Denominational Studies
Courses Pertaining to the United Methodist Church
DS501 Methodist History and Doctrine
Credit, three hours. (Faculty)
This course examines the development of American Methodism, from its origins during the life of John Wesley as an 18th century movement to its growth in the U.S. as multiple denominations. Attention is also given to the expansion of the Methodist Episcopal Church ands Methodist Episcopal Church South beyond the United States in the second half of the 19th century. Building on Wesley’s thought, it addresses developments and modifications by his 19th and 20th century theological heirs and successors, especially in North America; and on contemporary discussions of doctrine and theology in the United Methodist Church. This course, in conjunction with DS502 fulfills the UMC denomninational requirement for two credits each in UM History, Doctrine and Polity for candidates for ordination. Note: Course will be offered for the first time in Spring 2020.
DS502. United Methodist History and Polity
Credit, three hours. Prerequisite: DS501 (Faculty)
This course examines the history and polity of The United Methodist Church from the late 19th century to the present, with an emphasis on current polity and the social and religious issues facing the denomination. Beginning with the establishment in the late 19th century of American Methodism as a truly national church with an international reach through its missionary movements, the course examines the church’s ongoing engagement with social and ecclesiastical issues over the 20th century and into the present. It also studies the way that the polity of the denomination has evolved since the late 19th century and pays special attention to the current Book of Discipline. This course, in conjunction with DS501, fulfills the UMC denominational requirement for two credits each in UM History, Doctrine, and Polity for candidates for ordination. United Methodist History and Doctrine is a prerequisite for this course. Note: Course will be offered for the first time in Fall 2020.
DS Courses Pertaining to the Baptist Tradition
DS521. Baptist History and Theology
Credit, two hours. (Faculty)
A study of the origins, development, and theological distinctions of the various strands of the Baptist tradition from its origins in England to its flourishing in the United States and spread to other parts of the world. Does not fulfill area requirements.
DS523. Baptist Polity and Church Praxis
Credit, two hours. (Faculty)
This course examines worldwide Baptist traditions from their seventeenth-century English beginnings to the present, especially Baptists in America. The class explores how to apply Baptist distinctions in a constructive way to issues facing the church and society today.
DS Courses Pertaining to Episcopal and Anglican Traditions
DS531. History of The Anglican Church and Episcopal Church
Credit, three hours. (Faculty)
The course will trace the development of the Episcopal Church in the U.S. from the English Reformation through the colonial period, the American Revolution and its aftermath, to the present time. There will be particular emphasis on Anglican identity in the context of the American experience and the current issues this raises within the Anglican Communion. Does not fulfill area requirements.
DS533. Anglican Theologians
Credit, three hours. (Faculty)
Explores lines of British theology that form the underpinnings of contemporary Anglicanism and Methodism. Starting with Richard Hooker, representative theologians of each century from the sixteenth to the twenty-first centuries are read and discussed in light of the theological and cultural controversies and movements of their time.
DS534. The Book of Common Prayer
Credit, three hours. (Faculty)
The course will trace the history, theology, and rationale of the Book of Common Prayer from the first English Prayer Book to the 1979 Book of Common Prayer, which in the light of the Liturgical Movement is a significant departure from all other prayer books in the Cramnerian tradition. Particular attention will be given to the Daily Offices, rites of initiation, and the Eucharist in the context of the Paschal Mystery. The course will also examine the polity of the Episcopal Church as embodied in its liturgy and canon law. Does not fulfill area requirements.
DS535. Episcopal/Anglican Polity and Canons
Credit, one hour. (Faculty)
This course will survey the polity of The Episcopal Church as well as its Canons at The International, Diocesan and individual level. It will also cover SAFE Church practices and other related topics to prepare students for GOE and leadership in ordained or lay ministry.
DS Courses Pertaining to the United Church of Christ
DS541. History, Polity, and Customs of the United Church of Christ
Credit, two hours. (Faculty)
The purpose of this course is to explore the history, polity, theologies, and practices of the United Church of Christ and its predecessor denominations. The course will include exploration of current ecumenical conversations, denominational identity, African American traditions within the UCC, case studies around current issues of polity and structure, emerging trends within the UCC, and more. Does not fulfill area requirements.
DS Courses Pertaining to the African Methodist Episcopal Church
DS551. Polity of the AME Church
Credit, two hours. (Faculty)
An in-depth study of the history and polity of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (A.M.E). Does not fulfill area requirements.
DS Courses Pertaining to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
DS561. History and Polity of the Christian Church Disciples of Christ
Credit, two hours. (Faculty)
Does not fulfill area requirements.
DS Courses Pertaining to the Reformed Traditions
DS572. Theology of the Reformed Traditions
Credit, two hours. (Faculty)
Does not fulfill area requirements.
