SUMMER TERM I (5/21-6/28):

--THEO-200-OL (online) The Christian Tradition:  Christian Belief and Thought (Prof. James Moore)

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--THEO-348-OL (online):  Topics in Modern Christian Theology:  Creation (Prof. Matthew Becker)
This six-week online course examines the Christian teaching that God is the Creator and that the universe is God’s creation. After an introduction to the nature and purpose of Christian systematic theology, participants will study the biblical texts that refer to God as Creator and the universe as creation, compare and contrast these texts with other ancient stories of origin, explore key insights into the doctrine of creation in the history of Christian thought, and investigate contemporary attempts to relate Christian and scientific understandings of reality. Along the way students will evaluate differing approaches to the Christian doctrine of creation and seek to develop their own position on God as Creator and reality as creation. Students will take six weekly quizzes, participate in weekly threaded discussions, and submit a short paper at the end of the course. 

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SUMMER TERM II (7/1-8/9):

--THEO-200-OL (online):  The Christian Tradition:  Conflict and Consensus (Prof. Matthew Becker)
This six-week online course leads students to study the origins and development of Christian thought as it forms communities and engages the world. Special attention will be given to the nature, purpose, and content of Christian theology and to key areas of conflict and consensus in the history of Christian thought. There will be six quizzes and two online exams. 

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--THEO-328/528-SA (study abroad):  Topics in Lutheran History and Theology:  Luther and Bach (Prof. Matthew Becker)
This six-week online course will be taught in conjunction with a 12-day study-abroad trip to Germany and the Czech Republic. The course and trip will examine the lives and ideas of Martin Luther and Johann S. Bach, the influence of Luther's theology on Bach's music, and their combined impact on German culture and the history of western civilization. The online portion will include some short readings, a short exam, and a final paper. The trip will take place July 9-20. We will be visiting Berlin, Wittenberg (birthplace of the Protestant Reformation), Leipzig, Eisleben, Weimar (where we will also visit the Buchenwald Concentration Camp), Erfurt, Eisenach (Wartburg Castle), Dresden, and finally Prague. For more information on the trip portion, visit the Valpo alumni page and click on "Germany 2013" or contact Dr. Becker. 
Information sheet 

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--THEO-343-OL (online):  Theology of Marriage and Sexuality (Prof. James Moore)

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--THEO-353-A (MTWRF 8:30-11 a.m.):  Studies in Theology and Practice:  Christian Response to Society's Victims ( Prof. Gregory Jones)
The course is an open dialogue and research seminar on the response Christians make to those who are seen as social victims as defined by mainstream social culture. The goal will be to develop our critical thinking skills and apply them to the understanding of contemporary Christian ethics and advance theological currency toward practical solutions to the issues of human brokenness in global community. Class lectures and discussion will be presented as standard pedagogy. Requirements will include but are not limited to class attendance, examinations, quiz, and recommended research regarding subject matter.

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--THEO-640-OLX (online):  Advanced Topics in Religious Ethics:  Theology of Marriage and Sexuality (Prof. James Moore)

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Fall 2013 Term

THEO-200-A: The Christian Tradition, MWF 8:00-8:50 (Prof. Mark Bartusch)
The Christian Tradition is a course that introduces students to the study of the origin and development of Christian thought as it forms communities and engages the world. In this section of THEO 200, students will become aware of the historical, social, religious, and cultural contexts out of which Christian theology arose and developed; appreciate the major developments in the Christian tradition; and have knowledge of central expressions of the Christian faith. It is hoped that through engagement in the study of theology, students will develop the liberal skills of critical reading and listening, careful writing, and respectful discussion of important questions, as well as an interest in continued engagement with theological issues. Students will also be prepared for further work in their second theology course.  

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THEO-200-B: The Christian Tradition, MWF 9:00-9:50 (Prof. Mark Bartusch)
The Christian Tradition is a course that introduces students to the study of the origin and development of Christian thought as it forms communities and engages the world. In this section of THEO 200, students will become aware of the historical, social, religious, and cultural contexts out of which Christian theology arose and developed; appreciate the major developments in the Christian tradition; and have knowledge of central expressions of the Christian faith. It is hoped that through engagement in the study of theology, students will develop the liberal skills of critical reading and listening, careful writing, and respectful discussion of important questions, as well as an interest in continued engagement with theological issues. Students will also be prepared for further work in their second theology course.  

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THEO-200-C: Understanding the Bible, MWF 10:30-11:20 (Prof. Fred Niedner)
This is an "Understanding the Bible" section of THEO 200.  The course introduces the Christian tradition primarily through its official canon of sacred writings, the Bible.  The course aims to make students familiar with the lengthy historical narrative the Bible presents, the workings and interpretation of the individual stories that make up that longer narrative, the story of how these particular works came to be included in the canon of scripture, and how the Bible functions in the life of various communities today. 
Three exams and one 1,500-word paper are required. The only print text students will purchase is the Harper Collins Study Bible.  Other texts will include films, internet materials, and articles available on Blackboard. NOTE: A print copy of the Bible is required. Relying on a phone or iPad Bible app is not acceptable. 

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THEO-200-D: Conflict and Consensus, MWF 11:30-12:20 (Prof. Matthew Becker)
This course leads students to study the origins and development of Christian thought as it forms communities and engages the world. Special attention will be given to the nature, purpose, and content of Christian theology and to key areas of conflict and consensus in thehistory of Christian thought. There will be ten online quizzes, a midterm exam, a research project/debate, and a final exam.

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THEO-200-E: Understanding the Bible, MWF 12:30-1:20 (Prof. Richard DeMaris)
A study of selected biblical writings and how they are interpreted in an academic setting. Some attention will also go to the cultural setting of the biblical world and to ancient Israelite society and early Christian (Jesus movement) communities, out of which the Bible arose.

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THEO-200-EVA: The Christian Life, MW  6:30-7:45 (Prof. David Weber)
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THEO-200-EVB: American Christianity, TR 6:30-9:00 (Prof. James Albers)
This course has several special features.  First, it meets during the last half of the semester (10/18- 12/6), beginning one week prior to mid-term.  Second, after an introduction to the biblical origins of Christianity and its creedal and initial political developments, the course focuses on Christianity in the United States. This last part couples a brief historical survey of Christianity in North America, with a survey of major denominations and clusters of Christian groups in the United States.  It will include contemporary patterns, practices, and trends.  Major groups and clusters include  Evangelicals ( sub-groups—Baptist, charismatic, non-denominational mega-churches, fundamentalists, some Lutheran), contemporary mainline groups (Episcopalian, Presbyterians, Lutheran, Methodists);  major “eccentric” groups (CJCLDS [Mormons], Jehovah’s Witnesses, others), African American churches, Roman Catholic,  and the Orthodox churches. Time permitting the course may also look, albeit very briefly, at  non-Christian  neighbors in what has been termed  the  “new religious America” (Diana Eck). 

There is an experiential dimension that balances with the theoretical features of the course. There are several off-campus assignments; in-class activity will involve a variety of  instructional modes.

 The syllabus will be posted on Blackboard and should be accessible to registered students by the beginning of the semester in August.  There will be an optional preliminary meeting of registered students to allow those who wish to work ahead on certain assignments to do so.  For more information, contact jim.albers@valpo.edu.  (464-5316). 

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THEO-200-F: Understanding the Bible, MWF 1:30-2:20 (Prof. Carolyn Leeb)
This introduction to the Christian Tradition will be shaped by the ways in which the people of God have understood their identity (who they are) and their theology (who God is) in various periods of history. Students will learn about how communities choose and use sacred texts and will learn something of the shape and contents of the Christian Bible; will learn about some of the major developments in the Christian church, with an awareness of their historical and cultural contexts; will discover the place of their own tradition on the religious “landscape”; and will explore the ways in which communities of faith engage social issues. 

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THEO-200-G: Conflict and Consensus, MWF 2:30-3:20 (Prof. Matthew Becker)
This course leads students to study the origins and development of Christian thought as it forms communities and engages the world. Special attention will be given to the nature, purpose, and content of Christian theology and to key areas of conflict and consensus in the history of Christian thought. There will be ten online quizzes, a midterm exam, a research project/debate, and a final exam. 

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THEO-200-H: The Christian Life, TR 8:30-9:45 (Prof. David Weber)
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THEO-200-I: The Way from the Bible to the Present, TR 10:30-11:45 (Prof. George Heider)
This section of The Christian Tradition course will provide students with an overview of the topic in three parts:  the foundational story of the faith from the Old and New Testaments of the Christian Bible; key “turning points” in the history of Christianity; and the current, rapid changes in the shape of Christianity, particularly given its rapid growth in the “Global South.”  There will be two tests and one paper, a reflection on the student’s choice of one of three modern novels in the light of the Christian tradition. 

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THEO-200-J: Christian Belief and Thought, TR 12:00-1:15 (Prof. James Moore)
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THEO-200-K: The Way from the Bible to the Present, TR 1:30-2:45 (Prof. George Heider)
This section of The Christian Tradition course will provide students with an overview of the topic in three parts:  the foundational story of the faith from the Old and New Testaments of the Christian Bible; key “turning points” in the history of Christianity; and the current, rapid changes in the shape of Christianity, particularly given its rapid growthin the “Global South.”  There will be two tests and one paper, a reflection on the student’s choice of one of three modern novels in the light of the Christian tradition. 

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THEO-200-L: Christian Belief and Thought, TR 3:00-4:15 (Prof. James Moore)
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THEO-314-A: The Pentateuch, MWF 11:30-12:20 (Prof. Mark Bartusch)
The Pentateuch is a study of the first five books of the Bible with emphasis on ancient Israel's understanding of these major themes: beginning (“creation and ‘fall’”), the history of the ancestors, the sojourn in Egypt and the exodus, covenant, the wilderness wanderings, and the preparation for entering and settling the promised land. Students can expect to read carefully the Pentateuch in multiple passes, and special effort will be made to assist students in better understanding the biblical text in its original setting. Students will become acquainted with a variety of methods for studying the Bible, as well as such topics as the history of the study of the Pentateuch, and the questions of origins and authorship. 
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THEO-317-A: The World of the New Testament, MWF 10:30-11:20 (Prof. Richard DeMaris)
A study of the societies and culture in which Christian communities arose with a view to understanding the New Testament better and determining its contemporary significance more accurately.
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THEO-318-A: Jesus and the Gospels, MWF 9:00-9:50 (Prof. Fred Niedner)
This course involves a close reading of all four New Testament gospels with the goal of understanding the literary and theological uniqueness of each.  The course treats each of the gospels as a telling of Jesus' story for a particular audience in the early decades of Christianity.  In each gospel, therefore, students will encounter not only a partly unique depiction of Jesus, but a narrator and a specific collection of readers as well. Three exams and one 1,500-word paper are required. Required texts include:  - The Bible- Mark A. Powell, Fortress Introduction to the Gospels-K. Aland, Synopsis of the Four Gospels

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THEO-319-AX Topic: St. Paul and His Legacy, MWF 10:30-11:20 (Prof. Julien Smith)
Fulfills upper level theology requirement. Who was the Apostle Paul? Disciple of Jesus or inventor of a new religion? Misogynist or advocate for women? Faithful Jew or zealous convert? Persecutor of the church or its most effective missionary? A man of bewildering paradoxes, Paul of Tarsus has been alternately lionized and demonized both within and without the church. His letters of instruction and encouragement, sent to fledgling Christian communities throughout the Mediterranean basin, were eventually collected and circulated, expanding the apostle's influence throughout the early church. Although written to address specific historical crises, these letters' attempts to grasp the meaning of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection have proven to be of enduring theological significance. Theologians no less noteworthy than Augustine, Martin Luther, and Karl Barth have been profoundly influenced by Paul's theology. Even secular contemporary philosophers have taken a serious interest in Paul as of late. This course aims to give students a grasp both of Paul's life and message and his enduring legacy within the past nearly two millennia of the Christian tradition. 

Readings will include Paul's letters as well as a variety of ancient and modern Pauline interpreters. Approximately 20-25 pages of writing will be required.

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THEO-319-B Topic: Women in the Bible, MWF 12:30-1:20 (Prof. Carolyn Leeb)
A critical academic study of the Bible, with special focus on stories and laws concerning women, as well as texts which have had major impacts on the lives of women in communities of faith. Students will become acquainted with the content of the Bible as it relates to and impacts women, along with a variety of critical methods and resources, as well as to consider some ways of applying the Bible’s theology to contemporary issues.

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THEO-322-A: Early Christian Social Thought, TR 8:30-9:45 (Prof. Lisa Driver)
Poverty, injustice, illness, unemployment, family strife:  no generation lacks these.

When early Christians experienced these, they, like others around them, struggled to understand and combat these evils.  They asked:  Why are human beings so cruel to each other? Is wealth bad?  Do misfortunes only happen to the wicked?  Is education important?  What's the point of marriage? 

Early Christians generated a variety of cultural critiques as well as constructive ideas, structures and actions to foster individuals and communities.  How, they asked, might we create a society that reflects humanity's creation in the Image of God in a world still wounded by sin-sickness?  Students will directly engage early Christian social thought through lecture, discussion, presentations and written analyses. 

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THEO-329-X Topic: American Utopias, MWF 11:30-12:20 (Prof. Heath Carter)
This course will explore the utopian dimensions of American reform.  Using historical case studies to probe the motivations and practices of various radical and communitarian experiments, we will pay close attention to what they reveal about America's past as well as to their implications for us today.  Indeed, at the heart of this course lies a serious moral and ethical question - one of deep interest to historians - about how human beings can best live together in the world.  This course will include two trips to historic utopian sites.  

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THEO-330-A: Christian Theo. in 18th & 19th Cents., MWF 10:30-11:20 (Prof. Matthew Becker)
This course will examine the principal developments in Christian theology between 1700 and 1914. The course will thus analyze the most important ideas of such seminal figures as Kant, Schleiermacher, Hegel, and Ritschl. There will be ten quizzes, a midterm exam, a final exam, and a research paper (6-8 pages).

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THEO-333-A: African American Religious experience; Black Theology and Black Church, MWF 2:30-3:20 (Prof. Gregory Jones)
This course surveys the development of African American religious thought from pre contact Africa to the present. Particular emphasis will be place on the issues of spiritual formation within the context of Western European cultural and social milieu. Our focus will be toward the theological currency developed by organizations, institutions and individuals within the African and African American community to Survive, resist and ultimately be liberated from the oppressive environments created within the cultural and social milieu. Students will leave with critical knowledge of the process and development of both the African American religious experience and the development of the African American Church. Class lectures and discussion will be presented as standard pedagogy. Requirements will include but are not limited to class attendance, examinations, quiz, and recommended research regarding subject matter.

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THEO-335-X: Philosophy of Religion, TR 10:30-11:45 (Prof. James Moore)
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THEO-343-A: Theo. of Marriage and Sexuality, TR 1:30 2:45 (Prof. David Weber)
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Theo-346 / CC 300 – HX Studies: Medical Missions, TR 3:00-4:15 (Prof. Christoffer Grundmann)
Medical missions, both secular and religious, are held in high esteem. They are looked at as something unquestionably benevolent and thus exert a notable fascination. They stimulate commitment to dedicated service in response to urgent health-care needs of mainly poor people at home or abroad. While such service is a demonstration of genuine humanitarian concern and solidarity to the common public, medical missions to Christians is a kind of tangible witness for God’s loving and caring presence amidst all suffering. However, Christian medical missions’ personnel were among the first who realized that such ministry cannot stay content with relief work and emergency services only. Prevention of diseases caused by lack of safe drinking water supply, by malnutrition, leprosy and/or by AIDS especially among poor and disadvan-taged populations has also to be addressed. Consequently, community based health-care programs and related political advocacy became part and parcel of all contemporary Christian medical missions’ activities, too, conceiving sustainable health-care provision for all as genuine witness to the Gospel. This course will unravel in its first section the fascinating history of the emergence of medical missions from modest beginnings in the 16th and 17th centuries until its hey-days in early 20th century, its global expansion and its contribution to the development of the Primary Health-Care concept (PHC) becoming  the adopted official public health-care policy by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1978.

In the second part the course addresses the philanthropic as well as the theological rationale of medical missions, the various arguments advanced for its support, and the controversies such concern for the well being of people created among mission boards and churches placing special emphasis on the theological arguments implicit in these disputes like the valuation or devaluation of the human body and its needs as God’s creation (and the subsequent repercussions on the meaning of the incarnation). The final section looks into the problems entailed by any medical missions’ initiative (clash of cultures; danger of dependency; medical missions as subtle justification for other vested interests etc.) as well as at the enduring legacy of the ethos of medical missions.Students will come to see that medical missions provide a powerful critique in action of conventional perceptions not only of faith, Christian theology, and the life of the Church; medical missions also question the established practice of medicine and of the provision of health-care. Coming to understand this will enable students to argue the cause of medical missions competently and to formulate a personally authenticated answer to the challenge. 

Literature: 1) Christoffer H. Grundmann (2005), Sent to Heal! – Emergence and development of Medical Missions, 
Lanham/Boulder/New York, University Press of America 2)

Heralds of Health - The Saga of Christian Medical Initiatives. Foreword by Rt. Hon. The Lord Porrit, Stanley G. Browne, Frank T. Davey, and W. A. R. Thomson, eds. (London, Christian Medical Fellowship 1985)3)

McGilvray, James C., ed. (1979), The Quest for Health and Wholeness, German Institute for Medical Missions, Tübingen: 1982

Additional papers and materials used in this course will be handed out and made availa-ble during the course of the class!
NB: Since the literature for this course consists partly in hard to get publications arrange¬ments have been made to offer the complete set for a subsidized price of only US $ 50.00 at office 215 (hours: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM). 

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THEO-361-A: Indian Religions and Cultures, TR 10:30-11:45 (Prof. George Pati)
This survey course aims to introduce characteristic forms and key concepts of major world religions that have emerged in India through lecture and discussion.  It seeks to engage students in a critical understanding of the history,philosophy, and practices of the different traditions including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Christianity.  In particular, this course will trace both conceptual and historical continuities and examine the development of the various religious traditions exploring issues of divinity, ritual practices, festivals,and concepts of salvation through different time periods. 
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THEO-363-A: Religions of China and Japan, TR 8:30 9:45 (Prof. George Pati)
This survey course aims to introduce characteristic forms and key concepts of religions of China and Japan through lecture and discussion.  It seeks to engage students in a critical understanding of the history, philosophy, and practices of the different traditions including Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism, Shinto, and Japanese Buddhism. In particular, this course will trace both conceptual and historical continuities and examine the development of the various religious traditions exploring issues of divinity, ritual practices, festivals, and concepts of salvation through different time periods.
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THEO-364-A: Native American Religion, MWF 1:30-2:20 (Prof. Gregory Jones)
This course  seeks to provide a basic understanding of the foundation of first people’s perspectives of spirituality within the context of pre-contact and post- contact European experiences. The course is designed to focus on the foundational indigenous perspectives and is not pursued as a traditional comparative religions course. students will be expected to study toward basic competency  toward the evolution of spiritual  formation of indigenous conceptual perspectives. Students will also examine the relationship of humankind to environment as understood by first people indigenous communities. Class lectures and discussion will be presented as standard pedagogy. Requirements will include but are not limited to class attendance, examinations, quiz, and recommended research regarding subject matter.

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THEO-367-A Topic: Devotional Poetry, TR 12:00-1:15 (Prof. George Pati)
This course aims to engage in an in-depth examination of poetry from within the Hindu bhakti or devotional traditions, focusing on three specific geographic/cultural regions within the Indian subcontinent: the Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam-speaking South, the Hindi-speaking North, and the Bengali-speaking East of India. Keeping in mind both historical continuities and differences in the devotional traditions of these three distinct cultural areas, we will examine a variety of devotional poetry in English translation and consider the enduring significance and use of that deeply emotional poetry in the lives of Hindus today. In addition, the course will enable students to understand the symbols, tenents, and ritualized temple practices within the devotional traditions and how elements of devotion are expressed aesthetically.
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THEO-399-EV: Church Vocations Symposium,  T 6:00-7:30 (Prof. David Weber)
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THEO-451-OL: Theology of Diaconal Ministry (Deaconess E. Louise Williams)
Taught on-line.  A study of the historical and theological foundations of diaconal ministry.  Attention is given to the role of the diaconate in the church, the development of diaconal community, and the nurture of a spirituality of service.  Designed principally for diaconal and church work students.  Others must have the consent of the instructor.  Prerequisite: junior or senior standing.
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THEO-480-A: Practicum in Ministry, T 4:30-5:20 (Deaconess Diane Marten)
Supervised field experience in various local agencies or churches; readings, speakers and reports help students to reflect on the experience as ministry.  This course may not be used to fulfill the theology component of the General Education Requirement.  A maximum of three credit hours may be applied to the theology major.  It may be repeated for a maximum of four credits, and is offered only on S/U basis. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing.

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THEO-481-A: Basic Homily Preparation, W 8:00-8:50 (Prof. Fred Niedner)

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THEO-490-X Topic: Theo. of Lost & Found in Fiction, MW 3:30-4:45 (Prof. Fred Niedner)
Some of humanity’s most enduring tales tell of lost souls being found—or not—usually in a surprising way. Think, for example, of the Bible’s lost lad Joseph, who turns up in an astonishing place. Jesus described God as the original searcher, never resting ‘til every lost sheep is found. Students in this course will examine eight to ten pieces of relatively modern fiction that take readers on journeys through the world’s—and God’s—Lost and Found.
THIS COURSE IS READING INTENSIVE. In addition to reading an average of about 160 pages per week throughout the semester, students will serve on small teams that rotate as class discussion provocateurs. Students will write occasional, brief, reflective pieces about texts under discussion. They will write one mid-length, formal paper on a topic of their own development. The only exam will be the final examination. 
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THEO-493-A: Theology Seminar, MWF 11:30 12:20 (Prof.Carolyn Leeb)

Graduate Offerings in THEO:

THEO-514-A: The Pentateuch, MWF 11:30-12:20 (Prof. Mark Bartusch)
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THEO-518-A: Jesus and the Gospels, MWF 9:00-9:50 (Prof. Fred Niedner)
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Theo-546 – Studies: Medical Missions, TR 3:00-4:15 (Prof. Christoffer Grundmann)
Medical missions, both secular and religious, are held in high esteem. They are looked at as something unquestionably benevolent and thus exert a notable fascination. They stimulate commitment to dedicated service in response to urgent health-care needs of mainly poor people at home or abroad. While such service is a demonstration of genuine humanitarian concern and solidarity to the common public, medical missions to Christians is a kind of tangible witness for God’s loving and caring presence amidst all suffering. However, Christian medical missions’ personnel were among the first who realized that such ministry cannot stay content with relief work and emergency services only. Prevention of diseases caused by lack of safe drinking water supply, by malnutrition, leprosy and/or by AIDS especially among poor and disadvan-taged populations has also to be addressed. Consequently, community based health-care programs and related political advocacy became part and parcel of all contemporary Christian medical missions’ activities, too, conceiving sustainable health-care provision for all as genuine witness to the Gospel. This course will unravel in its first section the fascinating history of the emergence of medical missions from modest beginnings in the 16th and 17th centuries until its hey-days in early 20th century, its global expansion and its contribution to the development of the Primary Health-Care concept (PHC) becoming  the adopted official public health-care policy by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1978.

In the second part the course addresses the philanthropic as well as the theological rationale of medical missions, the various arguments advanced for its support, and the controversies such concern for the well being of people created among mission boards and churches placing special emphasis on the theological arguments implicit in these disputes like the valuation or devaluation of the human body and its needs as God’s creation (and the subsequent repercussions on the meaning of the incarnation). The final section looks into the problems entailed by any medical missions’ initiative (clash of cultures; danger of dependency; medical missions as subtle justification for other vested interests etc.) as well as at the enduring legacy of the ethos of medical missions.Students will come to see that medical missions provide a powerful critique in action of conventional perceptions not only of faith, Christian theology, and the life of the Church; medical missions also question the established practice of medicine and of the provision of health-care. Coming to understand this will enable students to argue the cause of medical missions competently and to formulate a personally authenticated answer to the challenge. 

Literature: 1) Christoffer H. Grundmann (2005), Sent to Heal! – Emergence and development of Medical Missions, 
Lanham/Boulder/New York, University Press of America 2)

Heralds of Health - The Saga of Christian Medical Initiatives. Foreword by Rt. Hon. The Lord Porrit, Stanley G. Browne, Frank T. Davey, and W. A. R. Thomson, eds. (London, Christian Medical Fellowship 1985)3)

McGilvray, James C., ed. (1979), The Quest for Health and Wholeness, German Institute for Medical Missions, Tübingen: 1982

Additional papers and materials used in this course will be handed out and made availa-ble during the course of the class!
NB: Since the literature for this course consists partly in hard to get publications arrange¬ments have been made to offer the complete set for a subsidized price of only US $ 50.00 at office 215 (hours: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM). 

______________________________________________

THEO-551-OL: Theology of Diaconal Ministry (Prof. E. Louise Williams)
_____________________________________________ 

THEO-561-A: Indian Religions and Cultures, TR 10:30-11:45 (Prof. George Pati)
This survey course aims to introduce characteristic forms and key concepts of major world religions that have emerged in India through lecture and discussion.  It seeks to engage students in a critical understanding of the history, philosophy, and practices of the different traditions including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Christianity.  In particular, this course will trace both conceptual and historical continuities and examine the development of the various religious traditions exploring issues of divinity, ritual practices, festivals,and concepts of salvation through different time periods. 
______________________________________________ 

THEO-563-A: Religions of China and Japan, TR 8:30 9:45 (Prof. George Pati)
This survey course aims to introduce characteristic forms and key concepts of religions of China and Japan through lecture and discussion.  It seeks to engage students in a critical understanding of the history, philosophy, and practices of the different traditions including Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism, Shinto, and Japanese Buddhism. In particular, this course will trace both conceptual and historical continuities and examine the development of the various religious traditions exploring issues of divinity, ritual practices, festivals, and concepts of salvation through different time periods.

______________________________________________

THEO-567-A Topic: Devotional Poetry, TR 12:00-1:15 (Prof. George Pati)
This course aims to engage in an in-depth examination of poetry from within the Hindu bhakti or devotional traditions, focusing on three specific geographic/cultural regions within the Indian subcontinent: the Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam-speaking South, the Hindi-speaking North, and the Bengali-speaking East of India. Keeping in mind both historical continuities and differences in the devotional traditions of these three distinct cultural areas, we will examine a variety of devotional poetry in English translation and consider the enduring significance and use of that deeply emotional poetry in the lives of Hindus today. In addition, the course will enable students to understand the symbols, tenents, and ritualized temple practices within the devotional traditions and how elements of devotion are expressed aesthetically.

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THEO-640-EV: Ethics & Professional Responsibility, T 6:30-9:00 (Prof. C. Grundmann & Prof. J. Moore)
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THEO-681-A: Basic Homily Preparation, W 8:00-8:50 (Prof. Fred Niedner)