Systematic Theology I

The purpose of the course is to make students sufficiently theologically informed to conduct a viable ministry. We will do this by taking different theological topics, reading about the historical approach to their development, and looking at how they are understood today.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY:

The course will enable students to integrate various theological approaches into their ministries in the church and other public settings. It will also provide them a more robust understanding of the covered theological topics.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Through the successful completion of this course students will be able to:

• Stay informed about major theological approaches that have shaped and continue to impact Christian faith.

• Gain a theological understanding of their ministry settings, both in congregations and other spheres of public life.

• Construct and articulate theological foundations for their ministries.

• More meaningfully interact with the many different theological perspectives they will interact with in ministry and in life.

• SLO’s: 1.1.1; 1.2.2., 1.4.2, 1.5.2, 1.6.1., 1.6.2.; 2.1.2; 2.4.1; 2.4.2; 3.1.1; 3.1.2

COURSE FORMAT:

The course will be taught online and in person.

REQUIRED READING:

Evans, James H., We Have Been Believers: An African American Systematic Theology, 2nd edition (Philadelphia, PA: Fortress Press, 2012) ISBN-13: 978-0800698782, $27.35, Kindle $19.49.

McCormack, Bruce L., Kapic, Kelly M., Mapping Modern Theology: A Thematic and Historical Introduction (Ada, MI: Baker Academic, 2012) ISBN-13: 978-0801035357, $38.00, Kindle $24.99.

McGrath, Alister E., Christian Theology: An Introduction, 6th edition (Hoboken, NJ: WileyBlackwell, 2016) ISBN-13: 978-1118869574, $44.47, Kindle $33.59.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

Composition of the final grade will be as follows:

  • Final paper – 50%

  • Presentation – 15%

  • Class attendance and participation – 35%

PREREQUISITES:

Introduction to Theological Studies.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:

This course meets a core curriculum requirement for all Leland master's degrees and graduate certificates

GRADING SCALE:

This course meets a core curriculum requirement for Master of Divinity, Master of Theological Studies, Master of Christian Leadership and Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies.