Academics
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Church History 1 (CH1)
Patristic and Medieval Church History
This course is a survey/overview of Church History, with focus on the Patristic and Medieval periods. The objective of this course is for the student to gain a general grasp of Church History and of the relevance and importance of these formative periods of the Church’s life. Students in preparation for ministry should be able to give an account of the Church’s development and have an understanding of its context for today. Attention will be paid to the roots and influences of these periods on the development of the Anglican Communion.
Church History 2 (CH2)
Reformation and Modern Church History
This course is a survey/overview of Church History, with focus on the Reformation and Modern periods. The objective of this course is for the student to gain a general grasp of Church History and of the relevance and importance of these periods of the Church’s life. While the Churches in Britain will be covered briefly, the in-depth consideration of the English Reformation and the development of the Anglican Communion will be undertaken in CH3. The goal of this course is to familiarize the student with the persons, movements and themes of this broad and important period.
Church History 3 (CH3)
Anglican and Episcopal Church History
This course is a survey/overview of Church History with specific focus on the Anglican Communion. The objectives of the course are as follows:
- To give students a grasp of the effect and implications of movements of Reformation in England.
- To give students an understanding of the scope and development of the Anglican Communion in North America and in the world
- To give students the necessary historical background so they may understand and articulate the contemporary situation of Global Anglicanism.
Church Music 1 (CM1)
This course explores the history of Christian church music and introduces basic musical skills necessary for liturgical officiating. Each student is expected to become proficient in reading music, chanting, pointing collects and lessons, and an appropriate level of keyboard ability. The development of liturgical music from the early church to the present provides the framework for examining plainsong, Anglican chant, psalmody, and hymnody. Liturgical and musical terms are learned in their historical context.
Ethics and Moral Theology 1 (EMT1)
Ethics and Fundamental Moral Theology
This course provides an introduction to the foundations of a contemporary Anglican approach to Moral Theology, or “Christian Ethics.” Primary attention is given to an exploration of basic Christian moral principles, and the course includes reflection upon the scope and purpose of moral theology, the importance for moral theology of the basic structure of Christian Doctrine, and the consequences for moral theology of various alternatives in theoretical or philosophical ethics. The course concludes with two short units, one on the use of Scripture in ethics, the other on moral principles and public policy that prepare students to approach specific issues in ethics during their second course in Ethics and Moral Theology (EMT2).
Ethics and Moral Theology 2 (EMT2)
Moral Theology and Contemporary Issues
In this course students take the basic principles of Christian moral theology acquired in EMT 1 and apply them to five main groups of issues in contemporary ethics. The historical treatment of various issues in the Christian and wider ethical tradition provides a backdrop for the class’s consideration of moral questions, and specific reference is made to General Convention resolutions and other ecclesiastical documents.
Greek 1 (Grk1)
Introduction to Biblical Greek 1
Greek 1 is an introduction to the rudiments of the Koiné Greek of the New Testament. Although significant vocabulary and a variety of morphological forms will be learned, the emphasis on this course will be on how the Greek language works, so that students will have proficiency analyzing the Greek text of the NT with the help of lexical and grammatical data that are easily accessed by a Bible software program.
Hebrew 1 (Heb1)
Introduction to Biblical Hebrew1
This course introduces students to the world of Biblical Hebrew, which is the primary language of the Old Testament. Elementary grammar concentrating on the alphabet, vowels, nouns and the verb system is emphasized, but attention is also given both to the history of the Hebrew language and to English grammar. Students will be able to engage basic Hebrew texts with the assistance of linguistic aids such as a Hebrew lexicon.
Historical Theology 1 (HT1)
Christian theology in the Patristic and the Early Medieval periods
This, the first of two courses in historical theology, examines theology from the second through the twelfth centuries seeking to understand how certain figures, movements, and controversies have helped to shape the development of Christian theology. Special attention will be given to key Patristic theological works and to the Ecumenical Councils of the Church.
Historical Theology 2 (HT2)
Christian theology in the Late Medieval, Reformation, Counter Reformation, Enlightenment, and Modern periods
This, the second course in historical theology, examines theology from the thirteenth through the twentieth centuries seeking to understand how certain figures, movements, and controversies have helped to shape the development of Christian theology in general, and Anglican theology in particular. Special attention is given to key works of Anglican theology.
Homiletics 1 (Hom1)
Principles of Preaching
An introduction to the craft of sermon preparation and delivery. The significance of preaching, the importance of exegetical research, and the value of image, story, and metaphor in proclaiming the Gospel are emphasized. Students do a number of practical exercises to develop the different skills necessary for good preaching.
Homiletics 2 (Hom2)
Experience in Preaching
An intensive laboratory experience in the preparation and delivery of sermons. Students are encouraged to develop their preaching skills in a variety of different homiletical formats and liturgical contexts.
Liturgy 1 (Lit1)
The History of Christian Worship
This course is an exploration of our liturgical tradition beginning with the Jewish antecedents. The purpose of the course is not simply to learn historical data, but to relate the tradition to its theological and pastoral context. The course is designed to provide a foundation for subsequent course work in liturgy.
Liturgy 2 (Lit2)
Pastoral Liturgy
The goal of this course is to integrate previous study within the task of planning and leading parish worship. All the sacraments and rites of the Book of Common Prayer are explicated with regards to their use in the parish while keeping in mind their historical and theological dimensions.
New Testament 1 (NT1)
Introduction to the New Testament: Jesus and the Gospels
The first course in the writings of the New Testament surveys the historical, religious, and social world of the New Testament, and introduces various critical and literary-theological methods for the study of the New Testament in general. The Gospels are then surveyed in terms of content, literary structure, critical issues, and theological emphasis. The underlying aim is to gain an understanding of the four unique portraits of Jesus provided in the canonical Gospels. The course also examines the development of the Christology of the New Testament and the modern debates about and constructs of a Historical Jesus as opposed to the Real Jesus of the four canonical portraits.
New Testament 2 (NT2)
Introduction to the New Testament: From Acts to Revelation
Beginning with the Acts of the Apostles, each of the non-Gospel writings of the New Testament is introduced and surveyed in terms of content, literary structure, critical issues, and theological emphases. The course also examines the life, theology, and soteriology of Paul, and the development of the kerygma, incipient creedal formulae, ministry and sacraments in the New Testament.
Old Testament 1 (OT1)
Introduction to the Old Testament 1
The primary emphasis for the course is to survey the Old Testament material from Genesis to 2 Kings. This course also introduces the student to the discipline of Old Testament Studies by examining and critiquing various methodological approaches to studying the Old Testament and learning exegetical principles for interpreting the Old Testament. Students will examine a canonical approach for appropriating the material theologically, learn how to apply the texts to the modern church and foster a Christian appreciation for the theological relationship between the Old and New Testaments.
Old Testament 2 (OT2)
Introduction to the Old Testament 2
This course continues in the same manner as Old Testament 1 by examining the Prophets, Poetical Books (Psalms and Wisdom Literature) and the remaining books in the Old Testament (i.e., Daniel, Ezra, Esther, et al). The Deuterocanonicals will also receive brief treatment. Additional attention is given to issues in Old Testament Studies such as “Ethics,” “Old Testament Theology,” et al.
Parish-based Field Education
This required component of the Master of Divinity program consists of two terms of mentored ministry, usually in a parish, under the supervision of a seminary-approved priest/mentor. All such placements are made in consultation with and with the approval of the Director of Field Education. Parish-based Field Education does not earn academic credit.
Parish Ministry 1 (PM1)
The Priest as Pastoral Leader
This course examines (1) the vocation of the Church in the purposes of God, (2) the development of and justification for Catholic Order, (3) the relationship between the ministry of the ordained and those of other Christians, (4) office of Rector, (5) the canonical relationship between Rector and Vestry as well as Rector and assisting clergy, (6) models for parish governance, (7) the realities of leadership in parishes of different sizes and settings, (8) leading an existing parish in reaching the unreached, (9) the planting of new churches, (10) involving congregations in the Church’s worldwide mission, (11) steps in protecting ministries from attack and related ethical issues in ministry.
Parish Ministry 2 (PM2)
The Priest as Agent of Pastoral Care
One of the goals of the Nashotah House MDiv curriculum is “to prepare ordained ministers who are skilled in… providing godly counsel and spiritual direction”. This course addresses the first of these two goals by examining (1) the way in which some of the great pastors in the history of the Church have rooted pastoral care in the truths of the Christian revelation, (2) Pastoral conversation as “intervention,” (3) the healing ministry, (4) approaches to a number of the most common problems requiring advice and counsel from the priest.
Parish Ministry 3 (PM3)
The Priest as Leader of the Church in Its Mission
This course prepares senior seminarians for the work of the priest in the day-to-day leadership of a parish church or for serving on a parish clergy staff. Attention will be given to (1) the canons of the Episcopal Church, (2) the office of Rector, (3) the relationship between Rector and Vestry as well as that between Rector and assisting clergy, (4) models for parish governance, (5) the realities of leadership in parishes of various sizes and settings, (6) leading an existing parish in reaching the unreached, (7) the planting of new churches, (8) involving congregations in the worldwide mission of the Church, (9) steps in protecting ministries from attack and related ethical issues in ministry, (10) leading a parish in a postmodern culture and (11) matters relating to beginning and ending ministries in a congregation.
Systematic Theology 1 (ST1)
The Christian doctrines of Divine Revelation, Tradition, Reason, Faith, Creation, the Fall, the Trinity, the Incarnation, and Pneumatology
This, the first of two courses in Systematic Theology, gives an overview of particular Christian doctrines from their biblical foundations through their historical developments to their modern expressions. It understands Christian doctrine as, “What the Church of Jesus Christ believes, teaches, and confesses on the basis of the Word of God.” Particular attention is given to how Anglicans have understood and received these doctrines of the Christian faith and the role they play in the life of the individual and the Church.
Systematic Theology 2 (ST2)
The Christian doctrines of Atonement, Original Sin, Anthropology, Salvation, the Church, the Sacraments, and Eschatology
The second in a two-course sequence covering the major Christian doctrines from their biblical foundation through their historical development to their modern expression. This course will examine what the Church believes, teaches, and confesses on the basis of the Word of God about Original Sin, Anthropology, Salvation (justification, sanctification, and glorification), Grace, the Church, the Sacraments, and the Last Things. Divine Revelation, Scripture, Reason, Tradition, Faith, God the Father, Creation, the Fall, the Trinity, the person of Jesus Christ, and the person of the Holy Spirit. Particular attention will be given to how Anglicans have understood and received these doctrines of the Christian faith and the role they play in the life of the individual and the Church.
ELECTIVE COURSES (Series 10-98)
Ascetical Theology 13 (AT13)
Christian Spirituality in the Early Middle Ages
This intensive course explores the beginnings of the Christian spiritual life from the Desert Fathers to the riches of the Celtic and Anglo-Saxon saints. Their writings and experiences will be discussed with a view toward asking what can be learned from them for our spiritual life today.
Ascetical Theology 15 (AT15)
Christian Spirituality in the Later Middle Ages
This intensive course is a pilgrimage through the great landmarks of Christian spirituality in the western church from the time of Charlemagne (c. 800) to the eve of the Reformation (c. 1500). Some landmarks are:
- The Benedictine Tradition
- Franciscan and Dominican Devotions
- The English Mystics of the 14th Century
- The last flowering of piety in the lay spirituality of the Beguines and Thomas a Kempis
Ascetical Theology 17 (AT17)
Christian Spirituality from the Reformation to the Modern Era
Beginning with Thomas a Kempis and continuing through Reformation authors such as Martin Luther, Thomas Cranmer and John Calvin, this intensive course explores how Reformation and Counter-Reformation ideals were transformed into various spiritual methods. The course concludes with a discussion of such modern authors as Thomas Merton, Henry Nouwen, and Michael Ramsey.
Ascetical Theology 19 (AT 19)
Christian Spirituality and the Visual Arts
This intensive seminar/workshop provides hands-on exposure to 5 different forms of Christian art: icons, stained glass, liturgical vesture, book arts and Andachtsbilder (images to meditate on). Students learn how to express the Christian message through a variety of artistic media asking questions such as: How does the medium reveal the message? What is the relationship of the form to the Christian content? How can we use contemporary media to proclaim the timeless Gospel? The course also introduces students to the means by which works of visual art become vehicles for meditation and the divine presence: How can physical objects illuminate spiritual realities? How does one read spiritually a work of art? When does an icon become an idol?
Church Music 10 (CM10)
Anglican Choral Tradition
This course is designed to familiarize the student with the standard repertoire of the Anglican Choral Tradition and its relationship to the music in The Hymnal 1982. Choral works will be presented within their historical context. Architecture, liturgical practices, and musical advancements influencing the composers of each selected period will be explored. The class will consist of lectures, videos, and assigned reading and listening. The final grade will be determined by four quizzes (40%) and a final exam (60%).
Cross-Cultural Immersion Experience Seminar (CCIE Sem)
Students participate in a short-term mission trip designed to “immerse” students in a cultural setting radically different from their own and thus to provide insights into the nature of culture as a phenomenon. The usual length of such a program is two to three weeks. Students can earn up to 3 credits hours for this experience by mastering a related reading list, writing a post-experience reflection paper and participating in a subsequent CCIE seminar at Nashotah House. CCIE can also be designed as fulfilling the MDiv summer field program requirement if the students will be engaging in at least a 10 week immersion experience.
Clinical Pastoral Education Seminar (CPE Sem)
Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) was begun in 1925 as a form of theological education that takes place not exclusively in academic classrooms, but also in clinical settings where ministry is being practiced. The textbooks for CPE include in-depth study of "the living human documents." By "living human documents," we mean both the people who receive care as well as a study of ourselves, the givers of care. Through the practice of ministry and the reflection thereon with supervisor and peers, the experiential learning that is CPE takes place. Students earn one unit of CPE at one of the 350 CPE Centers accredited by the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE) (or the equivalent in another, approved setting) and then, by registering in a CPE seminar at Nashotah House can earn up to 3 credit hours of elective academic credit for the experience.
Ethics and Moral Theology 11 (EMT 11)
From the Womb to the Tomb: A Theological View of Issues in Bioethics
How should Christians view the issues surrounding the growing power our generation has over the beginning and end of human life? Many Christians are confused by the rapid developments in medical science. This course will deal with such issues as genetic engineering, in vitro fertilization, and euthanasia, but will put them in the necessary context of a theological understanding of human nature, health and sickness, suffering and Christian identity.
Greek 2 (Grk2)
Introduction to Biblical Greek 2
Greek 2 completes the introduction to the rudiments of the Koiné Greek which was begun in Greek 1. In addition to reviewing all that was learned in Greek 1, aspects of vocabulary and morphology left aside in Greek 1 will be introduced and learned. The student completing this course should be able to translate easy to moderate passages of the Greek New Testament (e.g., Johannine writings, Mark, Matthew, some passages in Paul) when supplied with vocabulary occurring fewer than 30 times. Greek 1 or its equivalent is a prerequisite for Greek 2.
Greek 3 (Grk3)
Greek 3: Translation and Exegesis
This elective course assumes the prerequisites of Greek 1 and 2 (or their equivalent) have been met. Building upon an introductory knowledge of Koiné Greek grammar, this course focuses upon translation and exegetical analysis of selected passage from the NT, LXX, and Apostolic Fathers with the following goals: (1) to review in the context of actual usage the most common vocabulary and morphology found in the Greek NT; (2) to learn by repeated exposure the most salient and exegetically significant syntactical constructions found in the Greek NT; (3) to have some exposure to Greek texts outside of the NT. N.B.: The course meets for 80 minutes a week over the course of two consecutive semesters.
Hebrew 2 (Heb2)
Introduction to Biblical Hebrew 2
Building on the skills learned in Hebrew 1, this course concentrates on syntax and translation. Students will learn how Hebrew words function in clauses and sentences both by working through an intermediate grammar on syntax and by translating from a selected book of the Old Testament. Conducted in seminar format, each class period reviews grammatical concepts, introduces and discusses lessons of Hebrew syntax and translates an assigned number of verses. Students will rotate leading the class discussion of the translations. Regular attention will also be given to LXX readings of the assigned translation to emphasize the LXX’s traditional and text-critical contribution to the process of exegesis.
New Testament 14 (NT 14)
Exegesis of Paul’s Letter to the Philippians
As theologically and pastorally rich as any of Paul’s letters, Philippians is rightly one of the most beloved texts of the New Testament. This course will engage the letter in great detail with eye especially to the letter’s theological and practical contributions, which are many. Although the text of Philippians is our primary object of concern, the course will also seek to sharpen exegetical skills, using Philippians as our “laboratory.” Students with varying competency in Greek are welcome in the course, which will be structured to accommodate a variety of proficiencies.
Old Testament 10 (OT 10)
Advanced Exegesis (Joshua)
This course focuses on exegesis, using the book of Joshua as a subject for working through the important aspects of interpretation and application. The book of Joshua is an ideal subject because of its moderate length, narrative literature and important historical considerations. In the course of the semester, students work through the book focusing on interpretive issues and exegetical difficulties with the ultimate goal of teaching and preaching.
Old Testament 11 (OT 11)
Yearning for God’s Audience: Interpreting Job for Today
The book of Job is one of the most enigmatic and extraordinary books in the Bible. For centuries students have wrestled with the literary and theological diversities contained in Job and sought a coherent interpretation that could serve as the key for understanding the book. This course will join that community of learners by systematically applying the instructor’s recently published attempt to interpret Job as a nascent form of apocalyptic literature. Among other things, this course will explore the history of interpreting Job, the importance of genre analysis for exegesis, the problem of Evil, and fresh approaches to preaching Job.
Pastoral Spanish (Span10)
This course offers students an opportunity to be exposed to a very basic introduction to the Spanish Language. Primary attention is given to pastoral application of Spanish, as well as an introduction to popular religious customs and traditions associated with Spanish-speaking people. Students will learn key phrases related to parish life and general vocabulary in Spanish, but will also prepare a number of Scripture passages, along with sacramental and pastoral celebrations from the Book of Common Prayer. At the end of the course students should have sufficient knowledge and confidence to be able to engage in basic pastoral ministry with Spanish-speaking parishioners.
Parish Ministry 11 (PM 11)
Catechesis Reawakened
The rapid change of modern society and the shift towards post-Christian culture calls for an urgent rethinking of Christian formation and educational models for today. In this course we will look at catechesis in the ancient church (both content and methodology) in order to help the church develop models to for making disciples of Jesus Christ in the 21st Century. Parish Ministry 14 (PM14) Loving and Leading the Small Congregation
Though more than half of the Episcopal Churches in the United States have fewer than 100 persons in church on an average Sunday, many of the priests now serving them or likely to do so in the near future have had little or no exposure to the significant research on the relational dynamics predictable in such congregations. This course examines that research in a determined attempt to prevent or attack the unnecessary discouragement, frustration and joyless ministry experienced by many priests in small congregations.
Systematic Theology 10
Anglican Eucharistic Theology
A survey of Anglican eucharistic theology from the thirteenth century to the present. This course begins by studying the eucharistic theology of St. Thomas which forms the theological backdrop for later Anglican teaching on the Eucharist. It continues by engaging the eucharistic theology of the Anglican Reformers, Divines, and Oxford Movement. The course ends with modern eucharistic theology and the ARCIC statements. Special attention will be devoted to the eucharistic theology of St. Thomas, John Wycliffe, Thomas Cranmer, Nicholas Ridley, Jeremy Taylor, E. B. Pusey, the ARCIC statements on the Eucharist, and John Marquarrie. This course is a seminar.
Teaching Parish Program Seminar (TPP Sem)
Students work in a summer-long placement in a parish normally during the summer after the Middle Year. Placement is made in consultation with the Director of Field Education. The program includes about 240 hours of work in the designated parish. Students can earn up to three credits for this experience by mastering a related reading list, writing a post-placement reflection paper and participating in a subsequent TPP seminar.
