Course Descriptions
Courses numbered 1000-1999 are open to freshmen; 2000-2999 to sophomores; 3000-3999 to juniors; 4000-4999 to seniors. It is recommended that students elect courses in the years for which they are listed. Freshmen will be admitted to courses above the 2000 level only with the consent of the instructor and the student’s advisor. Juniors and seniors taking freshman courses may be expected to do additional work. Any course above 4999 is a graduate course.
NOTE:
The number in parentheses following the course title indicates the semester hours of credit assigned to the course.
An H following the course number indicates an honors level course.
GPSF 6110
Pastoral Formation [Lecture] (3)
Building on a foundation of the central pastoral acts of prayer, Scripture reading, and spiritual direction, this course seeks to assist the student in the development of a method for ongoing theological reflection in ministry. Among the issues explored are the spiritual and theological foundations of pastoral work, the discovery of a pastoral identity, the meaning of ordination, and the office and functions of the pastor.
GPSF 6110
Pastoral Formation [On-line] (3)
Building on a foundation of the central pastoral acts of prayer, Scripture reading, and spiritual direction, this course seeks to assist the student in the development of a method for ongoing theological reflection in ministry. Among the issues explored are the spiritual and theological foundations of pastoral work, the discovery of a pastoral identity, the meaning of ordination, and the office and functions of the pastor.
GPSF 6120
Spiritual Formation [Lecture] (3)
"What is spiritual formation? What makes spiritual formation distinctly Christian in relation to other religious and ideological spiritualities in our world? What dynamics are involved in Christian spiritual formation? This course seeks to address such questions and to be both formational and informational as it does so.
First, students will be guided in developing an appraisal framework that is truly holistic as well as conducive to and compatible with the Christian revelation. This appraisal framework, based on the Formative Spirituality of Adrian van Kaam, will provide students with specific perspectives by which to reflect upon human experiences in order to discern various dynamics of spiritual formation. Second, students will be guided through a survey of classic Christian texts from a variety of Christian traditions throughout history in order to deepen their appreciation for the rich and varied ways, unique and communal, in which people have experienced knowing the Holy Trinity. Third, this course will engage students in several classic spiritual practices throughout the course, including: Scripture reading, reading Christian devotional texts, prayer, journaling, and retreat. Through these and other means, students will nurture their attentiveness to the presence and work of God in their everyday lives, thus complementing the seminary experience of learning “about” God with the experience of growing in their attentiveness to and their love for God."
GPSF 6120
Spiritual Formation [On-line] (3)
"What is spiritual formation? What makes spiritual formation distinctly Christian in relation to other religious and ideological spiritualities in our world? What dynamics are involved in Christian spiritual formation? This course seeks to address such questions and to be both formational and informational as it does so.
First, students will be guided in developing an appraisal framework that is truly holistic as well as conducive to and compatible with the Christian revelation. This appraisal framework, based on the Formative Spirituality of Adrian van Kaam, will provide students with specific perspectives by which to reflect upon human experiences in order to discern various dynamics of spiritual formation. Second, students will be guided through a survey of classic Christian texts from a variety of Christian traditions throughout history in order to deepen their appreciation for the rich and varied ways, unique and communal, in which people have experienced knowing the Holy Trinity. Third, this course will engage students in several classic spiritual practices throughout the course, including: Scripture reading, reading Christian devotional texts, prayer, journaling, and retreat. Through these and other means, students will nurture their attentiveness to the presence and work of God in their everyday lives, thus complementing the seminary experience of learning “about” God with the experience of growing in their attentiveness to and their love for God."
GPSF 6150
Exploring Personal and Spiritual Faith Development [Lecture] (3)
Faith will be explored from a life cycle, developmental pespective, from infancy through senior adulthood. Autobiographical, theological, and theoretical perspectives will be examined. Students will narrate/map their own faith journeys. Strategies for facilitating faith development in the church setting will be discussed.
GPSF 6150
Exploring Personal and Spiritual Faith Development [On-line] (3)
Faith will be explored from a life cycle, developmental pespective, from infancy through senior adulthood. Autobiographical, theological, and theoretical perspectives will be examined. Students will narrate/map their own faith journeys. Strategies for facilitating faith development in the church setting will be discussed.
GPSF 6200
The Use of Scripture in Meditation and Prayer [Lecture] (3)
The use of Scripture in meditation and prayer is key to both a close relationship with Jesus Christ and to a faithful ministry. John Wesley considered meditation upon Scripture and prayer like the air we breathe. He used Lectio Divina and journaling as the means by which he traced the movements of God in his life in order to “walk according to the Spirit.” The student will learn about and experience Lectio Divina, other prayer forms, and journaling in the course. Students will learn about the rich spiritualities which influenced Wesley and his life of prayer and ministry. Offered on demand.
GPSF 6210
Introduction to Spiritual Direction [Lecture] (3)
Spiritual Direction is one milieu in which we find another person of faith who will invite us to pay attention to our experiences of and responses to God's action in our daily lives. This course will provide a basic introduction to spiritual direction as well as an experiential understanding of what it is, what it is not, its benefits, and differences between it and pastoral counseling or clinical therapy. It will address the history and practice of spiritual direction as well as its place in 21st century spirituality.
GPSF 6210
Introduction to Spiritual Direction [On-line] (3)
Spiritual Direction is one milieu in which we find another person of faith who will invite us to pay attention to our experiences of and responses to God's action in our daily lives. This course will provide a basic introduction to spiritual direction as well as an experiential understanding of what it is, what it is not, its benefits, and differences between it and pastoral counseling or clinical therapy. It will address the history and practice of spiritual direction as well as its place in 21st century spirituality.
GPSF 6220
Metaphor, Image and Story: Apprehending the Gospel from the Creative Side of Our Nature [Lecture] (2)
How do we nourish our imaginations? How should the Christian interact with the culture in which we live? Do we have sources of private delight? Have we ever seen Jesus through the membrane of another story? In this course, students will read Scripture and selected works in the literary canon. In addition to surveying some representative authors, the students will concentrate on an author of their choosing and write about how and why this author speaks to them. The course will also explore some of the ways the arts can be used to unlock the creative springs within us.
GPSF 6240
Social Justice & Spirituality [Hybrid-Online & Lecture] (3)
This course is a study of the intersection of faith and social justice and relationship of the first two great commandments. Students will study relevant spiritual writings that include application to social justice and peacemaking. Included are readings by Henri Nouwen, Dorothy Day, Gustavo Gutierrez, Teresa of Avila, and others. The disciplines including prayer, simplicity, confession, and worship will be studied in relation to the Christian call to mission and creating social justice. Students will explore practical ways to live out the call of Jesus to worship God and love their neighbor. This course is cross-listed as GSOC 6240.
GPSF 6240
Social Justice & Spirituality [Lecture] (3)
This course is a study of the intersection of faith and social justice and relationship of the first two great commandments. Students will study relevant spiritual writings that include application to social justice and peacemaking. Included are readings by Henri Nouwen, Dorothy Day, Gustavo Gutierrez, Teresa of Avila, and others. The disciplines including prayer, simplicity, confession, and worship will be studied in relation to the Christian call to mission and creating social justice. Students will explore practical ways to live out the call of Jesus to worship God and love their neighbor. This course is cross-listed as GSOC 6240.
GPSF 6240
Social Justice & Spirituality [On-line] (3)
This course is a study of the intersection of faith and social justice and relationship of the first two great commandments. Students will study relevant spiritual writings that include application to social justice and peacemaking. Included are readings by Henri Nouwen, Dorothy Day, Gustavo Gutierrez, Teresa of Avila, and others. The disciplines including prayer, simplicity, confession, and worship will be studied in relation to the Christian call to mission and creating social justice. Students will explore practical ways to live out the call of Jesus to worship God and love their neighbor. This course is cross-listed as GSOC 6240.
GPSF 6260
Ministry of Writing for Publication [Lecture] (3)
Writing is one of the foremost means of communication. It has the possibility of leaving an indelible mark upon the reader, of creating meaning, and shaping worlds. Whether or not explicitly Christian, believers can share gospel truths through creative non-fiction, sermon, song, poems, or even scripts. Writing is a way to frame the world, a venue used to explore questions, inform, and express ourselves. Writing can also help us figure out what we believe. It is a form of ministry. The goal of this course is to complete a book chapter or article by the end of the semester and to submit it for publication. During class we will learn how to become better writers and stewards of our writing ministry while reading, writing, and listening to the occasional guest lecturer. Students must apply to be in the course by submitting a one-thousand word writing sample in the genre of their own choosing and be granted acceptance into the course prior to enrollment.
GPSF 6260
Ministry of Writing for Publication [On-line] (3)
Writing is one of the foremost means of communication. It has the possibility of leaving an indelible mark upon the reader, of creating meaning, and shaping worlds. Whether or not explicitly Christian, believers can share gospel truths through creative non-fiction, sermon, song, poems, or even scripts. Writing is a way to frame the world, a venue used to explore questions, inform, and express ourselves. Writing can also help us figure out what we believe. It is a form of ministry. The goal of this course is to complete a book chapter or article by the end of the semester and to submit it for publication. During class we will learn how to become better writers and stewards of our writing ministry while reading, writing, and listening to the occasional guest lecturer. Students must apply to be in the course by submitting a one-thousand word writing sample in the genre of their own choosing and be granted acceptance into the course prior to enrollment.
GPSF 6330
Wrld Religions & Human Spirituality [Lecture] (3)
This course explores the global character of the church and the practice of ministry in the multifaith and multicultural context of contemporary society. Attention is given to the wide diversity of religious traditions present in the potential ministry settings and considers how the church can serve with faithfulness and respect in a religiously pluralistic culture. Students will have the opportunity to develop their theological convictions in dialog with other religious traditions and gain skills in interfaith engagement as an expression of their Christain discipleship. This course is cross-listed as GMIN 6330 and GTHE 6330.
GPSF 6330
Wrld Religions & Human Spirituality [On-line] (3)
This course explores the global character of the church and the practice of ministry in the multifaith and multicultural context of contemporary society. Attention is given to the wide diversity of religious traditions present in the potential ministry settings and considers how the church can serve with faithfulness and respect in a religiously pluralistic culture. Students will have the opportunity to develop their theological convictions in dialog with other religious traditions and gain skills in interfaith engagement as an expression of their Christain discipleship. This course is cross-listed as GMIN 6330 and GTHE 6330.
GPSF 6340
Land&Liturgy:Bib Spirt Eco-Justice [Hybrid-Online & Lecture] (3)
The course explores the roots of a biblical worldview and ethic of "shalom," especially as it relates to our relationship with the particularities of our place. Provoked by recent interest, and in response to an increased awareness of the impact of climate change on the poor and displaced, students will discern how such concerns can be addressed. The course will also identify the ways that eco-justice is fulfilled in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and in the life of his ancestors in Israel. Students will emerge more deeply grounded in their own ministry practice, while equipped for contemporary missional engagement, following the witness Christians like Hildegard of Bingen, Francis of Assisi and Wendell Berry, whose discipleship found fresh sources of sustainability and power through their stewardship and attention to God's created world. Cross-listed with GSOC 6340
GPSF 6340
Land&Liturgy:Bib Spirt Eco-Justice [Lecture] (3)
The course explores the roots of a biblical worldview and ethic of "shalom," especially as it relates to our relationship with the particularities of our place. Provoked by recent interest, and in response to an increased awareness of the impact of climate change on the poor and displaced, students will discern how such concerns can be addressed. The course will also identify the ways that eco-justice is fulfilled in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and in the life of his ancestors in Israel. Students will emerge more deeply grounded in their own ministry practice, while equipped for contemporary missional engagement, following the witness Christians like Hildegard of Bingen, Francis of Assisi and Wendell Berry, whose discipleship found fresh sources of sustainability and power through their stewardship and attention to God's created world. Cross-listed with GSOC 6340
GPSF 6340
Land&Liturgy:Bib Spirt Eco-Justice [On-line] (3)
The course explores the roots of a biblical worldview and ethic of "shalom," especially as it relates to our relationship with the particularities of our place. Provoked by recent interest, and in response to an increased awareness of the impact of climate change on the poor and displaced, students will discern how such concerns can be addressed. The course will also identify the ways that eco-justice is fulfilled in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and in the life of his ancestors in Israel. Students will emerge more deeply grounded in their own ministry practice, while equipped for contemporary missional engagement, following the witness Christians like Hildegard of Bingen, Francis of Assisi and Wendell Berry, whose discipleship found fresh sources of sustainability and power through their stewardship and attention to God's created world. Cross-listed with GSOC 6340
GPSF 6520
Calling and Vocation [Lecture] (3)
This course will provide students with an opportunity to explore the relationships between spiritual formation, personality, and leadership. Students will benefit from standard personality and leadership assessment tools to gain insights into their own personality and leadership style. In addition, students will enhance their understanding of the Biblical foundation of leadership and the significance of spiritual formation for today's Christian leaders. The expected outcomes of this course will be a well-developed theology of ministry within the context of the individuals' personality, spiritual giftedness, and leadership style. Students will develop an informed sense of calling to their unique place in the Kingdom of God and will begin to consider a strategy of continuous personal growth to enhance their effectiveness in ministry for years to come.
GPSF 6520
Calling and Vocation [On-line] (3)
This course will provide students with an opportunity to explore the relationships between spiritual formation, personality, and leadership. Students will benefit from standard personality and leadership assessment tools to gain insights into their own personality and leadership style. In addition, students will enhance their understanding of the Biblical foundation of leadership and the significance of spiritual formation for today's Christian leaders. The expected outcomes of this course will be a well-developed theology of ministry within the context of the individuals' personality, spiritual giftedness, and leadership style. Students will develop an informed sense of calling to their unique place in the Kingdom of God and will begin to consider a strategy of continuous personal growth to enhance their effectiveness in ministry for years to come.
GPSF 6530
Global Themes in Christian Spirituality [Hybrid-Online & Lecture] (2)
Global Themes in Christian Spirituality is a survey course that approaches the topic of Christian spirituality from the viewpoint of various thematic expressions of lived Christian discipleship in a global context. These thematic expressions will be overviewed and placed in dialog with both cultural dynamics and theological issues and assumptions. Goals of the course include an increased appreciation of global theology as an aspect of our shared Christian heritage, an increased ability to situate one’s own Christian spiritual traditions within the broader Christian tradition, a recognition of the powerful dynamics of culture on expressions of Christian spirituality, and an ability to bring focal attention to theological assumptions of various Christian spiritual traditions.
GPSF 6530
Global Themes in Christian Spirituality [Lecture] (2)
Global Themes in Christian Spirituality is a survey course that approaches the topic of Christian spirituality from the viewpoint of various thematic expressions of lived Christian discipleship in a global context. These thematic expressions will be overviewed and placed in dialog with both cultural dynamics and theological issues and assumptions. Goals of the course include an increased appreciation of global theology as an aspect of our shared Christian heritage, an increased ability to situate one’s own Christian spiritual traditions within the broader Christian tradition, a recognition of the powerful dynamics of culture on expressions of Christian spirituality, and an ability to bring focal attention to theological assumptions of various Christian spiritual traditions.
GPSF 6530
Global Themes in Christian Spirituality [On-line] (2)
Global Themes in Christian Spirituality is a survey course that approaches the topic of Christian spirituality from the viewpoint of various thematic expressions of lived Christian discipleship in a global context. These thematic expressions will be overviewed and placed in dialog with both cultural dynamics and theological issues and assumptions. Goals of the course include an increased appreciation of global theology as an aspect of our shared Christian heritage, an increased ability to situate one’s own Christian spiritual traditions within the broader Christian tradition, a recognition of the powerful dynamics of culture on expressions of Christian spirituality, and an ability to bring focal attention to theological assumptions of various Christian spiritual traditions.
GPSF 6540
Christian Faith: A Global Survey [Lecture] (3)
"What do Christian solitaries in the Egyptian desert, mothers of rebellious teenagers, monks in
community in the mountains of France, missionaries to Japan, and charismatic worshipers in a megachurch all have in common? They all provide a glimpse of people seeking to follow Christ faithfully in their different geographic and cultural contexts. This course surveys the myriad ways in which Christians across the globe have found themselves redeemed and enlivened by the Spirit of God, and celebrates the diverse expressions of our shared Christian faith.
Students will engage art, music, film, stories, and various texts in order to explore both the diversity and commonalities of the ways people seek to live as faithful Christians, and will reflect on the ways in which their cultural and historic situatedness influences their own expressions of faithfulness."
GPSF 6540
Christian Faith: A Global Survey [On-line] (3)
"What do Christian solitaries in the Egyptian desert, mothers of rebellious teenagers, monks in
community in the mountains of France, missionaries to Japan, and charismatic worshipers in a megachurch all have in common? They all provide a glimpse of people seeking to follow Christ faithfully in their different geographic and cultural contexts. This course surveys the myriad ways in which Christians across the globe have found themselves redeemed and enlivened by the Spirit of God, and celebrates the diverse expressions of our shared Christian faith.
Students will engage art, music, film, stories, and various texts in order to explore both the diversity and commonalities of the ways people seek to live as faithful Christians, and will reflect on the ways in which their cultural and historic situatedness influences their own expressions of faithfulness."
GPSF 6550
Celtic History and Spirituality [Lecture] (2)
This course explores the rich resources that Celtic history and spirituality offers for our own worship and spiritual formation. Celtic Christianity in Ireland and Britain, while an integral part of the larger Christian world, had its own distinctive character, which continues to influence the Church today. The Celtic Church was both monastic and evangelistic, contemplative and engaged. Leaders such as Patrick, Brigid, Columba, Aidan, and Columbanus modeled and taught a way of life that was at once demanding and contagious. Pushing beyond romantic images, this course seeks to understand Celtic Christianity as it actually was, through primary sources and contemporary interpretation, in order to appreciate its culture, context, and contribution. The course will include examination of Celtic authors and interpreters such as David Adam, Pat Robson and Brendan O'Malley, exposure to significant organizations, including the Iona and Northumbria Communities, and an introduction to contemporary Celtic Christian music and art. This course is cross-listed as HST 655NE.
GPSF 6850
Topics in Contemporary Christian Spirituality [Lecture] (2)
This is a seminar-style course that will explore one focused topic of contemporary importance to the Church as it relates to a holistic view of Christian spirituality (specific topics of focus will change from one semester to another). A central goal of the course will be for students to develop a theologically grounded and spiritually formative approach to the discernment of cultural dynamics that are forming their personal expressions of Christian spirituality and the spirituality of the contemporary Church as a whole. The course will give special attention to making focally aware what are often implicit formational dynamics in order to create a healthy environment of questioning, critiquing, and prophetically responding to sociohistoric currents in which we are immersed. Examples of topics on which the course might focus include: spirituality and technology; spirituality and issues of gender; spirituality and consumerism; or Christian spirituality as it encounters spiritual pluralism. (Course may be repeated if topic differs.)
GPSF 6950
Independent Study in Personal Spiritual Formation [Independent Study] (.5 - 3)
"Through guided studies and spiritual readings, the student is given the opportunity to investigate additional or assigned areas of personal spiritual formation - current and historical.
[Prerequisite: advisor and instructor approval required]"
GPSF 6990
M.A.Thesis in Personal and Spiritural Formation [Independent Study] (3)
This course is a research option for M.A. students in the field of personal and spiritual formation. Students wishing to pursue thesis work must file a written petition with academic services formally requesting this degree completion method prior to registering for the course. (Students who have not completed the thesis project by the end of the semester will automatically be registered for RES 7990-Continuation of Registration for Master’s Thesis, and charged a fee every subsequent semester until the completion of the master’s thesis.) [Prerequisite: faculty approval]
GPSF 7310
Personal Spiritual Direction I [Online/Practicum] (.5)
This course is an experiential introduction to the classic Christian practice of personal spiritual direction. Students engage in one-on-one spiritual direction with an approved spiritual director throughout the semester. In addition, activities of preparation for and reflection on the sessions are required. Note: Lab/additional fee required (approx. $400)
GPSF 7310
Personal Spiritual Direction I [Practicum] (.5)
This course is an experiential introduction to the classic Christian practice of personal spiritual direction. Students engage in one-on-one spiritual direction with an approved spiritual director throughout the semester. In addition, activities of preparation for and reflection on the sessions are required. Note: Lab/additional fee required (approx. $400)
GPSF 7320
Personal Spiritual Direction II [Online/Practicum] (.5)
Building upon the work of GPSF 7310, this course expands the student’s experiential engagement with the classic Christian discipline of one-on-one spiritual direction. Students engage in spiritual direction with an approved spiritual director throughout the semester. In addition, activities of preparation for and reflection on the sessions are required. Note: Lab/additional fee required (approx. $400) Prerequisite: GPSF 7310
GPSF 7320
Personal Spiritual Direction II [Practicum] (.5)
Building upon the work of GPSF 7310, this course expands the student’s experiential engagement with the classic Christian discipline of one-on-one spiritual direction. Students engage in spiritual direction with an approved spiritual director throughout the semester. In addition, activities of preparation for and reflection on the sessions are required. Note: Lab/additional fee required (approx. $400) Prerequisite: GPSF 7310
GPSF 7330
Supervised Spiritual Direction I [Online/Practicum] (1)
This course provides guidance and supervision in the practice of the ministry of spiritual direction. Students serve as a spiritual director for at least three different people over a four-month period (a minimum of 48 hours of providing one-on-one direction). Students engage in a monthly supervision group and training videos throughout the semester. Note: Lab/additional fee required (approx. $300) Prerequisites: GPSF 7320 and GPSF 6210
GPSF 7330
Supervised Spiritual Direction I [Practicum] (1)
This course provides guidance and supervision in the practice of the ministry of spiritual direction. Students serve as a spiritual director for at least three different people over a four-month period (a minimum of 48 hours of providing one-on-one direction). Students engage in a monthly supervision group and training videos throughout the semester. Note: Lab/additional fee required (approx. $300) Prerequisites: GPSF 7320 and GPSF 6210
GPSF 7340
Supervised Spiritual Direction II [Online/Practicum] (1)
"A continuation of GPSF 7330, this course provides continued guidance, experience, and supervision in the practice of one-on-one spiritual direction. Students serve as a spiritual director for at least three different people over a four-month period (a minimum of 48 hours of providing one-on-one direction). Students engage in a monthly supervision group and training videos throughout the semester. Note: Lab/additional fee required (approx. $300)
Prerequisite: GPSF 7330"
GPSF 7340
Supervised Spiritual Direction II [Practicum] (1)
"A continuation of GPSF 7330, this course provides continued guidance, experience, and supervision in the practice of one-on-one spiritual direction. Students serve as a spiritual director for at least three different people over a four-month period (a minimum of 48 hours of providing one-on-one direction). Students engage in a monthly supervision group and training videos throughout the semester. Note: Lab/additional fee required (approx. $300)
Prerequisite: GPSF 7330"