SPRING 2000 Course Descriptions
Biblical Languages (Graduate level)
BL1504 - Hebrew Reading II, Vesta Kowalski
Bangor. In these courses, students will deepen their understanding of Hebrew
grammar, increase their vocabulary, and develop facility in reading more rapidly. A
student may receive up to six credits for Hebrew Reading courses. 1-1/2 credits. Scheduled
Mondays 4:00-5:30 p.m.
NT1511 - New Testament Greek I, David Trobisch
Bangor. This one semester study of New Testament Greek is intended to furnish the
rudiments of New Testament vocabulary and grammar for the lexical and exegetical purposes
of the pastor and theologian. It may be taken as a stand-alone New Testament elective. The
Liberal Studies language requirement will only be satisfied by the completion of BL 1512,
reading New Testament texts, and Liberal Studies credit will only be given when both
semesters have been successfully completed. 3 credits. Scheduled Tuesdays 4:00-7:00 p.m.
NT1511p - New Testament Greek I, David Trobisch
Portland. This one semester study of New Testament Greek is intended to furnish the
rudiments of New Testament vocabulary and grammar for the lexical and exegetical purposes
of the pastor and theologian. It may be taken as a stand-alone New Testament elective. The
Liberal Studies language requirement will only be satisfied by the completion of BL 1512,
reading New Testament texts, and Liberal Studies credit will only be given when both
semesters have been successfully completed. 3 credits. Scheduled Thursdays in Portland
3:30-6:15 p.m.
Old Testament Studies (Graduate level)
OT1501 - Torah, Ann Johnston
Bangor. An examination of the earliest history of ancient Israel with particular
reference to the development and meaning of Torah as it defines and describes Israel's way
of life and understanding of God. The goals of the course include a knowledge of the
history and religious tradition of Israel and development of exegetical and hermeneutical
skills. Recommended to students without background in Old Testament. 3 credits. Scheduled
Thursdays 1:00-3:50 p.m.
OT1710 - Women in the Bible and Ancient Near East, Ann
Johnston
Bangor. A study of the place and position of women in Ancient Near Eastern society
and in the Biblical Tradition of Israel. 3 credits. Scheduled Wednesdays 1:00-3:50 p.m.
OT1710p - Women in the Bible and Ancient Near East, Ann
Johnston
Portland. A study of the place and position of women in Ancient Near Eastern
society and in the Biblical Tradition of Israel. 3 credits. Scheduled Mondays in Portland
from 3:30-6:15 p.m.
OT1720 - Wisdom Literature, James Haddix
Bangor. A survey of wisdom literature and the wisdom genre in the Old Testament
with special emphasis on Proverbs and Job. 3 credits. Scheduled Wednesdays 8:00-10:50 a.m.
New Testament Studies (Graduate level)
NT1704 - Christology of the New Testament, Douglas Hare
Bangor. An attempt to trace the development of christological thinking in the New
Testament, beginning with Jesus' self-understanding and culminating in the incarnational
thought of the Fourth Gospel. The usefulness of the various christological titles will be
examined in relationship to their original cultural setting and today's church. The
possibility of a christology beyond titles will be investigated. 3 credits. Scheduled
Thursdays 8:30-11:20 a.m.
NT1713 - Gospel of Luke, Burton Throckmorton
Bangor. An exegesis of the Gospel of Luke with particular attention to its main
theological points and touching on the Book of Acts. 3 credits. Scheduled Tuesdays
1:00-3:50 p.m.
Church History (Graduate level)
CH1501 - The Christian Movement, Glenn Miller
Bangor. An examination of the principal people and movements in the history of
Christianity from the New Testament to the present. Special attention will be paid to the
impact of the Reformation. Recommended to students without background in Christian
history. 3 credits. Scheduled Tuesdays 1:00-3:50 p.m.
CH1601 - Religion in America, Glenn Miller
Bangor. A study of the origin, development, and contemporary status of religion in
the United States. Particular attention is paid to the interaction of religious
organizations and their ideals with the larger culture. 3 credits. Scheduled Mondays
9:00-11:50 a.m.
CH1601p - Religion in America, Glenn Miller
Portland. A study of the origin, development, and contemporary status of religion
in the United States. Particular attention is paid to the interaction of religious
organizations and their ideals with the larger culture. 3 credits. Scheduled Mondays in
Portland 6:30-9:15 p.m.
Christian Ethics (Graduate level)
ET/ST1751 - Sexual and Domestic Violence in Theological Perspective, Marvin Ellison
Bangor. This course seeks to increase awareness of sexual and domestic violence,
including clergy abuse, to develop strategies of response and prevention, and strengthen
cooperation between the churches and community resources. A major focus is the religious
and theological concerns of victims/survivors and their questions about suffering,
obedience, power, forgiveness, reconciliation, and hope. (This course is co-taught by a
staff member from the local domestic violence project.) 3 credits. Scheduled Thursdays
1:00-3:50 p.m.
ET/ST1751p - Sexual and Domestic Violence in Theological Perspective, Marvin Ellison
Portland. This course seeks to increase awareness of sexual and domestic violence,
including clergy abuse, to develop strategies of response and prevention, and strengthen
cooperation between the churches and community resources. A major focus is the religious
and theological concerns of victims/survivors and their questions about suffering,
obedience, power, forgiveness, reconciliation, and hope. (This course is co-taught by a
staff member from the local domestic violence project.) 3 credits. Scheduled Wednesdays in
Portland 3:30-6:15 p.m.
Systematic Theology (Graduate level)
ST/ET1751 - Sexual and Domestic Violence in Theological Perspective,
Marvin Ellison
Bangor. This course seeks to increase awareness of sexual and domestic violence,
including clergy abuse, to develop strategies of response and prevention, and strengthen
cooperation between the churches and community resources. A major focus is the religious
and theological concerns of victims/survivors and their questions about suffering,
obedience, power, forgiveness, reconciliation, and hope. (This course is co-taught by a
staff member from the local domestic violence project.) 3 credits. Scheduled Thursdays
1:00-3:50 p.m.
ST/ET1751p - Sexual and Domestic Violence in Theological Perspective, Marvin Ellison
Portland. This course seeks to increase awareness of sexual and domestic violence,
including clergy abuse, to develop strategies of response and prevention, and strengthen
cooperation between the churches and community resources. A major focus is the religious
and theological concerns of victims/survivors and their questions about suffering,
obedience, power, forgiveness, reconciliation, and hope. (This course is co-taught by a
staff member from the local domestic violence project.) 3 credits. Scheduled Wednesdays in
Portland 3:30-6:15 p.m.
ST1501 - Introduction to Christian Doctrine, Robert Sherman
Bangor. A systematic and historical survey of key doctrines and classic figures in
Christian theology. It introduces students to the basics of content and method, grounding
them in the essential affirmations of the Christian faith and familiarizing them with
various historical issues, and debates. It will also encourage dealing with theological
texts and concerns critically and constructively, to foster skill in reaching mature
theological conclusions. Recommended to students with little background in systematic
theology. 3 credits. Scheduled Mondays 6:00-9:00 p.m.
ST1501p - Introduction to Christian Doctrine, Robert Sherman
Portland. A systematic and historical survey of key doctrines and classic figures
in Christian theology. It introduces students to the basics of content and method,
grounding them in the essential affirmations of the Christian faith and familiarizing them
with various historical issues, and debates. It will also encourage dealing with
theological texts and concerns critically and constructively, to foster skill in reaching
mature theological conclusions. Recommended to students with little background in
systematic theology. 3 credits. Scheduled Tuesdays in Portland 3:30-6:15 p.m.
ST1725 - Issues in Modern Theology, Robert Sherman
Bangor. A seminar course for students interested in examining various themes,
questions and/or controversies in modern and/or postmodern or contemporary theology. This
year's topic will address the current question, What does it mean to be Church in this day
and age? That is, do older models still suffice, or should Christians rethink what it
means to be a faithful community? Declining membership in the old-line churches, the loss
of denominational loyalty, the apparent success of mega-Churches and the challenges of an
emerging post-modern age have all served to bring this question to the fore. A variety of
classic and contemporary texts will help us in our discussions of the issues involved. 3
credits. Scheduled Thursdays 8:30-11:20 a.m.
Congregational Life & Nurture (Graduate level)
CLN1602 - Introduction to Pastoral Care, Robert Gustafson
Bangor. The ministry of caring is the work of a community of faith. Mutual openness
to one another and to the presence and will of God are central features of caring
communities. Particular attention will be given to listening and communication skills;
connections between theology and practice will be developed through case studies and roll
play. 3 credits. Scheduled Tuesdays 1:00-3:50 p.m.
CLN1612 - Contemporary Social Issues: Gender, Race and Class,
Susan Davies
Bangor. An analysis of selected social and cultural issues from the perspective of
modern psychology and sociology. The topic for the year will be the social categories of
gender, race and class. 3 credits. Scheduled Wednesdays 6:00-9:00 p.m.
CLN1713 - Understanding and Ministering to Families, Carol
Sherman
Bangor. The course is designed around The Family Handbook (culmination of The
Religion, Culture and the Family Project funded by Lilly) which provides theological,
moral, legal, and historical insights on contemporary issues facing families. The goal is
to gain faith-based understanding of the issues, as well as resources for helping
parishioners prepare for marriage, have strong and healthy families, and more faithfully
meet the challenges faced by families in modern culture. Resources on parenting,
premarital counseling, working with couples who are struggling, ministering to
divorced/blended families, and being faithful to aging parents will be part of this
course. 3 credits. Scheduled Wednesdays 1:00-3:50 p.m.
Practical Theology (Graduate level)
PT1703 - Calling and Vocation, Clifton Guthrie
Bangor. Students explore the notion of calling and its impact on the vocations of
individuals and communities in both ecclesial and non-ecclesial settings. Biblical,
historical and contemporary perspectives on calling and vocation will be examined as
themes in literature, in the lived experience of self and others, and in film. Discrete
elements of calling and vocation are presented, including the significance of place,
gender, race and ethnic identity. 3 credits. Scheduled Thursdays 6:00-9:00 p.m.
PT1704 - Sociology of Religion, Dana Sawyer
Bangor. A course designed to introduce the student to the analytical methods,
critical skills, and formative concepts in the sociology of religion. Using classic texts
and current studies, the course will demonstrate the importance of studying social systems
to disclose the nature and character of socio-economic and other cultural influences. 3
credits. Scheduled Mondays 1:00-3:50 p.m.
PT1713p - Renewing the Art of Ministry, Lynn Bujnak/Nash
Garabedian
Portland. Training for lay and ordained leadership in the church often focuses on
the development of skills and techniques. Yet, ministry is so much more! It is also art, a
creative expression of our life with God. This course takes participants to the heart of
ministry, our relationship with God. Out of this center, we will explore three renewed
models: Jesus' approach to leadership, finding God in the midst of conflict, and caring
for ourselves body and soul. 3 credits. Scheduled Wednesdays in Portland 6:30-9:15 p.m.
PT1714p - Imagination, Ritual and the Arts, June Goudey
Portland. Our humanity as well as our access to the divine life is intimately
connected to the interrelationship of imagination, ritual, and the arts. This class will
explore new understandings of imagination that move beyond the notion of creativity, feed
our longing for ritual, and call us to express and appreciate our praise and gratitude in
solitude as well as community. In addition to a variety of readings that deal with the
nature of symbols, ritual, and aesthetic sensitivities, class members will be exposed to a
variety of art forms in the classroom as well as the community. 3 credits. Scheduled
Tuesdays in Portland 6:30-9:15 p.m.
Preaching and Worship (Graduate level)
PW1601 - Principles and Practice of Preaching, Clifton Guthrie
Bangor. An introduction to the principles and practice of the church's ministry of
preaching. Attention is given to preaching as ministry, to principles of sermon
development and to practice preaching. Each student preaches sermons, completes reading
and written assignments, and provides critical reflection on sermons preached by peers.
Enrollment limited to 12 students. Recommended to students with little background in
preaching. 3 credits. Scheduled Tuesdays 8:30-11:20 a.m.
Spirituality (Graduate level)
PSS1716 - Spiritual Practices: a Monastic Perspective, Elizabeth
Wagner
Bangor. An important, if often neglected component of the Christian faith
tradition, monasticism has much to offer to our spiritual journey today. Once the dominant
form of spiritual practice, monastic traditions on prayer, lectio, fasting, discipline,
psalmody, and virtue are all examined, not only within the perspective of their times, but
as a source of important insight for us. This course uses a mix of ancient and
contemporary authors, ranging from the Sayings of the Desert Fathers and Mothers and the
Rule of Benedict, to Roberta Bondi and Henri Nouwen. 3 credits. Scheduled Mondays
1:00-3:50 p.m.
Supervised Practice (Graduate level)
SP1501-1502 - Supervised Ministry and Seminar, June Goudey
Bangor. Within a variety of church and community contexts, students reflect on the
skills and sensibilities needed for effective ministry with a qualified ministry mentor.
In addition, weekly seminars on campus encourage students to engage their peers in
theological reflection, and serve as opportunities for constructive critique and support.
So as to enhance their understanding of the dynamics of ministry in a congregational
setting (regardless of their specific vocational goals), all students must complete at
least one semester of practical work in a local church. To be properly registered for this
program, all students must file a registration form, along with a completed learning
covenant in consultation with their mentor and the director. When either CPE or CIP
credits are used to meet a portion of the Supervised Practice requirements, the director
and registrar must be notified in writing at the time of registration. Only three of the
six elective credits for CPE or CIP may be applied toward Supervised Practice. Enrollment
limited to 10. 4 credits. Scheduled Thursdays 4:00-6:00 p.m.
SP1714-1715 - Chaplain Intern Program. 3-6 credits/semester.
At EMMC.
SP1718-1719 - Clinical Pastoral Education. 3-6
credits/semester. With an accredited C.P.E. program.
Denominational Studies (Graduate level)
DS1709 - Unitarian Universalist History and Polity, J. Mark
Worth
Bangor. A study of the development of the Unitarian and Universalist denominations
up until their union and the history of the united body. And a study of the various ways
in which Unitarian and Universalist congregations and denominational bodies are governed.
3 credits. Scheduled Fridays 1:00-3:50 p.m.
DS1714 - Introduction to Anglican Studies II, Clyde Cox
Bangor. An Introductory course for those planning to pursue lay or ordained
ministry in the Episcopal Church. First Semester will focus on Worship and Church History.
The study of worship includes Book of Common Prayer; practical study of Hymnal 1982 and
other liturgical resources; theological foundations of role and function of worship as
well as Anglican sacramental theology. Church History component presents overview of
history of Church of England; The Episcopal Church, USA as well as polity of Episcopal
Church and it's Constitution and Canons. The Second Semester includes major Anglican
ethical and moral theories; their biblical and theological bases as well as major Anglican
theologians and spiritual writers. 3 credits. Scheduled Thursdays 8:30-11:20 a.m.
DS1716 - Worship in Anglicanism II, Clyde Cox
Bangor. This course will explore the history of worship in Anglicanism as focused
both upon development and content of The Book of Common Prayer. We will examine how
worship expresses and gives form to faith and belief; there will be extensive exploration
of sacramental theology within Anglicanism and it's worship life. The nature of liturgical
worship and it's present role in Christianity, will be examined. With liturgy being
explored in many Christian Communions in broadly similar ways, we shall reflect this
ecumenical dimension of worship. Practical examination of the use of The Book of Common
Prayer in communal as well as individual devotion. 3 credits. Scheduled Mondays 9:00-11:50
a.m.
Church and Ministry Units (Graduate level)
CMU335 - Women and the Word, TBA,
Boston, MA. This CMU includes a trip to Boston University School of Theology for a
conference scheduled for March 2000. Early registration date: February, 2000. 1 credit.
March 2000
CMU374 - Theological Research: Methods and Practice, Clifton
Davis
Bangor. The purpose of this CMU is to introduce the student to the materials and
methods of research to support the course work of theological education, and to provide
insights for the continuing study necessary for ministry in the church, particularly when
a theological library might not be close at hand. We will look at the traditional
resources and methods as well as the newer technologies available through computer
networks. 1 credit. Scheduled Fridays TBA.
CMU423 - Children's Spirituality: Cultivating the Prayer Life of Children, Gini King
Bangor. This is a practical theology course that brings together theological
understandings and practical application. In the course students will explore ways in
which ministers, teachers and parents can facilitate and expand the prayer life of
children. Attention will be given to the pastoral care aspects of working with and
listening to children and interpreting the variety of expressions of their spiritual life.
Comparison will be made between the primary characteristics of a spiritual life as
described by church tradition, stages of development and the abilities of children. A
theological understanding of the nature of children and prayer will be formed. 1 credit.
Scheduled Saturdays, March 18, 25 and April 1 from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Independent Study
1790-1793, Independent Study
Tutorials are available in every area of theological study. To do a
directed study, a student and a full-time professor contract with each other for a
definite amount of work, including meetings with the instructor, to be accomplished during
the coming academic semester. The student is then responsible for fulfilling those
requirements. A student may take no more than four independent studies during the course
of their degree. 1-3 credits. Contracted with full-time faculty.
Practical Studies
1780-1785, Practice Units
Students are encouraged to contract with a professor for a practice
unit to be done in conjunction with a particular class. To do this, a student arranges for
a full-time faculty member to supervise their work in conjunction with the academic
course. An Independent Study contract must be filed with the Registrar after being signed
by the student and the faculty member supervising the practice unit. Elective credit only.
1-3 credits. Contracted with full-time faculty.
Thesis (Graduate level)
1798-1799, Thesis
Students may complete a thesis during their senior year for two courses
(6 credits). The Thesis Application must be submitted during the third semester prior to
graduation. The topic of the thesis must be academically acceptable and within the
collective competence of the faculty. Completion of the thesis must involve work
equivalent to that of two regular three credit courses. See the Student Guide for complete
details. 3 credits/semester. Students must apply for permission.
Doctor of Ministry Studies
Unit IV - Sustaining and Renewing the Congregation, Marvin Ellison
Portland. Congregations are always challenged to secure adequate resources and to
clarify their visions. In this seminar, candidates work collaboratively to design their
ministry projects. The project is significant in the life of the congregation and seminar
members discuss the opportunities that the project presents for congregational
transformation. The seminar helps candidates focus their work on the project by preparing
a plan for the next year’s work. Preparation for the project helps candidates realize
that change in a congregation always marks a turning point, and that transformation may
precipitate a crisis with perils and opportunities. 6 credits. Scheduled on the Academic
Calendar.
Unit VI - D.Min. Project, D.Min. advisors
Bangor. During this year, candidates carry out the project in ministry and prepare
a report on the results of their work. Candidates work closely with the Site Team and a
faculty advisor during this year. 6 credits. Scheduled as necessary.