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: 
| 2009-2010 | 2010-2011 (preliminary) | PhD |

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Spring 2010 Intensives

March 15-19, 2010 -- STM/DMin HCH624G Luther on Sanctification and Social Ethics (Dr. Carter Lindberg)

An investigation of Luther’s perspectives on sanctification and social ethics in historical context, with special attention given to their contributions to contemporary proclamation and engagement with social-ethical issues.

 

Spring Semester 2010

PhD seminar -- HCH920G Readings in Reformation History and Theology  (Dr. Wengert)

This course will provide an analysis of a major figure, event, and/or movement of the Reformation.  Students will be encouraged to link their research to the historical, theological and social contexts of the time.
(For PhD students only)

 

PhD/STM seminar -- BBT823G The Heritage of Reformation Hermeneutics:  From Biblical Theology to Biblical Criticism and Back Again  (Dr. Heen)

An examination of biblical theologies of churches that are heirs of the Reformation, through various pre-modern (e.g., protestant orthodoxy), modern (e.g., the literalism of common sense realism; neo-Lutheranism), and post-modern (e.g., reader-response) configurations. Attention will be given to the effect of larger shifts in scientific, academic, and popular culture upon the understanding of the nature and role of Scripture in the theological enterprise. The rise of higher criticism, especially historical-criticism, and its effect upon the discipline of biblical theology is assessed as well as possibilities for a re-configuration of the role of biblical studies for the public work of the church in the twenty-first century.

 

PhD/STM seminar -- HTH890G Theology of Religions (Dr. Rajashekar)

This seminar is a critical examination of contemporary theological approaches to religious pluralism, especially as they relate to biblical and historical responses to the problematic of world religions.  Selected theological approaches from a variety of traditions from late 19th century to the present will receive attention.  Perspectives from other living faiths will also be addressed in this seminar. 

 

STM/DMin -- BOT642G Job, Suffering and the Holocaust (Dr. Gafney)

This course will consider the nature and character of God as portrayed in Job, and theimplications of that portrayal. We will consider the utility of the text as a homiletical and pastoral resource by analyzing ancient and medieval Jewish and Christian exegesis of the text. Specifically, we will explore the Holocaust through the lens of suffering and responses to suffering in Job. (Knowledge of Biblical Hebrew and/or Greek is strongly recommended, but not required.)

 

STM/DMin -- IPP640G Communication in the Local Congregation  (Dr. Stewart)
(Distance Learning Course-students should have computer competency)

This course will explore the current images of the church and the media.  This will include print, televised, radio, and internet forms of communication.  tudents will need access to the Internet, email, and a DVD or CD-Rom video player as they share and develop images that they create or encounter for local congregations.

 

STM/DMin -- ICA640G Ritual Care in Times of Transition or Crisis  (Dr. Elaine Ramshaw) -- VIEW SYLLABUS
(Distance Learning Course-students should have computer competency)

This course will examine how pastoral concerns can help shape our ritual approach at times of transition and crisis in people's lives.  We will look at the traditional Christian rituals occasioned by sickness, marriage and death/bereavement, and also at the developing of rituals for other occasions, such as miscarriage/stillbirth, divorce, marriages that form stepfamilies, adoption, or the move into a nursing home.

 

Summer 2010 Intensives

May 25-June 4 -- SGN651G Global Travel Seminar - El Salvador (Dr. Hoffmeyer)  -- CANCELED

 

June 7-11 -- STM/DMin -- ICA615G Preaching Resurrection (Dr. Quivik)

Where is the grace-filled promise of new life at a funeral? Following a tragedy, a crisis, or a sudden horrific reversal, where do we look for God's presence? How does the preacher, Sunday after Sunday, pull out of the text and the context words of astonishing and radical hope? This course will mine these questions through readings and preaching. (Limited to 12)

 

June 14-17 STM/DMin -- IPP651G Gearing Up for Mission (Dr. Robert Hughes)

Over time, congregations tend to lose focus on their mission and become stagnant.  This course will prepare participants to lead the renewal process.  Learn how to establish a sense of urgency, undertake a visioning process, and assist the congregation to become re-rooted in its local and boarder communities.

 

June 21-24 SDM701G DMin Colloquium I (Dr. Grafton et al)
June 21-24 SDM702G DMin Colloquium II (Dr. Grafton et al)

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

For further information see: "Objectives of the DMin Colloquia" and the Schedule for the week.  Note: Colloquium I commences at 9 am, Colloquium II students begin at 2 pm

 

June 28-July 2 -- STM/DMin ICE642G Education as Evangelism (Dr. Nelson Strobert)

This course examines the connection between education and evangelism in the 21st century. Through the various venues for education within the church, participants will critically examine the questions, possibilities, and challenges for equipping people to share the Good News to the neighbor.

 

Metropolitan focus -- Independent Study with Dr. Day.

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For further information on courses for 2009-10, 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 registration@ltsp.edu or call 215-248-6305.

Also: For information on STM courses at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg go to www.ltsg.edu/academics/stm 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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Preliminary DETAILS OF COURSES FOR 2010-2011

Preliminary details are tentative and subject to change.

August Intensive

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

Fall 2010 Intensive

October 18-22--STM/DMin -- History and Theology of Mission (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.

 

Fall Semester 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. 

PhD/STM seminar -- Trinitarian Theology (Dr.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 -- Melanchthon's Theology (Dr.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 -- 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 -- Educational Practice in the Parish (Dr. Margaret Krych)

(Distance Learning Course-students should have computer competency)

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 -- Public Witness in a World of Injustices (Dr. Karen Bloomquist)

(Distance Learning Course-students should have computer competency)

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

PhD Teaching Seminar  (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 and research throughout the rest of the first and the second years.

Jan 3-7 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 -- 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.

New Course: Jan 17-21 --STM/DMin -- 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 -- Complicated Issues in Loss, Grief and Death (Dr. 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 -- STM/DMin -- Theology seminar (St. John's Summit professor)

 

Spring Semester 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. What then are the implications for our theological understanding of both Church and Spirit?

PhD/STM -- 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.

PhD/STM -- Research Methods (Dr Sebastian, coordinator)

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 -- 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 -- Romans and the New Perspective on Paul (Dr. Erik Heen)

(Distance Learning Course-students should have computer competency)

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.

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

(Distance Learning Course-students should have computer competency)

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 Ministry with the Disabled (Bill Gaventa/Dr. 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 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 DMin Colloquium I (Dr. Grafton)
June 20-23 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".

NEW COURSE: June 27-July 1 STM/DMin 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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DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY DEGREE (PhD) COURSES FOR 2008-10, with descriptions

2009-10 ACADEMIC YEAR 

August 31-Sept 4, 2009 -- PhD orientation -- For new students

Fall 2009

PhD -- Seminar in Public Theology (Dr. Robinson)

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. (PT)

PhD/STM seminar: Communicating the Word (Dr. 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. PhD participants are encouraged to use readings from the comprehensive examination booklists. (TMM, CT)

PhD/STM seminar: From Cyprian to Augustine: Exploring the Trajectory of Authority in the Early Church (Dr. Sebastian)

Traces the question of authority in relation to the church and the state through controversies arising from Cyprian of Carthage, the Constantinian legacy, and the Augustinian attempts to come to terms with Pelagianism and Donatism.. Students will become better acquainted with the complexity of the issues and themes that confronted the early teachers of faith, whose contribution to doctrine and life continues to impact and influence theological reflection and praxis today. (HT)

January 2010

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 2010

PhD seminar: Readings in Reformation History and Theology (Dr. Wengert)

This course will provide an analysis of a major figure (e.g., Luther, Melanchthon, Calvin, Zwingli, Bucer), event (e.g., Peasants' War, 1530 Diet of Augsburg), and/or movement (late-medieval scholasticism; Anabaptism; confessionalization) of the Reformation. Students will be encouraged to link their research to the historical, theological and social contexts of the time. (HT)

PhD/STM seminar: The Heritage of Reformation Hermeneutics: From Biblical Theology to Biblical Criticism and Back Again (Dr. Heen)

An examination of biblical theologies of churches that are heirs of the Reformation through various pre-modern (e.g., protestant orthodoxy), modern (e.g., the literalism of common sense realism; neo-Lutheranism), and post-modern (e.g., reader-response) configurations. Attention will be given to the effect of larger shifts in scientific, academic, and popular culture upon the understanding of the nature and role of Scripture in the theological enterprise. The rise of higher criticism, especially historical-criticism, and its effect upon the discipline of biblical theology is assessed as well as possibilities for a re-configuration of the role of biblical studies for the public work of the church in the twenty-first century. (ST, HT)

PhD/STM seminar: Theology of Religions (Dr. Rajashekar)

This seminar is a critical examination of contemporary theological approaches to religious pluralism, especially as they relate to biblical and historical responses to the problematic of world religions.   Selected theological approaches from a variety of traditions from late 19th century to the present will receive attention.   Perspectives from other living faiths will also be addressed in this seminar. (CT, HT)

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.

Preliminary 2010-11 ACADEMIC YEAR 

The following details of LTSP seminars are only preliminary and may be subject to change.

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 seminar: The Theology of the Cross: The New Testament and Beyond (Dr. Heen)

In the Heidelberg Disputation of 1518 Luther contrasted a "theologian of the cross" with a "theologian of glory". In doing so he 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. The seminar will identify pastoral and hermeneutical resources for the contemporary church that emerge out of this study of both foundational (New Testament) and later articulations of "the theology of the cross". (ST, HT)

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.