Course Descriptions

The course provides an introduction to the doctrines of the Christian church, focusing on the Christian life and its relationship to theology. The course approaches theology from an inductive method in the Wesleyan tradition, helping the student learn to think theologically from the Scriptures, orthodox ecumenical tradition, experience, and reason. Meets the general studies core requirement in God's Word and the Christian Response (Doctrine). Prerequisite(s): three units of biblical studies, CMIN 108, PHIL 210 or PHIL 220 or HUM 224 or HUM 324, or instructor's permission

This course provides a study of the major developments in the history of Christianity from the early Church to the eve of the Reformation. Emphasis is placed on the growth of Christian doctrine. Meets the general studies core requirement in God's Word and the Christian Response (Doctrine). Prerequisites: 3 UBBL units, CMIN 108; or instructor's permission

This course provides a study of the major developments in the history of Christianity from the Reformation to the present. Emphasis is placed on the development of the Christian Church in the West and recent developments in the two-thirds world. Meets the general studies core requirement in God's Word and the Christian Response (Doctrine). Prerequisites: 3 UBBL units, CMIN 108; or instructor's permission

Recent Christian thinking concerning the important issues facing the Church in the modern world are explored. Emphasis is placed on the 20th century and today's Western, post-Christian culture. Meets the general studies core requirement in God's Word and the Christian Response (Doctrine). Prerequisites: CMIN 108, PHIL 210 or 220 or HUM 224 or HUM 324, 3 unites of UBBL; or instructor's permission

This is the first in a two-course sequence introducing theological thinking in relation to the great teachings of the Church, and inquiring into the meaning and implications of the doctrines of holiness, revelation, the Trinity, creation, the person and work of Jesus Christ, the person and work of the Holy Spirit, the Church, the sacraments, and eschatology. These courses focus on the witness of Scripture, the historic testimony of the Church, classical and contemporary modes of thought, and the meaning of theological thinking for the life of the student and the Church. Prerequisites: CMIN 108, PHIL 310, PHIL 320 or PHIL 325, one upper-division UBBL class (prefer UBBL 471), THEO 352 or THEO 354, THEO 363; or instructor's permission

The second in a two-course sequence introducing theological thinking in relation to the great teachings of the church, and inquiring into the meaning and implications of the doctrines of holiness, revelation, the Trinity, creation, the person and work of Jesus Christ, the person and work of the Holy Spirit, the Church, the sacraments, and eschatology. These courses focus on the witness of Scripture, the historic testimony of the Church, classical and contemporary modes of thought, and the meaning of theological thinking for the life of the student and the Church. Prerequisite: THEO 410

Apologetics is the reasoned and faithful response by the Christian church to problems and criticisms of the faith. This course surveys several of the major problems and criticisms of the Christian church: its history, life, and faith. It also reviews the intellectual and faithful responses that Christian scholars have provided to them. Meets requirement for general studies upper-division writing intensive course. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing; UBBL 100; UBBL 230; and PHIL 220 (or equivalent)

Students explore selected epochs, movements, or issues in the history of the Church. Prerequisites: CMIN 108, THEO 352 or 354, or instructor's permission (Repeatable for credit.)

In this church history seminar, students explore the theological, social, historical, intellectual, cultural, political, and popular influences on the development of early Christianity through the establishment of the imperial Christian Church in the late fourth century A.D. Prerequisites: CMIN 108, THEO 352 or 354, and PHIL 220, or instructor's permission

In this church history seminar, students examine the social, historical, intellectual, cultural, political, and popular influences upon the development of American Christianity from colonial Puritanism of the 17^th century through the revivals, Civil War, and Jesus movements of the 20^th century. Prerequisites: CMIN 108, THEO 352 or 354, and PHIL 220, or instructor's permission

In this church history seminar, students explore the development of the Pentecostal movement from its beginnings to the present day, including its Wesleyan-Holiness inheritance, ecclesiological development, theological innovation, and global impact. Prerequisites: CMIN 108, THEO 352 or 354, or instructor's permission

In this church history seminar, students examine the historical, cultural, political, and religious influences upon the formation of global configurations of Christianity, including the impact of indigenous religions and worldviews and western imperialism. Prerequisites: CMIN 108, THEO 352 or 354, or instructor's permission

Students explore aspects of John Wesley, including his thought regarding personal and social ethics. The course emphasizes Wesley's theology of holiness, especially as it is articulated in his understanding of God's sovereign love, the self-giving life of Christ, the work of the Holy Spirit, the Christian life as a radical love for God and other humans, responsibility toward the poor and disenfranchised, and other issues. Prerequisites: three units of upper-division theology coursework

Students are introduced to the three major branches of the Christian Church: Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Protestantism. The course investigates the history, theology, polity, and worship practices of each tradition. Prerequisites: CMIN 108, PHIL 220. and THEO 352 or 354

This course explores the rise of theological movements of social/political/economic liberation. It invites students to consider ways theology has been practiced recently among those outside the European mainstream, particularly among the oppressed and marginalized. It considers their critiques of, and novel contributions to, traditional Christian theology. Among the many liberation theologies from which this course draws are those that have emerged among and speak to the Latin American poor, African American, women, and other marginalized groups throughout the world. Whenever possible, the course includes an experiential learning component in which students visit and dialogue with individuals, families, and intentional communities (i.e., communities that gather to intentionally promote practices consonant with the kinds of liberation explored in this course) currently involved in liberationist approaches to theology and social change. Prerequisite: THEO 363

Current topics of importance and interest to students of systematic theology are studied. The course has a seminar format. It may be taken more than once as topics change. Prerequisite:THEO 303 or THEO 310, or instructor's permission

This senior seminar is designed for those who wish to further their understanding of an important issue facing Christians today. The course consists of a seminar format, including a major paper and oral presentation. Students combine Christian theology, biblical studies, and ethics to examine various ways in which the Christian faith can be lived out today. Meets the general studies senior seminar requirement. Prerequisites: senior standing; completion of the majority of the units required for God's Word and the Christian Response; completion of the majority of coursework in the major, and upper-division writing intensive course

This is a program of study concentrating on assigned readings, discussions, and writing arranged between, and designed by, a student of upper-division standing and a full-time professor. May be repeated for credit. An independent study fee is assessed for each enrollment in this class.

This course provides instruction in research design and technique, and gives students experience in the research process. The one-unit expectation encompasses no fewer than 30 hours of work with accompanying reading, log, writing, and seminar presentation within the department or in a university research symposium. No more than one unit may be used to fulfill preparatory readings requirement. An independent study fee is assessed for each enrollment in this class. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing