CHTH Course Descriptions

Table of Contents

CHTH 503 Historical Theology I: Early Church to the Protestant Reformations

3 hours

Covers the development of Christianity and Christian theology from the end of the apostolic period to the 16th century. Examines the expansion of the Church, the unfolding of Christian institutions and practice, the conflicts that confronted the Church from within and without, and the development of central theological doctrines.

Back to top

CHTH 504 Historical Theology II: Reformation through Contemporary Thought

3 hours

Covers the development of Christianity and Christian theology from the Reformation to the present outside North America. Examines the Reformation and its effects on the Continent and in England, important growth and changes in Roman Catholicism and Protestantism since the Reformation, key doctrinal developments, and implications from the global spread of Christianity.

Back to top

CHTH 508 Essentials in Christian Theology

3 hours

Discusses the historical development and contemporary global expressions of core Christian beliefs and their relation to Christian practices. The course enables a well-informed, life-long creative engagement with theology, whether through studying, teaching, preaching, writing, or counseling.

Back to top

CHTH 509 History of Christianity in America

3 hours

Examines how Christianity developed in North America from the 15th to the 21st centuries. Special attention will be paid to the role of evangelicalism in American churches, the creative ways that Americans contextualize Christianity, and the contributions that American religious innovators make to global theological conversations.

Back to top

CHTH 510 World Religions and Christian Thought

3 hours

An introduction to the origins, histories, myths, and basic tenets of other religious traditions in the world and how Christians might engage them in meaningful interaction. Involving a research project and on site visits, a concerted effort will be made to show the common humanity of the people who follow other religions. Co-learners will guard against viewing people from other religions as the "excluded other” by understanding commonalities and celebrating differences.

Back to top

CHTH 528 Intercultural Studies I: Cultural Anthropology for a Postmodern World

2 hours

Course studies the variety of human culture through the discipline of anthropology and indigenous scholars. Students engage perspectives from both non-indigenous anthropology and the indigenous community, particularly within the Indigenous North American context, and explore its relationship to today’s world. (Note: it is required that students take both MLDR 548 and MLDR 549).

Back to top

CHTH 530 Gender and Christian Thought

2 hours

Examines the status, roles, and contributions of women and men as they pertain to gender in the history of Christianity and explores the biblical and theological basis for gender equality. Investigating the effects of gender theory in culture and Christian thought, discussion will be aimed toward practical considerations for the flourishing of women and men in the church today.

Back to top

CHTH 532 History of Spirituality & Renewal

3 hours

Examines movements and key individuals within Christianity, both East and West who have brought spiritual renewal to the church, including monasticism, the mystics, the reformers, Pietism, the Wesleyan/evangelical revival, and certain present-day examples. Focuses not only on history but also on themes within spiritual renewal and on insights that can be drawn for the contemporary believer and church.

Back to top

CHTH 533 Christian Ethics

3 hours

An exploration of the guiding assumptions and frameworks undergirding various ethical positions and their claims, especially in relationship to Christian theology. The course also analyzes the relationship between context and ethics, specifically as it pertains to the church and its role in the formation of Christian ethics. Implications for the practice of ethics in personal, social, economic, and political problems of our contemporary world will be examined and evaluated.

Back to top

CHTH 534 Poverty and Restorative Ecojustice

2 hours

Explores the integral relationships between ecotheology and global systems of oppression. Students will both engage intersectionality through the lens of environmental degradation and take intentional action out of hope for restoration in the Creation. Students will study current issues such as toxicity, population growth, and an activism rooted in solidarity.

Back to top

CHTH 546 Ecotheology I

2 hours

Wrestles with Old Testament theologies of Creation, earthkeeping, and the role of humanity in the created order. Students will engage the history and development of these ideas within the Church, and consider how this legacy relates to the current state of the world. Students will explore the diverse issues corresponding to Sabbath and will engage in ecopraxis involving Sabbathkeeping. (Note: it is required that students take both CHTH 546 and CHTH 547).

Back to top

CHTH 547 Ecotheology II: Hope and New Creation

2 hours

Explores ecotheology through the lens of the New Testament. Students will analyze how the doctrines of Trinity, pneumatology, and soteriology relate to the current state of the world. Students will also investigate the ecological issues of food, water, and waste and will engage in ecopraxis related to those issues. (Note: it is required that students take both CHTH 546 and CHTH 547).

Back to top

CHTH 548 Ecopraxis I: Keeping the Garden

2 hours

Immerses students in an experience of the natural world during an extended retreat. Students will reflect on the wonder of Creation and the immanence of God. They will engage such issues as climate change, agrarianism, and the relationship between science and faith. Students will have the opportunity to explore practical ways to build simple living into their daily lives. (Note: it is required that students take both CHTH 548 and CHTH 549).

Back to top

CHTH 549 Ecopraxis II: Greening the Church

2 hours

Course builds on Keeping the Garden by exploring how faith communities can "green" their local worship and ministry. Students will investigate "green teams," community gardens, educational programs, and advocacy for God's Creation. They will continue to have the opportunity to explore practical ways to build simple living into their lives and their faith communities. (Note: it is required that students take both CHTH 548 and CHTH 549).

Back to top

CHTH 550 Indigenous Studies I: Indigenous Spiritualities

2 hours

An examination of Indigenous spiritualities from a Christian perspective and its relationship to Americans from every culture. Students will be exposed to the spirituality of America’s First Nations and others through readings, shared experiences, and various media. The values associated with the Indigenous American harmony concept will be explored along with an understanding of Indigenous American theologies of the land. (Note: it is required that students take both CHTH 550 and CHTH 551).

Back to top

CHTH 551 Indigenous Studies II: Theology and Place

2 hours

Immerses students in the natural world during a five-day retreat. Students will abide in Creation and experience the beauty and hope of our immanent God. They will consider Shalom and Indigenous understandings of the land and the relationship between science and faith. They will engage current issues such as agriculture, conservation, land use, and consumption of natural resources. (Note: it is required that students take both CHTH 550 and CHTH 551).

Back to top

CHTH 552 Theologies of Suffering & Healing

3 hours

The course discusses a variety of interpretations, responses, and practices related to suffering and healing in Christian traditions. It draws upon scriptural, theological, and scientific perspectives, with the goal of addressing current concerns and promoting human flourishing.

Back to top

CHTH 555 Seminar: Christian History & Theology I

2 hours

A group of students study a specially selected topic with a professor. (Note: it is required that students take both CHTH 555 & 565.)

Back to top

CHTH 558 Denominational Studies I: History and Polity

3 hours

Examines the history and polity of a particular denominational tradition.

Back to top

CHTH 559 Denominational Studies II: Christian Practices

3 hours

Examines the praxis of a particular denominational tradition.

Back to top

CHTH 562 History of Spirituality and Renewal

3 hours

Examines movements and people within Christianity who have brought spiritual renewal to the church, including monasticism, the mystics, the Reformers, Pietism, the Wesleyan/evangelical revival, and certain present-day examples. Focuses not only on history, but also on themes within spiritual renewal and on insights that can be drawn for the contemporary believer and church.

Back to top

CHTH 566 Theology in Wesleyan Tradition

3 hours

John Wesley's personal and theological background, methodology, and major theological themes receive primary attention. The theology of holiness is examined from the basis of Scripture, Wesley's theology, and the later teachings of the Holiness Movement. The integration and application of holiness and social concerns is examined and students are given opportunities to experience and practice a holiness that is engaged in bringing the kingdom of God into the wounded places of the world. Students will also be involved in independent research in areas related to their ministry focus.

Back to top

CHTH 568 Teaching Apprenticeship I: Internship and Pedagogy

2 hours

This course combines instruction in pedagogy for higher education with a teaching internship in a higher-ed setting. Prerequisite: CHTH 503 and CHTH 504 or CHTH 508 and CHTH 509, dependent on emphasis.

Back to top

CHTH 569 Teaching Apprenticeship II: Internship and Pedagogy

1 hour

This course is the second part of a three-course sequence. It combines instruction in pedagogy for higher education with a teaching internship in a higher-ed setting. Prerequisite: CHTH 568.

Back to top

CHTH 581 Thesis I: Research/Thesis

2 hours

First semester of research/thesis. The MA(TS) degree requires a thesis project. Students may choose either to write a traditional academic thesis or produce a project. The project is recommended for those students wishing to focus on a particular subject of interest, but who are not intending to go on to doctoral studies.

Back to top

CHTH 582 Thesis II: Research/Thesis

1 hour

Second semester of research/thesis. The MA(TS) degree requires a thesis/project studio. Students may choose either to write a traditional academic thesis or produce a project. The project is recommended for those students wishing to focus on a particular subject of interest, but who are not intending to go on to doctoral studies. Prerequisite: CHTH 581. First semester of research/thesis.

Back to top

CHTH 585 Advanced Topics in Christian History and Theology

3 hours

Examines a particular issue or topic in Christian history and theology, including practical application for the Church today.

Back to top

CHTH 595 Special Study In Christian History and Theology

1-3 hours

A specially designed and individually tailored course of research, involving in-depth study of a particular question, problem, or issue presented by the student. The student must make application for the study prior to registration for the semester in which the study will be carried out. The application must be approved by the faculty member overseeing the study and the departmental chair. Special arrangements for regular courses of study must be approved by the dean.

Back to top