally made if the recipient maintains full-time status, retains a 3.50
PRESBYTERIAN STUDENT GRANTS
cumulative grade point average, and continues to
Eligible full-time master’s degree students are
show outstanding potential for ministry.
awarded the Presbyterian Student Grant for the
A completed admissions application is
fall and spring semesters based on self-declaration
required. Application is made through the
of membership in the PC(USA).
Office of Admissions and Financial Aid and must be received no later than February 15.
COLUMBIA FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE
Announcement of Columbia Scholarship
SCHOLARSHIPS
awards will ordinarily be made by March 15. No
A number of scholarships are funded annually by
additional application is required to be considered
the Columbia Friendship Circle. These scholarships
for this scholarship.
are awarded to full-time, PC(USA) MDiv degree students by the Basic Degrees Committee upon
HONOR SCHOLARSHIPS
nomination by Dean of Students in consultation
This scholarship is for students entering into a
with the Admissions and Financial Aid Office.
master’s degree program who exhibit academic
The following criteria are used in making
achievement, leadership in the church and on
nominations: The student must be a second or
campus, and demonstrate outstanding promise
third year student (fourth year if the student
for the ordained ministry. The Admissions
has been involved in a yearlong internship or
Committee may award up to five Honor
dual degree program); have demonstrated both
Scholarships per academic year.
a strong commitment to God’s call and diligence
An Honor Scholarship covers tuition and fees
in studies at Columbia; be a parent with family
for the academic year. The scholarship will be
responsibilities; and have demonstrated financial
renewed up to the maximum credit hours for
need. Recipients who show need over and above
the program for which the award was originally
the Columbia Friendship Circle Scholarship may
made if the recipient maintains full-time status,
be eligible for additional need-based financial aid.
retains a 3.30 cumulative grade point average,
Such financial aid will include a seminary-service
and continues to show outstanding potential for
award assignment with reduced service hours.
ministry. 46
Columbia Theological Seminary
TUITION, FEES, AND OTHER CHARGES EFFECTIVE SUMMER TERM 2019 Tuition and fees listed are for the 2019-2020
income. Also, other services to the student are
academic year and are subject to change
provided on a subsidized basis
annually. Tuition and fees represent only a small part
PAYMENT OF FEES
of the cost of providing theological education.
Tuition, fees, room, and board must be paid to the
Most of the cost is met through gifts from
Business Office by the deadline set at the beginning
individuals and churches and by endowment
of each term and are subject to change annually.
MASTER OF DIVINITY, MASTER OF ARTS IN PRACTICAL THEOLOGY, MASTER OF ARTS (THEOLOGICAL STUDIES) DEGREE CANDIDATE TUITION $486 Per credit hour $243 Audit fee per credit hour OTHER FEES $300 Student Fee (for each long term), full-time students $300 Student Fee (per year), part-time students enrolled in five year MDiv program. $383
I520 Alternative Context, Atlanta (plus 3 credit hour course fee)
$1,040 I520 Alternative Context, Other U.S. (plus 3 credit hour course fee) $2049 I520 Alternative Context, International (plus 3 credit hour course fee)
ADVANCED DEGREE AND NON-DEGREE STUDENTS TUITION $576 Per credit hour $288
Audit fee per credit hour
$145
Advanced Degree Student Fee (annual)
$100
Non-Degree Student Fee (annual)
OTHER FEES
$120 ATA499 ThD Research fee (ThD candidates only; does not apply to ThD students enrolled in courses) $350 ThM, DMin, and DEdMin extension fee $30
Thesis binding (per copy)
PROGRAM COSTS $ 15,440 Total cost for DMin and DEdMin programs for those matriculating in 2018 (includes all fees and tuition)
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47
FOR ALL STUDENTS OTHER FEES HOUSING &
$50 Application fee
FINANCIAL
$50 Late registration fee (does not apply to doctoral practicum and doctoral projects or to ThM thesis registration)
INFORMATION
$190
Commencement fee
MEAL PLANS Full meal plan includes 15 meals per week.
$952 Summer Greek School $1,904 Fall term $476 January term $1,904 Spring term
July 9 – August 17 September 4 – December 14 January 3 – 18 January 28 – May 10
Lunch plan includes Monday-Friday lunch only
$360 Summer Greek School
July 9 – August 17
$750 Fall term
September 4 – December 14
$163 January term
January 3 – 18
$750 Spring term
January 28 – May 10
HOUSING When a housing option has two rates, the first is for unfurnished; the second, for furnished. Prices are per term unless otherwise indicated. FLORIDA HALL
NEW RESIDENTIAL HALL
Singles (full meal plan required)
Studio (full meal plan required 1st year, lunch plan year 2 and 3)
$846 Summer Greek School $1,692 $423
Fall or Spring term January term
Suite (full meal plan required) $1,080 / 1,156
Summer Greek School
$2,160 / 2,312
Fall or Spring term
$540 / 578 January term Efficiency Units (lunch plan required 1st year, optional year 2 and 3) $668
Standard (per month)
$722 Exterior entrance (per month)
$ 982 Summer Greek School $1,946 $491
1 Bedroom w/ Kitchenette (full meal plan required 1st year, lunch plan year 2 and 3) $1,194 / 1,272
$697
1 Bedroom, per month
$729 / 787
2 Bedroom, per month
$864 / 946 3 Bedrooms, per month $963 / 1,007 4 Bedrooms, per month 48
Columbia Theological Seminary
Summer Greek School
$2,388 / 2,544 Fall or Spring term $597 / 636
January term
1 Bedroom Apartment (lunch plan required 1st year, optional year 2 and 3) $742 / 785
Per month
2 Bedroom Apartment (meal plan optional) $864 / 901
VILLAGE APARTMENTS (all unfurnished)
Fall or Spring term January term
Per month
2 or 4 Bedroom Shared Apartment (lunch plan
required 1st year, optional year 2 and 3) $433/ 452
Per month per occupant
REFUND POLICIES TUITION
ROOM AND BOARD
Subject to the following schedule, students are
A student who has entered into a lease
entitled to refunds when they drop a course or
agreement for a seminary housing unit for a
withdraw from school with approval from the
term or semester is responsible for payment
seminary. A course is considered dropped at
in full unless written notice that the unit will
the time the registrar receives written notice
not be used is given to the vice president for
from the student requesting a course drop. A
business and finance at least two weeks before
student is considered to have withdrawn from
the first day of classes. In that case, a 100
the seminary when a petition for withdrawal is
percent refund will be made. In other cases, a
approved by a seminary dean.
refund amount may be given upon the initiative of the seminary. A minimum charge of one
FALL AND SPRING TERM CLASSES
month’s rent will be assessed as a penalty for
(FULL-TERM):
breaking a lease.
By the end of the: First week
A student who otherwise is required to be 100%
on the seminary’s board plan, but who has a
Second week
80%
sufficient medical reason for withdrawing from
Third week
50%
board status, may be granted a full refund if a
Fourth week
25%
written request is made to the vice president
After fourth week
0%
for business and finance at least one week before the first day of classes. The seminary’s
COURSES SIX TO EIGHT WEEKS IN
vice president for business and finance
DURATION:
determines the validity of an exemption
By the end of the:
from the board plan, in consultation with the
First week of class
100%
seminary’s food service director.
Second week
50%
A student who withdraws or drops out of
Third week
25%
school must vacate seminary housing and cease
After third week
0%
using its dining facilities or be held liable for room and board charges beyond the student’s
JANUARY TERM CLASSES AND DMIN
last date of attendance.
AND DEDMIN INTENSIVE COURSES: FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
By the end of the: First day of class
100%
A student who withdraws from the seminary
Third day of class
50%
or becomes a part-time student (less than 9
0%
credit hours) forfeits any financial assistance
After third day of class
(scholarships and financial aid) previously No refund of course supervision fees or of clinical
awarded for the term in which such action
pastoral education fees will be made.
occurs
No refund of activity fees will be made after completion of the second week in Fall or Spring Terms. No refund of Exploration program fees will be made after the third day of class. www.CTSnet.edu
49
RESOURCES AND RELATED ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
THE JOHN BULOW CAMPBELL LIBRARY
The library, which is named for John Bulow Campbell, an Atlanta businessman and member of Columbia’s Board of Trustees during the 1930s, serves a vital role at the seminary. The library offers resources and spaces for student and faculty to engage in research, support the curriculum, and encourage the exploration of theological topics and concerns beyond the typical classroom experience. The John Bulow Campbell Library is an extension of the classroom and is well prepared to engage users in a variety of ways and with a variety of resources. The library’s collection includes over 130,000 books (both electronic and print), current print periodical subscriptions and numerous electronic subscriptions, thousands of church records, over 5,700 Presbyterian Women’s Histories, and archival collections, many media resources and databases selected to serve the changing landscape of theological education. The library participates in GALILEO (Georgia Library Learning Online), allowing access to over 170 additional databases for students and faculty. Library services include a continuously and professionally staffed central reference/ circulation desk, e-mail reference help, computer workstations installed with Word, Adobe Pro and Bible Works, scanner/copier, and a wireless environment throughout the facility. The library space is designed with the current theological user in mind including a large quiet reading room, small and large individual study spaces, natural lighting, individual carrels, and group study spaces. The library’s membership in two primary consortia, the Atlanta Theological Association (ATA) and the Atlanta Regional Council for Higher Education (ARCHE), gives Columbia’s faculty and students free access to the libraries of twenty-seven other academic institutions in the Atlanta area, including five major research libraries and six other theological collections. THE C. BENTON KLINE, JR. SPECIAL COLLECTIONS AND ARCHIVES The Special Collections and Archives area, named for Columbia’s fifth president, is the official repository for all seminary records and faculty books. The C. Benton Kline, Jr. Special Collections and Archives are located on the third floor of the library.
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RESOURCES & REL ATED ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
RELATED ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
In addition to the the master’s and doctor’s degree programs, Columbia offers a wide variety of academic opportunities. Some of these are offered in relationship with other educational institutions; others are special emphases of Columbia. ATLANTA THEOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION Through the Atlanta Theological Association (ATA), Columbia enjoys academic and professional affiliations with Candler School of Theology (Emory University), Erskine Theological Seminary, Interdenominational Theological Center, Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary and McAfee School of Theology (Mercer University). The association develops and coordinates educational programs and resources of these member institutions, which include approximately sixteen hundred students, two hundred faculty, and a combined library collection of over 600,000 volumes. Among significant and promising cooperative endeavors are cross registration, sharing of faculty, library and lectureship resources, and experimental programs in various academic disciplines and professional specializations. ATLANTA REGIONAL CONSORTIUM FOR HIGHER EDUCATION Columbia is a founding institution of the metropolitan Atlanta consortium of institutions of higher education (ARCHE). ARCHE’s mission is to provide member institutions with services that help expand educational opportunities, promote academic excellence, and foster cultural diversity for students, faculty, and staff. To provide collaborative opportunities for member institutions to develop new resources and realize cost savings in ways that otherwise would not be available to members individually, and to inform civic and business leaders and the general public of the direct and indirect ways in which higher education benefits the Atlanta region and the State of Georgia.
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Columbia Theological Seminary
CROSS-REGISTRATION AT AREA SCHOOLS Columbia students may cross-register for courses at schools that belong to either the ATA or the ARCHE. Cross-registration forms are available in the registrar’s office at each school. Students may cross-register for a course on a space-available basis. All courses must be applicable to the students’ current degree programs. Students may cross-register for a maximum of two courses per term, and the combined load may not exceed the full-time allowable load on the home campus. Students register and pay regular tuition and fees to the home institution. CROSS-REGISTRATION AT THEOLOGICAL INSTITUTIONS OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA) A policy of reciprocal cross-registration at the ten theological institutions of the Presbyterian Church (USA) is designed to strengthen the theological education of persons preparing for ministry in the denomination. This policy permits students registered in master’s degree programs to take courses at any of the other institutions without paying additional tuition. Tuition for a course is charged at the home institution. For additional information, contact the Office of Academic Affairs. CLINICAL PASTORAL EDUCATION Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), a firsthand learning experience under certified supervision, provides theological students and pastors with opportunities for intensive study of
pastoral relationships. It seeks to make clear in understanding and practice the resources, methods, and meanings of the Christian faith as expressed through pastoral care. The Atlanta metropolitan region offers a wide variety of settings in which a student may seek placement. GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN NON-PROFIT MANAGEMENT AND SOCIAL ENTERPRISE AT GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY The Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University offers two certificate programs in the following areas: Nonprofit Management and Planning, and Economic Development. With approval of the dean of faculty, a student may use four elective courses to pursue a certificate in either area. For information regarding the courses needed for each certificate, and procedures for enrolling in the certificate program, please contact either the Office of Academic Affairs or the Contextual Education Office. CERTIFICATION IN CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Students can take courses leading to the certification in Christian education. Students interested should inquire with the Christian education professors.
PARTNERSHIP WITH THE
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CAMP AND CONFERENCE ASSOCIATION Columbia has an official relationship with the Presbyterian Church Camp and Conference Association (PCCCA). This organization supports the camps and conference centers of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and The Presbyterian Church in Canada by equipping leaders for vibrant and sustainable ministries. In 2008, the seminary created a partnership with PCCCA to help prepare our students for ministries that include camps, conferences, and retreats. The seminary is committed to providing a consistent schedule of courses in the field of camp and conference ministry. The P606 Camp/Conference Program and Administration course is currently offered during the January term. Students also may attend courses offered through the Compass Points Certificate Program (see below). COMPASS POINTS CERTIFICATE PROGRAM Compass Points is a cooperative program of the Presbyterian Church Camp and Conference Association, Outdoor Ministry Association of the United Church of Christ, Lutheran Outdoor Ministries, and the United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministries. Compass Points courses are intended for practitioners who seek to deepen and expand their competency in camp and retreat ministry. These courses are offered each spring and fall (on and off campus). More about this certificate program can be found at www.compasspointsprogram.org.
PROGRAMS IN OTHER LOCATIONS
Appalachian Ministries Educational Resource Center
National Capital Semester for Seminarians
Columbia is a member of the Appalachian Ministries Educational Resource Center (AMERC), a seminary consortium that facilitates contextualized theological education for students interested in the Appalachian region or rural ministry. Through its educational programs, students have the opportunity to learn about Appalachia, its people and history, its values and religion, and its needs and issues for ministry. For information about AMERC courses, contact the Office of Contextual Education.
Columbia is a participating institution in the National Capital Semester for Seminarians, organized by Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, D.C. The program provides students an opportunity to spend a semester in Washington for study and involvement in the processes of government and the concerns of the Church. The design includes an interaction/reflection seminar, supervised study, and the opportunity to select other courses in Washington institutions. For detailed information, contact the Office of Academic Affairs.
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53
COLUMBIA IN SERVICE TO THE CHURCH AND ITS MINISTRY
THE CENTER FOR LIFELONG LEARNING Columbia Theological Seminary’s renowned Center for Lifelong Learning hosts a variety of continuing education programs and classes, on and off campus serving over 700 participants a year. These programs, single day to week-long classes and online courses, are designed to support participants’ spiritual, academic, professional, and personal growth, and the enrichment of the various ministries in which they serve. Among its many offerings are the Certificate in Spiritual Formation, the Certificate in Spiritual Direction, the Certificate in Older Adult Ministry, the Coaching Institute, and its Pastoral Excellence Programs. Check the Lifelong Learning section of the seminary website for a full listing of classes.
INTERNATIONAL THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION Columbia is committed to the task of preparing students for ministry in a world that is expanding rapidly and where preoccupation with parochial concerns is no longer an option. A varied program of international education has emerged from serious, cross-cultural dialogue with church leaders in other parts of the world. Historically, more than sixty-five percent of second year MDiv students have participated in one of Columbia’s international programs. These programs include: • An international component for the second year MDiv course, “Explorations: Alternative Context for Ministry.” Students may apply to take this course in an international setting. International placements are offered in Brazil, Central Europe, Cuba, India, Jamaica, and Korea and South Africa. • Supervised ministry placements for Columbia students in Caribbean, Ghanaian, Indian, Kenyan, South Korean, and South African churches under the supervision of experienced local pastors. • Educational exchange programs and internships in the Czech Republic, England, Ghana, India, Jamaica, Korea, and South Africa. • A Doctor of Ministry program located at the United Theological College of the West Indies. Many of the classes are held at the Columbia DMin extension site in Kingston, Jamaica. • International students, faculty, and pastors working and studying on the Columbia campus. • Two week DMin and DEdMin travel seminars which in recent years have gone to Germany, South Africa, and Taiwan. • Pilgrimages to the Holy Land. For further information, please contact the Office of Contextual Education and International Partnerships.
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COMMUNITY LIFE
Many networks of relationships and organizations, both formal and informal, shape community life at Columbia. The life of the seminary is as easily celebrated over a cup of coffee as it is in the ceremony of graduation. The following paragraphs briefly describe some of the structured events and organizations in which students participate during the academic year. YEARLY SCHEDULE The academic year is composed of two long semesters of fourteen weeks each and a short January term. Fall semester runs from September to mid-December and Spring semester begins in late January or early February and ends in early May. The January term starts in few days into the new year. During the Summer Term, the seminary offers supervised ministry experiences, a limited number of basic degree courses, a six-week course in beginning Greek, and a four-week summer session designed primarily for advanced professional degree students and ministers interested in continuing education. ORIENTATION All students enrolling for the first time in Columbia in a master’s level degree program including dual degree, exchange, transfer, and part-time students are required to attend New Student Orientation, which is scheduled before each semester. Orientation includes introductions to the seminary, the curriculum, faculty and staff, and Contextual Education. International students are also required to attend New International Student Orientation, which includes sessions with International Student and Scholar Services. New International Student Orientation precedes New Student Orientation at Columbia. During Orientation, new students are also introduced to Columbia as an intercultural community and an educational setting wherein their personal, spiritual, theological, and vocational formation are nurtured. Faculty, staff, and current students work together to welcome new students and ensure they are empowered to successfully begin their time at Columbia. Orientation details are published via email and online at columbiacurrent.com.
COMMUNITY WORSHIP AND CONVOCATIONS The seminary community gathers for worship each week to express its thanksgiving for and need of God’s grace, to hear God’s word, and to pray for the Church and the world. Students, faculty, staff, and invited guests lead worship for the community. The sacrament of the Lord’s Supper is celebrated each Friday. Wednesday forums offer the Columbia community opportunities to consider significant issues for the Church in the world, to be engage with persons from various traditions and parts of the earth, or explore Christian discipleship. Several times during the year, the seminary community gathers for convocations and other special services. At opening convocation in the fall and at commencement each spring, students are recognized for outstanding academic work and for service to the church through the presentation of awards, prizes, and fellowships. Descriptions of these awards are on the following pages.
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AWARDS AND PRIZES COMMUNIT Y LIFE
Through the gifts of alumni/ae and friends of the seminary, several prizes and awards have been established to recognize the outstanding academic achievements of students. JAMES T. AND CELESTE M. BOYD BOOK FUND AWARD Eligibility: Basic Degree Graduating Students. A cash award given each year to a basic degree graduating student who in the judgment of the faculty would be a good steward of a theological library, and has
WILLIAM DUDLEY FUND AWARD Eligibility: MDiv Graduating Students. Award(s) to graduating MDiv seniors who have evidenced achievement, interest, and commitment in evangelism and church growth, to be used within a five-year period for costs associated
demonstrated a desire through studies to build a with continuing education or graduate study in evangelism and church growth at Columbia personal theological library. ROBERT H. RAMEY CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP AWARD Eligibility: MDiv
Theological Seminary. Faculty members
may nominate persons to the Basic Degrees
Committee who will nominate two persons for Graduating Students. A cash award to be used for recommendation to the faculty. books and/or continuing education that is given to a graduating MDiv senior who shows promise ABDULLAH AWARDS Eligibility: All Degree of providing outstanding leadership to the
Students. These awards of two types are made
as spiritual depth and integrity.
cash prize is for the best paper setting forth
WILDS BOOK PRIZE Eligibility: MDiv
schools; and the second is for the best paper
church. The recipient would have demonstrated available each year by the late Rev. Gabriel unusual leadership qualities at Columbia, as well Abdullah, an alumnus of the seminary. The first
Graduating Students. A cash award given to the graduating student selected by the faculty for the highest distinction in academic work over the entire seminary program in the Master of
a plan for the teaching of Bible in the public designing a program for the development of moral and spiritual values. JULIA ABDULLAH AWARD Eligibility: All
Divinity degree program.
Degree Students. This award is made available
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN OF THE
alumnus of the seminary. The cash prize is for
PRESBYTERY OF ST. ANDREW
each year by the late Rev. Gabriel Abdullah, an
the best paper on the subject, “How to make the PREACHING AWARD Eligibility: MDiv Degree church school hour the most interesting hour of Students. A cash award for the best sermon the week.� preached by an MDiv degree student during the academic year. Students should submit a paper manuscript of only one sermon. A judging committee of professors of worship and
EMMA GAILLARD BOYCE MEMORIAL AWARD Eligibility: All Degree Students. A cash award given to the degree student writing
preaching and other faculty nominates a student the best paper on the creative use of music in worship. A judging committee of professors of to the faculty for election.
worship and preaching nominates a person to the faculty for election.
58
Columbia Theological Seminary
PAUL T. FUHRMANN BOOK PRIZE IN
FLORRIE WILKES SANDERS PRIZE IN
CHURCH HISTORY Eligibility: Basic Degree
THEOLOGY Eligibility: All Degree Students. A
Students. A cash award made annually to the
cash award to the student presenting the best
basic degrees student who has shown the most
paper showing sound theological scholarship and
outstanding achievement in church history. A
relevance to the needs of Christian people in the
judging committee of professors of church history
contemporary world. Special attention is given
nominates a person to the faculty for election.
to papers that relate theology to the education,
LUDWIG RICHARD MAX DEWITZ OLD TESTAMENT STUDIES AWARD Eligibility: Basic Degree Students. A cash award given to a basic degree student who prepared the best Old Testament exegesis during the academic year. A
professions, and avocations of lay people. A judging committee from the Historical-Doctrinal area nominates a student to the faculty for election. JOHN NELSEN AWARD: THE BIBLE AND
judging committee of professors of Old Testament THE MISSIONAL CHURCH Eligibility: DMin nominates a person to the faculty for election. SAMUEL A. CARTLEDGE NEW TESTAMENT STUDIES AWARD Eligibility: Basic Degree Students. A cash award given to the basic degree student who prepared the best New Testament exegesis during the academic year. A judging committee of professors of New Testament nominates a person to the faculty for election. LYMAN AND MYKI MOBLEY PRIZE IN BIBLICAL SCHOLARSHIP Eligibility: All Degree Students, Faculty. A cash award given to a student in any degree program or a faculty member who is doing exemplary work in the field of biblical studies as it relates to the worship and work of the Church. Judging will be by the Biblical area of the faculty to determine the best paper, published article, sermon, or other form of media submitted for consideration. HAROLD J. RIDDLE MEMORIAL BOOK AWARD Eligibility: Graduating Students. A cash award given to a graduating student, selected by the faculty in consultation with the pastoral care faculty, who shows the highest distinction in the field of pastoral care, especially in the area of terminally ill patients.
or DEdMin Graduating Students. This cash award is for the best Doctor of Ministry or Doctor of Educational Ministry project focusing on scripture in aiding the transformation of the student’s congregation into a missional church. The award is given by Dan Winn, Jr. in honor of his friend and counselor, John Nelsen, MDiv, DMin, Princeton Theological Seminary and pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, Sapulpa, Oklahoma, who for 25 years has devoted his ministry to challenging, sustaining, and transforming congregations. The missional church has been his primary focus for several years. GEORGE AND SALLY TELFORD AWARD Eligibility: DMin Graduating Students. This cash award recognizes each year an outstanding graduate in the Doctor of Ministry program. The award is presented to the graduating DMin student who shows exceptional ability for congregational leadership with an emphasis on social justice issues and vision for the church. INDIANTOWN COUNTRY CHURCH AWARD Eligibility: MDiv Students This award was established by the family of Mr. and Mrs. R. W. Stuckey in their honor to highlight the work of ministry in rural congregations. The cash prize is awarded annually to an MDiv student who has
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Awards and Prizes continued COMMUNIT Y LIFE
done outstanding ministry in a rural congregation. FLORIE S. JOHNSON AWARD Eligibility: Graduating Basic Degree Students. This cash award was established by the family of Florie S. Johnson in memory of their mother, who was a devoted
work in chapel leadership and preaching courses throughout their entire seminary program. Nominations are made by faculty members in homiletics and worship to the Basic Degrees Committee.
teacher committed to lay ministry through the
BUECHNER AWARD IN WRITING
Church of Jesus Christ. The award is given to a
Eligibility: Graduating Students. A cash award
graduating basic degree student who presents the
presented annually to the graduating student
best paper setting forth a plan for pastoral care
from any degree program who exemplifies
to the aging, and who shows promise of providing
care and craft in the skill of communicating
such ministry in a parish setting.
the gospel in the written word, in both course
WILLIAM RIVERS WADDEY AWARD Eligibility: MDiv Graduating Students. A cash award established by Walter and Cecilia Waddey in memory of their son, William, who was an active and vital part of the youth program and ministry at Peachtree Presbyterian Church. The fund is to support an award given to a graduating MDiv
assignments and in public and pastoral ministry settings throughout their entire seminary program. Nominations are made by faculty members and/or the Director of the Center for Academic Literacy to the Basic Degrees Committee. DABNEY AND TOM DIXON CREATION
student who possesses extraordinary gifts for
CARE PREACHING AWARD Eligibility:
youth ministry and an intent to pursue such a call
All Basic Degree Students. This cash award was
in the church.
established in 2013 by Dabney and Tom Dixon.
BUECHNER AWARD IN PREACHING Eligibility: Basic Degree Graduating Students. A cash award presented annually to the basic degrees graduating student who has done outstanding
It is awarded to the student who prepares the best sermon that addresses the intersections of the Bible, the Church, and environmental concerns (e.g., sustainability, resilience, water, land, energy, climate change, food, communicable disease).
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GRADUATE FELLOWSHIPS Each year the seminary awards one or more fellowships to outstanding graduates completing one of the basic degrees. The purpose of these fellowships is to recognize superior intellectual achievement demonstrated during the course of the regular seminary program and to provide a modest support for graduate work beyond the first theological degree. Fellowships must be used toward an accredited advanced master’s degree or doctoral graduate degree program in which the recipient engages in the scholarly pursuit of an academic or professional theological discipline. HARVARD A. ANDERSON FELLOWSHIP This fellowship was established in 1983 by the Rev. and Mrs. Harvard A. Anderson of Orlando, Florida. This fellowship is awarded to the graduate determined by the faculty to have the greatest potential for future academic achievement. COLUMBIA GRADUATE FELLOWSHIPS The Columbia Graduate Fellowships were initiated by the class of 1941. EMMA GAILLARD BOYCE GRADUATE FELLOWSHIP This fellowship was established by the Rev. David Gaillard Boyce, an alumnus of the seminary, in honor of his mother. It is awarded to a graduating senior or clergyperson who enrolls in a graduate
THE CENTER FOR ACADEMIC LITERACY (CAL) The Center for Academic Literacy (CAL) provides one-on-one coaching, workshops, and other programming to enrich students’ competencies in graduate-level academic literacies (e.g. analytical writing, critical reading and thinking, theological research, effective communication).
VOCATION & CAREER SERVICES Vocation & Career Services is a vital part of the Office of Student Affairs & Community Life. Current students and recent alumni have access to resources that will help them discern their call and identity, act on their understanding of self and call, and reflect on their seminary journey. Vocation & Career Services helps students integrate academic, spiritual, contextual, and personal experiences to develop a lifelong practice of discerning and exploring their vocation. Vocational programming is offered throughout the student experience and connected with students’ progress in their degree programs. Services include opportunities for networking, career coaching, consultations, discernment; assistance with polishing career tools such as resumés, cover letters, and ordination paperwork; and assistance with job search, the ordination process, and navigating the call process. To learn more about vocation and career services visit columbiacurrent.com/vocationatcts or contact studentaffairsstaff@ctsnet.edu.
program of music and/or worship. FANNIE JORDAN BRYAN FELLOWSHIPS These fellowships were established through a generous legacy left to Columbia by the late Mrs. Fannie Jordan Bryan of Columbia, South Carolina. ANNA CHURCH WHITNER FELLOWSHIPS These fellowships are given periodically from a legacy left to the seminary in 1928 by the late William C. Whitner of Rock Hill, South Carolina, in memory of his mother.
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CURRICULUM & COURSES
The teaching program at Columbia is arranged in four areas: BIBLICAL, HISTORICAL-DOCTRINAL, PRACTICAL THEOLOGY, and SUPERVISED MINISTRY. Interdisciplinary courses, which combine studies in two or more of these areas, are also taught in the degree programs. While classroom instruction is foundational to all degree programs, the goal is to equip students to continue their education independently. The resources of the library, the structure of course work, and independent study courses encourage realization of that goal. BIBLICAL AREA studies seek to provide students with the necessary skills and tools to interpret the Bible with faithfulness, integrity, and imagination for a world that is much different from that in which the books of the Bible were written. To this end, Biblical Area courses focus on the languages (Hebrew and Greek), history, cultures, and worldviews of the ancient Mediterranean peoples, in order to clarify how the Bible spoke to those to whom it was first addressed. At the same time, Biblical Area courses give students the opportunity to practice appropriate and creative means of hearing Scripture anew today, in our own cultural and historical contexts, so that it may continue to speak to us and to our world in fresh and powerful ways. HISTORICAL-DOCTRINAL AREA studies help students understand the past as a means of comprehending the present. Students engaged in these studies also struggle to form their own theology and to discover what it means to be Christian today. Since Columbia stands within a Reformed tradition, historical-doctrinal studies are concerned not only with right thinking, but also with the relation of Christian faith and doctrine to all arenas of life. Therefore, studies in this area engage students in consideration of the social, political, economic, and cultural life of today in the United States and across the world. In historical-doctrinal studies students acquire the tools they will need throughout their lives for dealing theologically with themselves and the world around them, tools that will enable graduates to lead the Church in a prophetic and reconciling way as it works out its mission in the world. PRACTICAL THEOLOGY AREA studies center on the functioning of the theologian as a minister with a concern to train students to be ministers and to lead other persons in ministering. Studies in this area consider the dynamics of the minister’s role as pastor, evangelist, leader of worship, preacher, teacher, counselor, and administrator. Since the shape of the ministry of tomorrow is not fully known, these studies seek to train students to understand the issues involved, to help them see their own strengths and weaknesses, and then to develop a flexibility that will enable them to take their biblical and theological understanding and deal with whatever issues they face during their ministry. SUPERVISED MINISTRY serves an integrative function for the curriculum. Students are involved in the actual practice of ministry under competent supervision. Through experiential, relational, and inductive learning, students explore the forms, styles, contents, and concepts of ministry and put into practice what they have learned through studies in the biblical, historical-doctrinal, and practical theology areas. These studies are integrated with the practice of ministry and personhood of each student.
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COURSES OF INSTRUCTION CURRICULUM & COURSES
The following pages provide a representative illustration of the courses taught by the faculty of Columbia. The registrar publishes the specific course offerings in the preceding spring each year. Copies are available in the Office of Academic Affairs and on the web. The faculty reserves the right to modify individual course requirements within a degree program. Such changes will be effective the next time such courses are offered or at a later date as determined by the faculty. Degree programs and their major requirements will remain unchanged for students entering that program, but changes may be made at any time to be effective for all entering students in the next academic year. The letter in the course designation is determined by the area in which it is offered: B for Biblical; HD for Historical-Doctrinal; P for Practical Theology; I for Interdisciplinary; and SM for Supervised Ministry For Columbia courses, the hundred’s digit refers to whether the course is a required course for a degree program or whether it is an elective course.
• • • •
500s are required courses in the master’s degree programs 600s are elective courses for master’s degree students, those numbered 650 and above typically requiring prior work in the area 700s are required courses for advanced degree programs 800s are elective courses for advanced degree programs
A current list of courses can be found at www.ctsnet.edu .
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BIBLICAL AREA Faculty: Brennan Breed, William P. Brown, Raj Nadella, Stanley P. Saunders, Mitzi J. Smith, Love L. Sechrest Christine Roy Yoder B501 Essentials of Greek Saunders Provides intensive study of the essentials of Koine Greek grammar, syntax, and vocabulary preparatory to reading the Greek New Testament. 3 credits B505 Introductory Biblical Hebrew Breed Introduces the essentials of Hebrew grammar, syntax, and vocabulary preparatory to study of the Hebrew Old Testament. 3 credits B520, B521 Old Testament Interpretation I & II Breed, Yoder This two-semester course (Parts I and II) studies the diverse literature of the Old Testament, considers the historical and cultural contexts of the ancient world that produced it, introduces critical methods of biblical interpretation, and highlights the significance of the Old Testament for Christian faith. 3 credits each semester. 6 credits B530 New Testament Interpretation Nadella, Saunders, Smith This is courses introduces the content, major forms, and contexts of the New Testament documents, the history and development of earliest Christianity, as well as methods of biblical interpretation. 3 credits B540 Ruth, Jonah, and Esther: Hebrew-based Exegesis Yoder Explores the Hebrew text of the short stories of Ruth, Jonah, and Esther, with particular attention to their ancient contexts, literary features and character development, depictions of life in the Diaspora and the “foreigner,� and theological perspectives. Considers a range of interpretive approaches to the stories, their reception in different communities, and how each is significant for Christian faith, life, and proclamation. Prerequisite: B505 Introductory Biblical Hebrew 3 credits
B547 Pentateuch, Prophets, and Psalms: Hebrew-based Exegesis Brown This Hebrew-based exegetical course guides students through a variety of genres of the Old Testament, from narrative to poetry, covering portions of Genesis, Amos, and the Psalms. Prerequisite B505 or equivalent. 3 credits B549 Song of Songs: Hebrew-based Exegesis Yoder A Hebrew-based biblical exegesis course focusing on the Song of Songs. Prerequisite is B505 Introductory Biblical Hebrew. 3 credits B553 Eighth Century Prophets: Hebrew-based Exegesis Breed This Hebrew-based exegesis course explores the books of Amos, Hosea, Micah, and First Isaiah by situating them in the historical and social contexts of eighth-century Israel and Judah. Compares the different prophetic understandings of YHWH as well as theological concepts such as faith, justice, and the role of the prophet. Prerequisite: B505 or equivalent. 3 credits B555 The Book of Daniel and Biblical Aramaic: Hebrew-based Exegesis Breed This Hebrew-based course introduces exegetical methods through study of the book of Daniel and provides an overview of Biblical Aramaic grammar, syntax and vocabulary. Attention will be given to the ancient literary, historical, apocalyptic, and theological dimensions of Daniel, and to its place in traditional and recent eschatological interpretation. Prerequisite: B505 or equivalent. 3 credits
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B557 The Book of Kings -Politics, Prophets, Worship & War: Hebrew-based Exegesis Breed This Hebrew-based exegesis course explores the origin and shape of the so-called Deuteronomistic History, the nature of prophecy in Israel and the ancient Near East, and the rise and fall of Israelite and Judean monarchies. Prerequisite: B505 or equivalent. 3 credits B560 Philemon and Matthew: Greek-based Exegesis Saunders This course offers students an opportunity to explore the Greek texts of both a letter of Paul and one of the Gospels, with attention to their oral character, historical and cultural settings in early Christianity, genres, structures and rhetoric, as well as the theological perspectives they presume and questions they raise for contemporary proclamation and practice. Prerequisite B501 or equivalent. 3 credits B562 Mark and Method: Greek-based Exegesis Nadella An introduction to the art and practice of exegesis through the study of Mark’s gospel. Students will engage in close reading of the text by means of a variety of critical methods, drawing from: historical, literary, social, and cultural criticisms. Prerequisite B501 Greek or equivalent. 3 credits B564 Parables: Greek-based Exegesis Saunders This course provides an opportunity to tighten Greek reading skills and develop exegetical tools for interpretation of parables, including historical, socioeconomic, political, rhetorical, and intertextual reading strategies. Students will translate and interpret a variety of parables from Matthew and Luke. Prerequisite B501 or equivalent. 3 credits B566 Luke-Acts: Greek-Based Exegesis Nadella This course will explicate linguistic, theological, historical and political aspects of select texts from Luke-Acts. It will offer tools for interpreting the texts in light of current socio-political contexts for the purposes of preaching and teaching in congregations. Prerequisite B501 or equivalent. 3 credits
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B569 Philippians and Luke: Greek-based Exegesis Saunders A Greek-based biblical exegesis course focusing on the books of Philippians and Luke. Prerequisite: B501 Essentials of Greek. 3 credits B570 Acts of the Apostles Galatians: Greek-based Exegesis Smith In this course students will engage in close critical readings of Galatians and the Acts of the Apostles with consideration to literary and historical contexts, as well as the Greek texts. Particular attention to the proclamation or kerygma of the early ekklesia, theological constructions, revelation, community, violence, hierarchy, ‘othering,’ and the intersection of race or ethnicity, gender, class, sexuality, and/ or religion. Prerequisite B501 or equivalent. 3 credits B571 Matthew: Greek-Based Exegesis Nadella This course explores linguistic, theological, historical and political aspects of select texts from Matthew. It will offer tools for interpreting the texts in light of current sociopolitical contexts for the purposes of preaching and teaching in congregations. Prerequisite: B501 or equivalent. 3 credits B572 First Corinthians: Greek-based Exegesis Smith First Corinthians is addressed to the ekklesia that the Apostle Paul founded in Corinth. In this course students will engage in close critical readings of Paul’s letter to the Corinthian believers. Readings will consider historical and literary context, as well as the Greek text. Students will discuss Paul’s reason for writing, his rhetorical responses to the problems in Corinth, ancient Roman slavery, the intersection of gender, authority, and hierarchy, as well as contemporary relevance. Prerequisite B501 or equivalent. 3 credits
B605 Genesis Yoder Explores the book of Genesis, paying particular attention to its ancient Near Eastern contexts, narrative and character development, and theological perspectives. Considers modern interpretive approaches to Genesis, the lasting influence of the book on Western art and literature, and interpretations and uses of the book in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. 3 credits B606 Song of Songs Yoder Interprets Song of Songs, with particular attention to the book’s rhetorical strategies, theological significance, and roles in Jewish and Christian liturgies. Considers ways in which the poetry and passion of Song of Songs may inform faith communities today. 3 credits B607 The Little Bible: The Book of Psalms Brown Considers the God the Psalms address, the prayers and daily life, and the how the Psalms relate to liturgy and pastoral ministry. 3 credits B608 Ecclesiastes and Its Consequences Breed Traces the interpretation of the book of Ecclesiastes in Jewish and Christian communities in various modes (e.g. theology, liturgy, visual art, music, philosophy, film). Focuses on important questions raised by the book of Ecclesiastes as well as crucial interpretive problems as they feature in the reception history of this biblical text. English based. 3 credits B609 The Bible and Hermeneutics of Wonder Brown This course aims at cultivating a sense of wonder in God’s Word and World. Participants will explore the multifaceted nature of wonder as a hermeneutical lens for (re)reading Scripture in the context of ministry. 3 credits
B614 The Emergence of Yahwism Breed Explores the origins and development of the Yahwistic religion of ancient Israel, including the history of the divine name YHWH, the significance of YHWH’s remote desert origins and connections to Midianites and Edomites, various theories concerning the emergence of the ancient Israelites, Israel and YHWH’s distinctive connections with marginal sociocultural groups, the gradual development of monotheism, the evolution of the divine council, the presence of the divine feminine in ancient Israel, and comparisons with the religious practices of other cultures in the Southern Levant. The course concludes with reflections on the implications for contemporary theology and Christian practices. 3 credits B615 Old Testament Theology Breed Surveys the literature of the Old Testament, focusing on its diverse witnesses to the God of Israel who was incarnate in Jesus Christ. Examines topics such as the character and attributes of God, the presence of God, the knowledge of God, and the history of Israelite, Judahite and Jewish conceptions of God from various perspectives in biblical literature. Explores these matters in the context of the Old Testament as a whole, and in relation to Christian theology. Course fulfills the MAPT requirement for introductory Old Testament study. 3 credits B627 Gospel Parables Saunders This course explores the parables of Jesus a) within their settings in the Gospels, b) as the vehicles for Jesus’ evocation and depiction of the empire of God, and 3) as they might be used in the life of the church today. Students will focus especially on the possibilities and problems for preaching and teaching posed especially by those parables that occur in the Revised Common Lectionary, most of which come from Matthew and Luke. This course is open to all students, but may be adapted to meet the standards of a Greek language exegetical distribution elective. 3 credits B630 The Bible and Visual Art Breed Examines the role of images within the Old and New Testaments, as well as the history of Christian and Jewish visual representations of biblical texts. Analyzes selected images that crystallize different theologies of images and modes of biblical interpretation. Considers various theological and hermeneutical frameworks that undergird these images. Students will learn how to interpret Jewish and Christian art and will develop a theological perspective on the use of visual art in the contemporary Church. 3 credits www.CTSnet.edu
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B632 Intersectionality, Social (In)Justice and Womanist/Feminist Biblical Interpretation Smith Explores issues of ethnicity, race, gender, class, and sexuality and how they intersect in the biblical text and/or in the lived realities of interpreters and interpreting communities. Examines how womanists (nonwhite women scholars that self-identify as womanists and who prioritize nonwhite women’s experiences, traditions, and concerns) and feminists (white and nonwhite women and men scholars who self-identify as black/feminists) biblical scholars have addressed such intersectionalities when interpreting biblical texts. Focuses on issues of social (in)justice (e.g. violence against women, police brutality, poverty and so on) and interlocking oppressions (racism, classism, sexism, and heterosexism) and how students can foreground and/or address such concerns when doing biblical interpretation. 3 credits B676 Apocalyptic Ecology Saunders This course explores the ecology, nature, structures, and vocations of the church as an eschatological body in the New Testament, with a particular eye to possible connections between this ecology and the ecology of creation itself. How is the ecology of the church a response to imperial ecologies of the first century? How might the church today respond faithfully to situations of empire and environmental degradation? How might the eschatological imagination of the church be related to God’s intentions for creation? Recommended courses include B520 OT Interpretation I, B521 OT Interpretation II, and B530 NT Interpretation. 3 credits B692 Exegetical Research in Old Testament Breed, Brown, Yoder 3 credits B693 Research in Old Testament Criticism or Theology Breed, Brown, Yoder 3 credits B694 Independent Study in Biblical Languages Staff 3 credits
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B695 Exegetical Research in New Testament Nadella, Saunders, Smith 3 credits B696 Research in New Testament Criticism or Theology Nadella, Saunders, Smith 3 credits B699 MA(TS) Final Independent Study Staff An independent study in Old or New Testament undertaken in the final semester of the MA(TS) program. Students do analytic, constructive work on a specific topic and produce original research in partial fulfillment of the degree requirements. 3 credits B702 ThM Thesis Research Biblical Area Staff This class focuses on the research and initial writing stage for the student’s thesis project, supervised by the advisor and in conjunction with the ThM director. 3 credits B703 ThM Literature Review Biblical Area Staff In this independent study, a student works with the primary advisor to develop a reading list in the area of research interest and writes a literature review of the sources in preparation for the thesis writing. This course is supervised by the student’s primary advisor with the assistance of the instructor of the ThM Research Seminar. 3 credits B704 ThM Thesis Writing Biblical Area Staff Required of all ThM students, leading to the completion of the ThM thesis. 6 credits B806 Love, Desire, and the Song of Songs Yoder Interprets Song of Songs, with particular attention to the book’s ancient Near Eastern and Israelite contexts, rhetorical strategies, metaphors, connections to Israelite wisdom literature, and history of reception. Considers ways in which the poetry and passion of the Song can inform faith communities today. 3 credits
B807 Genesis Yoder Explores the book of Genesis, paying particular attention to its ancient Near Eastern contexts, narrative and character development, and theological perspectives. Considers modern interpretive approaches to Genesis, the lasting influence of the book on Western art and literature, and interpretations and uses of the book in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Hybrid. 3 credits B819 The New Testament, Economic Justice, and Implications for Ministry Nadella Explores key New Testament texts that address issues of economic (in)justice. Examines these texts within the socio-political contexts of first century Palestine and the Roman empire, as well as artwork from that era, to see how the economic vision offered might have been countercultural. Explores how each NT book builds upon earlier ones, offering its unique vision of justice and what faith communities can take from these texts as they seek to live faithfully amid unprecedented economic inequality in the United States. 3 credits B822 A Dwelling Place for God: Creation, Eschatology & Ecology Saunders This course explores the biblical story of creation (“heaven and earth”) from Genesis to Revelation, focusing especially on the relevant NT materials in Matthew, John, Paul, and Revelation. The primary goal of the course is to develop a framework for understanding the biblical narratives of creation, fall and curse, and redemption, especially as these relate to current environmental concerns. 3 credits
B851 The Gospel According to Matthew Saunders Explores Matthew’s story of Jesus and the restoration of “heaven and earth,” with an eye to themes of empire, violence, justice and forgiveness, and creation. This course provides resources especially for those who are preaching or teaching from the Gospel Lectionary next year (December 2016-November 2017). 3 credits B855 Ecclesiastes and Its Consequences Breed Traces the interpretation of the book of Ecclesiastes in Jewish and Christian communities in various modes (e.g. theology, liturgy, visual art, music, philosophy, film). Focuses on important questions raised by the book of Ecclesiastes as well as crucial interpretive problems as they feature in the reception history of this biblical text. Prerequisite B505 3 credits B874 Apocalyptic Ecology Saunders This course explores the ecology—nature, structures, and vocations—of the church as an eschatological body in the New Testament. How is NT eschatology related to the biblical story of creation? How is the ecology of the church a response to imperial ecologies of the first century? How might the church today respond faithfully to situations of empire and environmental degradation? How might the eschatological imagination of the church be related to God’s intentions for creation? 3 credits
B827 Wisdom’s Wonder: Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes Brown The wisdom literature of the Old Testament is rich with insight about God’s relationship to the world and humanity’s place in it. The class will explore the many faces of wisdom in the Bible, focusing specifically on Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes, which together mark the journey of faith and wonder coram deo. Knowledge of Hebrew is recommended but not required. 3 credits www.CTSnet.edu
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HISTORICAL DOCTRINAL AREA CURRICULUM & COURSES
Faculty: Mark Douglas, Tim Hartman, Martha Moore-Keish, Marcia Y. Riggs, Wonchul Shin, Haruko Nawata Ward, William Yoo HD542 Exploring Christian History
Yoo This course invites students on a journey through Christian history from the first century to the present. With emphases on the movements and turning points that shaped Christianity across the globe, the course engages primary sources and contemporary historical interpretations. Hybrid. 3 credits
HD551 Christian Theology II
Hartman, Moore-Keish Introduces the basic doctrines of Christian faith. Studies classical theological paradigms, their contemporary reinterpretation, and the significance of theology for the life of the church. Prerequisite: HD 550, or permission of the instructor. 3 credits
HD560 Practicing Christian Ethics
Shin HD543 History of Christianities: Beginnings This course prepares students to practice Christian through 1700 CE ethics in their own ministerial contexts. For this Ward purpose, in the first section, this course helps This course traces global movements of Christianities students foster an ethical awareness of three major from the early church to CE1700, using historical-critical moral challenges of our society: (1) poverty, (2) analyses of primary texts, the development of ideas and violence, and (3) environmental degradation. After practices, their interactions with other religions, issues an initial introduction to these challenges, students of gender and race, and outcomes of diverse traditions of will identity and articulate their own moral questions today’s World Christianities. related to one of the three social issues. In the 3 credits second section, students acquire understanding of four sources—Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience—and three methods—teleology, HD544 History of Christianities: 1500 CE deontology, and virtue ethics—for Christian ethical through 2000 CE reflection. In the last section, students will find and Ward utilize relevant sources and methods for addressing The course traces global movements of Christianities from the identified moral questions, which in turn CE1500 to present, using historical-critical analyses of formulates their own public Christian witness in primary texts, the development of ideas and practices, society. This course meets the Ethics Distribution their interactions with other religions, issues of gender and Requirement. race, and outcomes of diverse traditions of today’s World 3 credits Christianities. Hybrid. 3 credits HD561 Ethical Leadership in an Age of
Sectarianism and Polarization
HD550 Christian Theology I
Hartman, Moore-Keish Introduces the basic doctrines of Christian faith. Studies classical theological paradigms, their contemporary reinterpretation, and the significance of theology for the life of the church. 3 credits
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Riggs Students examine theories of leadership and ethics in light of current debates about the motives and actions of leaders in both church and society. Students also explore the relevance of such theories for understanding their roles as leaders and followers in various ministerial and institutional contexts. Meets Ethics Distribution Requirement. Hybrid or Online. 3 credits
HD562 Providence, Theodicy, and Ethics
Douglas Does God act in the world? And why is there so much suffering? No two sets of questions seem more impervious to human thought or more important to life and ministry. They are also the guiding questions of the class. Counts as a Christian Ethics distribution requirement course. 3 credits
HD563 Debate and Advocacy for Just Public Policy Riggs Students analyze current debates regarding public policies in light of ethical theories of justice. Each student engages in small group work on a public policy, writes a position paper on a selected policy issue, and develops a program for educating a specific audience on the selected issue. Meets Ethics Distribution Requirement. 3 credits
HD564 Envisioning and Practicing Beloved Community
Riggs This course uses social and ethical interpretation of the church as a human community as a point of departure for exploring barriers to and dynamics of moral discourse in communities of faith. Theories of racial, ethnic, gender, and cultural identity are used to examine demographics of communities of faith and students as religious leaders. Theories of conflict transformation, intercultural communication, and dialogue are used to develop models of moral discourse for application in congregations or other group settings in which students practice ministry. Meets Ethics Distribution Requirement. Hybrid. 3 credits
HD565 Histories of Christian Ethics
Douglas Christian ethics involves multiple voices and varied perspectives expressed over time and in many contexts. This course traces the histories that have shaped Christian Ethics, giving special attention to the way they complicate and make possible the church’s moral witness. 3 credits
HD566 Christologies and Politics
Douglas Considers how we now understand the church`s early confession, “Jesus is Lord,” questions whether we should use the same language today and the political implications of doing so. A cross between Christology and political philosophy. 3 credits
HD567 Protest in the 20th and 21st Centuries: History and Practice of Nonviolence
Riggs The history and practice of nonviolence in the United States and around the globe. Nonviolence is explored as the basis of protest movements and as liberation ethics. Class time will also be used to learn strategies of nonviolent protest. Meets Ethics Distribution Requirement. 3 credits
HD570 Presbyterian History and Polity
Yoo, Owen Aumann (adjunct) Examines Presbyterian history and polity from the colonial period to the present across diversities of age, ethnicity, gender, geography, and race through careful study of a myriad of source materials ranging from historical texts to the Book of Order. 3 credits
HD573 History of Race, Racism, and Reconciliation in American Christianity
Yoo This course focuses on the ways in which a diverse array of Christian individuals, congregations, and institutions across U.S. history understood race and privilege, perpetuated or opposed racial discrimination, and pursued reconciliation through careful study of primary sources, scholarly interpretations of American religion, and the work of critical race theorists. Counts as the American Religious History distribution requirement. 3 credits
HD574 Histories of American Christianity
Yoo Examines the histories of a diverse array of Christian individuals, groups, and traditions in colonial North America and the United States through close analysis of primary sources and secondary interpretations. Students will identify critical themes and explore various methods to study the past, apply historical lessons in the present, and move forward together toward a more faithful future. 3 credits
HD575 Issues in Medical Ethics
Douglas Explores how theologians try to make moral sense of life and death in relation to issues such as euthanasia, abortion, cloning, and healthcare reform. Online. 3 credits
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HD580 The Church in the Shadow of the Mosque
CURRICULUM & COURSES
Nguvugher (adjunct) This course is an examination of the development of Islamic religious thought and practice and its theological and cultural interactions with Christianity. It will undertake an historical survey of the rise of Islam and go on to examine its major dogmas and rituals. Particular attention will be paid to the five faces of Islam: missionary, mystical, political, militant and progressive faces. The historical, theological and political intersections with Christianity will be highlighted. Pressing theological questions on the nature of God and God’s revelation in the two religions will be addressed. Finally, the course will introduce students to different models of historical and contemporary Christian responses to Islam and engagement with Muslims. 3 credits
HD582 Doing Theology amid Religious Pluralism
Moore-Keish This course will examine Christian constructive theological responses to the situation of religious pluralism, from the early church to the present, with an emphasis on contemporary voices, such as Jacques Dupuis, Mark Heim, and Paul Knitter. The class will enable students to see that religious pluralism is not a new situation, but one that Christians have been addressing since the writing of the New Testament. Students will read and engage a variety of perspectives on religious pluralism, with the goal of developing their own theological interpretations. 3 credits
HD601 Histories and Diversities of Theology in American Culture
Yoo This course investigates the histories of Christian theology in American culture from colonial to recent times. Exploring diverse theologies across U.S. history, the course entails analysis of theological texts and the cultural and historical contexts in which they were formed. 3 credits
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HD602 Christianity in Asia in the Early Modern World
Ward This course critically examines the development of Christianity in Asia between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries. Beginning with the Treaty of Tordesillas (1493) through the Jesuit and later Protestant missions, the course examines the interactions of these missions and the new converts in Asia, the new expressions of Christianity produced, as well as the controversies in Europe regarding the new “native Christianities”. Hybrid. 3 credits
HD603 Women in the Reformations (1400-1700)
Ward An examination of representative women who helped shape the Reformation movements. Studies the range of women`s leadership in Lutheran, Reformed, Radical, English, and Catholic Reformations in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Addresses the critical issues in studying women in history. 3 credits
HD604 The Age of Reformations
Ward New approaches to the period known as the age of discovery, expansion, and Reformations in Western Europe (1400 – 1700 C.E.) through a global perspective. Examines diversity of Reform ideas, practices, leadership and networks; and issues of Christianity and mission, colonialism, race, slave trade, other religions, gender and sexuality. Hybrid. 3 credits
HD606 Eucharist of Crumbs: Women and Vocation in the Medieval Church
Ward An introduction to writings by women who found their “vocation” as monastic creative writers, abbesses, theologians, visionaries, mystic teachers, spiritual guides, humanist educators, city reformers, apologists, catechists, and leaders of sodalities. Explores the ways in which biblical, theological, anthropological and social arguments were used against women in officially ministering within the church. Women questioned the status quo and created venues to preach and engage in sacramental ministries. 3 credits
HD606 History of Religion in the American South
Yoo This course focuses upon the American South to study the troubled histories of race and slavery in the United States and to analyze the cultural and religious transformations of the region through migration, industrialization, urbanization, and other significant historical movements. 3 credits
HD610 Reformed Theology: Its Shape and Development
Hartman Examines Reformed theology from the sixteenth century to the present, focusing on theologians, creeds, and confessions. 3 credits
HD612 Theologies of Baptism and Eucharist
HD620 Ethical Practices: Nonviolent and Intercultural Communication
Riggs Marshall Rosenberg’s Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life and Min-Sun Kim’s Non-Western Perspectives on Human Communication: Implications for Theory and Practice are theoretical bases for this course. Students learn theory and skills for communicating effectively and compassionately with persons of diverse race-ethnicities, cultures, and religious backgrounds. 1.5 credits
HD621 Ethical Practices: Conflict Transformation
Riggs John Paul Lederach’s theories of conflict transformation along with theories of transformative mediation and narrative mediation are studied. These theories inform the practice of skills for sustaining relationships in contexts of conflict. Students will practice conflict transformation skills and develop their own conflict transformation leadership style and tool kit. 1.5 credits
Moore-Keish Surveys the development of baptismal and eucharistic theologies through history and explores some of the various debates concerning baptism and Eucharist in churches around the world today. HD622 Ethical Practices: Difficult Dialogues & Democratic Dialogue 3 credits Riggs Theories regarding what constitutes dialogue (rather than conversation HD614 Theology and Community: A Lived Theology or debate) as well as the Democratic Dialogue—A Handbook for Approach Practitioners provide theoretical and practical insights for this course. Hartman Students will practice dialogue skills and develop dialogue models for Investigates social consequences of religious belief through discussing difficult topics in the varieties of contexts in which they resistance against Nazism (Dietrich Bonhoeffer), against practice ministry. racism through the U.S. Civil Rights Movement (Martin 1.5 credits Luther King, Jr.), and against Rwandan genocide (Emmanuel Katongole) asking: How do ideas about God shape the way communities and individuals engage the social order? HD623 Ethical Practices: Nurturing the Moral Imagination 3 credits Riggs Ethical theory and conflict transformation theory on moral imagination form the basis of this course. Students complete exercises in The Little HD615 Theology, Ethics, and Sexuality Book of Contemplative Photography: Seeing with Wonder, Respect, and Douglas, Moore-Keish Humility by Howard Zehr. This course explores the theologies that underlie Christian 1.5 credits notions of embodiment, desire, and sexual activity and attempts to connect those theological notions to contemporary issues of sexuality that confront the Church. HD624 Prophetic Criticism in the 21st century: Ethicist as Social and Cultural Critic 3 credits Riggs A seminar exploring how selected theological and social ethical questions HD619 Black Church Studies Seminar are presented in cultural sources such as contemporary movies, novels, Riggs political cartoons, music, and visual art. Theories of cultural criticism The history and practice of nonviolence in the United States and liberation theologies and ethics provide the analytical and dialogical and around the globe. Nonviolence is explored as the basis of frame for the course. protest movements and as liberation ethics. Class time will 3 credits also be used to learn strategies of nonviolent protest. Meets Ethics Distribution Requirement. 3 credits
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HD625 Feminist and Womanist Ethics
CURRICULUM & COURSES
Riggs A seminar examining historical, sociological, and theological bases of feminist and womanist ethics. Students read feminist and womanist scholars in depth. Students also use a socio-religious ethical framework to analyze gender oppression, to expose sexist and heterosexist practices, and to propose ways to create sexual-gender justice. A semester of theology, bible, and/or church history will be helpful for students in the course. 3 credits
HD626 Science, Religion & the End of the World
Douglas The sciences and the Christian tradition provide narratives about the end of the world. Yet how do these narratives relate? How do we evaluate them? And what are the implications of the narratives for the way we live and think today? This course, taught by a professor of astrophysics and a professor of religious ethics and offered jointly by Agnes Scott College and Columbia Theological Seminary, takes up those critical questions and provides students from both schools with opportunities to study widely, think critically, and learn respectfully in a cross-disciplinary setting. 3 credits
HD628 Virtue Ethics for Social Justice
Shin This course prepares students to practice Christian ethics in their own ministerial contexts. For this purpose, in the first section, this course helps students foster an ethical awareness of three major moral challenges of our society: (1) poverty, (2) violence, and (3) environmental degradation. After an initial introduction to these challenges, students will identity and articulate their own moral questions related to one of the three social issues. In the second section, students acquire understanding of four sources—Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience—and three methods—teleology, deontology, and virtue ethics—for Christian ethical reflection. In the last section, students will find and utilize relevant sources and methods for addressing the identified moral questions, which in turn formulates their own public Christian witness in society. This course meets the Ethics Distribution Requirement. 3 credits
HD661 Feminist Theologies
Moore-Keish An examination of the roots of the feminist theological movement in earlier Christian history, the significant voices from the 1960s and 1970s, and contemporary theologians who are working in feminist theology today. In the final weeks of class, students work on projects on topics of particular interest. Prerequisite: HD550 or equivalent. 3 credits
HD664 Theology of Karl Barth
Hartman Offers an overview of the theology of Karl Barth through close attention to his Church Dogmatics, Epistle to the Romans, and selected occasional writings. Barth’s understandings of revelation, the Word of God, election, reconciliation, and ecclesiology will be explored. Prerequisite: HD 550 or instructor’s permission. 3 credits
HD670 Religion and Violence
Shin Students study the topic of religion and violence from historical, psychological, sociological, theological, and ethical perspectives as they develop an analytical perspective regarding religion’s role in conflict and violence. Students develop their own theological-ethical perspective on the relationship between religion and violence as a component of their overall theology of ministry. Best if students have some background in church history, theology, and/or worship. 3 credits
HD672 Love and Justice
Douglas Explores how love (agape) and justice relate with emphasis on the role each plays in the church’s attempts to address social problems. 3 credits
HD691 Independent Study in Church History Ward, Yoo 3 credits
HD693 Independent Study in Theology Hartman, Moore-Keish 3 credits
HD695 Independent Study in Philosophy Staff 3 credits
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HD696 Independent Study in Mission, Ecumenics, and World Christianity Staff 3 credits
HD697 Independent Study in Ethics Douglas, Riggs 3 credits
HD699 MA(TS) Final Independent Study
Staff An independent study in Church History, Ethics, or Theology undertaken in the final semester of the MA(TS) program. Students do analytic, constructive work on a specific topic and produce original research in partial fulfillment of the degree requirements. 3 credits
HD702 ThM Thesis Research Historical Doctrinal Area
Staff This class focuses on the research and initial writing stage for the student’s thesis project, supervised by the advisor and in conjunction with the ThM director. 3 credits
HD703 ThM Literature Review Historical Doctrinal Area
Staff In this independent study, a student works with the primary advisor to develop a reading list in the area of research interest and writes a literature review of the sources in preparation for the thesis writing. This course is supervised by the student’s primary advisor with the assistance of the instructor of the ThM Research Seminar. 3 credits
HD704 ThM Thesis Writing Historical Doctrinal Area
Staff Required of all ThM students, leading to the completion of the ThM thesis. 6 credits
HD801 History of Race, Migration and the Making of the American Church Yoo This course investigates the history of Christians from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe as they created new churches in the United States with particular attention to pastoral ministry, multicultural congregations, and practical implications for Christian leaders moving forward. Hybrid. 3 credits
HD810 Reading Karl Barth for Ministry
Hartman This course examines the implications of Barth’s theology for the practice of ministry. Particular attention will be paid to his understanding of election, his Christology, and especially his ecclesiology. Both Western and non-Western ministry contexts will be considered. 3 credits
HD814 Theology and Community: A Lived Theology Approach
Hartman Investigates social consequences of religious belief through resistance against Nazism (Dietrich Bonhoeffer), against racism through the U.S. Civil Rights Movement (Martin Luther King, Jr.), and against Rwandan genocide (Emmanuel Katongole) asking: How do ideas about God shape the way communities and individuals engage the social order? Hybrid. 3 credits
HD827 The Early Jesuits
Ward A close examination of the writings and works of the Society of Jesus from its inception by Ignatius of Loyola in the 1530s to the papal suppression of the Society in 1773. Seminar topics include: a) spirituality (especially Loyola’s Spiritual Exercises); b) evangelization (global mission, theory and practice); c) interreligious dialogue; d) ministry (active apostolate, priesthood and women); e) martyr theology and martyrdom. 3 credits
HD863 Eucharist of Crumbs: Women and Vocation in the Medieval Church
Ward An examination of writings by medieval women and their theological, spiritual and vocational quest. Discusses methods of teaching women’s texts from history in churches. 3 credits
HD879 Women of Color as Public Theologians
Riggs In this seminar students study the lives and writings of women of color from the nineteenth through the twentyfirst centuries. The lives and writings of these women are explored as models for faithful discipleship and doing public theology (constructive ethical reflection) on issues of social justice and public policy. Students complete a social media project to disseminate their public theologies. 3 credits
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PRACTICAL THEOLOGY AREA CURRICULUM & COURSES
Faculty: Melissa Browning, Kathy Dawson, Anna Carter Florence, J. William Harkins, Christine Hong, Melinda McGarrah Sharp, Jacob Myers, Rebecca Spurrier, Jeffery Tribble, Ralph Watkins, Lisa Weaver P150 Scripture Reading Practicum Staff Prepares students to be liturgists and oral interpreters of scripture by offering a performance and proclamation theology for Reformed worship. Required of MDiv students in the first semester as a prerequisite to P530. 0 credits P500 Introduction to Practical Theology Dawson, McGarrah Sharp This required course in the Master of Arts in Practical Theology (MAPT) degree program introduces the student to the basic vocabulary, understandings, and methods in the field of practical theology. Incorporating a wide variety of teaching methods, this course seeks to show the foundation upon which each of the four areas of concentration rests. This course meets as a one-week intensive course in August of each year with three follow-up sessions set by the course participants during the fall semester that directly follows it. 3 credits
P504 Global Christian Spiritualities Hong Christianity no longer holds sway over the American imagination. This calls us to reexamine the reasons and methods for gospel proclamation. Drawing upon theological, philosophical, and sociological materials, this course examines new ways of thinking about the preaching task in light of the shifts that are taking place in the world today. Online. 3 credits
P510 Introduction to Christian Leadership Watkins This course is an introduction to the theories and practices of Christian leadership. The course will explore such topics as leadership development, systems theory and practice, financial administration, and missional church development examining how Christian leaders exercise legitimate authority by directing, influencing, coordinating, or otherwise guiding the thoughts and behaviors of persons and groups. The course seeks to create a space to discern and develop our unique qualities, characteristics, and expertise of P501 Introduction to the Theory and Practice of Christian leadership with others through critical Christian Education reflection and integration of course material. Hong 3 credits Examining understandings of God, mission, and education, students learn basic educational concepts, P512 Congregational Leadership & Church analyze contemporary theories and practices, and Administration develop approaches to Christian education. Tribble 3 credits Addresses time management in ministry, financial planning, spiritual development, organizational P502 Faith and Human Development dynamics, power and authority, communication, Dawson problem-solving, conflict and negotiation, Surveys the field of human development coordinating personnel and members in mission and explores the developmental theories and and ministry, and stewardship. methods that inform current education practice. 3 credits Faith interviews with children, youth, and adults are used to analyze and critique developmental P514 Turnaround Congregations through psychology. Fulfills the educator certification Evangelism & Community requirements in human development for Watkins PC(USA) students. Many of us will be called to congregations 3 credits that have witnessed a decline over the years or are in need of missional realignment. These congregations are referred to as “turnaround� 76
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churches. In this course we address what a turnaround church is and how one might lead a congregation in the process of missional realignment via evangelism and community engagement. 3 credits P515 The Art of Reading Congregations Tribble Recognizing that theological education must be seen in the context of the church and its mission in the world, this class helps students develop the art of reading congregations as “living human documents.� Multiple interpretive frames and methodologies for analyzing congregations are introduced as tools to enable practical theological reflections. Students learn to read the congregation and its history as context for the transformative praxis of pastoral leadership. Prerequisite: SM510 or by permission of instructor. 3 credits
P530A&B Preaching and Public Proclamation Florence, Myers This course prepares students to proclaim the good news of the gospel in and beyond the pulpit. Students of every level of experience will learn and sharpen the skills necessary for the preparation and delivery of sermons that are faithful, creative, and transformative. The course explores theories and practices of preaching with particular emphases on the interpretation of texts and contexts, theologies of proclamation, and listener engagement. Includes the preaching of sermons and the delivery of public addresses in small workshop groups. Prerequisite: P150 Scripture Reading Practicum. The A Section is designed for residential learners. The B Section is a hybrid section limited to 12 students that is intended to meet the needs of commuting students, who will be given priority in registration. 3 credits
P540 Introduction to Christian Worship Spurrier, Weaver Christian worship has taken various forms from the earliest P517 Introduction to Pastoral Ministry days of the church. This course will survey the diversity of Tribble liturgical expression in the Western church throughout the This course will create space for exploring questions centuries and in our own time, while also considering the related to the vocation, theology and practice of common elements that all Christian worshipers share. Special pastoral ministry. Various forms and contexts of pastoral attention will be given to the theology and practice of baptism ministry will be considered including associate, solo, and the Lord’s Supper. Students will also explore themes such bi-vocational ministry, co-pastor, and leader of a new as the Christian year, liturgical space, music and the arts. worshipping community. 3 credits 3 credits P518 Evangelism and Congregational Development Watkins The integration of evangelism, spiritual formation, and community building are the central themes upon which this course is built. We explore the need to share the gospel in innovative ways and as growth occurs the task of building a strong faith community must be done simultaneously. The whys and how to both share the gospel and build community are addressed in this course. 3 credits
P544 Worship through the Phases of Life: Occasional Services Weaver This course will consider the theological, liturgical, and homiletical aspects of occasional services in the life of the church: weddings, funerals, services of healing and wholeness, ordination, and other rites related to baptism. Students will explore cultural attitudes and sociological analyses regarding rites of passage in the church, consider those rites theologically, and examine liturgies associated with those rites. 3 credits
P520 Introduction to Pastoral Care Harkins, McGarrah Sharp An introduction to the fundamentals of pastoral care, including how to respond in common pastoral situations (including individual, premarital, couples, family, and crisis situations). Students develop a biblical and theological framework for understanding their own pastoral identity, the meaning of care of persons, and the pastoral role of Christian community. Attention is given to professional ethics, gender and intercultural sensitivity, making appropriate referrals, and the spiritual importance of self-care and boundaries. 3 credits
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P546 Christian Worship, Human Difference, and Divine Justice Spurrier Christian Worship unifies human bodies in love and praise of the God who makes this worship possible. At the same time, God-given and culturally inscribed human differences contest the possibility of a unity of persons and communities gathered before God. In this course, we consider the hope and challenge of Christian worship through the work of scholars and theologians who analyze the marks of gender, ability, race, class, and nationality as these affect worshipping bodies of Christians. How can we understand divine justice in relationship to the human differences manifest and hidden in the church’s prayer and praise? How might churches and communities engage and desire human difference? 3 credits
and seminar style discussion. Students are encouraged to share their own experiences and interests in intercultural and inter-religious engagement as part of their course participation. 3 credits P604 Youth Ministry Staff Explores youth subculture and its implications for ministry, including the developmental challenges of youth, ministry with young people in crisis, changing family patterns, and emerging strategies in ministry with youth and their families. 3 credits
P605 The Spiritual Lives of Children Dawson Focuses on the many facets of children`s ministry. The perception of children is explored theologically, developmentally, and educationally. P550 MAPT Capstone Course in Practical Includes opportunity to refine skills in biblical Theology storytelling and lesson planning, survey of McGarrah Sharp This course is designed for Master of Arts in Practical resources for helping children to grow in faith, and field trips to sites that educate children. Theology degree students in their final spring 3 credits semester. Building on formative understandings developed in P500 Introduction to Practical Theology, students will continue to explore different P606 Camp/Conference Program and models and issues within the field. A particular emphasis on vocations within Practical Theology will Administration Winchip (adjunct) form a distinctive portion of this course. This course will explore the many facets of camp, 3 credits conference and retreat ministry. It will focus on the form and function of programming and how it relates to all aspects of site administration. P601 Transforming the Confirmation Journey Students will be introduced to the principles Staff behind mission statements, program models, Explores the meanings of confirmation, critiques staffing and facility management, as well as models and methods, and attempts to determine trends and standards within this important field. the best approach to confirmation in students’ 3 credits future congregations. 1.5 credits P602 Intercultural and Inter-religious Intelligences: Learning and Teaching a Posture of Openness Hong What does it mean to live, teach, and minister in a world or a neighborhood that is both intercultural and inter-religious? How do we learn how foster intercultural and inter-religiously open postures in communities and in ministries that have yet to embrace diversity and difference? What are the skills and capacities needed to co-create understanding between people of different cultures and religious traditions? This course will explore these questions and more through readings, spiritual practices, group projects, site visits, guest speakers, media, 78
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P609 Introduction to Recreation Ministry Winchip (adjunct) This course will explore the use of recreation to address the developmental, educational, and spiritual needs of children, youth, and adults. Students will have hands-on opportunities to plan and lead recreational activities that could be used in a variety of ministry contexts. 1.5 credits P612 Evangelism, Photography & Social Media Watkins In this course students study what makes media social and theologically enriching. It focuses on the culture of sharing photos as a means of evangelism. Students will be taught what makes visually strong
images that are shared / liked and how to make visually strong images that effectively share the Gospel. Students will do projects that engage blogs, Instagram, Twitter, Flickr, Facebook (and other photo sharing platforms) that are conducive for sharing the Gospel over the web. 3 credits P613 Evangelism and Social Justice Watkins Church leaders in the future will have to be able to nurture their congregation while simultaneously being organically connected to the community that surrounds the church. This type of church is externally focused and sees its life as inextricably linked with the work of social justice in its community. This course explores the missional foundation and definition of what it looks like for a church to link evangelism, mission and social justice. Online. 3 credits P614 Future of Ministry: Being the Church in the 21st Century Watkins In this course students will engage the emergent church and the missional church models as dialogical partners with established congregational life. This course deals with the tension and integration of the old and the new as the class seeks to uncover what God is doing in God’s church as God leads us into the 21st Century. The class will ask and work at answering, what does the a 21st Century church look like as compared to a 20th Century church? 3 credits P615 Theological Grounding and Development of the Virtual Church Watkins This course addresses the theological issues surrounding the virtual dimension of faith as negotiated in cyberspace. This course will also explore the phenomena of virtual faith expressions and what their creation imply for the future of the church. Online. 3 credits P616 Evangelism and Videography: Story as Witness and Outreach Watkins In this course we study story structure and explore ways to share the Gospel via creative multi-media approaches. Students will do projects that engage the screen (computer, tablet and phone) by creating videos that effectively share the gospel of Jesus Christ. Students will be taught how to shoot and edit videos to be posted on Vimeo, YouTube, Flickr, and or other appropriate platforms. 3 credits
P617 Reaching Young Adults in the Digital and Media Age: Foundations of Young Adult Ministry Watkins Many of our churches are using methods and practices to communicate the gospel that were fitted for a previous generation that was a church-going population. This course is designed to help us think about why and how we can effectively share the gospel with young adults in a media/ digital age by using technology as a resource to build community and transform lives while also addressing the foundations of young adult ministry. Online. 3 credits P620 Pastoral Theology and Care in Film and Literature Harkins In this course, students will watch a full-length feature film weekly, and through accompanying readings and discussion, will reflect on the pastoral care implications to be gleaned from the individual, family, and societal dynamics depicted - including contextual pastoral assessment, countertransference, theological reflection, and appropriate pastoral responses. 3 credits P621 Death, Dying, and Grief McGarrah Sharp Students engage careful study of the broad topic of death and dying from a pastoral theological perspective. The course equips ministry leaders to hone practicing attention to and remaining present in the face of death, dying, illness, loss, and grief. The course places these dynamics of communal life in a narrative frame that attends to both theological and psychological aspects. 3 credits P622 Family Systems Theory for Ministry Harkins Explores the basics of family systems theories as a basis for understanding dynamics at work within families and congregations. Enhances understanding of the student`s own family system and the impact of this system upon formation for ministry. Addresses issues relating to personal and professional boundaries. Online. 3 credits P623 Foundations of Marriage and Family Therapy Harkins Explores systems of family evaluation and counseling, emphasizing theorists and clinicians such as Bowen, Minuchin, Satir, Nagy, and Haley. Hybrid. 3 credits
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P625 Pastoral Imagination in a Violent World McGarrah Sharp There is no question of the pervasive presence of violence in the world throughout human histories and into contemporary contexts. Building on a basic framework of moral discernment, students practice pastoral responses in the face of violence in a variety of intercultural contexts. Students focus pastoral imagination around three complex yet distinct Christian responses to violence: complicity, bystander, and resistance. Hybrid. 3 credits P625B Healthy Boundaries, Harmful Borders McGarrah Sharp What’s the difference between responsible boundaries and harmful borders? Students will probe this question from a pastoral theological perspective. Drawing on narratives of border life and policies around responsible pastoral practice, students will evaluate and construct pastoral theologies of borders and boundaries in the mission and cultures of communities of faith. 3 credits P627 Pastoral Care of Couples and Families Harkins Acquaints students with ways to think theoretically and theologically about the family, with the assumption that all Christian ministers have involvement with family dynamics and systems theory implications. Objectives are to develop appropriate pastoral /theological responses to family issues in congregational contexts; to gain familiarity with some major schools of family therapy; to be reminded of the importance of the pastor`s own family experience in the student’s pastoral work; and to begin developing a theology of family life. 3 credits P628 Pastoral Counseling in the Parish Harkins Explores the theory, methodology, and practice of the appropriate scope of counseling in the parish context. This includes accountability and consultation, confidentiality and boundaries, networking and referral, principles of psychological and theological diagnosis, and the theological rationale of pastoral counseling in the congregation. Hybrid. 3 credits
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P628A Pastoral Care Across the Life Cycle Harkins Explores phases of family development and their impact on those entering, living in, and leaving the family; also studies developmental, situation, and nodal (divorce, retirement, and geographical uprooting) crises and events faced by families. 3 credits P629 The Art and Practice of Theological Reflection Harkins This class will be of use for those whose “vocatio” calls upon and invites them to engage in theological reflection in a variety of settingsparish ministry, chaplaincy, and clinical venuesand in turn for those for whom they care, as this topic can then be taught in adult and other education settings (CPE, confirmation classes, etc.) contexts. Matters of formation, spiritual discipline and human development will be considered. 3 credits P630 Contemporary Homiletical Theories and Theologies Myers Preachers are charged with an impossible task, argued Karl Barth. With only human words at our disposal we are charged, somehow, to preach God’s Word. This seminar engages foundational traditions and texts that have sought to respond to the impossible possibility of preaching with eyes to the horizon of our ever-shifting contemporary contexts. 3 credits P631 Post-Christian Proclamation: Seeking Resilience in God’s Changing World Myers Christianity no longer holds sway over the American imagination. This calls us to reexamine the reasons and methods for gospel proclamation. Drawing upon theological, philosophical, and sociological materials, this course examines new ways of thinking about the preaching task in light of the shifts that are taking place in the world today. 3 credits P633 Curating Church Myers This course introduces students to the motif of curation as a way of thinking critically and creatively about church leadership — particularly in regard to preaching, worship, and discipleship. Herein, students will learn to nurture spaces to connect with cultures in and beyond the church;
preserve what is best in ecclesial cultures; and transform church and societal cultures under the power of the gospel. Online. 3 credits P635 Preaching and Worship through the Christian Year Florence The Christian year enables the church to mark time in a profound way. In this course, students will walk through the seasons of the liturgical year -- from Advent to Epiphany to Lent to Pentecost to Ordinary Time -- to see how theological themes and metaphors of these seasons unfold and build layers of meaning for Christian communities. Drawing on these insights, students will then explore the possibilities for preaching and worship, creating their own sermons and liturgies. Attention will be given to the use of language, the role of music and other lively arts, and the well of resources, both ancient and contemporary, that is available to worship planners. No prerequisites. 3 credits P636 Preaching, Politics and the Pursuit of Justice Myers This course aims to analyze the challenges to preaching for justice vis-à-vis politics in contemporary American contexts. Students will study how preachers have pursued proclamatory justice in light of these challenges in the past, consider some contemporary proposals for continuing that work, and then extend the practice with sermons of their own. The course moves, then, from sociopolitical analysis to a history of practice to practical counsel to the practice of preaching. That movement—a kind of practical theological reflection—is itself one of the main things this course hopes to teach. The P530 Preaching course is recommended but not required as a prerequisite. Hybrid. 3 credits P637 Postmodernism: Why it Matters for Preaching Myers Postmodernism—along with its methodological cousin, deconstruction—has shaped the last fifty years of Western thought. As both a philosophical and cultural phenomenon, postmodernism calls for careful attention by any who would proclaim the gospel with theological awareness and contextual relevance. This intensive course will interrogate the central themes and theorists associated with postmodernism and discuss postmodernism’s implications for contemporary Christian preaching. 3 credits
P639 Back to the Text: 1st Samuel Florence A communal exercise in getting “back to the text” by reading and performing together an entire book of scripture—in this case, the book of 1st Samuel. Students will read widely in biblical studies pertaining to 1st Samuel, experiment with various ways of reading, rehearsing, and improvising a scriptural narrative, and finally create a group performance of the book of 1st Samuel, which will be offer to the community. This course happens annually in the spring with a different book each year, and is open to anyone in all degree programs. 3 credits P640 Ritual Practices in the Church Weaver In every social sphere, human beings are shaped by enacted, patterned activity often known as ritual. This course is designed to introduce students to ritual studies through an examination of human behavior, symbol, language, music, space, art, and time. Attention will also be given to anthropological and theological approaches to the study of ritual in order to analyze the meaning and importance of Christian ritual practices. 3 credits P650 Disability and the Church Spurrier Disability is an essential part of what it means to be human, yet few Christian communities have the theological tools to engage disability rights and disability justice. This course analyzes Christian understandings of the disabled body as well as ableist theologies and practices that harm the church’s witness. Investigating ability and disability through theories, narratives, metaphors, images, and encounters, this course asks critical questions about the importance of the human body for the Christian church. 3 credits P674 Intercultural & Interfaith Pastoral Care and Counseling Harkins This course is designed to develop competence, imagination, and self-and-other awareness in intercultural and interfaith pastoral care and counseling. Students will develop in-depth disciplines of awareness and reflection upon the questions of history, ethnicity, gender, power, sexual orientation, race, and class that have shaped the nature of therapeutic and pastoral encounters. The course will explore the pastoral counseling, pastoral care, and clinical pastoral education applications of the deepening awareness in the field for interfaith, intercultural competence, practices, and ethical and clinical reflection. The course will include experiential components, and CPE, SM510, or other significant ministry/contextual experience is preferred. 3 credits
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P686 Preaching, Creativity and the Arts Myers This course presupposes that the rhythms of God’s creative work can and should inform the preaching life. Drawing upon the work of cultural creatives (e.g., slam-poets, comedians, actors, and novelists), students will explore ways of expanding creativity in sermon development and delivery. In-class exercises and peer feedback will invite lifelong participation in God’s redemptive rhythms in service of the church and the world God loves. Prerequisite P530. 3 credits P693 Independent Study in Practical Theology and Counseling Harkins, McGarrah Sharp 3 credits P694 Independent Study in Worship Spurrier, Weaver 3 credits P695 Independent Study in Preaching Florence, Myers 3 credits P697 Independent Study in Spirituality Staff 3 credits P698 Independent Study in Ministry and Administration Tribble 3 credits P699 Independent Study in New Church Development Staff 3 credits
the primary advisor to develop a reading list in the area of research interest and writes a literature review of the sources in preparation for the thesis writing. This course is supervised by the student’s primary advisor with the assistance of the instructor of the ThM Research Seminar. 3 credits P704 ThM Thesis Writing Practical Theology Area Staff Required of all ThM students, leading to the completion of the ThM thesis. 6 credits P770 DEdMin Introductory Seminar Dawson, Hong This course is the introductory seminar for those persons beginning the doctor of educational ministry degree program and therefore provides an overview of the program, a survey of the various disciplines to be studied in the program, and enables the student to relate their study to their context for educational ministry. The course is framed by the tasks of practical theology as they lead to Christian formation in congregational settings. 6 credits P771 Teaching and Learning Theory Dawson Provides for advanced study in teaching and learning as Christian formation. Particular attention is given to various teaching theories with an emphasis on faith formation. Various teaching methods will be explored with a practicum component in the course enabling students to practice, evaluate, and hone their skills as a teacher and a teacher of teachers. Hybrid. 3 credits
P772 Advanced Study in Faith and Human Development Dawson P702 ThM Thesis Research Practical Theology Area A core course for the DEdMin degree. This Staff seminar assumes that participants are familiar with This class focuses on the research and initial a basic understanding of the classic developmental writing stage for the student’s thesis project, theories such as Piaget, Kohlberg, Fowler, Freud, supervised by the advisor and in conjunction with Erikson, and Gilligan. Students focus in the area of the ThM director. faith, spiritual, and religious development, looking 3 credits at different ways of conceptualizing the Christian life from historical and current theorists. Emphasis P703 ThM Literature Review Practical Theology Area is placed on child and adolescent spirituality in particular in the exploration of best practices for Staff presenting the gospel at different ages. In this independent study, a student works with 6 credits 82
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P773 Advanced Study in Curriculum Theory Hong A core course for the DEdMin degree. Students think beyond curriculum as a lesson plan or resource and explore the history of curriculum theory in the church and world. Special emphasis is placed on obtaining a multicultural and interfaith perspective on this issue as well as comparing the course of public education in the U.S. to Christian education. 3 credits P774 Theory, History & Philosophy of Educational Ministry Dawson Provides for advanced study in the theology, history, and philosophy of Christian education. The course unfolds by weaving the three areas of theology, history, and philosophy together enabling the learner to experience how the disciplines are complementary and integrated and how together, all three contribute to the tapestry that is educational ministry. 3 credits P775 Development of a Curriculum Design Hong Informed by their learning in P773, the student will create and implement an original curriculum design on a topic most often related to their project. Online. 3 credits P779 DEdMin Doctoral Project Dawson, Hong Required of all DEdMin students. 6 credits P804 Global Christian Spiritualities Hong Christianity no longer holds sway over the American imagination. This calls us to reexamine the reasons and methods for gospel proclamation. Drawing upon theological, philosophical, and sociological materials, this course examines new ways of thinking about the preaching task in light of the shifts that are taking place in the world today. 3 credits P812 A Systems Approach to Congregational Leadership Galindo Using Bowen Family Systems Theory (BFST) as applied to organizations as a theoretical framework, the student will explore ways to apply the theory to congregational leadership and other ministry contexts. The role of pastoral leadership in context is emphasized. Online. 3 credits
P813 21st Century Church: Church in the Networked World Watkins How are we to be Church in a networked world? The triple revolution of the internet, social networking and mobile devices will serve as the center pieces of conversation around which this course revolves as we ask how does the church integrate this new reality into the life of it’s ministry? In the midst of this revolution how is the church to reinvent itself while also being faithful to the past ways we have been church? Participants will be invited to see the future now as we seek to be the church in the present age. 3 credits P822 Pastoral Imagination in a Violent World McGarrah Sharp There is no question of the pervasive presence of violence in the world throughout human histories and into contemporary contexts. Building on a basic framework of moral discernment, students practice pastoral responses in the face of violence in a variety of intercultural contexts. Students focus pastoral imagination around three complex yet distinct Christian responses to violence: complicity, bystander, and resistance. Hybrid. 3 credits P838 Pastoral Care and the Experience of Crisis and Trauma Harkins This class will be an exploration into the human experience of crisis and trauma along with a consideration of the particular ministerial skill sets needed to provide an adequate pastoral response capable of assisting in the healing of mind, body and spirit in the wake of the crisis event. Emphasis will be given to understanding these experiences from a pastoral theological frame of reference. Students will sample a range of crisis experiences through readings and video segments, focusing beyond intervention actions to consider the place of resiliency and community in finding one’s way from victim to survivor to becoming one who thrives and is able to rediscover and share the active presence of grace in life. 3 credits P885 Transformative Pastoral Leadership Tribble Explores the role of the pastor as spiritual leader embracing key adaptive issues for personal, congregational, and communal transformation. Acknowledging that leading a congregation through processes of deep change may be risky and costly, we explore current interdisciplinary ministry approaches for pastors leading congregations through processes of transition involving time and learning where identity, mission, culture, and operating procedures are fundamentally altered. This class is a seminar for students to work on actual case studies from their church and ministry contexts. Hybrid. 3 credits www.CTSnet.edu
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INTERDISCIPLINARY COURSES
CURRICULUM & COURSES
I500 MA(TS) Seminar Nadella Assists entering MA(TS) students in focusing on vocational or personal goals. Required for entering, full-time MA(TS) students. Part-time students are expected to enroll after taking at least two courses, but before completing five. 3 credits
I510 Imagination and Resilience for God’s Changing World Brown, Watkins, Weaver Designed specifically for first-year MDiv students, this course explores “imagination and resilience” by engaging in a variety of Christian practices such as study, listening, prayer, dialogue, and hospitality. Students will grow personally and as members of the seminary and greater Atlanta community, while nurturing essential marks of ministerial presence in God’s changing church and world. 3 credits I520 Explorations: Alternative Context for Ministry Staff An academic and experiential exploration of a significantly different cultural context and the church’s mission. Contexts may include inner-city Atlanta, the Appalachian region of the U.S., New Mexico, Central Europe, Cuba, India, Jamaica, Korea, South Africa and immigrant communities in Atlanta. 3 credits
blessing, and salvation, as variously understood in pastoral theology, secular (e.g., medical model) understandings, personality theory, and theology, students will explore this rich set of practical pastoral and theological topics. Pedagogical methods will include primary and secondary readings in theology and personality theory, film, literature, and class discussions. Students will be asked to write one substantial paper, present a verbatim of a pastoral experience, and contribute to class discussions. Prerequisites: P520. 3 credits I609 Readings in Spiritual Classics Galindo In this course students will read selected passages in classic Christian literature in spirituality. Through guided online discussion students will engage in critical and reflective study of the historical contexts out of which Christian spirituality has developed and will interpret their own personal spiritual formation in light of historical Christian thought. This course meets program goals 2 and 5 of the MDiv and program goal 1 of the MA(TS). 3 credits
I619 The Cross and the State: Biblical, Theological, and Pastoral Reflections on States, Prison, and Execution Saunders Introduces and critically engages aspects of the current justice system in the U.S., especially the I530 Cross/Roads “Prison-Industrial Complex” and state-sponsored Myers, Watkins executions, in light of biblical and theological Imaginative and resilient communities need traditions regarding bondage, imprisonment, and imaginative and resilient leaders. Relying on in class crucifixion. Includes readings, discussion, and discussions, common readings, outside speakers field trips. Prerequisites: B520 and B530. and drawing upon students’ life experiences 3 credits and seminary studies with special attention to theologically acute contextual analysis, this course I620 Men in Ministry explores ways leaders develop such communities. Harkins 3 credits Explores the relationship between physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being in men and I605 Theological Anthropology and Pastoral Care the ways in which men care for themselves, even and Counseling as they care for others. Focuses on personal Harkins theological narrative, spirituality, ethics, systems Theological anthropology has typically been theory, and pastoral care, as well as readings, understood as doctrine about the nature of the film, and fiction. Participants engage in the human or what it is to be a person created in the construction of a religious autobiography and image of God. Through the exploration of related attend an overnight mountain retreat. themes such as health/wholeness, finitude, sin, 3 credits 84
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I701 ThM Research Methods Seminar Yoo Intensive one week introductory seminar required for all entering ThM students. 3 credits I705 ThM Colloquium Yoo Final capstone course required of all ThM students. This class focuses on the development and presentation of a publishable piece of work based on the ThM thesis. 3 credits I721 Church and Ministry Introductory Seminar Tribble Church and Ministry Introductory Seminar has as its primary aim to encourage pastors, church administrators, chaplains, and those in other forms of church service to become familiar with excellent recent thinking about ministry and to apply new insights to their own practice of ministry. 6 credits I722 Gospel, Culture & the Transformation of the Church Introductory Seminar Moore-Keish, Stroup Gospel and Culture Introductory Seminar encourages participants to develop a new paradigm for their ministry, aimed at supporting the local congregation of Christian people to understand their call to mission in a postChristian, globalizing culture. Developing theological approaches to cultural analysis, participants, in readings, reflection with teachers and conversations with colleagues, describe their own setting in ministry and develop faithful ways of bearing witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ for the sake of witness, service, and transforming mission. 6 credits I730 DMin Introduction to Research Methodologies Seminar Staff Students will be introduced to qualitative and quantitative research methodologies that they will utilize for their final projects. In depth library research methods will also be introduced. 1.5 credits I731 Project Proposal Workshop Tribble This workshop will guide students in developing their project proposals that clearly articulate the topic, thesis, context, theoretical and theological perspectives, research question, and methodology. Library research tools and guides for form and style will also be covered. Required for DMin/DEdMin students. 1.5 credits
I732 Project Literature Review Staff Students will gather essential literature for their DMin projects and write a literature review under the guidance of their first reader and complete the chapter on the theoretical and theological perspective for their projects. 3 credits I735 DMin Doctoral Project Staff Required of all DMin students. 6 credits I828 The Bible and Ecology: A Green Awakening Brown This course explores the mandate of “creation care” in the Bible within the ecological context of greater Atlanta, with a particular focus on issues of sustainability and renewal. Participants will gain greater awareness of their ecological contexts, both global and local, and explore ways of addressing them theologically and pastorally. Two critical questions will be addressed throughout the course: 1) Who are we in relation to creation? 2) As leaders, what can we do to encourage sustainable forms of “beloved community” for the sake of the biotic community? 3 credits I874 The Church in a World of Displaced Persons: Travel Seminar to New York City and Washington DC Douglas The Presbyterian United Nations Office and Columbia Theological Seminary regularly offer a Doctor of Ministry course on a topic of importance for the world and faith communities. The first week of the course will meet at the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations and, for the first time in the course’s history, the second week of the course will be held at the Office of Public Witness of the PC(USA) in Washington D.C. Billions of people live where they were not born and, among them, many live someplace other than the place they call home. While some of this movement is voluntary, much of it is not. Displaced peoples—whether they are refugees, internally displaced persons, aliens, expatriates, or some other group—are a fact of global movement, an issue of global stability and security, and a part of the mission and ministry of the global church. How might the Church, which carries its own theological sense of being displaced, understand displacement and address the concerns of those who have been displaced? This course will examine the realities of displaced persons, develop theologies for understanding that reality, and pursue practices (including those associated with hospitality and advocacy) necessary for the Church’s engagement with displaced persons. Along the way, students will have the opportunity to meet with United Nations staff, diplomats, NGO personnel, displaced persons and political advocates for them, and their own congressional representatives. 3 credits
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SUPERVISED MINISTRY CURRICULUM & COURSES
SM505 MAPT Contextual Education Browning The required course in Contextual Education for the Master of Arts in Practical Theology. In this 400-hour, 6 credit course of Supervised Ministry, students are engaged in an action-reflection model of ministry with a supervisor and a Supervised Ministry Team, and are challenged to grow in the student’s chosen area of practical theology. The course may be an internship, allowing students to gain experience in a particular area of practical theology. For students already working professionally in ministry, their current ministry site may serve as the context for this course. 6 credits SM510 Congregation-Based Internship Browning The student engages in the ministry of a teaching congregation serving in a broad range of pastoral functions, and engaging in a structured process of theological reflection with a supervising pastor and lay committee. (Summer, or fall/spring semesters concurrently) 400 hours in summer or 200 hours each semester . 6 credits
non-congregational settings, and may include: youth ministry, public ministry, non-profit work, criminal justice, campus ministry, camp and conference ministry, education, etc. This course may be taken for 400 hours, 6 credits (Summer, or fall/spring semester concurrently); or for 200 hours, 3 credits. 3 or 6 credits SM540 Internship in an Emerging Faith Community Browning The student engages in ministry in a new or emerging faith community to gain experience in evangelism, organizational development, entrepreneurial leadership skills, and other pastoral skills. The student will engage in a structured process of theological reflection with a supervising pastor or other practitioner. (Summer, or fall/spring semesters concurrently) 6 credits
SM610 Practicum in Clinical Pastoral Education (Basic Unit) Staff CPE brings students into supervised pastoral encounters with people in crisis in order to develop pastoral identity and skills, interpersonal SM520 Internship within an Institution competence, and capacity for theological Browning reflection. Clinically trained supervisors provide An internship that engages the student in educational leadership. Placement limited to ministry within an academic, medical (non-CPE), institutions accredited by the Association for denominational, ecumenical, or other institution. Clinical Pastoral Education. Fulfills the MAPT The student gains experience in a particular area requirement for students concentrating in of ministry or service, and develops the skills, Pastoral Care. Full-time for 6 credits; or partinsights and knowledge needed to relate this work time, 3 credits per semester. to the larger institutional structures and mission. 6 credits Supervision provided by a theologically trained leader within the institutional site. This course may be taken for 400 hours, 6 credits (Summer, SM611 Clinical Pastoral Education (Advanced or fall/spring semester concurrently); or for 200 Unit) hours, 3 credits. Staff 3 or 6 credits An additional, advanced unit of CPE that builds SM530 Basic Internship in Specialized Ministry Browning An internship that helps students gain experience for ministry and work in a specialized setting. The student will work with a supervisor to develop skills, insights, and knowledge needed for effectiveness in the particular form of ministry/ work to be engaged. Specialized ministry internships may take place in congregational or 86
Columbia Theological Seminary
upon the learning of the first unit and provides further pastoral education. Prerequisite: Basic unit of CPE. 6 credits
SM620 Advanced Congregation-Based Internship Browning An internship providing students additional congregational experience in pastoral ministry and leadership. Students are encouraged to concentrate in a particular area of ministry such as Christian education, pastoral care, worship and preaching, administration, etc. while also engaging more broadly in the life of the congregation. Designed to enhance a student’s competence, leadership skills, and vocational clarity in ministry in a congregation. Prerequisites: SM 510 and completion of 60 credits. This course is 400 hours, taken full-time in the summer or part-time (200 hours each) over concurrent semesters, 3 credits per semester. 3 or 6 credits SM630 Advanced Internship in Specialized Ministry Browning An advanced internship in a ministry setting in which students gain additional experience in a specialized field. Students work with a supervisor to enhance basic competence, leadership skills, and vocational clarity in the area of specialization. Such specialization includes: public ministry, non-profit agency, youth ministry, campus ministry, camps/conference ministry, criminal justice/prison ministry, etc. The context may be congregational or non-congregational. Prerequisites: SM510 and at least 60 credits. This course is 400 hours, taken full-time in the summer or part-time over concurrent semesters, 3 credits per semester. 3 or 6 credits SM640 Directed Supervised Ministry Browning This course is an independent study arranged with the director of contextual education and a professor or professors with knowledge in the particular area of focus. Approval of the dean of faculty is required. 3 or 6 credits SM650 Intern Year: Congregation Browning A full-time internship that provides an in-depth experience in the life and ministry of a teaching congregation. The internship takes place over the course of a year (9-12 months), and includes the option of 1 additional course taken in January term. 6 credits SM660 Intern Year: Specialized Ministry Browning A full-year internship in one or more ministry/work settings. Students engage in a specific context of ministry or work to develop the skills, insights, and knowledge needed for effective ministry and leadership.
An action-reflection model under supervision is required. Specialized ministries include: CPE residency, youth ministry, public ministry, non-profit work, criminal justice, campus ministry, camp and conference ministry, international mission, etc. Prerequisite: completion of at least 60 credits. 9-12 months, full-time, 6 credits. 6 credits SM690 Supervised Ministry: Independent Study Browning A 400 hour (minimum) internship for students who seek to gain experience of ministry under supervision in specialized areas not designated in other internships. Summer (full time) 6 credits. Fall and/or Spring (part-time), 3 credits per semester 6 credits SM780 Practicum: Church and Ministry Tribble Designed by the DMin student and approved supervisor. The student engages in a specific aspect of ministry of the church and utilizes an action-reflection learning process with a peer group and approved supervisor. 3 credits SM782 Practicum in Christian Spirituality Tribble Recommended for DMin students in the Christian Spirituality specialization. Involves engagement in a ministry of the church related to spiritual formation and sharing issues and concerns in a peer group with an action-reflection process. Supervision by an approved instructor. 3 credits SM783 Practicum in Gospel, Culture & the Transformation of the Church Tribble Recommended for DMin students in the Gospel, Culture and Transformation of the Church specialization. Designed to meet the major challenges of this specialization; involves students in a ministry of the church with particular aspects of modern culture. Includes work with peer groups and approved supervisor in an action-reflection process. 3 credits SM787 Practicum in Educational Ministry Tribble Designed by the DEdMin student and approved supervisor. The student engages in a ministry of the church, often outside the student`s normal setting for ministry, and utilizes an actionreflection learning process with a peer group and approved supervisor. 6 credits
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ACADEMIC NOTES & POLICIES
The following information pertains to students enrolled in Columbia’s academic degree programs. Additional policies and information related to a particular degree program may be found in the student handbook or the manual for that program.
FIRST LEVEL MASTER’S DEGREE STUDENTS SUMMER GREEK SCHOOL
Consultation with a cumulative grade point
Entering students in the MDiv degree
average of 3.60 and a 3.80 average in the
program may choose to begin their studies
proposed area of study. Students may choose
in the summer with Greek language study.
to work with a particular professor in the
The seminary offers a 3 credit-hour course,
biblical, historical-doctrinal, or practical
B501, during the summer. This six-week
theology areas. The program consists of
course meets each weekday morning for two
guided study in both long semesters for a total
hours, with small group afternoon tutorial
of 6 credit hours. If the area determines that
sessions. Students who have previously
the project should receive honors, then the
studied Greek should consult the registrar
advisor will grant an A to the student for each
about taking a Greek proficiency exam which semester of study. If the area determines that the project should not receive honors, then will allow them to proceed to exegetical courses.
the advisor, with the input from the area, will determine the final grade for each semester
ADVANCED STANDING Students who satisfactorily demonstrate
of study. For additional information, see the chairperson of the area of interest.
they have already achieved the objectives of a given course but do not have graduate
ORDINATION EXAMS
credit in the area may be exempt from the
Students seeking ordination in the
course and permitted to take an advanced
Presbyterian Church (USA) are required
course in the area to satisfy the required
to take written exams in biblical exegesis,
course credit. Requests for flexibility in a
theology, worship and sacraments, and
student’s program should be made to the
polity, as well as the Bible Content Exam.
Office of Academic Affairs.
The Master of Divinity curriculum provides students with opportunities to prepare for
HONORS PROJECT
exams within their coursework. Additionally,
Students in the Master of Divinity degree
the Office of Student Affairs & Community
program may pursue an Honors project if
Life offers ample resources and preparation
they pass their Candidacy Discernment
sessions prior to each exam. To learn more visit columbiacurrent.com/pcusa-resources
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ACADEMIC NOTES & POLICIES
TEMPORARY GRADES FOR MASTER’S
PROVISIONAL ADMISSIONS FOR
DEGREE STUDENTS
MASTER’S DEGREE STUDENTS
The temporary notation of IP (In Progress)
An entering student whose undergraduate or
is given for Honor Projects and Supervised
graduate school preparation is deemed deficient
Ministry courses that extend over more than
(below 3.0) may be admitted provisionally. To be
one term. No academic credit is awarded for IP.
admitted provisionally is not a punitive action,
A student may be assigned an E for incomplete
rather a mechanism for monitoring academic
work. In order to receive an E, the student
process. A student who is admitted provisionally
must complete the Extension Form with all
as a full time student is afforded full student
required signatures and a set extension date
privileges, including financial aid and housing. A
before the end of the term. The extension date
student who is admitted provisionally is required
cannot extend beyond the following dates: Fall
to meet with his or her adviser monthly with
Term, December 31; January Term, January
appointments made at the student’s initiative. In
31; Spring Term, May 31; and Summer Term,
the spring of the entering year, or upon completion
August 31. Basic Degree students cannot begin
of the term in which s/he has completed (12)
another course in a subsequent academic term,
semester credit hours, the student meets with the
until all coursework is complete from courses
dean of faculty to review academic work to date
from all previous academic terms. Students
and to report on the meetings with the student’s
who experience lengthy illnesses or have other
adviser. The Academic Standing Commission
unusual circumstances may be granted a longer
will review the student’s academic progress upon
period to complete their work by the dean
completion of that term and report to the student
of faculty. All grades of E are automatically
regarding the student’s status after its meeting.
changed to F if the extension deadline for
Possible actions include removal of provisional
completing the work expires.
status or placement on academic probation.
GRADING FOR BASIC DEGREE STUDENTS At the end of each term, students receive grades according to the following four-quality points system. A grade report is made available to each student through the student portal. For Master of Divinity, Master of Arts (Theological Studies), Master of Arts in Practical Theology, Unclassified, and Special students, the criteria for grading are mastery of material, skill in organizing and expressing ideas, creativity, and the ability to relate to other teachings.
The grading system is as follows: A A− B+ B B− C+ C C− D F 90
4.0 3.7 3.3 3.0 2.7 2.3 2.0 1.7 1.0 0.0 Columbia Theological Seminary
Outstanding Superior Very good Good Slightly above standard Standard Slightly below standard Below standard Serious deficiencies Failing
Third-year MDiv students may choose to take up to 6 credit hours of elective coursework Pass/ Fail if the instructor grants permission in the first two weeks of the course. MAPT students in good academic standing may take one of the four non-concentration electives (3 credits) on a Pass/Fail basis in their final semester of study if the instructor grants permission in the first two weeks of the course. The grade designations are as follows: S (Pass) work that represents sufficient mastery of the content of the course to merit recommendation for graduation U (Fail) work that represents insufficient mastery of the content of the course to merit recommendation for graduation.
ADVANCED DEGREE STUDENTS GRADING FOR ADVANCED DEGREE STUDENTS
The grading scale for ThM, DMin, DEdMin, and ThD students is as follows: A A− B+ B B− C+ C F
4.0 3.7 3.3 3.0 2.7 2.3 2.0 0.0
Outstanding Superior Very good Good Slightly above standard Standard Slightly below standard Failing
COURSE COMPLETION FOR
applicant may be admitted provisionally.
ADVANCED PROFESSIONAL DEGREE
A provisional admission student has all
STUDENTS
the privileges of other Advanced Degree
If a course requires work to be completed after
students. As soon as possible after taking
the last class meeting, the student may have
the Introductory Seminar and one additional
up to sixty days to complete the work. Under
course, the student must consult with the
unusual circumstances, and before the end of the
faculty adviser to review the student’s progress.
sixty days, the student may request a thirty-day
The registrar shall report the grade point
extension. This request must be made through
average to the Academic Standing Commission.
the Office of Academic Affairs. A grade of F
If the student has not achieved a 3.0 GPA, the
will be automatically assigned if all work is not
student will be subject to dismissal from the
completed by the end of the course, the end of
Advanced Degree program.
the sixty days when the syllabus so designates, or the end of the thirty-day extension. PROVISIONAL ADMISSIONS FOR ADVANCED DEGREE STUDENTS
In the case of ThM students, the Academic Standing Commission shall review the provisional student’s progress, after the student has completed (12) semester credit hours. If the student has not achieved a 3.0 GPA, the
If a candidate for admission shows unusual
student will be subject to dismissal from the
promise in a particular Advanced Degree
degree program.
program when the candidate’s previous degree grade-point average was below 3.0 GPA, the
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ALL DEGREE STUDENTS ACADEMIC NOTES & POLICIES
ADDING AND DROPPING COURSES Courses may only be added during the first five days of class and only dropped during the first twenty days of the fall and spring terms. Greek school may be added within the first three days of class and can be dropped no later than the tenth day of class. In the January term, a class may be added by the second day and dropped by the fifth day of class. Two-week courses can only be added on the first day of class and dropped by the third
For supervised ministry courses 200 hours of engagement is awarded 3 credit hours and 400 hours of engagement is awarded 6 credit hours. This correlates with the time and credit level of the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education which awards CPE credit. Satisfactory completion of a course, however, is determined finally not by time invested but by learning goals and objectives achieved by the student.
day of class. A course is only considered dropped at the time the registrar receives written notice to that effect. A student may petition the Office of Academic Affairs for an exception to this policy in special circumstances.
CREDIT HOUR AND VALUATION POLICY While the educational progress of students cannot ultimately be measured by the number of credits
INDEPENDENT STUDY Students are allowed one independent study per degree program. Petitions for proposed independent studies must be submitted in writing to the dean of faculty for approval prior to registration. The full procedure for receiving approval for an independent study is outlined in the student handbook.
earned, a system of course valuation is necessary to assure consistency in the curriculum. Columbia Theological Seminary defines one (semester) credit hour as equivalent to a minimum of one hour per week on in-class instruction or engaged learning over 12 weeks of instruction, plus two more weeks of out-of-class independent learning in which exams are taken or papers are produced, for a total of 14 weeks. It is expected that for
ACADEMIC PROBATION Academic probation reflects unsatisfactory academic progress and, therefore, students are automatically placed on academic probation when
•
student whose cumulative grade point
each one credit hour, a minimum of two hours of preparation has taken place. A three credit course would indicate at least 36 hours of instruction, plus
average falls below 2.30.
•
necessary out-of-class preparation. DMin and DEdMin courses ordinarily meet over
average falls below 3.00. Students on academic probation: zz zz
learning activities outside the classroom, including small groups, online discussion forums, and preand post-course assignments, for a minimum of 36 hours of guided instruction for a 3 credit course. 92
Columbia Theological Seminary
Have their academic record reviewed by the Academic Standing Commission,
a two week period for a minimum of 30 hours of direct in-class instruction, as well as in engaged
A continuing ThM, DMin, DEdMin, or ThD student whose cumulative grade point
two periods of assessment through examinations and/or production of written work, along with the
A continuing MA(TS), MAPT, or MDiv
Are required to regularly meet with their advisors, and
zz
Shall not be permitted to elect to take graded courses on a satisfactory/ unsatisfactory (S/U) basis.
At the end of every term in which grades are recorded,
point average to or above a 3.00 with the
the Office of Academic Affairs shall review the
next course after being placed on academic
academic progress of all degree-seeking students and
probation, or
provide the Academic Standing Commission and the Office of Financial Aid six lists of students:
•
Provisional students who have successfully attained the required cumulative grade-point average,
•
Continuing students whose cumulative grade point average places them on academic probation,
•
Fails any course at any time during the degree program.
A student who is dismissed for academic reasons may not take classes, live on campus, or shall not have any of the privileges afforded to students.
Provisional students who are to be placed on academic probation,
•
•
Students who are to be considered for academic dismissal,
•
Students who failed one or more courses,
•
Students who are to be dismissed according to the Columbia Theological Seminary’s drop out policy.
APPEALS Any decision of the Academic Standing Commission may be appealed to the faculty by filing with the registrar a written notice of appeal.
•
A notice of appeal must be filed within two weeks after receipt by the student of the decision of the Academic Standing Commission.
•
The appeal will be presented to the faculty at its next stated meeting.
After reviewing these lists, the Academic Standing Commission shall inform the student(s) in writing of their status and will report to the office that deals with
MORAL CONDUCT
financial aid any changes in status that might have a
The faculty and the Board of Trustees of Columbia
bearing on financial aid.
reserve the right to refuse to grant a degree to any individual in any degree program whose moral
ACADEMIC DISMISSAL
conduct raises serious questions about that person’s personal integrity or fitness for service in the
A MA(TS), MAPT, MDiv or MDiv/Dual student is
Christian Church. Persons are accepted into degree
dismissed when the student:
programs with the requirement that should they
•
become the subject of criminal, civil, or ecclesiastical
Does not raise the student’s cumulative grade point average to or above a 2.30 by the next semester after being placed on academic probation, or
•
Shall have failed in the aggregate any 9 credit hours of coursework.
proceedings they will report the fact of those proceedings and their outcomes to the Judicial Commission of the faculty. The determination of when not to award a degree based upon moral failings of the candidate is the sole and exclusive province of the institution, represented by its faculty and Board
A ThM, DMin, DEdMin, or ThD is dismissed when the of Trustees. student:
•
Does not raise the student’s cumulative grade
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All Degree Students Continued ACADEMIC NOTES & POLICIES
DISCIPLINARY CASES The Columbia Theological Seminary Amended and Restated Bylaws and Plan of Government (2013) states, “Upon matriculation, the Seminary and each student shall enter into the following covenant: Relying upon God’s grace, will you, so long as you are a student of Columbia Theological Seminary, promise and covenant to:
•
be diligent in your studies,
•
seek academic excellence,
•
pursue such learning as joins mind and heart, and
•
strive to live your life consistent with your calling as a disciple of Jesus Christ?”
Furthermore, the governance documents clearly place the faculty under the supervision of the president and accountable to the Board with the authority to adjudicate matters related to conduct. “The faculty, subject to the oversight of the Board, may establish such policies and regulations concerning student and community conduct as the faculty shall deem necessary, the provisions of which shall be administered by the faculty under the supervision of the president” (2013, Article V, section 3). When a member of the seminary community becomes personally aware of a circumstance which could potentially lead to disciplinary action against a student the matter may be brought to the Judicial Commission by a written complaint filed with the dean of faculty. The complaint shall include all relevant information, including the names of any witnesses. Prior to filing the complaint the complainant may, but shall not be required to, resolve the matter with the person
first offense by the accused, and (ii) the acts complained about are not egregious in the judgment of the dean. In such case, the dean, the accused, and the complainant shall meet and endeavor to adjudicate the complaint with appropriate action and/or admonition. If a complaint is not resolved administratively, the Judicial Commission shall initially review the complaint. The advisor of the student against whom the complaint has been lodged and other members of the administration and the faculty may be consulted by the Judicial Commission as it may determine necessary or appropriate. If the Judicial Commission determines that the allegations of the complaint would, if established, provide the basis for disciplinary action, it shall schedule a hearing. Prior to the hearing, the complaint and any additional information pertinent to the case uncovered during the Judicial Commission’s review shall be provided to the student against whom the complaint has been lodged. At the hearing, the student against whom the complaint has been lodged shall have opportunity to examine the person making the complaint and respond to all evidence introduced at the hearing concerning the complaint, and present evidence and / or witnesses in the student’s own defense. Both the complainant and the accused may be accompanied by an advocate, such as a student’s advisor or friend, but representation by external legal counsel is not permitted. If the student accused does not attend the hearing, the Commission is authorized to respond to resolve the matter notwithstanding such absence. Following the hearing, the Judicial Commission shall deliberate in private. The
complained about. Upon receipt of a complaint,
Judicial Commission may:
the dean may determine to resolve the complaint
1. Determine that no cause for disciplinary
administratively if: (i) the complaint alleges a
action exists and declare the matter closed without further action.
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Columbia Theological Seminary
2. Impose corrective actions it deems
A student who is expelled may not take classes,
appropriate, including the issuance of a
live on campus (except in the case of a spouse
warning to the student, placing the student on
of a continuing student), or have any of the
disciplinary probation.
privileges afforded to students. A student who
3. Suspend or dismiss the student, or impose such other discipline as it deems appropriate. 4. Recommend to the faculty that the student be expelled from the Seminary. 5. Require that the student vacate Seminary housing, even if he or she may be permitted to continue as a student. The decisions of the Judicial Commission
has been expelled may not apply for readmission to the Seminary. While any complaint is pending before the Judicial Commission and/or the faculty, the president has discretionary authority to suspend the accused from participating in classes and/ or seminary housing when such action is necessary for the general welfare of the seminary community.
will ordinarily be communicated in writing to the parties involved, the student’s advisor, and the ecclesiastical body having oversight
APPEALS
for the student’s preparation for ministry (as
The decisions of the Judicial Commission
appropriate). A log of all proceedings and actions
(other than a recommendation of expulsion)
will be kept securely by the Seminary.
may be appealed to the faculty in writing by filing a notice of appeal with the dean of the
EXPULSION
faculty within ten (10) days after the decision of the Commission. The faculty shall follow the
In the case of a recommendation by the Judicial
procedures required for expulsion in the case of
Commission that the faculty expel a student, the
an appeal. There shall be no appeal beyond the
faculty shall have responsibility for considering
faculty.
whether expulsion is appropriate. The president shall notify a student in writing no later than fifteen days prior to the date of a faculty meeting at which a recommendation concerning the student’s expulsion is to be considered by the faculty, such notification to include the time and place of the faculty meeting. The student shall be provided an opportunity at such meeting to present to the faculty any information relevant to the student’s case. The student shall not be entitled to be represented by legal counsel. The decision of the faculty will be communicated in writing to the accused student, to the Judicial Commission, and to the ecclesiastical body having oversight for the student’s preparation for ministry (as applicable).
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WITHDRAWAL FROM SEMINARY WITHDRAWAL ACADEMIC NOTES & POLICIES
A student considering withdrawal is treated with special concern. The Office of Student Affairs and
Commission for a period of up to two years; beyond that, a student must reapply for admission
the student’s advisor will help in thinking through
through the regular admissions process.
personal and vocational implications. The dean of
The form for temporary or permanent
faculty will counsel regarding academic implications.
withdrawal is available at the Office of
A student who withdraws from Columbia forfeits
Academic Affairs or on the seminary website .
all financial assistance (scholarships and financial aid) previously awarded for the term in which such action occurs. A student must follow one of the processes below. A student who does not follow the appropriate procedures will continue to be responsible for expenses incurred at Columbia, will receive F grades in all courses, and will not be
DROPOUT AND DISMISSAL A student enrolled in the MDiv, MAPT, MA(TS), ThM or ThD programs who does not register for classes in two consecutive semester terms will be asked to initiate a temporary or permanent withdrawal. If the student does
eligible for readmission.
not respond, he or she shall be dismissed. A
TEMPORARY WITHDRAWAL WITH RETURN IN A SPECIFIC TIME:
be sent to the student’s last known address
letter informing the student of this action will by registered mail. If the student left in good
The student must
standing, the student may petition the dean of
• Discuss the reasons with the dean of faculty or
faculty within 30 days of receiving the letter
the student’s advisor; • Fill out a program withdrawal form; and • Clear all accounts with the Business Office, Library, and the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid.
of dismissal to register for classes for the next term and continue in the degree program. A DMin or DEdMin student who does not register for classes for 12 months will be contacted by the associate dean of advanced professional studies and encouraged to
A student in good standing may be readmitted
register for additional courses at the earliest
by the dean of faculty within one year following
opportunity. If the student does not intend to
withdrawal; from one to two years, action by the
continue in the program, the student will be
Academic Standing Commission is required. After
requested to initiate a temporary or permanent
two years, a temporary withdrawal becomes a
withdrawal. If the student does not then
permanent withdrawal automatically. At that point,
register for classes in the next 12 months, or
a student must seek readmission through the regular
initiate a temporary or permanent withdrawal,
admissions process.
the student will be automatically considered
PERMANENT WITHDRAWAL: The student must
inactive and will be dismissed from the program. A letter informing the student of this action will be sent to the student’s last known address
• Discuss the situation with the dean of faculty or the
by registered mail. If the student left in good
student’s advisor and complete a withdrawal form;
standing, he or she may petition the dean of
• Clear all accounts with the Business Office, Library, and the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid.
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Readmission is through the Academic Standing
Columbia Theological Seminary
faculty within 30 days of receiving the letter of dismissal to register for classes for the next term and continue in the degree program.
ACADEMIC CALENDAR
2019-2020
2020-2021 Tentative
SUMMER 2019
SUMMER 2020
Advanced Degrees 1st Term
July 8-July 19
Advanced Degrees 1st Term
July 6- 17
Greek School
July 8-August 16
Greek School
July 6-14
Advanced Degrees 2nd Term
July 22-August 2
Advanced Degrees 2nd Term
July 20-31
MAPT Introductory Seminar
August 12-16
MAPT Introductory Seminar
August 10-14
ThM Introductory Seminar
August 12-16
ThM Introductory Seminar
August 10-14
FALL 2019
FALL 2020
Faculty Conference
August 26-27
Faculty Conference
August 31-September 1
New Student Orientation
August 27-29
New Student Orientation
September 2-3
Labor Day
September 2
Labor Day
September 7
Classes begin
September 3
Classes begin
September 8
Convocation
September 4
Convocation
September 9
Discover Columbia
October 7-8
Discover Columbia
October 5-6
Midterms and Assessment Period
October 14-18
Midterms and Assessment Period
October 19-23
Discover Columbia
November 7-8
Discover Columbia
November 5-6
Thanksgiving Holiday
November 25-29
Thanksgiving Holiday
November 23-27
Classes end
December 9
Classes end
December 14
Finals and Assessment Period
December 10-13
Finals and Assessment Period
December 15-18
JANUARY TERM 2020
JANUARY TERM 2021
Basic Degrees Classes
January 2-17
Basic Degrees Classes
January 4-20
Advanced Degrees Classes
January 6-17
Advanced Degrees Classes
January 4-15
King Holiday
January 20
King Holiday
January 18
SPRING 2020
SPRING 2021
Classes Begin
January 27
Classes Begin
February 1
Homecoming
February 3-5
Homecoming
February 8-10
O'Connor Lectures
February 4-5
Smyth Lectures
February 9-10
Discover Columbia
February 27-28
Discover Columbia
February 24-25
Midterms and Assessment Period
March 9-13
Midterms and Assessment Period
March 15-19
Spring Break
April 6-10
Spring Break
April 5-9
Good Friday
April 10
Good Friday
April 2
Classes end
May 4
Classes end
May 7
Finals and Assessment Period
May 5-8
Finals and Assessment Period
May 10-14
Baccalaureate
May 15
Baccalaureate
May 21
Commencement
May 16
Commencement
May 22
Memorial Day
May 25
Memorial Day
May 31
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INDEX ADMISSIONS
Doctor of Educational Ministry . . . . . . . . . 28
Expulsion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Doctor of Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Fellowships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Doctor of Theology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Financial Aid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
International Students . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90, 91
Master of Arts in Practical Theology Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Greek School, Summer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Master of Arts in Theological Studies . . . . . 17 Master of Divinity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Master of Theology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Advanced Standing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Housing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 International Theological Education . . . . . . . . 55 Library. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
ADVISING
Master of Arts in Practical Theology. . . . . . . . 14
Doctor of Educational Ministry. . . . . . . . . . 29
Master of Arts in Theological Studies. . . . . . . . 17
Doctor of Ministry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Master of Divinity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Master of Divinity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Master of Theology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Auditors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Moral Conduct. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Awards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Ordination Exams. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Biblical Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Orientation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Clinical Pastoral Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Practical Theology Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Continuing Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Probation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Convocations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Courses of Instruction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Cross-Registration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Disciplinary Cases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 Doctor of Educational Ministry. . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Doctor of Ministry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Church and Ministry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Christian Spirituality. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Asian North American Ministry and Theology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Gospel, Culture, and the Transfomation of the Church. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
98
Historical Doctrinal Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
PROVISIONAL ADMISSIONS Basic Degree Students. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Advanced Degree Students. . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Refund Policies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Scholarships. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Special Students. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Supervised Ministry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 TOEFL. . . . . . . . . . 12, 15, 18, 21, 26, 30, 34, 35 Transfer of Credit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15, 22, 33 Tuition and Fees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Vocational Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Doctor of Theology in Pastoral Counseling. . 32
Withdrawal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Explorations Alternative Context . . . . . . . . . . 55
Worship. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Columbia Theological Seminary
DIRECTORY Telephone: 404-378-8832
Please address inquiries to the following people at:
Fax: 404-377-9696
Columbia Theological Seminary
Web: www.CTSnet.edu
PO Box 520 Decatur, Georgia 30031-0520
ACADEMIC AFFAIRS, CURRICULUM, FACULTY Love L. Sechrest, Dean of Faculty Assistant—Karen Wishart-Christian: Wishart-ChristianK@CTSnet.edu; 404-687-4521 ADMISSIONS AND FINANCIAL AID: MDIV, MA(TS), MAPT, THM, DMIN, DEDMIN Ruth-Aimée Belonni-Rosario Govins, Chief Enrollment Management Officer Admissions@CTSnet.edu; 404-687-4517; 1-877-548-2817 (toll free) ADVANCED PROFESSIONAL DEGREES: DMIN, DEDMIN Jeffery L. Tribble, Sr., Associate Dean for Advanced Professional Studies Assistant—Rhonda Johnson: JohnsonR@CTSnet.edu; 404-687-4534 AdvancedStudies@CTSnet.edu; 404-687-4534 ALUMNI AFFAIRS, STUDENT SUPPLY PREACHING Julie Bailey, Director of Alumni and Church Relations Valrie Thompson, Administrative Assistant, Institutional Advancement and Special Events ThompsonV@CTSnet.edu; 404-687-4525 BUSINESS, ACCOUNTING, LEGAL MATTERS; CAMPUS AND FACILITIES MANAGEMENT Martin Sadler, Vice President for Business and Finance Business@CTSnet.edu; 404-687-4510 CAMPUS SAFETY AND SECURITY Agnes Scott Security (non-emergency) 404-471-6355 Agnes Scott Security (emergency) 404-471-6900 COMMUNICATIONS: PUBLICATIONS, WEBSITE, BLOG, ADVERTISING, MEDIA RELATIONS Michael Thompson, Director of Communications ThompsonM@CTSnet.edu; 404-687-4530 GENERAL MATTERS ABOUT THE SEMINARY Leanne Van Dyk, President Assistant—Cindy Semmes: SemmesC@CTSnet.edu; 404-687-4515
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Columbia Theological Seminary
HOUSING AND FOOD SERVICE Miguel Angel Chavez, Facilities Coordinator ChavezM@CTSnet.edu; 404-687-4510 LIFELONG LEARNING Sarah Erickson, Director of Lifelong Learning EricksonS@CTSnet.edu; 404-687-4526 Debra Weir, Associate Director of Spirituality (certificate programs in spirituality) Weir.Debra@CTSnet.edu; 404-687-4557 Israel Galindo, Associate Dean, Lifelong Learning GalindoI@CTSnet.edu; 404-687-4558 Linzmarie Bason, Staff Associate LifelongLearning@CTSnet.edu; 404-687-4577 Alison Riviera, Certificates Program Coordinator RivieraA@CTSnet.edu; 404-687-4557 PLACEMENT AND VOCATIONAL SERVICES Katie Ricks, Assistant Dean, Student Life and Formation RicksK@CTSnet.edu; 404-687-4664 REGISTRATION, COURSE SCHEDULES, AND TRANSCRIPTS Michael Medford, Registrar Registrar@CTSnet.edu; 404-687-4576 STUDENT LIFE Brandon Maxwell, Dean of Students MaxwellB@CTSnet.edu; 404-687-4522 Assistant—Felicia Thimas: ThimasF@CTSnet.edu; 404-687-4562 SUPERVISED MINISTRY AND INTERNSHIPS Melissa Browning, Interim Director of Contextual Education and International Partnerships Lucy Baum, Assistant: BaumL@CTSnet.edu; 404-687-4519 TRANSFER CREDITS, INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH, AND ACCREDITATION Ann Clay Adams, Academic Administrator AdamsA@CTSnet.edu; 404-687-4524
CTSnet.edu
404-378-8821
701 S. Columbia Dr. • Decatur, GA 30030