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Photo of Deborah Hearn Gin, Ph.D.

Deborah Hearn Gin, Ph.D.

Faculty Fellow, Center for Teaching, Learning, and Assessment
Associate Professor, Department of Ministry		 Phone: (626) 387-5733
Email: dgin@apu.edu
Fax: (626) 387-5740
With research interests in a variety of areas, Deborah Gin, Ph.D., focuses on helping students and faculty learn across disciplines. Gin became a fellow in the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Assessment after serving as the director of diversity studies in the APU Office of Diversity. As senior faculty development fellow at CTLA, she provides university-wide oversight in teaching excellence and professional scholarly development, and as faculty evaluation fellow she assists faculty as they navigate the rank promotion and extended contract process. In addition, Gin is an associate professor in the Department of Ministry in APU’s Graduate School of Theology. Gin’s current area of research is seminary faculty and their engagement with multicultural theological education.

Education

Ph.D., Higher Education/Pedagogy, Claremont Graduate University (2012)
M.Mus., Vocal Arts, University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, 2000
M.Div., Azusa Pacific University, 1993
B.S., Psychobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, 1987

Departments

  • School of Theology
    • Graduate: Department of Ministry
    • Graduate School of Theology

Expertise

  • Cultural perspectives on the Bible
    The undergraduate Bible courses I teach have a distinct cultural twist in approach and content; because my section is designated for international students, we typically have 8-12 countries represented in a class of 20 students (both international and third-culture students). Significant time is given in class to explore the relationship between biblical cultures and the various social locations of today's students and communities.
  • Fun and relevant ways of studying the Bible
    I’ve been teaching hermeneutics from an inductive Bible study method for 8 years; my philosophy of teaching this course includes a variety of approaches, including the use of color, fishbowl activities, competitions and games, observation and analysis of TV programs, music, sensory experiences of Scripture, journaling, Lectio Divina, and various modes of technology.
  • Proper singing and vocal technique
    I completed a master’s in vocal performance at USC; I also studied posture and body technique under the Alexander method; my specialty is French mélodies, particularly those of Claude Debussy.
  • Taizé worship
    Taizé style of worship brings the ancient to the contemporary. I have directed several ensembles in this form of worship for the non-liturgical church setting. When conducting the ensembles, I typically provide history, philosophy of worship, and benefits of this form of contemplative worship.

Courses Taught

GBBL 511 – Seminar in Biblical Interpretation
GMIN 546 – Seminar in Educational Ministry
GMIN 578 – Worship Leadership
GMIN 618 – Philosophy of Ministry
UBBL 100 – Introduction to Biblical Literature: Exodus/Deuteronomy
UBBL 230 – Luke/Acts

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