Theology
THEO 1201: Hebrew I (5)
Offerings
Surveys the essentials of biblical Hebrew, including grammar, morphology, syntax, and vocabulary, through the translation of selected Old Testament texts. Typically offered: Autumn.
Equivalents: HEB 1201
THEO 1202: Hebrew II (5)
Offerings
Continues to survey the essentials of biblical Hebrew, including grammar, morphology, syntax and vocabulary, through the translation of selected Old Testament texts. This course is meant to be taken in a sequence with Hebrew I. If the sequence is interrupted, a placement exam must be passed before the second quarter begins. Typically offered: Winter.
Equivalents: HEB 1202
Prerequisites: THEO 1201: D or better
OR HEB 1201: D or better
THEO 1203: Hebrew III (5)
Offerings
Continues to survey the essentials of biblical Hebrew, including grammar, morphology, syntax and vocabulary. It seeks to provide a beginning knowledge of the exegetical task and the tools to achieve it. This course is meant to be taken in a sequence with Hebrew I and II. If the sequence is interrupted, a placement exam must be passed before the third quarter begins. Includes a translation of the book of Jonah. Typically offered: Spring.
Equivalents: HEB 1203
Prerequisites: THEO 1202: D or better
OR HEB 1202: D or better
THEO 2620: Global and Urban Ministry (5)
Offerings
This course provides an overview of the city in contemporary society. It introduces the student to the vocabulary, strategies, models, and theological foundations for urban ministry within a global context.
Attributes: Cultural Understand&Engagement
THEO 2725: Christian Spirituality and Discipleship (5)
Offerings
This course will examine central aspects of the life of the Christian, understood as “spirituality” and/or “discipleship.” How do we understand the foundational elements of Christian living? Topics will include spiritual practices of Christianity, key texts and figures, and common ethics. Central to the course will be the way that Christian Scripture, beliefs, tradition, and experience shape Christian life.
THEO 2730: Biblical and Theological Introduction to Christian Reconciliation (5)
Offerings
This gateway course to the Reconciliation Studies Minor introduces students to the theology and practice of Christian reconciliation. It provides an overview of the biblical and theological foundations of reconciliation with God in Christ, an exploration of the ethical implications of the doctrine, and a survey of it's most prominent historical expressions. The class also helps students to understand the way in which reconciliation studies connect with SPU's mission, history and Wesleyan heritage. Finally, this course will require each student to establish an intended approach to the minor and explain their conception of how it fits with their major.
Attributes: Cultural Understand&Engagement, Ways of Engaging
Prerequisites: (UFDN 1000: D or better
OR UFDN 3001: D or better)
THEO 3100: Community Bible Study (2)
Offerings
Study of a selected book or particular theme of the Bible. Each quarter a new book or theme will be explored with particular attention given to its part in the formation of Christian life. All members of the SPU community are encouraged to join! May be repeated for credit 9 times.
Attributes: Upper-Division
THEO 3110: Torah/Pentateuch: The Old Testament Gospel (5)
Offerings
This course focuses on the first five books (or scrolls: Pentateuch) of the Bible known as Torah. Sometimes narrowly translated-and narowly understood-as law, torah also means instruction, teaching, story, and narrative. The content of the Torah will be the material used to help students go deeper with what they learned in UFDN 2000. In this course, students will learn how to utilize the various tools and methodologies of academic biblical study to explore the history, literary and theology of the first five books of the Bible. Typically Offered: Spring.
Attributes: Honors Course, Upper-Division, Writing "W" Course
Prerequisites: UFDN 2000: D or better
OR UFDN 3001: D or better
THEO 3210: Four Gospels and One Jesus (5)
Offerings
This course is intentionally designed to be an introduction to biblical studies for students seeking to go deeper with what they learned in UFDN 2000. In it students will learn how to utilize the various tools and methodologies of academic biblical study to explore the history, literature and theology of the four canonical gospels. Typically Offered: Winter.
Attributes: Honors Course, Upper-Division, Writing "W" Course
Prerequisites: UFDN 2000: D or better
OR UFDN 3001: D or better
THEO 3250: Biblical Texts: Old Testament (5)
Offerings
Text centered analysis of selected books from the Old Testament such as Genesis, 1-2 Samuel, Job, Psalms, and Isaiah. May be repeated for credit 3 times.
Attributes: Upper-Division
Prerequisites: UFDN 2000: D or better
OR UFDN 3001: D or better
THEO 3255: Biblical Texts: New Testament (5)
Offerings
Text centered analysis of selected books from the New Testament such as Acts, Romans, James, and Revelation. May be repeated for credit 3 times.
Attributes: Upper-Division
Prerequisites: UFDN 2000: D or better
OR UFDN 3001: D or better
THEO 3260: Biblical Topics (5)
Offerings
Considers a selected topic as it is developed throughout scripture with an eye to its contemporary relevance and the relationship between Scripture and other academic disciplines (e.g. Biology, Business, Psychology). Examples of topics considered include: the Holy Spirit, God the Creator, Political Power, The Dead Sea Scrolls, War, Human Sexuality, The Old Testament Aprocryphal Books, and The Bible and Movies. May be repeated for credit 3 times.
Attributes: Upper-Division, Ways of Engaging
Prerequisites: UFDN 2000: D or better
OR UFDN 3001: D or better
THEO 3303: Christianity in America (5)
Offerings
A survey of the development of American Christian thought and institutions from the 17th century to the present. Representative works by major thinkers of different historical periods and denominational affiliations will be studied. Particular attention will be given to the contemporary religious landscape, that is, to the varieties of American church life today.
Equivalents: HIS 3406
Attributes: Honors Course, Upper-Division, Ways of Engaging, Writing "W" Course
Restrictions: Freshman students are excluded.
THEO 3304: Christian Heritage (5)
Offerings
In-depth study of a selected era, movement, theological issue, or religious tradition in Christian history. Develops an awareness of the social, cultural, and religious context of the topics examined as a means of informing faithful ministry, Biblical study, and theological discourse in particular contexts. Specific historical theme will vary by quarter. Possible historical topics include: History of Christianity in Africa, Eastern Christian Traditions, Piety and American Politics; Holiness and Pentecostal Movements; Slavery, Antislavery, and American Christianity; Comparative Study of Ethiopian and Russian Church History and Iconography; War and Peace in Christian History, Contemporary Worship, and the Charismatic Renewal Movement. May be repeated for credit 2 times. May be repeated for credit 2 times.
Attributes: Upper-Division, Ways of Engaging
Prerequisites: UFDN 1000: D or better
THEO 3331: Women in Christianity (5)
Offerings
This course integrates Church history, biblical study, and Christian theology to develop students' understanding of women in Christianity. The class will include a survey of women of faith in the Bible and in Church history. Students will gain understanding of the philosophical and cultural contexts of biblical references to women and will probe the biblical texts to gain insight into their meaning and their implications for the present. Contributions that selected women have made to the church and the world will be highlighted. Theology, ministry style, community and family dynamics, and challenges faced by women today will be discussed. This course may be taken toward the Women's Studies minor.
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Freshman students are excluded.
THEO 3401: Exploring Christian Theology (5)
Offerings
In-depth study of selected areas of Christian doctrine. Deepens awareness of the biblical and practical roots of Christian doctrinal reflection as well as of the doctrinal consensus and diversity in the Christian tradition. Specific doctrinal focus will vary by quarter. Doctrinal areas regularly offered include God the Father, Christology, Holy Spirit, Trinity, theological anthropology, church and sacraments, and eschatology. May be repeated for credit 2 times.
Attributes: Upper-Division, Ways of Engaging
Prerequisites: UFDN 1000: D or better
THEO 3403: History and Theology of Christian Worship (3)
Offerings
Worship both reflects and shapes the ways in which Christian convictions are understood, experienced, and embodied by the followers of Jesus in any given historical epoch or cultural context. This course examines representative liturgical practices and worship spaces from different periods, cultures, and branches of the Christian tradition. But it will not only ask how Christians in various times and places have actually worshipped God. It will also ask how Christians ought - and ought not - to worship. It will suggest theological tests for determining when worship has degenerated into emotionalism, formalism or superstition. Students will be expected to attend Sunday worship services at several different churches in the Seattle metro area. This course may, but need not, be taken in conjunction with THEO 4930 Practicum: Christian Worship (2).
Attributes: Upper-Division, Ways of Engaging
Prerequisites: UFDN 1000: D or better
THEO 3500: Christ and Culture (2)
Offerings
Study of a "hot button" topic of contemporary importance for Christ's people when engaging our culture to change the world. Each quarter a different topic will be studied with attention given to how theological and biblical instruction shapes distinctively Christian responses to the issues staked out. Case study approach with interactive class sessions will be the norm. All members of the SPU community, students, staff, faculty, are encouraged to participate! May be repeated for credit 9 times.
Attributes: Upper-Division
THEO 3501: Christian Ethics (5)
Offerings
This rotating topics course explores the question, "What does it mean to lead a Christian life?" Discusses the practice of those spiritual disciplines and the cultivation of those moral virtues that properly characterize a follower of Jesus. Each section will address moral issues of special concern to the contemporary church and world, such as gender and sexuality, war, politics, and the accumulation of wealth in a world of poverty.
Attributes: Upper-Division
Prerequisites: UFDN 1000: D or better
THEO 3510: Theology, Culture, and Society (5)
Offerings
Focuses on the public dimension of Christian life. How ought Christians to engage their culture? How do we insure that such engagement is truly Christian? Addresses several social issues of special concern to the contemporary church, such as race relations, war and peace, and the separation of church and state.
Equivalents: SJC 3510
Attributes: Upper-Division
THEO 3515: World Christianity (5)
Offerings
Explores the history, context, and/or current practices of Christian communities in the majority world at a time when global Christianity resides predominantly in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Understanding the cultural and theological worlds of neighbors near and far sheds light on issues like immigration, diaspora, postcolonialism, Pentecostalism, and missiology in the world Christian movement.
Attributes: Cultural Understand&Engagement, Upper-Division
Prerequisites: UFDN 1000: D or better
THEO 3540: Creation Care (5)
Offerings
Humans exist and interact within an ecological theater created by a relational God. Ecotheology explores the biblical and theological imperative to care for the earth leading to a vision for ecojustice and new models of authentic sustainability. This course investigates the ecological implications of Christian faith that confesses a Trinitarian understanding of God as Creator, incarnate Son, and life-giving Spirit. Integral to this study is understanding humanity’s identity and mission within God’s good creation, while applying the ethic of creation care to the Pacific Northwest, especially in light of the implications caused by a burgeoning economy within the fragile Salish Sea region. This course will have special appeal to students with interest in ecology and the environment within the larger interdisciplinary interaction of faith and science.
Attributes: Upper-Division, Ways of Engaging
THEO 3640: Intercultural Ministry (3)
Offerings
This course focuses on the theology and practice of ministry in a multicultural world. Topics include intercultural competency, case studies in cultural research, and a theology of cultural engagement.
Attributes: Cultural Understand&Engagement, Upper-Division
THEO 3710: Human Development and Christian Faith (5)
Offerings
Studies the integration of theology and life span psychology in an attempt to understand the process of becoming and being Christian. Stage theories of development, human religious experience, and metaphorical and narrative theology are addressed.
Attributes: Upper-Division
THEO 3715: Youth Cultures and Christian Faith (3)
Offerings
Examines the intersection of theology and culture as expressed among youth today. The course provides a theological critique aimed at a Christian perspective on youth culture and understanding of global culture/s, dynamics of cultural and racial, ethnic and gender differences with particular focus on adolescent sociology and faith. Attention will be focused on popular culture, mass media, fashion, consumerism, film and TV.
Attributes: Cultural Understand&Engagement, Upper-Division
THEO 3722: Christian Disciplines (2)
Offerings
Course will investigate a Christian spiritual practice central to deep devotional life. Course will address a different discipline each quarter, such as prayer, Sabbath-keeping, and Spiritual retreats. May be repeated for credit 4 times.
Attributes: Upper-Division
THEO 3730: Foundations of Youth Ministry (3)
Offerings
Provides a comprehensive overview of youth ministry from multiple perspectives. Considers theological foundations undergirding youth ministries, contextual realities surrounding youth ministries, and practical issues engaged within youth ministries. Both church and para-church ministries are examined along with topics such as adolescent development, programming, mentoring, family systems, worship, pedagogy, volunteers, and student leadership.
Attributes: Upper-Division
THEO 3735: Youth Ministry as Mission and Evangelism (3)
Offerings
Examines youth ministry as a cross-cultural mission to adolescents in which the Body of Christ carries to them the good news of the Kingdom of God. Looks at the theological nature of mission and evangelism and the cultural world of adolescents in order to discern how to engage in this outreach within specific contexts.
Attributes: Upper-Division, Ways of Engaging
THEO 3780: Wesleyan Small Group: New Leader Training (1)
Offerings
This course is a discussion-based seminar for upper division students who are participating as leaders in the SoulCare: Wesleyan Small Group Program for UFDN 1000. Framed within a theology of reconciliation, the course provides an introduction to small group leadership strategies; theories of group dynamics, leadership, and faith development; and issues that inform group interactions. Course readings will be based on research from the fields of theology and ministry, leadership studies, and education. This course explores the essential elements of listening, identity, Wesleyan Theology, Self-care and self-reflection as means to living out God’s reconciling work in the context of a Wesleyan Small Group. This course is required for all SoulCare Leaders during the first quarter they’re leading a group.
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Doctoral, Graduate are excluded.
THEO 4250: Biblical Exegesis (5)
Offerings
This course involves a text centered analysis of a single biblical book (e.g. Genesis, Luke) or several related biblical books (e.g. Samuel-Kings, the Pauline Letters) for students who have already taken either THEO 3110 “Torah” or 3210 “Four Gospels.” May be repeated for credit 2 times.
Attributes: Upper-Division, Writing "W" Course
Prerequisites: THEO 3210: C- or better
OR THEO 3110: C- or better
THEO 4610: World Religions (5)
Offerings
Religious diversity is a descriptive reality of today’s society that students must address from an informed and thoughtful perspective. This course investigates several of the world’s major religious traditions outside Christianity including Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Confucianism, Daoism, Shintoism and Buddhism. Students will be introduced to the historic roots, major doctrinal developments, and worship practices of each tradition and asked to reflect critically and comparatively to their own systems of belief and practice, including but not limited to, Christianity. Students will be asked to apply the practical knowledge gained during the course toward sensitive but critical engagement with the religious traditions studied.
Attributes: Cultural Understand&Engagement, Upper-Division
THEO 4720: Leadership in Society (5)
Offerings
A study of leadership from four perspectives: theological issues in leadership; understanding oneself as a leader; leadership behavior and skills; and leadership in a team context.
Attributes: Honors Course, Upper-Division, Ways of Engaging, Writing "W" Course
Restrictions: Freshman, Sophomore students are excluded.
THEO 4730: Advanced Topics in Reconciliation Studies (3)
Offerings
This course provides an opportunity for students in the Reconciliation Studies Minor to encapsulate what they have learned about the discipline of reconciliation in a way that is relevant and applicable to their future vocations. Through a variety of learning activities, students will prepare to be agents of reconciliation in a diverse, global society. Typically offered: Spring.
Attributes: Upper-Division
Prerequisites: THEO 2730: D or better
THEO 4780: Leading a Wesleyan Small Group (1)
Offerings
This course is for SoulCare: Wesleyan Small Group Leaders who have already taken the New Leader Training class. This course is required for all SoulCare Leaders after their first quarter of leading a group. May be repeated for credit 8 times.
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Doctoral, Graduate are excluded.
Prerequisites: THEO 3780: or better
THEO 4899: Christian Theology Capstone (2)
Offerings
Incorporates the breadth of the theological disciplines and provides integration of themes for the common curriculum. Reflection on the integration of faith and learning toward vocational goals will also be included.
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Christian Theology, Educational Ministry Majors only. Post-Baccalaureate, Senior students only.
THEO 4900: Independent Study (1-5)
Offerings
Prerequisite: 25 credits of "THEO" prefix coursework and current enrollment as a Theology major or minor, or approval of the Dean of the School of Theology. May be repeated for credit up to 15 credits.
Attributes: Upper-Division
THEO 4911: Worship Arts Leadership Seminar (3)
Offerings
This course brings together, into cohorts, visual artists, musicians, filmmakers and theatre personnel. Through a theological lens, in the context of spiritual formation and discipline, students will investigate worship arts leadership and liturgics. The course will also explore how reconciliation, prayer, suffering, commitment, growing in wisdom and stature, are aspects of Christian Spiritual Disciplines.
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Doctoral, Graduate are excluded.
THEO 4930: Practicum (1-5)
Offerings
Provides an experiential learning assignment to parallel to a course in which a student is concurrently registered. May also be used for students completing a teaching or research assistantship with a School of Theology faculty member. May be repeated for credit up to 9 credits.
Attributes: Upper-Division
THEO 4931: Worship Arts Leadership Practicum (2)
Offerings
Through the creation of new artistic performance practice systems, icons, and spaces for leading and designing Congregational Christian Worship, students will learn how to implement a theology of worship arts into both liturgical and non-liturgical contexts. The practicum course will also explore how reconciliation, prayer, suffering, commitment, growing in wisdom and stature, are aspects of Christian spiritual disciplines. May be repeated for credit 1 time.
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Doctoral, Graduate are excluded.
THEO 4940: Internship (1-15)
Offerings
Prerequisites: 25 credits in theology coursework at SPU; current enrollment as a major or minor in the School of Theology, or permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit up to 15 credits.
Attributes: Upper-Division
THEO 4950: Special Topics (1-5)
Offerings
Provides a focused study of a specific theological topic chosen by the instructor. The study typically explores theological perspectives on a contemporary issue. See current Time Schedule for topic. May be repeated for credit up to 10 credits.
Attributes: Upper-Division
THEO 4995: Thesis (3)
Offerings
Prerequisite: 25 credits in Theology coursework at SPU. Requires original research conducted under the guidance of a faculty advisor.
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Christian Theology Majors only. Freshman, Sophomore students are excluded.