Academic Catalog 2010-2011 - Union Presbyterian Seminary

Union Presbyterian Seminary Academic Catalog 2010-2011Theology and Ethics (Required Courses)THE101 Theology I. The purpose of this course is to gain an introductory knowledge of the doctrines ofrevelation, God, and humanity in their systematic interrelations. We concentrate on the development of doctrinein the early creeds and classical Reformed statements, as well as in recent constructive works. The general goal isto obtain a background and preparation suitable for the constructive task in theology for parish ministers.Fall 2009.COURSESTHE102 Introduction to Christian Ethics. This course introduces the discipline of theological ethics inways appropriate to the interests of pastors. A range of contemporary proposals is considered and evaluated byreference to the Christian tradition and selected moral problems. Course format includes readings, lectures,seminars, mid-term and final examinations.Spring 2010.THE201 Theology II. Prerequisite: THE101. The purpose of this course is to explore the doctrines of christology,the Christian life (regeneration, justification, sanctification), ecclesiology, and eschatology. We will concentrateon classical Reformed statements of these doctrines as well as more recent statements. The goal is to obtain abackground in systematic theology suitable for parish ministers. A final examination is required.Spring 2010.Theology and Ethics (Elective Courses)THE103 Church and State in the United States. Stephen Carter’s The Culture of Disbelief is an example ofthe recurring American concern about the relations between church and state. Is it permissible to lead prayer inpublic schools? Is the military chaplaincy an oxymoron? Should churches be tax exempt? These and many otherquestions are at play in our time. This seminar considers historical background, landmark cases, and differentapproaches to resolving these vexing issues, always with an eye to impact on the local church. An examinationor final paper is required.TBA.THE105 The Reformed Confessional Tradition. This course, through lecture and discussion, introducesthe Reformed Confessions and focuses primarily, though not exclusively, on the Book of Confessions. Attentionis given to the historical context of each confession and also to the significance of the confessions for contemporarytheological reflection.May 2011, 2012.THE109 Christian Virtue Ethics. An assessment of the classical virtues and the extent to which they maybe appropriated for Christian ethical reflection and living. The course will explore the points of convergenceand divergence in the classical understanding of virtue and Christian ethical consciousness. What are the benefitsand drawbacks in virtue theory for Christian ethics? Is there a connection between virtue and conversion?How might virtue, and the virtues, be understood in life cycle theory? Lectures, readings, class discussions, and afinal paper.Spring 2011.THE111 Womanist, Feminist, Mujerista Ethics. The focus of this seminar in liberation ethics is based onthe premise that the essential teachings in the work of womanist feminist, mujerista thinkers can best begrasped by analyzing the perspectives of women severely disadvantaged by racial, sexual, and economic discrimination.The overall objective is to see how the Christian community understands moral agency in a variety ofcultural situations.Fall 2012.THE113 The Theological Vision of Martin Luther King, Jr. An exploration of the theological vision ofMartin Luther King, Jr., that was foundational to his social criticism and call for social justice in American soci-3-19