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.
GSOC 6210
Old Testament Prophets' Cry for Justice [Lecture] (3)
This course examines the Old Testament prophets and their call for social justice. It offers opportunity for an in-depth examination of the prophets' exhortations and teachings on God's justice for the Israelite community. Particular attention is given to the Minor Prophets, including Amos, Hosea, and Micah. Reflection on this prophetic literature provides an opportunity to delineate the significance of the prophetic cry for justice for the church today. This course is cross-listed as GBIB 6210.
GSOC 6210
Old Testament Prophets' Cry for Justice [On-line] (3)
This course examines the Old Testament prophets and their call for social justice. It offers opportunity for an in-depth examination of the prophets' exhortations and teachings on God's justice for the Israelite community. Particular attention is given to the Minor Prophets, including Amos, Hosea, and Micah. Reflection on this prophetic literature provides an opportunity to delineate the significance of the prophetic cry for justice for the church today. This course is cross-listed as GBIB 6210.
GSOC 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 GPSF 6240.
GSOC 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 GPSF 6240.
GSOC 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 GPSF 6240.
GSOC 6250
Found Social & Theological Ethics [Hybrid-Online & Lecture] (3)
This course is an introduction to the basic themes in Christian theology as they relate to contemporary social issues and public policy. The course provides a Christian global perspective that relates theology and ethics to ministry and service in the public realm. Topics include a survey of existing justice and moral theories that relate to cultural analysis and minsterial practice. Areas that will be explored include power, government, war, wealth and poverty, gender, and diversity. The goal is to provide students with both theological and ministerial tools to address important social issues in their churches, community, and larger society.
GSOC 6250
Found Social & Theological Ethics [Lecture] (3)
This course is an introduction to the basic themes in Christian theology as they relate to contemporary social issues and public policy. The course provides a Christian global perspective that relates theology and ethics to ministry and service in the public realm. Topics include a survey of existing justice and moral theories that relate to cultural analysis and minsterial practice. Areas that will be explored include power, government, war, wealth and poverty, gender, and diversity. The goal is to provide students with both theological and ministerial tools to address important social issues in their churches, community, and larger society.
GSOC 6250
Found Social & Theological Ethics [On-line] (3)
This course is an introduction to the basic themes in Christian theology as they relate to contemporary social issues and public policy. The course provides a Christian global perspective that relates theology and ethics to ministry and service in the public realm. Topics include a survey of existing justice and moral theories that relate to cultural analysis and minsterial practice. Areas that will be explored include power, government, war, wealth and poverty, gender, and diversity. The goal is to provide students with both theological and ministerial tools to address important social issues in their churches, community, and larger society.
GSOC 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 GPSF 6340
GSOC 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 GPSF 6340
GSOC 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 GPSF 6340
GSOC 6420
Jesus and the Poor: Biblical Perspectives on Economic Justice [Lecture] (3)
Howard Thurman's question, "What, then, is the word of the religion of Jesus to those who stand with their backs against the wall?" is a perennial one. This course begins in the New Testament with a study of Jesus' relationship with the poor and his sayings regarding poverty, wealth, and discipleship. Topics also include exegeses on key biblical passages regarding economic justice in both the Old and New Testament and an examination of contemporary successes and failures of the local and global Christian church to end economic oppression. The course explores the implications for applying a biblical ethic of justice to individual Christian discipleship and corporate church witness. This course is cross-listed as GBIB 6420.
GSOC 6420
Jesus and the Poor: Biblical Perspectives on Economic Justice [On-line] (3)
Howard Thurman's question, "What, then, is the word of the religion of Jesus to those who stand with their backs against the wall?" is a perennial one. This course begins in the New Testament with a study of Jesus' relationship with the poor and his sayings regarding poverty, wealth, and discipleship. Topics also include exegeses on key biblical passages regarding economic justice in both the Old and New Testament and an examination of contemporary successes and failures of the local and global Christian church to end economic oppression. The course explores the implications for applying a biblical ethic of justice to individual Christian discipleship and corporate church witness. This course is cross-listed as GBIB 6420.
GSOC 6490
Contemporary Ethical Issues [Lecture] (3)
This course is designed to help those in, or entering, ministry to understand better their own ethical perspective and apply it significant ethical questions facing society today. Issues to be covered include: approaches to ethical decision-making (both general and explicity Christian), bio-ethical issues (reproductive technology, genetic screeening, physician-assisted suicide), social issues (pornography, sexual harassment), and business issues (job discrimination, capitalism). This course is cross-listed as GMIN 6490. Offered on demand.
GSOC 6500
Bioethics & Ministry 21st Century [Lecture] (3)
Human cloning is very near. Healthcare rationing is an increasing reality. Comfort care for the dying increasingly hastens death. This course is designed to help those currently in, or entering, ministry to understand better their own ethical perspective (their own general approach to ethical decision-making) and how this perspective applies to bioethical tensions such as those mentioned above. Students will have the opportunity to prepare and present a detailed analysis of an ethical issue they perceive to be of particular social significance.
GSOC 6500
Bioethics & Ministry 21st Century [On-line] (3)
Human cloning is very near. Healthcare rationing is an increasing reality. Comfort care for the dying increasingly hastens death. This course is designed to help those currently in, or entering, ministry to understand better their own ethical perspective (their own general approach to ethical decision-making) and how this perspective applies to bioethical tensions such as those mentioned above. Students will have the opportunity to prepare and present a detailed analysis of an ethical issue they perceive to be of particular social significance.
GSOC 6510
Women Ldrshp:Hist & Bib Perspect [Lecture] (3)
This course explores the lives and roles of women throughout church history. It examines the historical and social contexts of various women leaders identified as having an impact on theology, biblical interpretation, cultural influence, and social justice. Individual women’s lives will be discussed in terms of their response to God’s call, their commitment to leadership development, and their contributions to the overall Christian church. The course provides an analysis of the strategies and resources women in various times and cultures have used to have their voices “heard.” Students will be able to identify the diverse global views of church leaders toward women’s roles as this course examines the support, obstacles, and beliefs of the historical church. The final course section focuses on the current status of women in the church and reflection on global challenges for women in the 21st century. This course is cross-listed as GHST 6510.
GSOC 6510
Women Ldrshp:Hist & Bib Perspect [On-line] (3)
This course explores the lives and roles of women throughout church history. It examines the historical and social contexts of various women leaders identified as having an impact on theology, biblical interpretation, cultural influence, and social justice. Individual women’s lives will be discussed in terms of their response to God’s call, their commitment to leadership development, and their contributions to the overall Christian church. The course provides an analysis of the strategies and resources women in various times and cultures have used to have their voices “heard.” Students will be able to identify the diverse global views of church leaders toward women’s roles as this course examines the support, obstacles, and beliefs of the historical church. The final course section focuses on the current status of women in the church and reflection on global challenges for women in the 21st century. This course is cross-listed as GHST 6510.
GSOC 6550
Violence Against Women--Theological and Social Issues [Lecture] (3)
This course addresses gender violence from a global, structural, and Christian theological perspective. Gender violence is defined in legal, psychological and spiritual language that provides a description of the problem, and a framework for addressing this important issue. The course will provide an analysis of current theories, practices and leadership strategies. Topics include gender violence as an international human rights issue, the responsibility of the church in its prophetic role to provide a response, and exploring the possibilities of creative responses with the goal of gender reconciliation. The objective is to develop leaders who help create a cultural and theological shift that recognizes the dignity and equality of both women and men.
GSOC 6550
Violence Against Women--Theological and Social Issues [On-line] (3)
This course addresses gender violence from a global, structural, and Christian theological perspective. Gender violence is defined in legal, psychological and spiritual language that provides a description of the problem, and a framework for addressing this important issue. The course will provide an analysis of current theories, practices and leadership strategies. Topics include gender violence as an international human rights issue, the responsibility of the church in its prophetic role to provide a response, and exploring the possibilities of creative responses with the goal of gender reconciliation. The objective is to develop leaders who help create a cultural and theological shift that recognizes the dignity and equality of both women and men.
GSOC 6600
The Ethics of War & Peace [Lecture] (3)
This course surveys the development of Christian theological and ethical perspectives on just war theory and pacifism from the biblical period to the present day. Attention will be given to the crusades, the two world wars, and the unconventional warfare in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Students will examine the perspectives of their own denomination or faith group and apply their findings to one of the above wars. Finally, students will examine the meaning of conscientious objection and grounds for its approval in the military. Consideration will be given throughout the course to the formation of personal conscience in light of Christian traditions and in the context of responsible citizenship. Offered on demand.
GSOC 6600
The Ethics of War & Peace [On-line] (3)
This course surveys the development of Christian theological and ethical perspectives on just war theory and pacifism from the biblical period to the present day. Attention will be given to the crusades, the two world wars, and the unconventional warfare in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Students will examine the perspectives of their own denomination or faith group and apply their findings to one of the above wars. Finally, students will examine the meaning of conscientious objection and grounds for its approval in the military. Consideration will be given throughout the course to the formation of personal conscience in light of Christian traditions and in the context of responsible citizenship. Offered on demand.
GSOC 6800
History of the Black Church [Lecture] (3)
"The historical role of the Black Church in the Black community is emphasized in conjunction with the contributions and distinctive characteristics within American Protestantism. The course focuses on an examination and interpretation of the history of the Black church, including the seven historic American Black denominations: the African Methodist Episcopal Church; the African Methodist
Episcopal Zion Church; the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church; the National Baptist Convention, U.S.A.; the National Baptist Convention of America; the Progressive National Baptist Convention; the Church of God in Christ and other Pentecostal Associations and Non-Denomination affiliations.
Cross-listed with GHST 6800"
GSOC 6800
History of the Black Church [On-line] (3)
"The historical role of the Black Church in the Black community is emphasized in conjunction with the contributions and distinctive characteristics within American Protestantism. The course focuses on an examination and interpretation of the history of the Black church, including the seven historic American Black denominations: the African Methodist Episcopal Church; the African Methodist
Episcopal Zion Church; the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church; the National Baptist Convention, U.S.A.; the National Baptist Convention of America; the Progressive National Baptist Convention; the Church of God in Christ and other Pentecostal Associations and Non-Denomination affiliations.
Cross-listed with GHST 6800"
GSOC 6950
IS: Social Ethics [Independent Study] (1 - 3)
Under the guidance of a professor, the student pursues independent research in a specific social ethics topic.
GSOC 6990
M.A. Thesis in Social Ethics [Independent Study] (3)
"This course is a research option for M.A. students in the field of social ethics. 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 799NE-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]"
GSOC 7230
THe&Pol Act:Rdg Luther,Bonhoeffer,Martin [Lecture] (3)
"Theological questions concerning the role of church and state, Christian ethics and public policy, and the intersection of Christian
spirituality and civic values are perennial questions that every generation within their own social, cultural, and political context need to address. This course examines Martin Luther's theology of the cross as a framework for addressing his two kingdoms paradigm, and subsequent understanding of the boundaries of temporal authority and church. Luther's construct is instrumental in the development of Bonhoeffer's Christology, his insistence on solidarity with the oppressed, and resistance to social and political
evil. Martin Luther King, Jr. is deeply influenced by both Luther and Bonhoeffer, and further develops concepts that include strategies of active nonviolent resistance, the beloved community, and Christian reconciliation. These themes related to the role of church and state will be explored with an emphasis on application for the 21st century church. This course is cross-listed as GTHE 7230."
GSOC 7230
THe&Pol Act:Rdg Luther,Bonhoeffer,Martin [On-line] (3)
"Theological questions concerning the role of church and state, Christian ethics and public policy, and the intersection of Christian
spirituality and civic values are perennial questions that every generation within their own social, cultural, and political context need to address. This course examines Martin Luther's theology of the cross as a framework for addressing his two kingdoms paradigm, and subsequent understanding of the boundaries of temporal authority and church. Luther's construct is instrumental in the development of Bonhoeffer's Christology, his insistence on solidarity with the oppressed, and resistance to social and political
evil. Martin Luther King, Jr. is deeply influenced by both Luther and Bonhoeffer, and further develops concepts that include strategies of active nonviolent resistance, the beloved community, and Christian reconciliation. These themes related to the role of church and state will be explored with an emphasis on application for the 21st century church. This course is cross-listed as GTHE 7230."
GSOC 7320
Life, Theology, and Ethics of Dietrich Bonhoeffer [Hybrid-Online & Lecture] (3)
Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a significant twentieth-century theologian, pastor, prophet, and martyr. This course examines Bonhoeffer's response to Nazism from a historical and theological perspective. The primary areas of study include: a description and analysis of Bonhoeffer's hermeneutic and ethical reflections on the significance of his call to discipleship and on his perennial question, "Who is Christ for us today?" His spirituality will also be discussed as a foundation for his ethics. Readings include Cost of Discipleship; Ethics; Letters and Papers from Prison and other selected writings representing Bonhoeffer's theology and ethics. This course is cross-listed as GTHE 7320.
GSOC 7320
Life, Theology, and Ethics of Dietrich Bonhoeffer [Lecture] (3)
Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a significant twentieth-century theologian, pastor, prophet, and martyr. This course examines Bonhoeffer's response to Nazism from a historical and theological perspective. The primary areas of study include: a description and analysis of Bonhoeffer's hermeneutic and ethical reflections on the significance of his call to discipleship and on his perennial question, "Who is Christ for us today?" His spirituality will also be discussed as a foundation for his ethics. Readings include Cost of Discipleship; Ethics; Letters and Papers from Prison and other selected writings representing Bonhoeffer's theology and ethics. This course is cross-listed as GTHE 7320.
GSOC 7320
Life, Theology, and Ethics of Dietrich Bonhoeffer [On-line] (3)
Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a significant twentieth-century theologian, pastor, prophet, and martyr. This course examines Bonhoeffer's response to Nazism from a historical and theological perspective. The primary areas of study include: a description and analysis of Bonhoeffer's hermeneutic and ethical reflections on the significance of his call to discipleship and on his perennial question, "Who is Christ for us today?" His spirituality will also be discussed as a foundation for his ethics. Readings include Cost of Discipleship; Ethics; Letters and Papers from Prison and other selected writings representing Bonhoeffer's theology and ethics. This course is cross-listed as GTHE 7320.
GSOC 7350
Social Policy and Practice [Lecture] (3)
This course provides students with an opportunity to put into practice their knowledge, and skills as a social change practitioner. Students will identify one topic that has spiritual, social and communal relevance for those who have been socially, economically, and/or politically marginalized. Subjects for study may include any contemporary social concern. Students will become a task force that studies the identified subject, plans a strategy to create social change and then works together to implement this change. They will work to create change in social policy on both a local and State level. Their expertise and practice strategies will be presented at the BT Roberts Symposium that takes place biennially in the spring semester.
GSOC 7350
Social Policy and Practice [On-line] (3)
This course provides students with an opportunity to put into practice their knowledge, and skills as a social change practitioner. Students will identify one topic that has spiritual, social and communal relevance for those who have been socially, economically, and/or politically marginalized. Subjects for study may include any contemporary social concern. Students will become a task force that studies the identified subject, plans a strategy to create social change and then works together to implement this change. They will work to create change in social policy on both a local and State level. Their expertise and practice strategies will be presented at the BT Roberts Symposium that takes place biennially in the spring semester.