Purpose: The course has two purposes. First, the course is designed to enable students to learn as much as possible from the Seminary annual convocation. In order to accomplish this purpose, the student will read three books, one by each of the theological participants, attend all sessions of the Convocation, and write a short reflection on the experience. Second, the course wishes to develop skills in the use of continuing education opportunities. Much of the informal discussion at meals with be organized around how to learn from the different speaks.

Attendance: We will have an organizational meeting Monday, January 13, 2003, at 1:00 PM that will last appropriately 3 hours. While this session is not "required," most students will find it useful. If, for any reason you cannot be at the organizational meeting, please send an email with the three books that you plan to read noted.

The heart of the course is the three days of Convocation itself. We will meet each morning at 8:00 in the commons for breakfast and discussion. On Monday, we will begin at 9:00 and end at 10:30. We do much of our work at meals that we take in common. The custom in the course is to withdraw from the regularly scheduled meals and to go to a local restaurant. In the evenings, I have invited the speakers to join us for dinner. (They are free to decline so we cannot guarantee their presence). On Tuesday evening, we may have some of our BTS faculty join us.

The last debriefing is Wednesday afternoon following lunch. We will basically talk until the discussion seems complete. We will all be very tired by that point.

The Reflection: You are asked to prepare a five to seven page reflection on the experience that brings together your reading and your experience of the convocation.

Grading: This is a past/fail course.

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