Graduate Courses at LTSP are offered in a variety of ways: Traditional once a week 3-hour block classes in Fall and Spring semesters; one-week intensive courses; distance learning courses; and some limited independent studies.

Current matriculated Graduate Students may register for courses by going to the Registrar's GRADUATE REGISTRATION page. 

If you are not a matriculated LTSP Student, please go to the Registrar's NON-MATRICULANT OR AUDITOR REGISTRATION page.

Details for: 
| 2010-2011 | 2011-2012 | PhD |

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August Intensive

August 30-September 3, 2010 PhD Orientation (Dr. Grafton)

 

Fall 2010 Intensives

October 18-22--STM/DMin -- HCH640G History and Theology of Mission (Dr. H.S. Wilson)

This course will explore some of the major developments and shifts in theologies and methods of mission from the New Testament period to the present time.  Special attention will be given to some of the significant contemporary issues in mission at the world and local settings.

 

October 18-22--STM/DMin -- HTH616G Sin, Evil, and the Travail of Christian Theology (Dr. Stephen Ray)

This seminar will explore the dilemma of the recurring captivation of the Church by evil and the subsequent tragedy of Christian theology brought to the service of wicked ends. We will explore how the demonization of the Church's symbolic and linguistic being in contexts of systemic evil like racism and xenophobia. In particular,the place of Christian formation within communities of faith as a means to either further the workings of evil or resist it will be explored. By these explorations it is hoped to broadly identify particular enactments of Christian formation which have helped to create communities of resistance in the face of social evil.

 

Fall Semester 2010

PhD seminar -- BBT910G Scriptural Theology (Dr. Robert Robinson)

Describing writings as scripture signifies a special status and function for those works within communities of faith.  This course will examine the historical development of doctrines of scripture, the various ways in which the authority of scriptural writings has been understood, the implications of scriptural status for strategies of interpretation, and the relationship between the authority of the scripture within a community of faith and within the larger realm of public discourse.  Primary focus will be on the biblical tradition but other scriptural traditions will be considered as well. 

 

PhD/STM seminar -- HTH820G Trinitarian Theology (Dr.John Hoffmeyer)

The doctrine of the Trinity provides basic orientation for the Christian church's theology and ministry. This seminar has two goals: to explore some of the key conceptual questions that have arisen in the history of Trinitarian theology; and to provide each seminar participant the opportunity to examine how Trinitarian theology can help orient work in her/his own field of specialized theological study.

 

PhD/STM -- HCH823G Melanchthon's Theology (Dr.Timothy Wengert)

An investigation of the thought of Philip Melanchthon as reflected in his theological writings, with a special focus on his Loci Communes.

 

STM/DMin -- ICA635G The Idea of Story: Using Theological Themes in Literature (Dr. Kristen Poole)

This course offers an introduction to narrative theory, exploring the subtleties of authorship, perspective, allegory and plot, and their implications for ministry.  We will read a wide range of texts, from classical tales to postmodern novels.  Throughout the course, we will sketch out how principles of hermeneutics vary based on historical context, and the ethical work performed by story.  The main issue here is to provide opportunities for pastors and theologians to utilize skills to influence their work as preachers, teachers, and authors.

 

STM/DMin -- ICE620G Educational Practice in the Parish (Dr. Margaret Krych)

(Distance Learning Course-students should have computer competency and will need to work through the LTSP Blackboard Site.)

Revitalize your parish education program with creative planning, administration and evaluation.  Look at the purpose, possibilities and problems of various forms and activities of educational ministry in the local parish.

 

STM/DMin -- ICS682G Public Witness in a World of Injustices (Dr. Karen Bloomquist)

(Distance Learning Course-students should have computer competency and will need to work through the LTSP Blackboard Site.)

Although church bodies have developed an array of social statements that are important in under girding and guiding their public witness and advocacy in society, and various evangelism resources for witnessing to the faith personally, more attention needs to be given to how local communities of faith (e.g., congregations) can more deeply embrace and live out the "public witness" that is central to their God-given calling, both corporately and personally. The need for this witness is evoked today especially by the kairos of intertwined economic and climate injustices.  What biblical, theological-ethical, and ecclesial perspectives ground and empower our speaking and acting to transform these injustices, within a global horizon, and in collaboration with ecumenical, interfaith and civil society partners?

 

January 2011 Intensives

ICE900G PhD Teaching Seminar  (Dr. Margaret Krych)

This seminar will explore methods of teaching in higher education settings, such as colleges and seminaries. The seminar prepares for teaching assistant responsibilities that are a required part of the PhD program. Non-credit bi-weekly workshops will follow to continue reflection on teaching and research throughout the rest of the first and the second years.

 

Jan 3-7 --SDM710G DMin Collegial Seminar (Dr. Grafton)

A seminar for DMin students in which case studies are used to explore theological and pastoral issues in ministry.

 

Jan 10-14 --STM/DMin -- ILM601G Resources for Singing in the Local Church (Dr. Michael Krentz)

This class will explore resources for making music in the local assembly, both in a Lutheran context and in the ecumenical body of Christ. Musical resources will be examined in the context of a theology of music in which music serves the assembly as it gathers around the Means of Grace, proclaiming God's love in song. The song of the assembly will be the primary emphasis of the class.

 

Jan 17-21 --STM/DMin -- ICA660G Just in Time (Dr. Mark Oldenberg - LTSG)

This course will investigate the notions of history, the annual cycle, and life passages, through scripture, worship, rituals, or other spiritual practices.  Participants in the course will enter into conversation a variety of faith traditions to discover similarities and differences among our recognition and marking of time.  The course aims not simply at increasing the participants' knowledge of and respect for other traditions, but also at increasing the range of possibilities for expressing and recognizing time within Christian ministry and worship.

 

Jan 24-28-STM/DMin -- IPC602G Complicated Issues in Loss, Grief and Death (Dr. Storm Swain)

Drawing on classic and contemporary theories ranging from Sigmund Freud to William Worden, from death by disease, disaster or deliberation, this case-based seminar course will explore pastoral resources and responses to complicated and difficult grief.   

 

Spring 2011 Intensive

March 14-18 -- STM/DMin -- IPP670G Church Conflict and Collaboration (Dr. Norma Cook Everist; St. John's Summit professor)

This course offers the opportunity to explore images and types of conflict, as well as conflict patterns such as destructive, constructive, escalating and habitual. Through various methods, including experiential learning, participants will gain skill in using seven possible responses and explore the theological basis for each. We will seek to understand our own histories with conflict and strengthen positive roles in leading a faith community toward healthy collaboration.

 

Spring Semester 2011

PhD seminar -- ICS920G Religion and Social Change (Dr. Katie Day)

This seminar will focus on the role of religion within social movement theory. An analytical examination of various social movements will explore how faith functions to either facilitate or inhibit social mobilization at all levels, from congregations to global communions. What then are the implications for our theological understanding of both Church and Spirit? 

 

PhD/STM -- HCH830G American Religious History (Dr. Jon Pahl )

This seminar offers students an opportunity to explore in depth an area of particular interest in primary sources, while reading recent secondary works in American religious history that examine the interface of events, trends, eras, movements, nations, cultures, and traditions in the United States.  Attention will be given to discourse, practices, communities, and institutions, and to historiographical questions.

 

PhD/STM -- SGN803G Research Methods (Dr. Mrinalini Sebastian)

A thorough examination of the variety of research methodologies available for STM theses and PhD dissertations in scriptural/theological/historical/social-ethical disciplines.  Special attention will be given to the actual theses and dissertations being proposed by the participants. 

 

STM/DMin -- HTH647G Cosmos, Creation and Theology (Dr. Nelson Rivera)

A study of historical and contemporary debates on the concepts of God and creation, and the relation between the two.  We will look at important developments in modern science, viz., in cosmology, physics, as well as evolutionary theory, in order to assess their relevance to theology, especially for their impact on a doctrine of creation.

 

STM/DMin -- BNT660G Romans and the New Perspective on Paul (Dr. Erik Heen)

(Distance Learning Course-students should have computer competency and will need to work through the LTSP Blackboard Site.)

A close reading of Paul's Epistle to the Romans by means of historical, rhetorical, literary, and social scientific criticism.  The course also explores the relationship between the "new Perspective on Paul" in New Testament scholarship and "Lutheran" interpretations of the "law" and "justification" language in Paul's letters. 

 

STM/DMin -- HCH602G Patristic Pioneers: The First Shapers of Christian Spirituality (Dr. Walter Wagner)

(Distance Education Course-students should have computer competency and will need to work through the LTSP Blackboard Site.)

Beginning with biblical and philosophical models, the course examines Eastern Christian leaders. Among the pioneers to be considered are Clement of Alexandria, Origen, Athanasius, Cyril of Alexandria, Gregory of Nazianzus, Gregory of Nyssa, Maximus the Confessor, Ephraim the Syrian, and Simon the New Theologian. Participants will indicate if and how these pioneers may be significant to ministry today.

 

Summer 2011 Intensives

June 6-10 --STM/DMin ICS640G Ministry with the Disabled (Bill Gaventa/Dr. Katie Day)

As more and more congregations explore inclusive ministries with and by people with disabilities and their families, there are profound opportunities for pastoral care and religious education.  This course will explore themes related to the growing body of pastoral and theological resources dealing with the intersection of disability and theology. 

 

June 13-17 --STM/DMin ICA630G Exegetical Options for the Preacher (Dr. Shauna Hannan, LTSS)

This course will explore two methods for exegeting the biblical text for preaching.  Emphasis will be placed on faithfully and creatively attending to the text.  Students will develop and propose their own exegetical method for preaching, which is theologically sound, biblically faithful, and manageable for weekly preaching. 

 

June 20-23 --SDM701G DMin Colloquium I (Dr. Grafton)
June 20-23 --SDM702G DMin Colloquium II (Dr. Grafton)

Colloquium I introduces students to the DMin program and advanced level study in a peer learning environment, while Colloquium II prepares students for their DMin Project.  Both Colloquia are offered concurrently.   

For further information see: "Objectives of the DMin Colloquia".

 

June 27-July 1 --STM/DMin TICA652G The Bible and Liturgy (Dr. Gordon Lathrop)

This course will consider both the use of the Bible in Christian liturgy (as source for readings, psalms, patterns of prayer, and liturgical language), the witness of the Bible to the beginnings of Christian liturgy (especially in the letters of Paul and in the Gospels), and the relationship between biblical and liturgical hermeneutics.

Metropolitan focus -- upgrade of Understanding the City course or independent study with Dr. Day

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For further information on courses for 2010-11, email the Director of Graduate Studies at advanced@LTSP.edu or call 215-248-6347. 

For further information for admission requirements for LTSP Graduate Programs email admissions@ltsp.edu or call 215-248-7302.

For registration information, email the Registrar at registrar@ltsp.edu or call 215-248-6305.

Also: For information on STM courses at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg go to http://www.ltsg.edu/academics/stm/stmcourses.htm or call 717-334-6286.

For information on STM courses at the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, go to their website at www.ltss.edu or call 803-461-3253 (registrar). For travel seminars at LTSS, email lluker@ltss.edu or click on www.ltss.edu "Seminary Events."

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DETAILS OF COURSES FOR 2011-12

 

August Intensive

August 29-September 2, 2010 PhD Orientation (Dr. David D. Grafton)

 

Fall 2010 Intensives

October 18-22--STM/DMin --Contentious Margins: Feminism and Multiculturalism (Dr. Mrinalini Sebastian)

The discourse of multiculturalism has drawn our attention to the importance of safeguarding the cultural rights of religious or ethnic communities in a modern democracy.  Yet often, tension between cultural rights of a group and the rights of women as individuals has raised interesting dilemmas for the feminist scholars.  This course will explore, through an analysis of their representative writings, how some feminist scholars have responded to this tension between the rights of a group and the rights of women.

 

October 18-22--STM/DMin --Spirituality (Dr. Eileen Flanagan)

 

Fall Semester 2011

 

PhD seminar--Public Theology -(Dr. Kiran Sebastian)

This integrative seminar will be team taught by LTSP faculty members, and will relate theological discourse to the public arena.  The public aspect of the various disciplines-history, Bible, theology, ministry-will be related to issues arising from the analysis of the contemporary public situation.  The seminar will cover such issues as communicating theology in the public arena, theology and social ethical issues, practical application of theology in everyday life and in contemporary society, relation of theology to other disciplines, theology and culture, engaging other religious traditions, etc.

 

STM/PhD--The Theology of the Cross: the New Testament and Beyond -(Dr. Erik Heen)

Luther's contrast of a "theologian of the cross" with " a theologian of glory" gave impetus to a trajectory often referred to as a "theology of the cross."  The course explores the relationship of this tradition to Scripture by means of close readings of New Testament texts set in dialogue with Reformation and post-Reformation readings that have acknowledged the cross to be revelatory of God.  It identifies pastoral and hermeneutical resources for the contemporary church that emerge out of foundational (New Testament) and later articulations of "the theology of the cross." 

 

STM/PhD--Communicating the Word - (Dr. Margaret Krych)

Exploration of theologians of the 20th and 21st centuries who focus on communicating the Word of God through preaching and teaching, with implications for contemporary theology and practice of ministry.

STM/DMin--TBA

STM/DMin-- Contemporary Medical Bioethics: An Exploration through Film and Fiction--(Flo Gelo)

(Distance Learning Course-students should have computer competency and will need to work through the LTSP Blackboard Site.)

The increase and complexity of science and medical technologies presents individuals with new challenges and unprecedented choices. This course will examine how to incorporate pastoral care and counseling for patients and their families confronting difficult ethical issues in this emerging health care environment.  Through the use of popular films and works of fiction, this course will address the following Bioethical topics: assisted reproductive technologies, genetic testing and engineering, organ transplantation, rationing of health care, death and dying, the meaning and application of "quality of life" to all of these topics.

 

STM/DMin --Reclaiming the Great Commission: Evangelizing Today --(William Hurst)

(Distance Learning Course-students should have computer competency and will need to work through the LTSP Blackboard Site.)

This course will provide an overview of biblical, theological and historical foundations of evangelization.  We will also review and seek to better understand contemporary theologies of evangelism in the context of the broader issues of Christian mission in a pluralistic and postmodern society.  Finally, the course will explore and analyze various strategies in the practice of evangelization at the congregational level.

 

January 2012 Intensives

 

PhD Teaching seminar - (Dr. Margaret Krych)

This seminar will explore methods of teaching in higher education settings, such as colleges and seminaries. The seminar prepares for teaching assistant responsibilities that are a required part of the PhD program.

Jan 2-6--STM/DMin --Medieval and Early Reformation Spirituality--(Dr. Philip Krey)

An examination of the spiritual disciplines of the major monastic movements in the western church through their writings. Special attention will be given to the influence of their social and cultural context. Other expressions of medieval piety will also be examined, along with the Reformation critique and inheritance of these traditions.

 

Jan 9-13 --DMin Collegial Seminar--(Dr. Storm Swain)

A seminar for DMin students in which case studies are used to explore theological and pastoral issues in ministry.

 

Jan 16-20 --STM/DMin--TBA

 

Jan 23-27 -STM/DMin--Lutheran Confessions in Parish Practice--(Dr. Timothy Wengert)

Intended to increase student knowledge of the Lutheran confessions in comparison to other confessional options of the 16th century and to offer opportunity for reflection on the relation of these documents to contemporary life in the parish and the Church.

 

 Spring 2012 Intensives

March 12-16 --STM/DMin--Theology the Lutheran Way --(Dr. Oswald Bayer, St.John's Summit professor)

 

May 28-June 8 --STM/DMin--Our Lutheran Roots: Henry Melchior Muhlenberg and Halle - (Dr. Karl Krueger)

(Distance Education components along with a Travel Seminar.)

In 1740 August Hermann Francke commissioned the thirty-year-old Henry Melchoir Muhlenberg to come to the Delaware Valley and serve a number of Lutheran congregations in and around Philadelphia. This online seminar will examine the Halle experience, its mission and communication networks, forces that guided Muhlenberg as he worked in his parishes and then when he organized the Lutheran church in British North America. The course will conclude with a 12-day trip to the cities and towns that Muhlenberg called home before he set sail for the colonies. In addition to weekly assignments, participants will present a paper during the travel seminar.

 

Spring Semester 2011

 

PhD seminar --TBA

 

STM/PhD -TBA

 

STM/DMin--Reading Scripture in Ancient Judaism-- (Dr. Wilda Gafney)

This course will explore rabbinic Jewish exegesis in the first through fourth centuries. We will explore early rabbinic readings of the Exodus story, Passover and selected passages from the Torah and Prophets. We will become acquainted with extra-biblical Jewish sacred literature in the Mishnah, Talmud and midrash. And, we will pay some attention to the role of classical exegesis in contemporary Judaism. Knowledge of Biblical Hebrew is helpful but not required.

 

STM/DMin-- Theological Issues in Christian-Muslim Relations--(Dr. David D. Grafton)

(Distance Education Course-students should have computer competency and will need to work through the LTSP Blackboard Site.) 

Do Christians and Muslims share some common theological presuppositions?  Where do they diverge on key theological topics?  This course will explore the commonalities and differences in a variety of Muslim and Christian theologies through reading primary (translated) sources.  Focus will be given to the authority and use of Scriptures, the Nature of God, the Work of Jesus, and social ethics.

 

STM/DMin-- TBA

 

2012 Summer Intensives

 

June 4-8- STM/DMin--Preaching Course -

 

June 11-15- STM/DMin--TBA

 

June 18-22-- DM701G DMin Colloquium I (Dr. Grafton)
June 18-22 --SDM702G DMin Colloquium II (Dr. Grafton)

Colloquium I introduces students to the DMin program and advanced level study in a peer learning environment, while Colloquium II prepares students for their DMin Project.  Both Colloquia are offered concurrently.   

For further information see: "Objectives of the DMin Colloquia".

 

 

June 25-29- STM/DMin -Hospitality and Hostility: The Unity of the Church in a Fragmented Society (Dr. Kiran Sebastian)

 

Even as we experience fragmentation and discord within the life of our churches and society as a whole, this course will seek to refresh and renew our ecumenical memories, and explore new directions of the search for the unity of the church as a faithful response to the prayer of Jesus ‘that all may be one'.

 

 

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DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY DEGREE (PhD) COURSES FOR 2008-10, with descriptions

 

2010-11 ACADEMIC YEAR 

 

August 30-Sept 3, 2010 -- PhD orientation -- For new students

Fall 2010

PhD seminar -- Scriptural Theology (Dr. Robinson)

Describing writings as scripture signifies a special status and function for those works within communities of faith. This course will examine the historical development of doctrines of scripture, the various ways in which the authority of scriptural writings has been understood, the implications of scriptural status for strategies of interpretation, and the relationship between the authority of the scripture within a community of faith and within the larger realm of public discourse. Primary focus will be on the biblical tradition but other scriptural traditions will be considered as well. (ST) 

PhD/STM seminar: Trinitarian Theology (Dr. Hoffmeyer)

An examination of the classical development and contemporary revitalization of the doctrine of the Trinity, with an emphasis on using the doctrine of the Trinity as a lens for focusing theological and ethical reflection in church and world today. (CT) 

PhD/STM -- HCH823G Melanchthon's Theology (Dr.Timothy Wengert)

An investigation of the thought of Philip Melanchthon as reflected in his theological writings, with a special focus on his Loci Communes.

PT= public theology, ST= scriptural theology, HT= historical theology, CT= contemporary theology, TMM= theology for ministry/mission , M= Research Methodology

 

January 2011

Teaching seminar (required for first-year PhD students) (Dr. Krych)

This seminar will explore methods of teaching in higher education settings, such as colleges and seminaries. The seminar prepares for teaching assistant responsibilities that are a required part of the PhD program. Non-credit bi-weekly workshops will follow to continue reflection on teaching aned research throughout the rest of the first and the second years. (T) 

Spring 2011

PhD seminar -- Religion and Social Change  (Dr. Day)

This seminar will focus on the role of religion within social movement theory. An analytical examination of various social movements will explore how faith functions to either facilitate or inhibit social mobilization at all levels, from congregations to global communions.  

PhD/STM seminar -- American Religious History (Dr. Pahl)

This seminar offers students an opportunity to explore in depth an area of particular interest in primary sources, while reading recent secondary works in American religious history that examine the interface of events, trends, eras, movements, nations, cultures, and traditions in the United States. Attention will be given to discourse, practices, communities, and institutions, and to historiographical questions. (HT) 

PhD/ STM seminar -- Research Methods (Dr. Sebastian)

A thorough examination of the variety of research methodologies available for STM theses and PhD dissertations in scriptural/theological/historical/social-ethical disciplines. Special attention will be given to the actual theses and dissertations being proposed by the participants. (M) 

 

PT= public theology, ST= scriptural theology, HT= historical theology, CT= contemporary theology, TMM= theology for ministry/mission , M= Research Methodology

Plus PhD courses at UPenn, Temple, Princeton, Westminster - see Graduate School office.

 

2011-12 ACADEMIC YEAR 

Details coming soon