- Course Descriptions
SPRING 2012
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THEO-200 I & J: Understanding the Bible
Professor Carolyn Leeb
TR 1:20 - 2:35 p.m.(I) & 2:50 - 4:05 p.m. (J)
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 311/511-A: Understanding the Old Testament
Professor George C. Heider
TR 9:45 - 11:00 a.m.
The Course provides a basic overview of the two-thirds of the Christian Bible with which Christians are least familiar (or even--heretically, according to the Christian tradition --reject, at least in practice). Selected OT texts will be examined from a literary, historical, and/or theological perspective. Course requirements include a test, a final exam, a paper/presentation on a scholarly methodology of interpretation, and a paper in which the student joins the conversation of interpreters that extends from before the time of Jesus and includes both Jewish and Christian perspectives in the years since. While THEO-200 is not a formal prerequisite, students are strongly encouraged to have taken it before enrolling in this course.
________________________________________________THEO 315-A: The Prophets
Professor Mark Bartusch
MWF 2:00 - 2:50 PM
Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the Twelve. This course is a study of the roles of the prophets in Israelite society and religion. Beginning with the so-called "Former Prophets," attention is given to the cultural context and historical origins of the prophetic movement, its impact on Israel's political, social and religious life, and the continuing significance of the prophetic message in Jewish and Christian thought and practice. Participants can expect to write two papers (4-6 and 8-10 pages in length), one of which will go through a peer review workshop; perform a short prophetic text from memory; and also write 2 or 3 examinations, including the final examination.
Bibliography will include:
The HarperCollins Study Bible: New Revised Standard Version. Fully Revised and Updated. Edited by Harold W. Attridge [Wayne A. Meeks.] New York: HarperCollins, 2006. No substitutions. It is assumed that participants already own this edition of the Bible (Core 110-115) and will not need to purchase it specifically for this course.Brueggemann, Walter. The Prophetic Imagination Second Edition. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2001.
Leclerc, Thomas L. Introduction to the Prophets: Their Stories, Sayings, and Scrolls. New York: Paulist, 2007.____________________________________________
THEO-319/519-A: The Bible & Modern Media
Professor Carolyn Leeb
TR 4:20 - 5:35 p.m.
Will explore the way the Bible has been presented in various forms of modern media, such as movies, novels, comics, Veggie Tales, TV documentaries, cartoons, and video games. Students will compare media versions to the biblical text; consider techniques which have been used to enhance effectiveness in media presentations; and explore the ideologies and agendas which lead a media-maker to shape the message in particular ways.
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THEO-329/529-AX: Medieval Mysticism
Professor Ron Rittgers
MWF 11:50 a.m. - 12:40 p.m.
Cross Listed w/HIST-492/592-DX
This course will examine several key texts and personalities in the history of (western) medieval mysticism (ea.500-ca.1500). Attention will be given to both the theological content of the mystical texts and their broader historical context. Attention will also be given to the relevance of the texts for contemporary Christian spirituality. Class sessions will consist of close reading and discussion of primary source documents._______________________________________________________
THEO-367-A: Hinduism
This reading courses aims to understand Hinduism keeping in mind both historical continuities and differences in the different traditions that have emerged and evolved over different time periods. Examining the different sacred texts in English translation and understanding the enduring significance of them in the lives of Hindus today will enable students to comprehend the symbols, tenents, and ritualized temple and personal practices of Hinduism. Students who successfully complete the course will be able to discuss critically the historical development of Hinduism; characteristic forms and key concepts, philosophical and theological ideas; and the issues raised by the perpetuation of the Hindu tradition in the form of devotional movements within and beyond India. The study will be complemented with a visit to the temple/cultural program where students can observe how these texts are an integral part of the lives of Hindus today.
Assistant Professor George Pati
TR 9:45 - 11:00 a.m.