Christianity and CultureReligion and Personality

RP648. Readings in Psychology of Religion

Credit, three hours. (Snarey)

This course introduces and explores the meaning of religious experience from a variety of psychological perspectives. Our method will be to examine the theoretical models and empirical measures associated with several major figures in the field: William James, Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung, Erik and Joan Erikson, Ana-Maria Rizzuto, Lawrence Kohlberg, and James Fowler. For each theorist, students will read a classic text, engage in critical reflection, and utilize a related measure of religiosity.

RP649. Psychology of Moral Development and Education

Credit, three hours. (Snarey) (Same as EDU771v, ES649, RE649.)

A fundamental dimension of being human is the inevitable necessity of making moral judgments. Promoting the ability to make mature moral judgments is a core component of pastoral leadership and religious education. This course considers moral development as evidenced in the formulation and resolution of ethical dilemmas during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. The course also places moral psychology in relation to gender, race, ethnic, and cultural differences. A major segment of the course will focus on the practice of moral education through a variety of pedagogical methods.

RP651. Shame, Guilt, and Reconciliation

Credit, three hours. (Faculty) (Same as HC651.)

An examination of the psychology and phenomenology of shame and guilt, read in the historical and theological context of the church’s development of rites of confession, forgiveness, and reconciliation.

RP653. William James Seminar: Psychology and Religious Experience

Credit, three hours. (Snarey)

This seminar is based on a close reading of William James’ three great classics, The Principles of Psychology, The Varieties of Religious Experience, and Pragmatism. The course begins with James’ foundational psychology, then dwells on his psychology of the diverse varieties of religious experience, and concludes by considering the relationship of religion and ethics as suggested by James’ philosophical pragmatism. The course will be conducted as a graduate seminar.

RP655. Erik Erikson: Life Cycle, Religious Education, and Ministry

Credit, three hours. (Snarey)

This course focuses on the work of Erik H. Erikson and places his life cycle theory of human development in conversation with religious developmental issues. The focus is upon psychosocial development and age-related changes that occur across the lifespan, with special attention to adulthood and how generative adults (pastors, parents, teachers) promote the positive development of children, adolescents, and relatively younger adults. (RP655CEE when offered as a Contextual Education elective)

RP698. Special Topics in Religion and Personality

Credit, variable. (Faculty)

Special topic or one-time offering courses led by Candler regular and visiting faculty. Prerequisites may be required and are noted on the course schedule when applicable.