Online Courses for the Fall and Winter Sessions of 2010-2011

This course on the Old Testament presents an overview of the Hebrew canon and explores the content, theological themes, and canonical shaping of selected books. Students will be introduced to the history and geography ancient Israel. Additional emphasis will be on interpreting this material as Scripture of the Church. Readings and audio lectures. Weekly assignments, online discussion, final paper.

An introduction to Patristic thought to 451 AD, surveying principal writers East and West. Detailed study of Athanasius On the Incarnation and The Tome of Leo. Lectures, readings, four short reports and a final oral examination.

A survey of Medieval and Reformation Theologies, from 843 to 1648. The Carolingian Revival and Monastic Schools; Anselm and Cur Deus Homo; Peter Lombard and the Cathedral Schools; Abailard and the Universities; the rediscovery of Aristotle; the Friars: Albert the Great, Thomas Aquinas, Duns Scotus, William of Occam; Gregory Palamas; the Reformation: Martin Luther, Ulrich Zwingli, John Calvin, Thomas Cranmer; the Synod of Dort; Richard Hooker; Second Scholasticism.

An introduction to the grammar and syntax of Koine Greek. Students will also develop a basic proficiency in reading and pronouncing the text of the Greek New Testament. Lecture, group work. 5 tests, evaluation of Greek pronunciation, final exam.

The purpose of this course is to familiarize students with some of the theological trends and voices characterizing Anglican theology in the twentieth century, as well as to consider how these voices and movements can be integrated into contemporary pastoral and ministerial practice. Theologians to be studied include: Gore, Underhill, Temple, Mascall, Pittenger, Macquarrie, Sykes, Heyward, Tutu, Williams, and others. Theological trends will include modernism, spirituality, liturgical renewal, Anglo-Catholicism, process thought, incarnation, feminism, political and liberation theology, etc. The course will conclude with a consideration of future trends in Anglican theology. Weekly readings, two short essays, class presentation.

This course provides the perspectives within which the participants can identify 5 variables in their work, craft or profession that become the basis for developing a spirituality that could be deepened by the Christian tradition . Online discussions. Assignments. Written final examination.

An examination of the modern Christian healing movement with its attending theologies and worldviews, giving particular attention to 19th century roots, Pentecostal and charismatic healers, revival in mainline churches, and the challenge of recent alternative therapies. Written online lectures, online discussion. Reflection papers, book review, and essay.

This course is designed as an introduction to the field of Christian ethics, not as a cerebral and academic discipline but as a lived, embodied Christian reality. It is designed with the intent of providing the student with a framework through which to understand what it means to live as the church within the complexities of the social, moral, and political world of the 21st century. The themes of drama, narrative, acting, and especially "improvisation" provide the conceptual lens through which we will engage various ethical complexities such as genetic-bio-ethical issues, sexuality, family and marriage, pacifism and war, or ecological ethics. This will be an online course with a written lecture format, weekly readings, student participation in weekly discussion questions, one minor assignment, and a final major paper.

Development of thought and piety; monasticism and mendicants; crusades, parish life; papacy, princes and church councils; Byzantium; East-West relations; relations with Jews and Muslims; Renaissance and reformations; reformers; missionary expansion; confessionalism.

An introduction to foundations of Catholic moral theology. Among the topics to be studied are scripture, tradition, natural law, relationship between faith & morality, moral norms, virtue and vice, freedom, conscience and magisterium, etc. Readings, lectures, online discussion, short written assignments and final exam.