1

Welcome to the Fall 2020 BTI Consortium Cross-Registration Course Catalog!

This spring has brought unexpected change to the Consortium, and to all of our lives.
While our member schools continue to discern the contours of our fall semester, we are
excited to offer the following courses. Half of our members are represented here, and
the others will follow soon.

The catalog is organized by member school, and then by subject area. I encourage you
to refer to the Table of Contents on the next page to see what each school has
available.

To use this guide best, it is important to note that we collapsed some categories
together that we recognize are academically distinct.

For example, while Practical Theology and Pastoral Care and Counseling are distinct
fields, the shared applied nature of their content combines them for the purposes of this
catalog. Please refer to the following subject list for reference:

1) Scripture & Biblical Studies: Includes courses in the Hebrew Scriptures or Old
Testament, New Testament, and the Qur’anic Scriptures
2) Interreligious Learning: Includes courses in Comparative, Interfaith, Intercultural, and
Interreligious or Multi-Religious Studies in Modernity, Secular studies, and Literature.
3) Polity/Canon Law: Includes Catholic Ecclesiology and Polity/Tradition courses for all
denominations
4) Practical/Pastoral Theology: Includes courses in Pastoral Care and Counseling,
Psychology, and Pastoral Theological Skills Courses for pastoral work of priesthood.
5) Preaching, Liturgy, & Ritual: This category combines all courses that are primarily
meant to teach ministry skills; i.e., Preaching courses, crafting liturgy or worship
methods, and denominational rituals. You will also find Leadership courses in these
sections.

We have also created a step-by-step “How to Register” guide, available on our Cross-
registration page. If you have any questions, please review our FAQ page, and do not
hesitate to email me (below).

Wishing you all the best,

Stephanie C. Edwards, MSW, PhD

Executive Director Elect

edwards@bostontheological.org
btioffice@bostontheological.org

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 DATES AND DEADLINES
SCHOOL FIRST DAY OF LAST DAY HOLIDAYS EXAMS
CLASSES OF
CLASSES
BOSTON Monday, Thursday, October 12 December 14-21
COLLEGE August 31 December 10 (Columbus Day)
SCHOOL OF November 25-27
THEOLOGY AND (Thanksgiving)
MINISTRY
BOSTON Monday, Thursday, October 12 December 14-21
COLLEGE August 31 December 10 (Columbus Day)
THEOLOGY November 25-27
DEPARTMENT (Thanksgiving)
BOSTON Wednesday, Thursday, October 12 December 15-19
UNIVERSITY September 2 December 10 (Columbus Day)
SCHOOL OF November 25-27
THEOLOGY (Thanksgiving)
BOSTON Wednesday, Thursday, October 12 December 15-19
UNIVERSITY September 2 December 10 (Columbus Day)
GRADUATE November 25-27
PROGRAM IN (Thanksgiving)
RELIGION
GORDON- Tuesday, Saturday, November 11 December 14-18
CONWELL September 8 December 12 (Veteran’s Day)
(SOUTH November 26-27
HAMILTON) (Thanksgiving)
GORDON- Tuesday, Saturday, November 11 December 14-18
CONWELL September 8 December 12 November 26-27
(BOSTON)
HARTFORD Tuesday, Monday, September 28 See Syllabi
SEMINARY September 8 December 21 November 23-29 (All Online)
HARVARD September 2 – 9 Thursday, October 12 December 10-16
DIVINITY (SHOPPING WEEK) December 3 (Columbus Day)
SCHOOL Course Enrollment November 25-27
Due: Sept. 9 (Thanksgiving)
HEBREW Tuesday, Friday, See Syllabi for Refer to Syllabi
COLLEGE September 8 December 18 Holiday Closures
HELLENIC Monday, Wednesday, October 12 December 18-22
COLLEGE HOLY August 31 December 16 (Columbus Day) (Classes required
CROSS November 25-27 to meet during
ORTHODOX (Thanksgiving) exam period)
SCHOOL OF
THEOLOGY
SAINT JOHN’S Monday, Monday, Oct. 12 December 16-18
SEMINARY August 31 December 14 Nov. 11
Nov 25-27
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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Boston College Theology Department.....5-8
Scripture & Biblical Studies..........................5
Languages…………………….…...…..…......5
Church History/History of Religions……...5-6
Interreligious Learning….…………...……....6
Ethics... …………………….......................6-7
Practical/Pastoral Theology….………..........7
Church Polity/Canon Law……….…...……...8
Systematic Theology & Philosophy….……..8
Boston College School of Theology and
Ministry..........................................................9-17
Scripture & Biblical Studies…..………….9-10
Languages…………...……..…………….....10
Church History/History of Religions.......10-11
Spirituality Studies……….………….…..11-12
Interreligious Learning..…...……………......12
Ethics...…………………………...................13
Religious Education & Youth Ministry.........14
Practical/Pastoral Theology………….....14-15
Systematic Theology & Philosophy.…...15-17
Preaching, Liturgy, & Ritual……..……...….17
Church Polity/Canon Law…….....……...….17
Boston University Graduate Program in
Religion….………........................................18-19
Church History/History of Religions....…….18
Judaic Studies……………………............…18
Buddhist Studies.………………………....…18
Islamic Studies….………………………...…18
Systematic Theology & Philosophy…....….19
Interreligious Learning……...……………....19
Boston University School of
Theology………………………................20-28
Scripture & Biblical Studies…..…………….20
Languages…………………..……………….21
Church History/History of Religions…...21-22
Interreligious Learning………………..…….22
Judaic Studies……...…………………….....23
Ethics...………………………………….. 23-24
Practical/Pastoral Theology…………….24-26
Systematic Theology & Philosophy....…26-27
Preaching, Liturgy, & Ritual….…….......27-28
Music…………………….…………….……..28
Hellenic College Holy Cross...….……......30-38
Scripture & Biblical Studies…………............30
Languages…………………………………30-31
Church History/History of Religions……..31-32
Interreligious Learning…………..…….....32-33
Ethics...……………………………………......33
Practical/Pastoral Theology……...….......33-34
Systematic Theology & Philosophy…...........34
Preaching, Liturgy, & Ritual………….......34-36
Religious Education & Youth Ministry……....36
Spirituality Studies…………………..………..36
Church Polity/Canon Law………..……...…...36
Music…………………………………….....37-38
Saint John’s Seminary...............................39-42
Scripture & Biblical Studies……….....……..39
Church History/History of Religions…....….40
Systematic Theology & Philosophy…....…..41
Preaching, Liturgy, & Ritual….…….............41
Church Polity/Canon Law……..…………....42
Hartford Seminary….……….......................43-45
Scripture & Biblical Studies……….....……...43
Islamic Studies….………………...………43-44
Interreligious Learning………….….....….44-45
Ethics…………………………………….........45
Harvard Divinity School….........................46-65
NOTE ABOUT HDS REGISTRATION…...46
Scripture & Biblical Studies…..…………..46-47
Languages…………...……..……………..47-50
Church History/History of Religions.........51-52
Islamic Studies..…...……………..............52-53
Buddhist Studies...………..……....................54
World Religions……………………………….54
Hinduism Studies...………..……..............55-56
Interreligious Learning………………………..56
Ethics……………………………………….56-60
Religious Education…………………….........60
Religion & The Arts…………………….…61-62
Sociology………………………………………62
Systematic Theology & Philosophy.….....62-63
Practical/Pastoral Theology…………......63-64
Preaching, Liturgy, & Ritual……..…….....64-65
Church Polity/Canon Law…….....……...…...65
**Courses that qualify for either the Religion
and Conflict Transformation (RCT) or
International Mission and Ecumenism (IME)
Certificate are marked as such.*
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Boston College Theology Department- FALL 2020
Scripture & Biblical Studies
THEO500101
Cultic Pro. Hebrew Bible
Cooley
Mondays 3:00-5:25pm
3 Credits
This seminar course will serve as an
introduction to the historical-critical study of
the priesthood in ancient Israel and Judah.
We will approach the topic by discussing
theoretical issues (e.g., anthropological
models of sacrifice, purity, cultic
intermediacy, etc.), other ancient Near
Eastern priesthoods and cults, and, most
centrally, the biblical text--in particular the
book of Leviticus.
THEO850301
Authority of Scripture (DOCTORAL ONLY)
Perkins
W 10:00am-12:25pm
3 Credits
A seminar investigating the emergence and
development of the Christian Bible from the
first to the fourth centuries C.E. This seminar
will discuss the development of a New
Testament canon as well as different views
of Biblical writings as revelation that
developed along with competing claims to a
secret or higher truth in "esoteric," non-
canonical works of the same period.
Students will explore the understanding of
Scripture in four early Christian exegetes:
Irenaeus, Origen, Eusebius and Jerome.
Requires Instructor Permission. Prerequisites
Apply. Doctoral Students Only.
Languages
THEO558201
Biblical Hebrew I
Walton
T/TH 1:30-2:45pm
3 Credits
This course is a thorough introduction to
Biblical Hebrew and its principal grammatical
structures in preparation for translation of
prose and poetic texts. Readings in the
Hebrew Bible/Old Testament begin the fall
semester and increase in variety throughout
the year. No previous knowledge of Hebrew
is assumed.
Church History/History of
Religions
THEO542601
African Christian Fathers and Mothers in
the Church
Schatkin
M 3:00-5:20pm
3 Credits
This course counts as an elective towards
the interdisciplinary Minor in Ancient
Civilization. Introduction to the Fathers of the
Church, with special emphasis on the period
after the apostles to the Council of Nicea
(A.D. 325). The lives, writings, and teachings
of the Church Fathers will be studied through
readings in English translation.
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 History (CONT.)
THEO703101
The Pelagian Controversy
Hunter
M 3:00-5:25pm
3 Credits
In the early decades of the fifth century a
theological conflict arose that has come to be
known as the "Pelagian Controversy."
Beginning in the East, but soon spreading to
the West, the debate involved crucial
questions about the created nature of human
beings, the impact of sin, and the respective
roles of divine grace and human freedom in
the process of salvation. It eventually
expanded to include questions about human
sexuality and predestination. This course will
examine the emergence of the controversy in
the ascetical theology of Pelagius, its pre-
history in controversies over the legacy of
Origen of Alexandria, and its development in
the theology of Augustine and his opponents.
Some attention will also be given to the early
medieval aftermath of the controversy in the
so-called "semi-Pelagian" movement in Gaul.
Interreligious Learning
THEO543401
Comparative Mysticism
Cornille
W 10:00am-12:25pm
3 Credits
The area of mysticism or spirituality has been
the focus of a heated debate among those
who argue for the universality and the
particularity of mystical experiences. In this
course, we shall engage in this discussion by
studying the writings of important mystics
from various religious traditions.
THEO547401
Jews and Christians
Langer
TH 2:00-4:25pm
3 Credits
Description: This course is an exercise in
interreligious learning sponsored by the
Boston College's Center for Jewish-Christian
Learning. Interreligious dialogue requires
interreligious understanding. This course will
build a foundation for genuine dialogue
between Jews and Christians by posing
fundamental theological questions in a
comparative context. Students will gain an
understanding of the other tradition while
also deepening their understanding of their
own, discussing such matters as the human
experience of God, the purpose of human
existence, the nature of religious community,
and the ways that the communities respond
to challenges, both contemporary and
ancient.
Ethics (All Traditions)
THEO538901
Buddhist Ethics: Ancient and Modern
Makransky
T 3:00-5:25pm
3 Credits
We first study classical Asian Buddhist
ethical principles and practices, then a
modern manual of Tibetan Buddhist theory
and practice, including ethics. We then
explore modern Engaged Buddhism in Asia
and the West, including contemporary
Buddhist reflections on social and economic
justice, ecology, violence/non-violence and
feminism. Daily mindfulness practice, based
on class instruction, is included. Weekly
writing of 3 pages, active class participation,
two short papers, and a longer paper.
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Ethics (CONT.)
THEO549801
HIV/AIDS & Ethics
Heyer
T/TH 10:30-11:45am
3 Credits
This course looks at how we can understand
a bit better the ethics of public health through
the lens of HIV/AIDS. There besides studying
the virus itself, we examine the varied related
ethical issues regarding stigma, prevention,
research, gender inequity, economic
disparities, local culture, religion, funding,
and access.
Requires Professor Approval.
THEO700701
Theology, Ethics, Politics
Cahill
T 3:00-5:25
3 Credits
Description Unavailable at this time.
Requires Professor Approval. Has
Prerequisites.
THEO768701
Catholic Theology Ethics 1300-1900
Keenan
W 2:00-4:25pm
3 Credits
A survey of the following major figures in
theological ethics: Duns Scotus, William of
Ockham, Jean Gerson, Antoninus of
Florence, Desiderius Erasmus, John Mair,
Bartolomé de las Casas, Juan Gines de
Sepulveda, Francisco de Vitoria, Dominic
Soto, Bartolomé Medina, the Council of Trent
(1545-1563), Francesco de Toldeo, Thomas
Sanchez, Francisco Suarez, Antonio
Escobar, Blaise Pascal, Alphonsus Liguori,
Johann Michael Sailer, Johann Baptist von
Hirscher, and Thomas Slater.
Practical/Pastoral Theology
THEO559901
A Theology of Food: Eucharist
Bergin
T 3:00-5:25
3 Credits
Eating and drinking are primordial human
experiences that nourish individuals, sustain
communities and are at the heart of rituals in
many religions. In the Judeo-Christian
tradition meals play an important part in the
unfolding dialog between God and humanity.
Christians believe in a privileged encounter
with the Lord Jesus in the Eucharistic meal of
bread and wine. Eternal life is portrayed as a
great banquet in God?s presence. This
course articulates a theology of the Eucharist
that takes meal as its point of departure. It
examines how this central Christian action
both shapes the divine-human relationship
and informs our response to contemporary
issues such as creation and ecology, hunger
and suffering, solidarity and exclusion, hope
and eternity.
Requires Professor Approval. Has
Prerequisites.
THEO500601
Sexuality and The Spirit
Weiss
M 4:30-6:50pm
3 Credits
Christian spirituality has come to integrate
sexuality as part of the key Christian process
of loving God, others, and self. We will
explore this dynamic development (and
disagreements) in theology and spirituality of
Catholics, Protestants, and Anglicans over
recent decades, with attention to single
persons, marriage, LGBTQ, vowed celibates,
divorced, widowed, and other special topics
(including sexual violence). Invited speakers
will address the class. The course is
designed to advance understanding and care
of self and others.
Requires Professor Approval. Has
Prerequisites.
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Church Polity/Canon Law
THEO850701
Contemporary Ecclesiology (DOCTORAL
ONLY)
Gaillardetz
TH 10:00am-12:25pm
3 Credits
This seminar will focus on six contemporary
ecclesiological currents that have emerged in
the last five decades directly or indirectly as
critiques of so called communion
ecclesiology.
Requires Professor Approval. Has
Prerequisites. DOCTORAL STUDENTS
ONLY.
THEO703001
Development in Doctrine and Theology
Wilkins
T 10:00am-12:25pm
3 Credits
This course explores the dynamics of
development in select cases of Christian
doctrine and of theological understanding;
the interplay of doctrine and theory; and
various attempts to explain how development
'works' or is validated.
Systematic Theology &
Philosophy
THEO702701
Decoloniality & Liberation Theology
Alvarez-Mendoza
W 10:00am-12:25pm
3 Credits
The Global South has developed in the
recent half century a new perspective of
epistemic autonomy. Beyond postcolonial
studies, now the question is about how the
subaltern peoples promote their own
experiences, practices, voices and narratives
of dignity, resistance and hope. The
Theologies of Liberation have been inspired
by this decolonial critique, and they explore
this new "locus theologicus" for a global
society.
THEO548101
Women and The Church
Hinsdale
W 1:00-3:25pm
3 Credits
The religious and social experience of
women from a variety of cultures, including
the experience of class participants, form the
basis of this seminar. We will (1) study the
historical roots of Christian feminist theology;
(2) explore the critiques and alternative
reconstructions of traditional understandings
of the Bible, God, human beings and their
relationship to the world that have been
offered by Christian feminist theologians
writing from a variety of ideological
perspectives; and (3) investigate the ways in
which women have defined themselves in
relationship to the church, particularly in
terms of spirituality and ministry.
THEO702701
Decoloniality & Liberation Theology
Alvarez-Mendoza
W 10:00am-12:25pm
3 Credits
The Global South has developed in the
recent half century a new perspective of
epistemic autonomy. Beyond postcolonial
studies, now the question is about how the
subaltern peoples promote their own
experiences, practices, voices and narratives
of dignity, resistance and hope. The
Theologies of Liberation have been inspired
by this decolonial critique, and they explore
this new "locus theologicus" for a global
society.
THEO800701
Mariology
Adkins-Jones
T 4:30-6:50
3 Credits
Mariology is the study of Mary, Mother of
Jesus. Full Description not available at this
time.
END OF BOSTON COLLEGE THEOLOGY
DEPARTMENT CATALOG
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Boston College School of Theology and Ministry- FALL 2020
Scripture & Biblical Studies
TMOT7067
Introduction to Old Testament
Michael Simone, S.J.
ONLINE
3 Credits
A literary, historical, and theological
introduction to the Old Testament (Hebrew
Bible)—the Pentateuch, Historical Books,
Wisdom Literature and Psalms, and
Prophets.
TMOT7014
The Core Narrative OT: Genesis to Kings
Andrew R. Davis
M/W 1:00-2:50pm
3 Credits
A study of the Pentateuch and the
Deuteronomistic History (Deuteronomy to
Kings) through lectures, and sections in
which students present an exegesis of
important passages. Solid knowledge of
these books is essential to understand the
rest of the Bible. This course does not
duplicate other "introductions," for we read
only Genesis through Kings (not the
Prophets, Wisdom Literature, or Psalms),
and a third of the class time is devoted to
small sections, which are designed to
sharpen exegetical and preaching skills.
TMNT7050
Gospel of Mark
Willis
W 10:00am-12:50pm
3 Credits
A close exegetical analysis of Mark's Gospel,
with particular attention to Markan literary
devices and to his portrayal of Jesus Christ,
discipleship, and suffering.
TMNT7023
Introduction to New Testament
Matthew Monnig, S.J.
M/W 8:30-9:50am (ONLINE)
3 Credits
The New Testament is a collection of diverse
writings that are central to Christian faith and
life. This course will introduce students to the
literary characteristics, historical context, and
theological content of these writings and to
the methods and approaches associated with
the modern discipline of biblical studies.
TMNT 7214
Jesus of Nazareth
David Jorgensen
T 4:00-6:00pm
3 Credits
The course examines the canonical and non-
canonical evidence for the life, teaching, and
activities of Jesus of Nazareth with a focus
on his context in first-century Judea and
Galilee. It introduces the three phases or
“quests” for a historical Jesus and discusses
the relevance of scholarly reconstructions of
the historical Jesus for ministerial contexts
today.
TMNT7043
First Corinthians
Christopher R. Matthews
TH 4:00-6:00pm
3 Credits
A close reading of 1 Corinthians with
attention to its historical and social setting, its
rhetorical structure, and its theological and
ecclesiological significance for our
understanding of Paul's thought and practice,
and the history of early Christianity. Thus the
course will consist of a thorough survey of
the structure, content, and key themes (e.g.,
Christology, ecclesiology, eschatology,
ethics, resurrection, role of women) of Paul's
epistle based primarily upon an exegetical
analysis of the text with attention to current
discussion in the scholarly literature.
 Scripture & Biblical Studies
(CONT.)
TMNT8005
Great Themes of the Bible
Richard J. Clifford, S.J.
and Thomas Stegman
T 12:00-2:50pm
3 Credits
A survey of several key themes that emerge
and re-emerge in the Christian Bible
(encompassing both the Old and New
Testaments). These themes include creation
and eschatology; election and the nations;
covenant and law; mediator/suffering
servant; divine justice; sin and forgiveness;
manifestations of God (e.g., Wisdom, Word,
Spirit); Kingdom of God; and resurrection.
This course serves as a good capstone
course for M.T.S. and M.Div. students.
Accommodations can be made for more
advanced students.
Prerequisites may apply (Contact Prof.). This
is a synthetic course, apt for those finishing a
degree.
Languages
TMTM2001
Intermediate Greek I
Maria Kakavas
M/W 1:00-2:30pm
3 Credits
In this course, we deepen the study of Greek
by reviewing grammar and by studying a
number of New Testament texts, as well as
Septuagint and writings from the Apostolic
Fathers.
Professor Permission Required.
Prerequisites may apply (Contact Prof.)
CHOOSE ONE SECTION:
TMTM2002 01 (MONDAY)
TMTM2002 02 (WEDNESDAY)
New Testament Greek I
M 3:30-4:45pm
OR
W 4:00-5:15
3 Credits
An introduction to the grammar and
vocabulary of the Greek New Testament with
a focus on the ability to read the New
Testament books in their original language
with a dictionary by means of mastery of the
basic grammar and syntax of koine Greek,
and by building a working vocabulary of
koine Greek words and the forms in which
they appear in the New Testament.
Church History/History of
Religions
TMHC7166
Popes & the Papacy: From Peter to the
Present
Catherine M. Mooney
W 1:00-3:50pm
3 Credits
A survey course of popes and papacy from
Peter to Francis I, with attention to
institutional, theological, and cultural
contexts. The course is organized
chronologically, while giving thematic
attention to issues that cut across eras, e.g.,
papal primacy, infallibility, evolution of church
structures, attitudes toward and roles of
women, political alliances and relations with
Jews, etc. Coverage of major events;
crusades, Reformation, Vatican II, etc.
Lectures with regular opportunities to discuss
and probe readings for their relevance today.
This course qualifies for an IME Certificate
requirement.
10
 History (CONT.)
TMHC7229
Great Christian Thinkers: Augustine,
Aquinas, Luther
Franklin T. Harkins
F 9:00am-12:00pm
3 Credits
Augustine of Hippo, Thomas Aquinas, and
Martin Luther determined the shape of
Christian thought and practice in the West in
innumerable, profound, and lasting ways.
This course provides an introduction to the
life, literary works, and theology of these
three great Christian thinkers. For each, our
readings and discussions will focus on the
themes of "Faith and Reason" and "Nature
and Grace." Throughout the course, we will
consider how the historical and cultural
context, education and formation, vocation,
personality, and spirituality of each
theologian influenced the content and form of
his theology.
TMST8548
Tradition
Richard Lennan
W 4:00-6:20pm
3 Credits
This seminar examines a prominent theme in
Catholic theology. The seminar will chart the
shifts in theologies of tradition through the
nineteenth and twentieth centuries. There will
also be a focus on contemporary theologies
of tradition, as well as feminist and other
critiques of tradition. The initial focus will be
on interpretations of tradition from the period
before Vatican II(Newman, Blondel, Congar,
and Ratzinger). The seminar will also explore
Vatican II's contribution to the theology of
tradition and the theologies that have
followed the council. The place of
"reception," "creativity," and the
"development of doctrine," will also be
examined.
TMHC7026
History of Western Christianity I: 100-850
Francine Cardman
M/W 10:00-11:50am
3 Credits
Through lectures and primary source
readings, the course surveys the major
cultural, institutional, and theological
developments of ancient Christianity from the
time of the persecutions to the break-up of
the Carolingian empire and the rise of
medieval Christendom.
Spirituality Studies
TMHC7218
Introduction to Ignatian Spirituality
Barton Geger, S.J.
W 10:00am-12:50pm
3 Credits
A study of the coherent theological vision
and practical spiritual teachings of Ignatius of
Loyola through his writings (e.g. Spiritual
Exercises, Diary, and Testament). The
course explores both the historical
foundations for Ignatius's spiritual program
and its subsequent interpretations by
theologians and pastoral practitioners.
TMST8565
Advanced Seminar in Spirituality Studies:
Foundations
Andre Brouillette
W 6:30-8:30pm
3 Credits
Offered every year as a required doctoral
level seminar for ThM, STL, STD students
with a concentration in Spirituality, and open
to PhD and advanced graduate students
according to availability.
11
 Spirituality Studies (CONT.)
TMST8043
Historical Spiritual Classics in
Theological Perspective
Colleen M. Griffith
M 12:00-2:50pm
3 Credits
This course will survey historical classics,
examining the generative themes that are
suggestive for our time and foundational in
the construction of a contemporary
spirituality. Authors will include Augustine,
Benedict, Francis and Clare of Assisi, Julian
of Norwich, Catherine of Genoa, Ignatius of
Loyola, Teresa of Avila, and John of the
Cross. Thematic questions will be brought to
the reading of core texts.
Prerequisites may apply, contact Instructor.
TMHC7022
Spiritual Autobiography: Journeys into
the Self & God
Catherine M. Mooney
T 3:00-5:50pm
3 Credits
This course examines the spiritual
autobiographies of well-known individuals
such as Augustine of Hippo, Teresa of Avila,
Thrse of Lisieux, Thomas Merton, Dorothy
Day, Walter Ciszek, S.J., and Nancy Mairs.
In addition to reading classic texts by
profound and influential religious seekers,
the class will explore how religious
experiences, understandings of the self, God
and the supernatural are shaped by diverse
historical contexts. Lectures and discussion.
Interreligious Learning
TMST7153
Theology and Literature
Brian Dunkle, S.J.
TH 9:30-11:50am
3 Credits
A study of major works of Christian literature
as sources for theology. We study hymns
and verse from the early church, including
the Odes of Solomon, the works of Ephrem,
and the hymns of Ambrose, before
examining the literature of the Middle Ages,
including selections from Dante's Inferno,
and the poets and playwrights of the
Renaissance. We conclude with major
Christian novelists of recent decades,
including Flannery O'Connor and Marilynne
Robinson. There will be discussion on issues
of form and content in theology as well as
special attention to literary approaches to
Christian doctrine and mystery.
TMHC7063
Catholics and American Culture
Mark Massa, S.J.
TH 3:15-6:00pm
3 Credits
This course examines the interaction
between Catholic theology, liturgical practice,
and intellectual traditions with American
mainstream culture Using demographic,
sociological, and theological resources, it will
examine a series of specific issues: passing
on the faith to younger generations, Catholic
"market share" in the ecology of American
denominations, the tradition of neo-Thomism,
etc.
This course qualifies for an IME Certificate
requirement.
12
Ethics
TMCE7052
Theological Bioethics: From the Basics to
the Future
Andrea Vincini, S.J.
M 3:00-4:50pm
3 Credits
The course addresses, first, the basic issues
in bioethics focusing on the beginning of
human life (reproductive technologies,
prenatal diagnosis, oncofertility, and
abortion), biomedical research
(transplantation and stem cell research), and
the end of human life (euthanasia, palliative
care, and vegetative state). Second, it
discusses global issues (global public health,
pandemics, sustainability, and trafficking).
Third, it studies the bioethical concerns
raised by developing biotechnologies
(genetics, neuroscience, and
cybertechnology). By studying the current
theological debate and the Catholic
Magisterium, principles and theories will be
highlighted aiming at supporting personal
decision-making and pastoral service.
TMCE7216
Virtue Ethics
Daniel J. Daly
F 1:00-4:00pm
3 Credits
An introduction to the emerging field of
Christian virtue ethics. The course begins
with a study of the theological and
philosophical theories of virtue that shaped
contemporary Catholic and Protestant
accounts of virtue. Attention is given to the
relation of virtue theory and the virtues to: the
Gospels and life of Jesus; Christian
community; human happiness; natural law;
and moral norms. The course also discusses
the academic and pastoral uses of virtue
ethics through the examination of
contemporary cases in light of the virtues.
TMCE8124
End of Life Ethics
Daniel J. Daly
T 6:30-9:00pm
3 Credits
The course endeavors to educate the
student about the issues, perspectives, and
methodologies in contemporary end of life
ethics. Throughout the course the tradition of
Catholic end of life ethics will be placed in
dialogue with Protestant and secular
positions and approaches in the field. The
course begins with an exploration of the
development of the Catholic end of life ethics
tradition from Thomas Aquinas to the present
day. Students then consider contemporary
issues in end of life ethics, such as physician
assisted suicide, the provision of artificial
nutrition and hydration for permanently
unconscious patients, the ethics of palliative
care, and the provision of treatment for
neonates suffering from terminal illness. This
section of the course analyzes cases in
clinical end of life ethics. The course also
introduces students to how end of life ethics
functions in hospital ethics committees.
Requires Professor Permission.
TMCE7008
Introduction to Catholic Social Ethics
Mary Jo Iozzio
TH 6:30-9:00pm
3 Credits
This course introduces the rich tradition of
social ethics engaged explicitly by Leo XIII,
Rerum Novarum (1891), continued by his
successors and bishops conferences, and
enriched by theological reflection that
continues today. Attention will be given to the
principal documents (encyclicals, Gaudium et
spes (1965), pastoral letters), and the
contexts from which they emerged to gain
facility in applying social analysis to
contemporary concerns. Key themes: life and
dignity of the human person, solidarity, social
participation and the common good, the
preferential option for the poor, and
economic development and work, among
others.
13
Religious Education & Youth
Ministry
TMRE7060
Educating in Faith: Foundations and
Practice
Thomas H. Groome
T 9:30-11:50
3 Credits
This course proposes theological, spiritual
and pedagogical foundations for a
participatory and empowering approach to
faith-based education, pastoral ministry and
service. Reflecting religious education as a
mode of practical theology and concern for
the spiritual foundations of Catholic
education, the course invites participants to
develop their own praxis of educating from
and for faith. This is the purpose of the
Church’s educational work in the world.
However, it is also a responsibility of every
Christian person and of every function of
ministry and faith based service.
TMPS7041
The Practice of Ministry with Youth and
Young Adults
Theresa A. O’Keefe
ONLINE
3 Credits
This course aims to explore elements critical
to the effective practice of ministry for and
with youth and young adults. Considering the
broad demographics herein, this class
attends to fostering the skills of discernment
and mentoring, which would be valuable
across the spectrum of these varied
constituencies and contexts. Together the
class explores the contexts of the ministry
(ecclesial and social), identifies a vision for
the work, and considers how that vision
might assist in discerning God's action in and
direction for work with youth and young
adults.
Practical/Pastoral Theology
CHOOSE ONE SECTION:
TMPS7093 01 (TUES)
TMPS7093 02 (THURS)
Introduction to Pastoral Care and
Counseling
Melissa Kelly
T (01) 9:30-11:50am
OR
TH (02) 3:15-6:00pm
3 Credits
In this foundational course, we develop an
understanding of critical dimensions of
competent and compassionate pastoral care
and counseling today. This course has four
primary foci. First, we consider theoretical
perspectives that may ground this large
ministerial field. Second, we study concrete
methods and skills for effective pastoral care.
Third, we examine some challenging realities
to which all pastoral caregivers must respond
at some point, including domestic violence,
grief and loss, and suicide. Finally, we
consider the person of the pastoral caregiver,
including the necessity of resilience in
ministry and next steps in developing as a
pastoral caregiver. Throughout the course,
we explore pastoral care/counseling from
contemporary theological, psychological, and
cultural perspectives. We also consider the
specific roles and possible strategies of the
pastoral caregiver and the faith community in
supporting individuals and communities as
they harness strengths and resources to
negotiate challenges and create or maintain
stability and well-being. This course includes
lecture, readings, discussion, and exercises.
14
 Practical/Pastoral Theology
(CONT.)
TMPS7090
Ministry in a Diverse Church
Hosffman Ospino
W 4:00-6:20pm
3 Credits
Catholicism in the United States is presently
shaped by rich cultural traditions that
demand creative approaches to ministry in
the midst of diversity. Nearly 45% of all
Catholics in the country are Hispanic, 40%
Euro-American, 4% Asian-American, 3.7%
African-American, among others. Students in
this course explore key questions and
discuss ministerial strategies that will help
them develop cultural competencies for
effective ministry today. The course builds on
the U.S. Latino/a Catholic experience as a
case study while addressing core issues in
ministry that affect everyone in the Church.
Ecumenical and international perspectives
are welcomed into this conversation.
TMST7057
Theological Foundations in a Practical
Perspective
Colleen M. Griffith
TH 9:30-11:50am
3 Credits
Taught from a pastoral perspective, this
course offers an overview of contemporary
Christian theology, introducing basic
theological themes reflected in Co-Workers
e.g. the cultural context in which we do
theology, God, being human, Jesus, reign of
God, Church. It considers theological
methods and investigates the sources that
contribute constructions of theological
positions.
TMST8021
Priesthood: Theology and Praxis
Joseph Weiss, S.J.
M/W 8:30-9:50
3 Credits
This Level Two course is open to all students
and focuses on ordained ministry of the
Roman Catholic priesthood in terms of its
biblical & theological foundations, historical
development, contemporary issues, pastoral
practice, & priestly spirituality, especially as
treated in the pertinent ecclesial documents.
Also treated are the cooperation between
laity and clergy and the roles of lay ecclesial
ministry as well as both tensions and
critiques arising out of the Church's
reservation of the priesthood to males and
mandatory celibacy. Ecclesiology is a pre-
requisite for counting this course for the
Ecclesial Ministry requirement in the M.Div.
curriculum.
Systematic Theology &
Philosophy
TMST8065
Ellacuria, Sobrino, Romero
O. Ernesto Valiente
TH 6:30-9:00pm
3 Credits
Oscar Romero, Ignacio Ellacuría, and Jon
Sobrino represent three leading figures in
Latin American liberation theology. This
seminar explores their converging theological
projects, which outline a major trajectory in
Catholic Theology since the Second Vatican
Council. After exploring the historical and
cultural context that shaped the work of
these three men, we will engage on a close
reading and critical evaluation of their work.
Because they influence one another, we will
particularly attend to those theological
themes in which crosspollination has taken
place: Christology, ecclesiology, soteriology
and spirituality.
15
 Systematic Theology &
Philosophy (CONT.)
TMHC7228
Introduction to Thomas Aquinas
Franklin T. Harkins
T 12:00-2:50pm
3 Credits
This course provides an introduction to the
theology of Thomas Aquinas in its historical,
intellectual, and institutional contexts, with a
focus on reading and understanding the
primary texts of Thomas (in English
translation). The course considers Thomas’s
treatment of central theological topics
including the nature and extent of theology,
the status and interpretation of
(description continues at top of right column)
Sacred Scripture, the existence and essence
of God, divine providence and
predestination, God’s triune nature, creation,
evil and sin, grace and its effects, merit, faith
and its relationship to reason, the
Incarnation, Christ’s passion and death, His
resurrection and ascension, and the
sacraments. Throughout attention will be
given to Thomas’s assumptions and working
method as a scholastic master and the uses
he makes of various authorities (scriptural,
patristic, philosophical, etc.) in the
development of his theology.
TMST7215
Philosophy for Theological Study
Brian Dunkle, S.J.
M/W 8:30-9:50am
3 Credits
This course has two aims: (1) critical study of
philosophical texts that have been important
in the development of Christian theological
reflection; (2) investigate relations between
philosophy and theology from the Classical
epoch into the late 20th century. This course
is designed especially for students of
Theology, Ministry, and the joint MA program
in philosophy and theology, but is open to all
students.
TMST8094
Evil and Deliverance
Felix Palazzi
TH 9:30-11:50am
3 Credits
This course focuses on the problem of evil in
the Christian tradition and theology. In this
course we are going to address the following
questions: Is evil a natural source, or is it
merely a privation or lack of? Where does
the evil come from? Why does an all-
powerful God allow so much pointless
suffering? Why are human beings so prone
to temptation and evil? How can we respond
to evil? How can we understand evil and the
final Victory of God? What does the
atonement of Christ mean in relation to evil?
How do we interpret the atonement of Christ
in relation to the evil nature? Has evil a
happy end? We will try to address all those
questions with consideration of the
Scriptures and the theological answer and
reflection to the problem of evil within our
historical reality.
Prerequisites may apply, contact Instructor.
TMST700901 OR TMST700902
Fundamental Theology
Andre Brouillette(01)
Ernest Valiente(02)
T(01): 9:30-11:50am
W(02) 1:00-3:50pm
3 Credits
The resources and methods of theology
provide the framework for this course. A
primary focus will be on the relationship
between revelation, faith, and theology,
which includes the role of the Bible and the
church's doctrine. The course will also survey
past and present methods in 'doing theology,'
and consider the connection between
theology and spirituality.
16
 Systematic Theology &
Philosophy (CONT.)
TMST7024
Christology
Rafael Luciani
T 6:30-9:00pm
3 Credits
This course seeks to clarify what it means to
confess that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ,
and why this is a significant claim. The
course examines the New Testament, the
early councils of the Church, the writings of
early and medieval Christian theologians, the
dogmatic teachings of the Church and the
contributions of contemporary theologians.
Two main questions will be addressed: Who
is Jesus? How does Jesus save us?
TMST7020
The Church
Richard Lennan
T 3:00-6:00pm
3 Credits
The ecclesial dimension of Christian faith is
the focal point of this course. The course will
locate the church within both a Trinitarian
theology and a theological anthropology.
Specific topics for exploration include the
place of the church in the Creed, the
sacramentality of the church, a theology of
mission, and of structure and authority. The
course will also explore current issues
shaping the church's life and its place in the
wider culture.
Preaching, Liturgy, & Ritual
TMST8012
Liturgy and Time
John F. Baldwin, S.J.
W 1:00-3:50pm
3 Credits
An investigation of the history, theology and
spirituality of the liturgical year and the liturgy
of the hours.
TMPS7054
Introduction to Liturgy
John F. Baldwin, S.J.
M 12:00-2:50pm
3 Credits
To introduce the basics of liturgical theology,
the course is divided into three parts:
liturgical history and sources; ritual studies
including art, music and environment; and
liturgical practice, planning and celebration.
Church Polity/Canon Law
TMPS8122
Canon Law of the Sacraments
Andrea Ponzone
T 3:00-5:30pm
3 Credits
This course examines Book IV of the 1983
Code of Canon Law, the sanctifying munus
of the Church. It presents a canonical study
of the Sacraments of the Catholic Church,
other Acts of Divine Worship, and Sacred
Places and Times. Special emphasis is
placed on the Sacrament of Marriage, not
only on substantive norms (cann. 1055 –
1165) but also on Book VII as regards the
Process for Declaration of Marriage Nullity. A
comparison with selected norms of the 1990
Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches will
highlight some specificities of Sacramental
Law of the Eastern Catholic Churches.
Instructor Permission Required.
Prerequisites may apply, see instructor.
END OF BOSTON COLLEGE SCHOOL OF
THEOLOGY AND MINISTRY CATALOG
17
Boston University Graduate Program in Religion- FALL 2020
Church History/History of Religions
RN601 RN685
Early Christianity Holocaust Literature & Fiction
Frankfurter Harrowitz
TH 3:30-4:45pm TH 11:00am-12:15pm
4 Credits 4 Credits
Surveys the many different and often Description unavailable at this time.
competing forms of Christianity that arose
and flourished in the second to the seventh Buddhist Studies
Century, from the "apostolic period" to the
Arab conquest in the Middle East. RN664
Prerequisites: At least one prior course in Buddhist Literature
biblical studies or New Testament literature Harrington
recommended. TH 2:00-3:15pm
4 Credits
Judaic Studies Focuses on Buddhist sutras and other
literature to explore key issues of doctrine,
RN637 philosophy, and praxis in the Theravada and
Gender, Sexuality, and Judaism Mahayana traditions of Buddhism. Topics
Klepper include the Buddha's life, practicing the path,
T 3:30-6:15pm emptiness, and interdependence.
4 Credits
Explores the role of gender and sexuality in Islamic Studies
Judaism and Jewish experience, historically
and in the present. Subjects include RN734
constructions of masculinity and femininity, Representations of Muhammad
attitudes toward (and uses of) the body and Ali
sexuality, gendered nature of religious M 3:30-6:15
practice and authority. 4 Credits
Explores Muslim and non-Muslim
RN638
representations of Muhammad over the
Judaism in the Modern Period
centuries in prose biographies, poetry, and
Katz film. Attention to differences of genre across
TH 12:30-1:45pm time and space. Focuses on shifting ideas
4 Credits about holiness, sex, violence, and revelation.
Encounters between Judaism and modernity
from the Renaissance and Reformation; the
Spanish expulsion and creation of Jewish
centers in the New World; emancipation and
its consequences; assimilation, Reform
Judaism, Zionism, the American Jewish
community, non-European communities,
Jewish global migration, and modern
antisemitism.
18
Systematic Theology &
Philosophy
RN697
Topics in Philosophy & Religion
Eckel
W 5:45-8:30pm
4 Credits
Buddhism as Philosophy. Topics include
Buddhist philosophy of mind, religious
knowledge, controversies with rival
philosophers, and the path to nirvana.
Seminar coordinates with the fall lecture
series in the Institute for Philosophy and
Religion.
RN752
Topics in Religious Thought
Petro
T 3:30-6:15pm
4 Credits
Topic for Fall 2020: Religion, Secularism,
and Power. What forms does religion take in
the modern world? This seminar exams the
growing field of secularism studies, including
its intersections with anthropology, feminist
and queer studies, and critical race theory.
Possible authors: Foucault, Asad, Mahmood,
Sullivan, Coviello, Lloyd, Pellegrini.

Interreligious Learning
RN709
Cults & Charisma END OF BOSTON UNIVERSITY GRADUATE
Frankfurter PROGRAM IN RELIGION CATALOG
TH 12:30-1:45pm
4 Credits
Examines religious sects, new religions, and
charismatic leadership using case-studies
from history and the contemporary world, as
well as analytical principles from religious
studies and anthropology.

RN727
Topics in American Religion
Prothero
T 3:30-6:15pm
4 Credits
Historiography of US Religions. Exploration
of key scholarship, both classic and
contemporary, in the study of American
religions. Possible authors include: Ahlstrom,
Albanese, Braude, Douglas, Kruse, Marsden,
Orsi, Raboteau, Tweed, Weisenfeld.

19
Boston University School of Theology- FALL 2020
Scripture & Biblical Studies
STH TO821 A1
Psalms
Botta
TH 6:30-9:15pm
3 Credits
The Psalter, its development, organization,
and content. The Psalms interpreted in their
worship setting. Attention given to literary
and devotional values of these lyrical
classics of Israel.
Prerequisite: Intro to Hebrew Bible or the
equivalent.
STH TO829 A1
Genesis
Botta
W 6:30-9:15pm
3 Credits
A study of the Book of Genesis in the context
of other ancient Near Eastern creation myths
and stories. The course covers the Primeval
Cycle, the Abraham Cycle, the Jacob Cycle
and the Joseph Narrative with special
attention to their reception and relevance for
contemporary religious audiences.
Prerequisite: Intro to Hebrew Bible or the
equivalent.
STH TN806 A1
The Gospel of John
Hill
M 8:00-10:45am
3 Credits
The purpose of this study of the Fourth
Gospel is to acquaint the student with this
work from the later New Testament period in
a way that provides understanding of and the
capacity for criticism of the text involved (in
addition to some non-canonical Johannine
literature, e.g., the Gnostic Apocryphon of
John). Appreciation for both the unity and the
diversity within the Johannine literature
should increase during this study.
Prerequisite: Intro to New Testament or the
equivalent.
STH TN813 A1
Methods and Exegesis in Paul’s Letters
Menendez-Antuna
T 8:00-10:45am
3 Credits
Introduction to Paul's Letters with special
attention to traditional themes (Law, Grace,
Justification, etc) and contemporary
contextual approaches (Feminist,
Postcolonial, and Queer Studies).
Prerequisite: Intro to New Testament or the
equivalent.
STH TN862 A1
African American and Womanist
Hermeneutics
Smith
TH 3:30-6:15pm
3 Credits
This is a seminar-style, intensive course in
which students critically read works of
African American and Womanist biblical
scholarship on the Hebrew Bible and the
New Testament, while critically engaging
biblical passages and peers in discussions
about approaches, contexts, implications,
strengths and challenges. The course begins
with the conviction that all knowledge is
perspectival. That is, how we access and
interpret texts has to do with a complex
combination of factors, including ethnicity,
gender, sexuality, and social-cultural history
(just to name a few), that constitute who we
are at one particular instance in time. In
particular, the course seeks to understand
the historic perspectives and approaches of
African American and Womanist readings
and appropriations of biblical texts as a way
to build students' capacities to appreciate the
interpretative strategies of others (especially
historically marginalized and/or
underrepresented groups) as well as to
identify and articulate their own critical and
socially-situated understandings of biblical
passages and its implications.
Languages Church History/History of
Religions (Includes Missions)
STH TO723
Biblical Hebrew I STH TH811 A1
Darr History of the Episcopal Church
T/TH 8:00-9:15am Feyerherm
3 Credits (6 Credits over 2 semesters) TH 8:00-10:45am
Hebrew grammar, including exercises in 3 Credits
translation and composition, following No Description available at this time.
Lambdin's Introduction to Biblical Hebrew.
Prepares students to read Hebrew prose.
STH TH821 A1
NOTE: To earn credit, students must
History and Doctrine of United
complete both TO723 and TO724. This is a
Methodism
full year course.
Evans
W 8:00-10:45am
STH TO830 A1
3 Credits
Hebrew Reading 1-2
An exploration of Methodist origins, the
Botta Wesleys, the rise of Methodism in England,
Time arranged after enrollment. and the distinctive doctrines of Wesleyan
3 Credits theology. There is a particular focus on the
Reading Hebrew prose and other Hebrew development of the various United
documents and scriptures in the original Methodist traditions in America and their
language. impact on society. The course is designed
Prerequisite: Biblical Hebrew I or the to meet one of the requirements for
equivalent. membership in a UMC Annual Conference.
STH TN723 A1 STH TM863 A1
New Testament Greek I African Christianity: Narratives, Beliefs,
Menendez-Antuna and Practices
T/TH 11:00am-12:15pm Robert and Wariboko
3 Credits T 12:30-3:15
Introduction to the grammar and vocabulary 3 Credits
of the Greek New Testament. For students This course examines the history of
with no training in Greek. Christianity in Africa, with focus on the 19th-
NOTE: To earn credit, students must 21st centuries. It pays particular attention to
complete both TN723 and TN724. This is a themes in African theology, gender and
full year course. social action, environmentalism, Pentecostal
spiritualties, African missions, and
church/state relations-- including issues of
colonialism and democratization. A highlight
of the course will be a conference on African
Christian Biography with leading scholars, in
late October.

21
 History (CONT.)
STH TM910 A1
Seminar in World Christianity and
Mission History
Robert
F 8:00-10:45am
4 Credits
A seminar in the history of Christian
missions, from the early church to the
present. Issues of historiography, method,
and the emergence of non-western church
history. Required course for doctoral
students in mission studies at BU.
Discussion Section Required: F 11:15am-
12:05pm.
STH TH827 A1
American Church History
Evans
M 2:30-5:15
3 Credits
The development of American Christianity
as a social, intellectual, institutional, and
cultural movement. The course includes
visits to churches in Boston.
Prerequisites: Introduction to Christian
Traditions (TF701) and Christianity
Engaging Modernity (TF 702) or equivalent.
Interreligious Learning
STH TT811 A1
Mysticism & Philosophy: Jewish and
Islamic Perspectives
Lior
T/TH 2:00-3:15
4 Credits
Thematic introduction to mysticism and
philosophy, with a focus on dynamics of
religious experience. Readings from
medieval Jewish and Islamic philosophy;
Sufi mysticism and philosophy; Kabbalah,
Biblical interpretation, Sufi poetry, Hebrew
poetry from the Golden Age of Muslim
Spain.
STH TT821 A1
Topics in Philosophy of Religion:
Philosophical Theology
Eckel
W 5:45-8:30pm
3 Credits
Topic: Buddhism as Philosophy. Topics
include Buddhist philosophy of mind,
religious knowledge, controversies with rival
philosophers, and the path to nirvana.
STH TX874 A1
Religion and International Relations
(RCT Approved)
Menchik
T/TH 12:30-1:45pm
3 Credits
Explores the role of religion in contemporary
international relations in the context of
questions about the common core of
modernity. Reviews scholarly and policy
literature, and case studies, in order to
elucidate religion's intellectual and
operational diversity in international relations.
THIS CLASS IS CURRENTLY FULL.
Email sthregfa@bu.edu to join the waiting list.
STH TA815 A1
World Religions in Boston
Shenton
(August Term Course) M-F 2:00-9:00pm
August 20-26 (excluding 8/23)
3 Credits
In an increasingly pluralistic society it is
essential to have some understanding of the
beliefs and worship patterns of other
religions and to be able to engage in
dialogue with them. This course utilizes the
Pluralism Project at Harvard to explore new
forms of interfaith engagement. Lectures
introduce the issues surrounding interfaith
work and a basic understanding of the
tenets and practices of five major religions.
Site visits offer first- hand experiences and
the opportunity for discussion and
interaction with religious leaders and lay
people.
22
Judaic Studies
STH TX828 A1
The Modern Jew
Katz
T/TH 12:30-1:45pm
4 Credits
Encounters between Judaism and
modernity from the Renaissance and
Reformation; the Spanish expulsion and
creation of Jewish centers in the New
World; emancipation and its consequences;
assimilation, Reform Judaism, Zionism, the
American Jewish community, non-European
communities, Jewish global migration, and
modern antisemitism. Effective Fall 2020,
this course fulfills a single unit in each of the
following BU Hub areas: Global Citizenship
and Intercultural Literacy, Historical
Consciousness, Critical Thinking.
NOTE: Meets w/CAS RN328 and GRS
RN628
STH TX884 A1
The Holocaust
Katz
T/TH 3:30-4:45pm
4 Credits
Rise of German (and European)
antisemitism; rise of Nazism; 1935
Nuremberg Laws; the initial Jewish reaction;
racial theory; organizing mass murder
including ghettos, concentration camps,
killing squads, and gas chambers;
bystanders and collaborators (countries,
organizations, and individuals); Jewish
resistance; post-Holocaust religious
responses; moral and ethical issues.
Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a
single unit in each of the following BU Hub
areas: Ethical Reasoning, Historical
Consciousness, Critical Thinking.
NOTE: Meets w/CAS RN384 and GRS
RN684
Ethics
STH TS803 A1
Literature and Ethics
Wariboko
TH 12:30-3:15pm
3 Credits
Good ethical conception and practice often
demand that we see things from others'
points of view. Great novels, plays, poems,
and films are good at helping us to reach
empathic perceptions of particular people
and situations by involving our intellect and
emotion. Novels, tragic dramas, and others
have the capacity to make readers identify
with fictional characters in ways that show
possibilities and potential vulnerabilities for
themselves. This kind of empathic
identification is important for good ethical
practice in diverse and pluralistic
communities. Narrative works of art are
important for developing the human self-
understanding critical for embodying certain
religious and theological ideals. This course
will explore the connections between
literature (novels, plays, and short stories)
and ethics: the relationship between
creative imagination and moral imagination;
the nature of moral attention and moral
vision; the role of context-specific judging in
ethical decisions. The course will help
students to deepen and broaden their
ethical understanding in ways that involve
and give priority to context-specific moral
evaluation, compassion, similar possibilities
and vulnerabilities, eudaimonistic judgment,
rather than abstract general principles for
ethical judgment.
23
 Ethics (CONT.)
STH TS805 A1
The Spirit and Art of Conflict
Transformation: Creating a Culture of
JustPeace (RCT Approved)
Oleson
TH 6:30-9:15pm
3 Credits
This course is a response to the experience
of destructive conflict in the church and in
the world, as well as the experience of
religion as a source of conflict. More
importantly, it is a response to the call to
every Christian to be ministers of
reconciliation and peacebuilders. The
course will introduce students to the
theology, theory and practice of faith-based
conflict transformation, preparing students
to become religious leaders equipped with
fundamental tools and skills for engaging
conflict and transforming conflict in a way
that advances God's goal of shalom, a
culture of justpeace.
This is a REQUIRED course for the Religion
and Conflict Transformation Certificate.
STH TS842 A1
Watershed Discipleship: Practicing Place
in the Boston Watershed
Copeland
TH 12:30-3:15
3 Credits
Watershed Discipleship explores place-
based spiritual and theological practices in
order both to connect students to the Boston
watershed and to equip them with the skills
needed to get to know and live responsibly
in other watersheds they might inhabit in the
future.
STH TS831 A1
Transforming Conversations: Dialogue
for Ministry (RCT Approved)
Staff (TBD)
Weekend Course: Sept. 25-26
F: 4:00-9:00pm & S: 9:00am-5:30pm
1 Credit
Constructive conversations about divisive
issues are often in short supply in the US
today, especially where the issues touch on
differences of identity, values, religion and
fundamental worldviews. Patterns of
dysfunctional discourse have corroded
relationships in communities of faith just as
they have in the larger society, preventing
people from worshipping and working
together in the most beneficial ways. Clergy
are in a unique position to help people in
their communities to engage difference,
avoid division and deepen mutual
understanding by transforming their
conversational practices. In this class,
participants will learn skills and tools that
can be used to support and coach individual
community members as well as techniques
for designing and facilitating constructive
group conversations about difficult issues.
We will also focus on relevant theories from
the fields of family therapy, communication
theory and interpersonal neurobiology.
Practical/Pastoral Theology
STH TC857 A1
Spiritual Resources and Disciplines
(Anglican Form)
Feyerherm
F 8:00-10:45am
1 Credit
An introduction to Christian spiritual
practices and traditions. The course
explores topics such as prayer, lectio divina,
discernment, spiritual guidance, justice, and
hospitality, with attention to the importance
of spiritual practice as the ground of ministry
in diverse contexts. Students will develop
their own Rule of Life as part of the work of
the course.
24
Practical/Pastoral Theology
STH TC817 A1
(CONT.) Introduction to Christian Worship
Tucker
STH TC837 A1
T/TH 9:30-10:45am (Lecture)
Vocation, Work, and Faith
3 Credits
Wolfteich
An introduction to the spirit and structure of
Weekend Course (3 Weekends: 9/18-19,
Christian worship. Word, sacraments,
10/2-3, and 10/16-17) 9:30am-4:40pm on
calendar, music, and pastoral offices are
both Friday and Saturday.
analyzed and described in terms of their
3 Credits
relevance to congregational life, spirituality,
Who am I called to become? What am I
catechesis, and mission.
called to do? What are my gifts and where
All Students must also register for ONE
will they be recognized and of service?
Discussion section:
These kinds of vocational questions are
T 5:00-5:50pm (STH TC817 X1)
fundamental to our lives. The course seeks
W 3:35-4:25pm(X4)
to open up reflection, study, and dialogue
W 4:40-5:30pm (X2)
about vocation, work, and spirituality in
TH 12:30-1:20pm (X5)
religious traditions and in our own life
Prerequisites may apply.
experience. Work and vocation are often
connected. Work too is a crucial religious STH TC846 A1
question in contemporary society. Work Postcolonial Theology and its Practices
exerts a powerful--and often unrecognized--
Choi
influence on human beings. It can support
W 6:30-9:15pm
life, develop talents, elicit creativity, and
3 Credits
enable people to contribute to the common
This course provides critical postcolonial
good. Work also can demean human
lenses through which students will
beings, undermining their dignity,
understand postcolonial theology and
perpetuating unjust structures,
explore how persons and communities
overpowering values, and crowding out
exercise theological practices in postcolonial
other important spheres of life. Labor issues
contexts considering culture, race,
are important concerns for faith
gender/sex, religious traditions, and
communities and faith-based community
religious communities. Through analyzing
organizations. This course explores
various concepts of postcolonial theologies
vocation and work as theological/spiritual
and investigating historical sociocultural
issues, including implications for ministry.
religious practices in post-colonialism, class,
We will explore themes such as: work as
race and sex/gender, students will critically
spiritual practice or challenge; labor and
reflect on challenging conditions of power
justice issues; discerning vocation;
and privilege and engage with the
creativity; Sabbath; "time poverty"; and
complexities of postcolonial theological
work-life balance. The course involves site
practices. Building on these studies and
visits, vocational mentoring, seminar
reflections, students will gain a keen sense
presentations, and individual
of different concepts of postcolonial
research/ministry projects.
theology and its practices interculturally, and
develop their own approaches to
understand the postcolonial dynamics in
their varied contexts.

25
Practical/Pastoral Theology
(CONT.)
STH TC909 A1
Spiritual Autobiographies (Doctoral
Students ONLY)
Wolfteich
(August Term Course)
Aug. 24-29 Mon-Sat 9:00am-4:00pm
4 Credits
Participants in this course will read selected
spiritual autobiographies in order to gain an
understanding of the varieties of religious
experience and the interrelationship
between spirituality, theology, and historical
and cultural context. We will examine the
nature of religious experience and the
difficulties in translating this experience into
language. Moreover, we will explore the
important issue of how spirituality relates to
the institutional churches, and the various
shapes spirituality takes outside these
institutions. Through close, empathetic, and
critical examination of the texts, participants
also will reflect on their own spiritual
journeys and spiritual identities. They will
prepare written analyses of course texts
and, by the end of the course, will write a
portion of their own spiritual autobiography.
NOTE: Doctoral Students ONLY.
STH TJ940 A1
Ecclesiology
Stone
T 3:30-6:15pm
4 Credits
This course asks the question, "What is the
church?" in dialogue with Christian
theological figures and schools representing
Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox
Christian traditions. While one of the aims of
this course is that students be conversant
with those voices, it ultimately aims at the
student's ability to articulate the ecclesiology
of his or her own community and to bring
that to bear on the contemporary situation
and particular problems of Christian practice
in church and society.
STH TY704 A1
Spiritual Care
Staff (TBA)
M 6:30-9:15pm
3 Credits
This course introduces a method of spiritual
care as practical theology. Students will be
asked to engage the experiences of loss,
violence, doubt, and despair reflected in
spiritual care conversations. They will be
invited to use theological, philosophical,
psychological, and cultural studies to reflect
upon these issues, and develop
theologically and/or spiritually based
strategies of care and justice.
Systematic Theology &
Philosophy
STH TT830 A1 (Master’s Level)
Readings in Marx
Maia
TH 3:30-6:15pm
3 Credits
This course will engage in close readings of
Karl Marx's political and philosophical work
and trace his critique of capitalism as
formulated in Capital. Students will be
introduced to Marx's intellectual context, his
key texts and concepts, and reflect on the
legacy of his philosophical and political
contributions, particularly in critical studies
in religion and theology. The course will also
engage with texts that expand the Marxian
contribution to the realm of postcolonial
studies and critical theory.
STH TT904 A1 (Doctoral Level)
Readings in Marx
Maia
TH 3:30-6:15pm
4 Credits
See Description Above.
Only Doctoral Level students should register
for this section of this course.
26
Systematic Theology &
Philosophy (CONT.)
STH TT863 A1
Theologies of Liberation (RCT Approved)
Maia
M 6:30-9:15pm
3 Credits
Theologies of liberation originated in the
mid-twentieth century and have continued in
various forms and contexts on into the
twenty-first century. This course examines
some of the classic texts in Latin American,
Asian, Hispanic, Black, Womanist, Queer,
and Feminist liberation theology and aims at
an understanding of their sources, methods,
hermeneutic, and primary themes.
Prerequisites: Requires Intro to Christian
Traditions (TF701) and Modernity (TF 702)
or equivalent.
STH TT847 A1
Introduction to Ecological Justice
Copeland
TH 5:00-6:15pm
1 Credit
No Description Available at this time. Meets
with TT848 and TT850. These are courses
under development for BUSTH’s new
certificate in Ecological Justice.
STH TT848 A1
Engaging Ecological Justice
Copeland
TH 5:00-6:15pm
1 Credit
No Description Available at this time. Meets
with TT848 and TT850. These are courses
under development for BUSTH’s new
certificate in Ecological Justice.
STH TT850 A1
Performing Ecological Justice
Copeland
TH 5:00-6:15pm
1 Credit
No Description Available at this time. Meets
with TT848 and TT850. These are courses
under development for BUSTH’s new
certificate in Ecological Justice.
STH TT898 A1
Theology and Trauma (RCT Approved)
Rambo
M 2:30-5:15
3 Credits
This course aims to bring the recent studies
in the interdisciplinary study of trauma to
bear on the field of theology. What unique
challenges does the phenomenon of trauma
pose to contemporary theology? The first
part of the course explores recent studies in
trauma, focusing on three areas of research:
1) neurobiology of trauma, 2)
clinical/therapeutic studies, and 3) literary
approaches to trauma. The second part of
the course examines theological
engagements with issues of radical
suffering. The third part brings together the
insights from the first two and focuses on
the question of what it means to witness
theologically to individual, societal, and
global trauma. We will look at issues and
contexts such as the criminal justice system,
war, poverty, and racism. In this final part,
students will be working towards
constructive theological engagements with
issues of trauma through interaction with a
variety of mediums: art, literature, spiritual
practices, and film. The course is not a
counseling course. It aims to provide rich
theological reflection around issues of
suffering, violence, and trauma, both
individual and global.
THIS CLASS IS CURRENTLY FULL. Email
sthregfa@bu.edu to join the waiting list.
27
Preaching, Liturgy, & Ritual
STH TC851 A1
Preaching and Worship in the African-
American Traditions
Hickman-Maynard
TH 12:30-3:15pm
3 Credits
This course engages students in historical,
theological, and practical study of preaching
and worship in the Black Church tradition.
Readings in black homiletics and practical
theologies of worship introduce students to
a variety of approaches for the development
and delivery of sermons and for the
construction and ministerial leadership of
worship within black Christian church
contexts. Lectures survey theories of the
emergence and development of the Black
Church tradition and the social, political,
economic, and cultural contexts that shape
contemporary ministerial praxis in black
churches. Site visits, guest lectures, and
examination of audio-visual media will
augment the readings and lectures in order
to enrich students' appreciation and
understanding of the practical nuances of
preaching and worship within the diverse
experiences of black Christian faith
communities. The purpose of the course is
to increase students' ministerial capacity
through the incorporation of theological and
practical wisdom from the Black Church
tradition into their own practices of
preaching and worship design.
STH TC849 A1
Narrative Sermons
Jacobsen
T 12:30-3:15
3 Credits
In this course, students will learn
approaches to preaching narratively. By the
end of the course, students will also begin to
integrate their homiletical practice with their
own emerging narrative theology of
preaching.
STH TC863 A1
Reading and Writing Rites of Passage
Tucker
T 12:30-3:15
3 Credits
An examination of historical, theological,
and pastoral aspects of the occasional
offices that address life's passages and
crises: birth, adolescence, Christian
marriage, sickness and death, and Christian
burial. An ecumenical and international
approach will be taken in studying both
historic and contemporary rites.
Music
STH TA801 OL
Methods and Materials in Sacred Music
Shenton
(ONLINE)
4 Credits
Students will critically engage with materials
and approaches in the principal areas of
present- day church musicians including:
choral and vocal techniques, conducting,
the organ and other instruments, alternative
and contemporary worship, and professional
concerns. This course will enable students
to gain greater competencies needed to
function at optimal levels as a music
minister or director in worship, religious,
pastoral and educational settings. This will
be accomplished through engagement with
the methods and materials of
church/synagogue (sacred) music and
worship.
28
Sociology of Religion
STH TR800 A1
Ethnographic Research (Master’s Level) STH TR900 A1
Calvillo Ethnographic Research (Doctoral Level)
M 2:30-5:15pm Calvillo
3 Credits M 2:30-5:15pm
This seminar aims to train students in the 4 Credits
understanding and application of See Description of TR800. Only Doctoral
ethnographic research methods. The Students should register for this section.
research methods covered in this course
are qualitative in nature, focusing on
projects which require practitioners to go
into the field and to analyze social spaces
constructed, inhabited, and maintained by
particular sets of social actors. The data in
focus is less readily accessible via surveys,
demographic analysis, and experimental
designs. Course participants will, first of all,
gain a broad understanding of the traditions
related to ethnography, fieldwork, and
qualitative research in the field of sociology.
Secondly, participants will engage key
debates in sociology related to the theories
and methods of ethnographic work,
ultimately developing research designs that
most effectively fit personal projects in
progress. Thirdly, participants will expand
their techniques of data collection via guided
field assignments and class interactions.
Fourthly, participants will develop practices
of research presentation that communicate
findings in a compelling and insightful
manner, with the aim of making findings
accessible to a broader academic audience.
Throughout the course, special attention will
be given to the observation of how social
boundaries are constructed and maintained
in particular social settings.

END OF BOSTON UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF

THEOLOGY CATALOG.

29
Hellenic College of the Holy Cross- FALL 2020
Scripture & Biblical Studies
OLDT 5001
Introduction to the Old Testament
Rev. Dr. Harry S. Pappas
M 1:10-3:30pm
3 Credits
This course surveys the literary, historical,
and theological issues of the individual
books of the Old Testament, including the
deuterocanonical books of the Septuagint.
Attention is given to the formation of the
canon and transmission of the text and
ancient versions, particularly the
Septuagint.
NEWT5002
Introduction to the New Testament
Dr. Bruce Beck
T/TH 10:40am-12:00pm
3 Credits
A required survey of the New Testament
books in their historical and religious
background with attention to hermeneutics,
the patristic exegetical heritage, and modern
biblical studies.
Languages
ARBC 5152
Beginning Arabic II
Rev. Edward W. Hughes
TH 9:10-10:30am
1.5 Credits
Continuation of elementary Arabic lessons
and vocabulary, with an introduction to
simple conversational and liturgical
phrases, including, for example, the
Trisagion Prayers and Little Ektenia.
Prerequisite: Beginning Arabic I or equiv.
ECGK 5001
Biblical Greek I
Dr. Evie Z. Holmberg
T/TH 9:10-10:30am
3 Credits
A study of the "koine" based on texts from
the New Testament. The basic concepts of
New Testament Greek Grammar, syntax
and vocabulary are studied and applied on
readings from the Gospels. The study is
diachronic, taking into consideration the
development of the Greek language from its
Classical origin to the "koine" and modern
Greek. The aim of the course is to immerse
the students in the study of the texts.
ECGK 5301
Liturgical Greek
Dr. Evie Z. Holmberg
TH 2:10-4:30pm
3 Credits
A study in the Septuagint translation of the
Old Testament with concentration on the
Psalms. This course also includes an
introduction to the language of the Greek
Fathers for the study of the Patristic Prayers
used in the Orthodox Services. The texts
used include the Orthos and Vesper
Services. The aim of the course is to enable
the students to understand, follow and use
the original Greek of the Orthodox services.
Prerequisites: New Testament Greek 1 & 2.
Languages (CONT.)
ECGK 7933
Readings in the Language of The Fathers
Dr. Evie Z. Holmberg
W Time TBD
3 Credits
This is a comparative study in the language
of the Greek Fathers with the purpose of
discerning differences and similarities in
vocabulary and literary styles as they
appear in selective Christian writings of the
first four centuries of the Christian Era.
Excerpts from classical, New Testament,
Septuagint, and patristic texts are used as
points of reference for the study of the
development of Greek forms of diction and
for an in-depth understanding of the texts
under consideration. The study of the texts
is done using the tools of classical philology.
Selective excerpts from the writings of the
early Apologists and the Cappadocian
Fathers are studied with concentration on
the writings of St. Chrysostom, St. Basil, St.
Athanasios, and Cyril of Alexandria.
Prerequisites: Greek I and II or equiv.
MDGK 5201 and 5201A
Beginning Modern Greek I (must also
register for Greek I LAB)
Dr. Aristotle Michopoulos
M/W/F 9:10-11:00am
6 Credits
This is an intensive course in the
fundamentals of grammar, syntax, and
vocabulary of the Modern Greek language.
Extensive practice in listening, speaking and
graded reading will take place. An oral-aural
method is used to develop concurrently
conversational and understanding skills.
Lab Required.
MDGK 6301 and 6301A
Intermediate Modern Greek I (must also
register for Intermediate Greek I LAB)
Dr. Stamatia G. Dova
Time TBA
3 Credits
A continuation of the study of the Greek
language. A quick review of grammar and
syntax with an emphasis on vocabulary
building. Introduction to selected readings in
Modern Greek.
Instructor Permission Required.
Required lab. Prereq: Beginning Modern
Greek I and II.
MDGK 6401 and 6401A
Advanced Modern Greek I (must also
register for Advanced Greek I LAB)
Dr. Stamatia G. Dova
Lecture Time TBA
Lab: F 10:00-10:50am
3 Credits
A continuation of Intermediate Modern
Greek I. Intensive study of the language
with emphasis on vocabulary building and
oral usage. Readings of literary texts with
selected passages on religion and modern
Greek culture.
Instructor Permission Required.
Required lab. Prereq: Intermediate Modern
Greek II.
Church History/History of
Religions
CHST 5011
Church History I/ Ecum. Patriarchate
Rev. Dr. Thomas FitzGerald
T/TH 10:40am-12:00pm
3 Credits
This course offers a general introduction to
the history of the Church up to the year 787.
Emphasis will be laid on the main
ecclesiastical and theological issues and
personalities and on the study of certain key
texts. Special attention will be given to the
history and role of the Ecumenical
Patriarchate.
31
 Church History/History of
Religions (CONT.)
CHST 6020
Byzantine Church & Society
Dr. James C. Skedros
W 2:10-4:30pm
3 Credits
This course examines the Orthodox Church
within the wider historical trajectory of the
Byzantine empire and the political,
economic and social structures of Byzantine
society. Particular attention will be given to
popular religious expressions and
movements both inside and outside of the
official Church.
CHST 7012
Early Christian Literature
Dr. James Skedros
TH 2:10-4:30
3 Credits
This course focuses on the study of a
number of texts belonging to the general
category of early Christian literature. Texts
to be read include works representative of
various theological tendencies and literary
forms. The study of each work will consider
its form and genre, its relation to the New
Testament, and its connection to the
contemporary religio-philosophical world. In
addition, the historical context of each text
will be examined in light of the history and
Interreligious Learning
development of Christianity in the first three
centuries.
PATR 5011
Patrology
Rev. Dr. George D. Dragas
M/W 10:40am-12:00pm
3 Credits
This introductory core-course consists of
two parts: a) a general introduction to the
Fathers and the main periods of Patristic
Literature from post-apostolic times to the
beginnings of the Schism between the
Eastern and Western Churches (in the ninth
century); and b) a brief profile of some of the
most important Fathers of this period and
their writings and doctrines focusing on the
most influential of them.
PATR 7800
St. Maximos the Confessor
V. Rev. Dr. Maximos Constas
TH 2:10-4:30pm
3 Credits
This is a course designed to introduce
students to thought and theology of St.
Maximos the Confessor. Primary foucus will
be on the Ambigua to John and the
Response to Thalassios. Themes under
consideration include Maximos' refutation of
Origenism; his transformation to the
Evagrian spiritual tradition; his use of
Gregory of Nyssa; theological anthropology;
and the anagogical exegesis of Scripture.
CHST7701
Seminar: Ortho-Roman Cath. Relations
Rev. Dr. Thomas FitzGerald
TH 2:10-4:30pm
3 Credits
Following a review of the issues of
alienation and schism, the course will
examine the documents of the
contemporary bilateral dialogues between
the Orthodox Church and the Roman
Catholic Church.
32
Interreligious Learning (CONT.)
PAST 7360
World Religions & Missions
Rev. Luke A. Veronis
TH 6:40-9:00pm
3 Credits
We will look at humanity's quest for God
from the beginning of time, and how four of
the world's major religious traditions—
Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism—
developed. Along with their history, we will
study their main teachings, worldview, and
practice. Part of the class will include visiting
temples of the other faiths. We will also look
at the phenomenon of atheism and its own
religious perspective. With each of these
different religions, we will discuss Orthodox
Christianity's understanding of other
religions and how we are to dialogue and
interact with them, trying to discover
elements that could be acceptable within
Orthodox Christianity, and how these
bridges could be used in sharing our faith
within other religions. This Course fulfills the
World Religions/Ecumenism requirement.
Ethics
ETHC 5001
Orthodox Christian Ethics
Dr. Timothy G. Patitas
M/W 9:10-10:30am
3 Credits
Christian moral theology is concerned with
virtue not as an end in itself, but as an
indispensable, challenging, and rewarding
dimension of the Good Life, the Life in
Christ. As such, a proper aim of Christian
ethics is happiness, or rather blessedness;
thus, St. Seraphim of Sarov's famous
dictum: The goal of the Christian life is the
acquisition of the Holy Spirit. Taking our
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the
Panaghia as our primary ethical models, the
class considers the meaning and shape of
'right action' within the matrix of Uncreated
Grace.
ETHC 6015
Rhetoric & Justice
Dr. Timothy G. Patitas
Time TBA
3 Credits
This course is centered around a close
reading and examination of Aristotle's
Rhetoric; specifically, we will be using the
George A. Kennedy English translation.
Also studied will be classic speeches from
across history which advanced the struggle
for a more just social order.
Practical/Pastoral Theology
CHOOSE ONE SECTION:
PAST6011
T 9:10-10:30am and TH 2:10-3:30pm
OR
PAST 6011 1
T/TH 9:10-10:30am
Theology of Pastoral Care I
Dr. Phillip Mamalakis
TH 2:10-3:30pm
3 Credits
This course is intended to help you integrate
and apply the knowledge you have acquired
in other classes into your own life and in
pastoral care situations. As a Field
Education Course for hospital ministry, you
will be placed in a local hospital for the
semester. Specifically, we will explore
hospital ministry as one aspect of pastoral
care, as we develop a theology of pastoral
care. The intent of this class is not to
provide you with the right answers for
pastoral situations. Rather, this course is
designed, with the readings, class
discussions, theological reflection groups,
and assignments to develop your
knowledge and skills related to hospital
ministry as well as your personal identity as
an Orthodox Christian seminarian and future
minister or priest.
33
 Practical/Pastoral Theology
(CONT.)
PAST 7112
Spirituality and Addiction
Dr. Kyriaki A FitzGerald
M 1:10-3:20pm
3 Credits
This course will approach addiction with a
broader understanding of the term. Students
will learn that the addictive process is an
expression of progressive, spiritual disease.
This has profound and inter-related
ramifications in the psychological,
emotional, cognitive, and physical domains.
The addictive process also has serious
consequences within relationships: at home,
within the society, at work, and in the
Church. Resources from Orthodox theology,
spirituality, psychology, and the addictions
field (with particular emphasis on the 12-
step self-help movement) will be studied.
Opportunities for personal reflection and
expressions of pastoral response will also
be explored.
Systematic Theology &
Philosophy
DOGM 7015
Suffering & Hope
Dr. Emmanuel Clapsis
W 2:10-4:30pm
3 Credits
A Systematic examination of the Biblical and
Patristic views on Suffering and Hope within
God’s good creation and how such views
affect the human understanding of God. The
course will explore different pastoral
approaches communicating God’s healing
Grace to those innocent ones who suffer
unjustifiably in the present world.
Preaching, Liturgy, & Ritual
LITG 5301
Teleturgics I
Rev. Dr. Philip Zymaris
TH 2:10-3:30pm
1.5 Credits
A liturgical practicum designed to help the
candidate for ordination develop a liturgical
ethos, style, and presence. The course
offers an analysis of the structural elements
of the divine services and instruction on the
use of the liturgical books of the Orthodox
Church. The course is especially concerned
to help the student develop skills for the
proper conduct and celebration of the divine
services. The class allows for role-playing
and analysis. Teleturgics I deals specifically
with vespers, orthros the preparatory rites
for the Divine Liturgy, i.e., Kairos, vesting
and proskomide. The development, care
and meaning of vestments is also dealt with.
LITG 5324
Teleturgics I for Antiochians
Rev. Edward W. Hughes
TH 7:00-9:00pm
1.5 Credits
Description Unavailable at this time.
LITG 6355
The Sacrament of Initiation
Rev. Dr. Philip Zymaris
Time TBA
3 Credits
This class will cover initiation (baptism,
christmation and the Eucharist) from a
historical, theological, liturgical and pastoral
point of view.
34
Preaching, Liturgy, & Ritual
(CONT.)
MUSB 5011
Ecclesiastical Chant II in English
Rev. Demetre Mott
W 1:00-3:00pm
1.5 Credits
The sacraments and services found in the
Great Euchologion are studied for practical
use.
Prerequisites: Byzantine Music I and
Ecclesiastical Chant in English.
MUSB 6913
Kalophonic Heirmologion
Rev. Dr. Romanos Karanos
M 1:30-3:30pm
3 Credits
This course is a systematic study of the
post-Byzantine para-liturgical genre of
kalophonic heirmos, intended for soloistc
performance after the end of the Divine
Liturgy, at banquets, visits of eminent
secular or religious figures, and other festive
occasions. We will study the history,
development and musical morphology of the
genre, as well as it's manuscript and print
tradition and the lives and works of its
composers.
PAST 7252
Parish Leadership & Admin. I
Rev. Robert John Archon
T/TH 10:40am-12:00pm
3 Credits
The purpose of this course is to integrate
the experiences that students have in their
field education placement with the
theological and organizational principles of
parish administration. Students will have an
opportunity to reflect upon various
dimensions of ministry. Field placements
have been designed to give exposure to
various aspects of parish life including
pastoral visitations, preaching, worship and
administration. Permission Required.
NEWT 7015
Sunday Lectionary Readings
Dr. Bruce Beck
W 2:10-4:30pm
3 Credits
"This is a course on Orthodox exegesis
methods and hermeneutics focused on the
Sunday lectionary readings within their
liturgical context. Each class the students
will present her or his exegesis orally to the
class, which will show a balance between
historical, academic sources and a history of
tradition approach, utilizing patristic and
hymnological writings. This course builds on
the skills learned in the required exegesis
course, which is a prerequisite for this
advanced course. Exegesis will be based on
the Greek text with English translations.
This course will focus on the art of
interpreting Scripture, both as it has been
done historically, as well as how it might be
done in the Church today. The course seeks
to integrate three contemporary areas or
approaches to exegesis: 1) to gain an
appreciation for the weekly cycle of Gospel
and Epistle readings within the lectionary of
the Greek Orthodox Church; 2) to be
introduced to theories and methods of
biblical interpretation, both contemporary
academic and patristic; and 3) to provide a
structured environment in which the student
will be encouraged to practice each week
these foundational skills used in biblical
exegesis, practicing this art within the larger
context of equipping the students to use
these skills for teaching, preaching, and
personal spiritual formation. The course,
therefore, has a very practical side, as it
explores how these diachronic
interpretations might be useful models to
teach the stewards of God's word today.
Prerequisite: Exegesis of the Gospel of
Matthew or permission of the instructor.
35
Preaching, Liturgy, & Ritual
(CONT.)
PAST 7201
Preaching: Proclaiming the Kingdom
Rev. Luke A. Veronis
T/TH 9:10-10:30am
3 Credits
This course is a preparation for the ministry
of proclaiming the word of the kingdom.
Students are exposed to the theology of
preaching, and methods of interpretation,
preparation, and production of sermons.
Lectures examine the listening assembly
and the listening pulpit, the Liturgy and the
homily, experiencing and expressing the
word. The emphasis is on the prophetic, as
well as on the practical, dimension of
preaching. While this course is taught in the
fall semester, the practical segment
continues in the spring semester.
Religious Education & Youth
Ministry
PAST 5052
Preaching: Proclaiming the Kingdom
Dr. Ann Bezzerides
TH 12:00-2:20pm
3 Credits
This course considers the various ministries
in which participating students will
eventually be engaged within the life of the
Church. We will examine the current scope
of youth ministry efforts across parishes
within the canonical Orthodox jurisdictions in
North America, with a special emphasis on
certain youth programs/ministries that exist
on the parish, metropolis (diocesan) and
archdiocesan levels. Source documents and
practices of Orthodox Youth Ministry across
North America will be examined, as will the
wide range of issues confronting Orthodox
Youth.
Spirituality Studies
PATR 7312
Orthodox Monasticism & Spirituality
Rev. Dr. George D. Dragas
TH 2:10-4:30pm
3 Credits
This course will be an introduction to the
historic development of Orthodox
monasticism and will concentrate on the
great spiritual masters of the Orthodox
Monastic tradition as well as some classic
texts on Eastern Monasticism during the first
millennium.
Church Polity/Canon Law
CLAW 6012
Canon Law
Rev. Dr. Philip Zymaris
W 2:10-4:30pm
3 Credits
A study of the holy canons understood as
practical expressions of doctrinal truth, and
their application in the life of the Church.
The administrative structure of the local
church will also be examined.
DOGM 5002
Dogmatics I
Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Clapsis
M/W 11:10am-12:30pm
3 Credits
The Orthodox doctrine of the knowledge of
God and of the doctrines of the Trinity,
cosmology, and anthropology. Emphasis will
be placed on the ancient Fathers and on
contemporary Orthodox dogmaticians.
36
Music
MUSB 5101
Byzantine Music I
Rev. Dr. Romanos Karanos
M/W 3:50-4:40pm
1.5 Credits
This course is a systematic introduction to
the basic theory and notation of the Psaltic
Art. It will provide a solid foundation for a
further study of the liturgical repertoire of the
Greek Orthodox Church. Topics to be
covered include the history and function of
the notation, a thorough examination of key
musical concepts, and a study of the role of
music in Greek Orthodox worship. By the
end of the semester students will be able to
sight-read and perform simple hymns
written in the New Method of Analytical
Notation in both parallage and melos.
MUSB 6301
Byzantine Music III
Rev. Demetre Mott
W 6:40-9:00pm
1.5 Credits
This course is a systematic study of the
theoretical and practical aspects of the
Third, Fourth and Plagal First Modes of the
Psaltic Art within the context of the
Anastasimatarion. By the end of the
semester students will be able to perform
the tesuttectional hymns of the liturgical
book of Octoechos ot Parakletike of the
aforementioned modes in both parallage
and melos. Prereq: Byzantine Music I-II.
MUSB 5551
Byzantine Music Chorus
Rev. Dr. Romanos Karanos
TH 7:00-9:00pm
.5 Credit
The Hellenic College and Holy Cross
Chorale and Choir will be made up of
students who have auditioned and have
been accepted into the group. They will
rehearse twice a week and present
programs throughout the year.
MUSB 6501
Byzantine Music V
Rev. Demetre Mott
W 3:20-5:00pm
1.5 Credits
This course is a systematic study of the
model melodies (prologoi-prosomoia)
commonly used in musical settings of
Byzantine hymns, and the hymns chanted in
sacraments and other services of the Greek
Orthodox Church (baptism, wedding,
funeral, sanctification of water, etc.). By the
end of the semester students will be able to
perform the majority of hymns found in the
liturgical books without relying on a musical
score. Prereq: Byzantine Music I-IV.
MUSB 6701
Byzantine Music VII
Rev. Dr. Romanos Karanos
M 6:40-9:00pm
1.5 Credits
This course is a systematic study of
Byzantine hymns chanted during major
feast days of the ecclesiastical year of the
Greek Orthodox Church within the context
of the Doxastarion. A great emphasis will be
placed on studying the idiomela and
doxastika for the feasts of Christmas,
Theophany, Annunciation, Dormition of the
Virgin Mary, as well as the idiomela and
doxastika for the periods of Triodion and
Pentecostation.
Prerequisites: Byzantine Music I-V.
37
 Music (CONT.)
MUSB 6831
Byzantine Music IX
Rev. Dr. Romanos Karanos
W 7:00-9:00pm
1.5 Credits
The material taught in this course is
equivalent to the material taught in the 4th
year of Greek conservatories and provides
comprehensive preparation for the final
examination required for a Holy Cross
Certificate in Byzantine Music. Students are
expected to become competent in
performing more technically demanding
repettoire.
Prerequisites: Byzantine Music I-V.

MUSW 5351 OR MUSW 5351 B
Voice Class
Eirini Tornesaki
Time Arranged with Instructor.
.5 Credit
Although open to all students, this
semester-long course is required of all
HCHC seminarians. The class aims to
improve individual voices while working with
a class. The fundamentals of
chanting/singing will be used, which include:
attitude, posture, control of breath, attacks
and releases, the jaw (neck and throat),
registers, resonance, enunciation, etc.


END OF HELLENIC COLLEGE HOLY
CROSS CATALOG.

38
Saint John’s Seminary- FALL 2020
Scripture & Biblical Studies
OT502
Narrative Books
Fr. Briody
M/W/F 9:00-9:50am
3 Credits
This course investigates the history of the
period as well as Israel’s religious
institutions. The literary, historical, and
theological dimensions of the Old
Testament will be disclosed through an
exegetical study of selected texts from the
Pentateuch and the Deuteronomistic History
(Deuteronomy–Kings). There is a special
emphasis placed upon the theological
message of these texts.
NT501
The Synoptic Gospels
Fr. Grover, O.M.V.
T/TH 9:00-10:15am
3 Credits
This is an introduction to the methods and
problems of contemporary Gospel research.
The course investigates the areas of New
Testament history and environment, the
development of the synoptic tradition, the
methods of form, redaction, and literary
criticism; and the search for the historical
Jesus. Special emphasis is placed upon the
theology of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
NT503
Gospel According to John
Dr. Maluf
T/F 10:30-11:45am
3 Credits
This course provides a detailed study of the
Fourth Gospel. Special emphasis is placed
upon the method of exegesis, the theology
of the Fourth Evangelist, the nature of the
Johannine community, and the relationship
of the Johannine letters to the Gospel.
Students are required to write exegetical
papers.
NT618
NT Perspectives on Priesthood and the
New Priest
Dr. Maluf
T 2:45-4:45pm
3 Credits
This elective is a general survey of the topic
of priesthood in the Old and New
Testaments, from the perspective of the
latter, i.e. the New Testament. Against the
background of this survey, the course then
focuses more specifically on the theme of
Christ’s priesthood as it is developed
systematically in the Epistle to the Hebrews.
A careful reading and exegesis of this New
Testament text will be the major component
of the course, but this will enable some
reflections on how Christ’s unique
priesthood relates to our understanding of
priestly ministry in the Church today. In the
Catholic tradition at least, the Church’s
ordained ministers have for many centuries
been referred to as “priests.” This
designation and some associated concepts,
especially that of sacrifice, have been
challenged on biblical / theological grounds,
often with explicit appeal to the text of
Hebrews. We will have occasion to discuss
some of the implications and fallout of this
debate on both the theology and the
practice of priestly ministry today.
Church History/History of
Religions
CH501
Medieval Church History
Fr. Van De Moortell
T/TH 9:00-10:15am
3 Credits
This course studies the history of the
Church from 500 to ca. 1500. It addresses
theological literature, popular religion,
doctrinal developments, the role of the
papacy, and the interaction between
Christianity and culture. Selected primary
works are studied along with significant
modern scholarly commentary. Particular
attention is paid to current revisions of
distorted interpretations of the nature of the
early church, the crusades, the inquisition
and the so-called “dark ages” and “middle
ages”.
HT501
Patristics
Fr. Joyce
M/W 10:30-11:45am
3 Credits
This course is a survey of the development
of doctrine in the early Church from the first
century through the seventh century. The
readings, lectures, and class discussion
introduce the student to the theologies,
teaching, and personalities of the early
Christian period.
TH645
Theology of von Balthasar
Dr. Franks
F 1:15-3:15pm
3 Credits
This course will introduce students to the
work of twentieth-century theologian Hans
Urs von Balthasar. John Paul II said of him
that he “placed his vast knowledge at the
service of an intellectus fidei, so that it might
show to modern man the splendor of truth
that emanates from Jesus Christ.” This
contemplative theology centered around the
three transcendentals of beauty, goodness,
and truth, elaborated in the volumes of his
trilogy: the Glory of the Lord, the Theo-
Drama, and the Theo-Logic. After a
biographical introduction, we will read
representative works from each part of the
trilogy. Themes covered will include
revelation, the Trinity, Christ, and
theological anthropology.
TH644
Aquinas on the Mysteries of Christ’s Life,
Death, and Resurrection
Prof. Coughlin
TH 1:15-3:15pm
3 Credits
This seminar-style elective will explore St.
Thomas Aquinas's treatment of the
Incarnation and the mysteries of Christ's
Life, Death, and Resurrection through a
close reading of the relevant primary texts,
especially questions 1-59 of the Third Part
of the Summa Theologiae. Special attention
will be given to St. Thomas's use of
sources, such as Scripture, Ecumenical
Councils, and the Fathers of the Church,
and also to his treatment of the mysteries as
a rich pastoral resource for future preaching
and ministry.
40
Systematic Theology &
Philosophy
TH501
Fundamental Theology
Fr. Macdonald
T/TH 10:30-11:45am
3 Credits
This is a systematic study of the nature,
transmission and credibility of Divine
Revelation, and the nature of the assent to
that Revelation in the act of faith. Particular
topics include the canonicity, inspiration and
inerrancy of Sacred Scripture, the
preservation of Revelation in Church
Tradition, the importance of motives of
credibility, and the nature and mission of
theology.
TH506
Sacramental Theology
Professor TBD
Time TBD
3 Credits
A general theory of the sacraments based
on the principles of Catholic sacramental
realism. The course examines the major
moments in the history of sacramental
theology with the aim of achieving a
measure of systematic understanding
concerning what a sacrament is and what it
does. The Catechism of the Catholic Church
and other documents of faith, such as
liturgical and conciliar texts, supply the
principles for this theological inquiry, which
also includes particular treatment of the
sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation.
Preaching, Liturgy, & Ritual
TH643
Christian Literary Classics II
Prof. Benestad
TH 1:15-3:15pm
1.5 Credits
‘The dragon sits by the side of the road,
watching those who pass. Beware lest he
devour you. We go to the father of souls, but
it is necessary to pass by the dragon.’ No
matter what form the dragon may take, it is
of this mysterious passage past him, or into
his jaws, that stories of any depth will
always be concerned to tell, and this being
the case, it requires considerable courage at
any time, in any country, not to turn away
from the storyteller.” Flannery O’Connor
quoting St. Cyril of Jerusalem’s Instruction
to Catechumens. The study of theology and
philosophy in preparation for the priesthood
is enhanced by the study of great works of
Christian literature. Reading the writings of
saints and thoughtful Christians contributes
to spiritual, pastoral and human formation
that is so much a part of the mission of St.
John’s Seminary. Students in this course
will read the following six classics:
Catherine of Siena, Dialogue with God;
Jane Austen, Persuasion; Paul Claudel,
Tidings Brought to Mary; Eugenio Corti, The
Red Horse; Graham Greene, The Power
and the Glory; Flannery O’Connor, Wise
Blood. Students will discuss and write about
major themes, including the relationship of
the individual to God, grace, the problem of
good and evil, human love, etc.
41
Church Polity/Canon Law
MT502
Catholic Social Doctrine
Fr. Connors
T/TH 9:0010:15am
3 Credits
This course provides a comprehensive
overview of Catholic Social Doctrine.
Relying on the Compendium of the Social
Doctrine of the Church and the social
encyclicals of the papal Magisterium, the
course will treat Catholic belief regarding the
proper ordering of economic and political
life, Church-state relations, the protection of
human life and promotion of the family,
immigration, and safeguarding peace. In
light of contemporary discussions,
instruction will prepare students to advance
the social doctrine of the Church in the
present context.

MM502
Survey of Canon Law
Prof. TBD
Time TBD
3 Credits
An introduction to key terms and concepts in
canon law through a textual analysis of
several topics treated in the 1983 Code of
Canon Law including ecclesial structures,
the sacraments of initiation and healing,
teaching authority, and penal law.

END OF SAINTJOHN’S SEMINARY

CATALOG.

42
Hartford Seminary- FALL 2020
Scripture & Biblical Studies
SC-523-2
The Torah
Grant
ONLINE
3 Credits
For Jews, the Torah, is the holiest section of
the Hebrew Bible. It begins with Creation
and concludes with the Israelites at the brink
of entering the Promised Land. In this
course we will study the five books that
comprise this narrative through a variety of
lenses. For example, we will consider the
origins of the Torah, the historical influences
of the Torah, the literary styles of the Torah,
Jewish methods of interpreting the Torah,
as well as how modern Jews regard the
Torah today.
SC-540-2
The Synoptic Gospels
Smith
ONLINE
3 Credits
The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke
are the earliest surviving accounts of the life
and ministry of Jesus. This course will
provide a detailed examination of these
texts, paying special attention to the
distinctive portrait of Jesus that each gospel
presents. We will study these biblical texts
in their ancient contexts and discuss
contemporary application. We will explore
various theories regarding the so-called
“Synoptic Problem”: Which gospel do you
think came first? But that’s not all! We will
also survey different critical methods in
Gospel analysis such as literary, redaction,
socio-historical, and tradition-critical. Best of
all: we will have fun doing it!
Islamic Studies
AM-653-2
Mental Health: Islamic Perspective
Keshavarzi
ONLINE
3 Credits
This course will familiarize students with the
basic concepts of mental illness to facilitate
their communication with multidisciplinary
teams including both health and mental
health professionals, and help them to gain
an awareness of the cultural factors
particular to the Muslim community.
Students will obtain skills including when to
make referrals and how to approaching
individuals in a mental health treatment
context.
TH-692-2
Muslim Political Theology in the 20th and
21st Centuries
Yuskaev
ONLINE
3 Credits
This course offers an in-depth exploration of
geographically and thematically organized
case studies that address Muslim
theological approaches to politics in the 20th
and 21st centuries. Our case studies will
include political discourses from Egypt, Iran,
Turkey, India, Pakistan, and the United
States. Our exploration will range from
theories of withdrawal from to the shaping of
modern political systems. Particular
attention will be paid to the analysis of
discourses on modernity, gender, uses of
tradition, and Muslim minorities’ participation
in in public life. A background in modern
history, particularly of Islamic countries,
would be helpful. This course is a seminar,
meaning all students must contribute to
each class discussion, both orally and in
writing. Analyzing case studies has the
specific aim of refining each student’s
written and oral interpretative skills.
Islamic Studies (Cont.)
RS-616-2
Immigration, Race, and Religious in an
WS-639-2
Era of Resurgent Nationalism
Islamic Spirituality
Norton
Keyes
ONLINE
ONLINE
3 Credits
3 Credits The United States has been the top
In this course we will investigate the destination for international migrants since
historical origins of Sufism and the 1960, and is home to one-fifth of the world’s
construction of authority and piety in the Sufi international migrants. Despite its long
tradition. We will also chart the evolution of history of immigration, the United States has
Sufism from personal spiritual practice and oscillated between perceiving immigration
experience to the establishment of mystical as a valuable resource and as a major
brotherhoods in which, depending on time
challenge. This course is intended to
and place, a large portion of Muslim society
introduce students to the concepts, major
participated. Finally, we will turn to the
trends, and critical issues associated with
continued importance that Sufism has
this reality from religious perspectives.
played in the contemporary Muslim-majority
Students will explore the historical context to
world as well as in North America.
current debates over immigration reform,
integration, and citizenship, analyzing
Interreligious Learning century-long conversations about the
interplay between religion, who is allowed
TH-612-2 into the country, and what it means to be an
Theology of Religious Manyness American. The course provides a
Mosher chronological overview of US immigration
history, but also includes thematic weeks
ONLINE
that cover case studies of salient issues
3 Credits
such as border policing, deportation policy,
Religions are constellations of beliefs,
xenophobia, religious pluralism, and
practices, institutions, and more by which a
transnationalism. Students will be expected
meaningful world is established, maintained,
to revisit current media interpretations of the
and celebrated. Such constellations are
place of immigration in U.S. society and
many. A theology of religious manyness is a
study immigration from interfaith and
formal, systematic attempt by careful
sociological points of view, evaluating their
consideration of sacred writings, doctrines,
own experiences with immigration and
and practices by adherents of one religion to
immigrants. Although primarily conducted
make sense of the phenomenon of religious
online, this course includes a service
diversity. This asynchronous-online course
learning project that will be related to each
facilitates an investigation of a range of
student’s context and goals. This course will
Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, and
help religious leaders and activists in their
Buddhist theologies of religious manyness.
advocacy, public discussions, and religious
In the process, it draws on scholarship
framing about immigration in the United
conducted under the umbrellas of theology
States historically and today.
of religions and theology of religious
diversity as it considers the construction of
otherness; the notion of religion itself; and
typologies by which attitudes toward
religious difference are sorted.
44
Interreligious Learning (Cont.)
HI-619-2
Muslim-Christian Conflict or Cooperation:
The Politics of Interpreting Our Shared
Past
Grafton
ONLINE
3 Credits
The interpretation of Islam and Christian-
Muslim encounters has become highly
politicized, ideological, and controversial.
Islam and Christianity have been described
as either sibling children of Abraham sharing
much in common or part of a monolithic clash
of incompatible civilizations. This course will
survey the history of Christian-Muslim
relations, giving attention to the use and
interpretation of historical sources by
contemporary Christians and Muslims.
Students will examine the origins of the
encounter, the diversity of historical contexts,
and how those encounters have been
interpreted today. Students will engage with
contemporary digital resources on specific
topics to develop their own critical
perspectives on Christian-Muslim relations
for contemporary interpretation and public
engagement.
Ethics
ET-546-2
Theological Ethics & Public Life
James
ONLINE
3 Credits
Ethics involves examining life in an attempt to
interpret what is going on. Theological ethics
undertakes this examination with the
conviction that all things exist in relation to
God. In this course we will survey models of
our common life that have prevailed in
western Christianity in the modern period,
reflect on the religious symbols, stories,
practices and habits by which we make
sense of what is going on in public life, and
consider what possibilities exist for fostering
a civil society. Issues to be considered
include religion and politics, human rights,
war and revolution, and the treatment of
animals.
END OF HARTFORD SEMINARY CATALOG.
45
HARVARD DIVINITY SCHOOL- FALL 2020
* IMPORTANT NOTE: While you can register for an HDS course now, and get approval through your
HOME registrar, HDS will not be processing any enrollments until August. Generally, HDS processes BTI
cross-registrations the week before classes begin. Enrollment in an HDS course is not final until you receive
final confirmation from the HDS registrar (and instructor approval as listed in the course listing).*

**Some Classes will be run on a SYNCHRONOUS teaching schedule. If there is a time listed with the course,
assume you may have to be present online at the specified time. Teaching schedules for these courses will
be left to the discretion of the professor.

Scripture & Biblical Studies HDS 1560
The Book of Revelation: Text, History, and
HDS 1417 Interpretation
Genesis: Narrative Artistry and Theological Bazzana
Meanings TH 12:00-1:59PM ONLINE
Levenson 4 Credits
T/TH 10:30-11:45am ONLINE The course will be focused primarily on the
4 Credits Greek text of the Apocalypse of John,
A close critical reading in English of the Book of devoting time to the observation and
Genesis with an eye both to the storytellers discussion of issues relating to textual
techniques and to the moral and theological transmission, translation, interpretation, and
dimensions of the text. Primary emphasis will be theological hermeneutics. Through the
given to literary and religious rather than additional reading of other ancient, modern,
historical and editorial issues. and contemporary texts the course will also
approach the colorful and contested history
of interpretation of this puzzling biblical book.
HDS 1438 Revelation will be posed within the ancient
The Book of Proverbs: Seminar historical context of Jewish and Christian
Levenson apocalypticism, but discussion in the course
TH 3:00-4:59PM ONLINE will range through the many facets of
4 Credits Revelation’ history of interpretation, from
A critical discussion of the Book of Proverbs antiquity to today, addressing contested
in its entirety and a close reading of (at least) issues such as its stance towards violence,
major sections of it in Hebrew. Among the its ambiguous treatment of empire and
topics considered are questions of worldview, gender, or its controversial canonicity. Two
literary design, poetic technique, ancient Near semesters of Greek are required. If HDS
Eastern antecedents and parallels, and the courses will be offered online, the seminar
relationship of the theologies in Proverbs to will be split in two parts, one synchronous
those of other currents in ancient Israel. and one asynchronous. Jointly offered in the
Prerequisites: an introductory course in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences.
critical study of the Hebrew Bible and a very Requires Professor Approval.
solid command of Hebrew grammar (any
period). Jointly offered in the Faculty of Arts
and Sciences as Hebrew.




Scripture & Biblical Studies
(CONT.)
HDS 1522
The Gospel of John
Lieu
M 12:00-1:59PM ONLINE
4 Credits
The Gospel of John represents a distinctive
voice within the thought of the New
Testament, and has had a significant
influence on the language of developing
Christian doctrine. It has also been the
subject of a variety of more recent reading
strategies- narrative, feminist, political,
sociological- as well as provoking extensive
debate because of its attitude to those it
labels the Jews. In this course we shall
explore the Gospel and its interpretation
through close attention to the Gospel itself
and to a range of its interpreters
Languages
HDS 1625
Rapid Reading: Classical Hebrew I
Teeter
TH 12:00-1:59PM ONLINE
4 Credits
Advanced reading in selected biblical prose
texts and intensive review of the grammar of
Biblical Hebrew.
Prerequisite: HDS 4010 (A and B), HDS
4020, and HDS 4021 or the equivalents.
Jointly offered as Classical Hebrew 130AR.
HDS 4211
Elementary Greek I
Skedros
M/W/F 9:00-9:59AM ONLINE
4 Credits
Introduction to ancient Greek emphasizing
the grammar and vocabulary of the New
Testament. Course has additional section
hour to be arranged.
Enrollment priority given to HDS students
and other Harvard faculty cross-registrants.
Requires Professor Approval.
HDS 4220
Intermediate Greek I
Haley
M/W 6:00-7:15PM ONLINE
4 Credits
Review of grammar and syntax. Special
attention given to increasing facility in reading
and interpreting the Greek New Testament.
Selected readings from the gospels and
epistles with occasional readings from LXX or
early Christian writers. Prerequisite:
Elementary Greek or the equivalent. Limited
enrollment course.
Enrollment priority given to HDS students
and other Harvard faculty cross-registrants.
Requires Professor Approval.
HDS 4052
Elementary Pali I
Chrystall
M/W/F 9:00-9:59AM ONLINE
4 Credits
The first in a two-year program of courses
designed to enable the student to read
Buddhist canonical materials in Pali
independently. In addition to giving the
student a comprehensive understanding of all
grammatical forms found in the texts, the
program will also equip them with a range of
interpretive techniques to help them draw out
as fully as possible the meanings of the texts.
This course introduces students to major
elements of grammar found in Pali. It also
introduces the language patterns found in
standard prose works to facilitate
independent reading. The course is geared
toward getting the student to read canonical
Pali texts as quickly as possible, and
readings in the textbook are taken from key
canonical texts. The student is thus engaging
with key canonical materials from the very
beginning of the course. Prerequisite: None.
Auditors not allowed. Limited enrollment
course.
Enrollment priority given to HDS students
and other Harvard faculty cross-registrants.
Requires Professor Approval.
47
Languages (CONT.)
HDS 4054
Intermediate Pali I
Chrystall
M/W/F 10:30-11:29AM ONLINE
4 Credits
This course is the third part of a two-year
program designed to allow the student to
read Buddhist canonical materials in Pali
independently. The readings are taken from
the canonical collections and are chosen and
arranged thematically, exposing the student
to key aspects of the teachings of Theravada
Buddhism. The course readings are chosen
to enrich the students understanding of these
teachings, at the same time as strengthening
language skills. Prerequisites: Elementary
Pali II or equivalent (with permission of the
instructor).
Note: Auditors not allowed. Limited
enrollment course. Enrollment priority given
to HDS students and other Harvard faculty
cross-registrants
Requires Professor Approval.
HDS 4056
Reading Post-Canonical Pali I
Hallisey
T/TH 9:00-10:15AM ONLINE
4 Credits
This course is a continuation of HDS course
offerings in Pali (Elementary Pali and
Intermediate Pali) and focuses especially on
the reading and interpretation of Theravada
Buddhist commentarial texts composed in
Pali. Course will include learning how to read
Pali texts printed in non-Roman scripts; in the
Fall term, 2020, some texts will be read in
Thai script.
Prerequisite: Intermediate Pali II or
equivalent (with instructors permission).
Focus of readings in the Fall term, 2020 will
be on friendship as a Buddhist value and
virtue.
Requires Professor Approval.
HDS 4102A
Elementary Syriac
Possekel
M/W/F 10:30-11:29AM ONLINE
4 Credits
Syriac is the Aramaic dialect that became the
principal language of Near Eastern Christians
in antiquity. It was widely spoken and written
in Mesopotamia, Persia, and beyond, and a
vast corpus of Syriac Christian literature
survives. This full-year course offers a
thorough introduction to Classical Syriac.
Readings will include passages from the New
Testament and early Christian literature. The
course will also introduce important themes
and figures from the Syriac tradition. Syllabus
and instructional techniques have been
updated to optimize the online learning
experience.
This is an indivisible year-long course.
Students must complete both terms of
this course (parts A and B) within the
same academic year in order to receive
credit. Limited enrollment course.
Requires Professor Approval.
HDS 4157
Elementary Coptic I
Bonar
T/TH 9:00-10:15AM ONLINE
4 Credits
This course will offer an introduction to
Sahidic Coptic vocabulary, grammar, and
syntax. No previous knowledge of Coptic or
other linguistic background is presumed. The
course is designed to give students the
necessary training to read basic to
intermediate level texts, including but not
limited to the Coptic Bible, the Nag Hammadi
codices, monastic texts, and Coptic papyri.
The course will further provide a primer to the
vast resources available for the study of
Coptic, including Coptic digital humanities
projects.
Requires Professor Approval.
48
Languages (CONT.)
HDS 4229
Advanced Greek: Sacred Histories
Ennis
W 3:00-4:59PM ONLINE
4 Credits
In this course, we will read selections from
Greek “historians of the sacred” - ancient
authors who record the history, practices,
and beliefs of their religious communities. We
will spend some time on Jewish and “pagan”
Greek authors, but the bulk of our course will
be dedicated to reading selections from
Christian ecclesiastical historians: Eusebius,
Sozomen, Socrates and so forth. These
authors are excellent examples of Late
Antique Greek prose and vital sources for our
understanding of early Christianity, but they
are also foundational thinkers in the evolution
of a western philosophy of history. While
reinforcing familiarity with Greek syntax and
developing reading proficiency, this course
will also provide an opportunity to ask
interesting historiographical and philological
questions, including: (1) how do different
historians record the same events? (2) what
language and terminology do historians use
to refer to the Christian community? (3) what
are the “theologies of history” suggested by
the authors? (4) how are dissensions within
the Christian community discussed by the
authors?
Prerequisite: Two years of college Greek or
equivalent.
HDS 4240
Graeca- Reading of Greek Texts: Seminar
Kimmel
T 5:00-6:59PM ONLINE
2 Credits
Prerequisite: passing of a qualifying
examination in advanced Greek. Limited
enrollment course. Enrollment priority given
to HDS students and other Harvard faculty
cross-registrants.
Requires Professor Approval.
HDS 4320
Readings in Christian Latin
Tichelkamp
T/TH 9:00-10:15AM ONLINE
4 Credits
This course is intended to hone reading and
translation skills in Latin by introducing
students to Christian texts from scriptures to
late ancient vitae, medieval mystics to early
modern reformers. The primary purpose is to
increase facility and familiarity with the Latin
language, developing skills begun in previous
coursework conducted either in classical or in
medieval Latin. The secondary purpose is to
be introduced to the study of Christian Latin
literature, as well as the resources scholars
use to study it. Special attention will be paid
to the theory and practice of scriptural
interpretation and to Latin cultures of reading
and translating. Students will encounter
digitized manuscripts, letters, and artwork
(many from Harvard’s own libraries and
museums). No previous work in Christian
history or theology is required.
Prerequisite: one year of college level Latin
or the HDS summer Latin course.
Limited enrollment course. Enrollment priority
given to HDS students and other Harvard
faculty cross-registrants.
Requires Professor Approval.
HDS 4412
German for Reading
Grundler-Whitacre
W 6:00-7:59PM ONLINE
4 Credits
An introduction to German grammar, syntax,
vocabulary and translation with reading
selections at an elementary level related to
theological and religious studies. Limited
enrollment course. Enrollment priority given
to HDS students and other Harvard faculty
cross-registrants.
Requires Professor Approval.
49
Languages (CONT.)
HDS 4414
Advanced Intermediate German Readings
Grimm
W 6:00-7:59PM ONLINE
4 Credits
Reading and translation practice in selected
texts related to theological and religious
studies.
Prerequisite: 8-Week Intensive Beginners
German for Reading, Korb’s German for
Reading, or Instructor’s Permission. Limited
enrollment course. Enrollment priority given
to HDS students and other Harvard faculty
cross-registrants.
Requires Professor Approval.
HDS 4451
Elementary French for Reading
Torracinta
W 5:00-8:00PM ONLINE
4 Credits
An introduction to French grammar, syntax,
vocabulary and translation with reading
selections at an elementary level related to
theological and religious studies. Enrollment
priority given to HDS students and other
Harvard faculty cross-registrants.
Requires Professor Approval.
HDS 4460
Elementary Spanish for Reading
O’Connor
M/W 6:00-7:29PM ONLINE
4 Credits
An introduction to Spanish grammar, syntax,
vocabulary and translation with reading
selections at an elementary level related to
theological and religious studies. Limited
enrollment course. Enrollment priority given
to HDS students and other Harvard faculty
cross-registrants.
Requires Professor Approval.
HDS 4454
Advanced Intermediate French Readings
Torracinta
T/TH 5:00-6:29PM ONLINE
4 Credits
Reading and translation practice in selected
texts related to religious studies. This course
is designed to help students gain proficiency
in reading texts related to theological French
and religious studies, as well as academic
French more broadly. The syllabus may be
adjusted according to the specific interests
and research areas of students enrolled in
the course.
Prerequisite: HDS 4453, SLP, or
Intermediate French reading proficiency.
Limited enrollment course. Enrollment priority
given to HDS students and other Harvard
faculty cross-registrants.
Requires Professor Approval.
HDS 4464
Advanced Intermediate Spanish Readings
Neufeld
M/W 6:00-7:29PM ONLINE
4 Credits
This course focuses on Spanish reading
comprehension and translation at the
intermediate/advanced level with special
attention to preparation for the HDS Spanish
language exam. Students will translate
Spanish-language texts from various time
periods, regions, traditions, and genres into
English and will learn to recognize key
grammatical structures, vocabulary, and
linguistic nuances with the goal of
comprehension of written material in
Spanish. At the end of the course, students
will have the opportunity to work with and
translate a text of their choice from their own
research disciplines. Prerequisites: HDS
4463 or the equivalent. Limited enrollment
course. Enrollment priority given to HDS
students and other Harvard faculty cross-
registrants.
Requires Professor Approval.
50
Church History/History of HDS 2293
The Holocaust and the Churches, 1933-
Religions 1945
Madigan
HDS 1751
M 9:00-10:59AM ONLINE
Early Christian Thought 3: The Syriac
4 Credits
Tradition
This seminar will approach the Nazi
Stang
persecution of European Jewry from several
T/TH 10:30-11:45AM ONLINE
disciplinary perspectives. Initially the
4 Credits
seminar will explore the topic historically. In
The aim of this course is to introduce
these weeks, the seminar will use a variety
students to the Syriac Christian tradition in
of historical materials dealing with the
the late antique and medieval periods.
history of European anti-semitism, German
Syriac-speaking Christians constitute an
history from Bismarck to the accession of
ancient community that stretched from the
Hitler, the evolution of anti-Jewish
Eastern Mediterranean to China, a
persecution in the Third Reich, and the
community diverse in its beliefs and
history of the Holocaust itself. Sources to be
practices, prolific and accomplished in its
used will include primary sources produced
literary output, and bound by a common
by the German government 1933-1945, by
language (Syriac, a dialect of Aramaic). This
Jewish victims-to-be or survivors,
course will cover the early, diverse period of
documentary films, and secondary
Syriac literature (2nd and 3rd centuries); the
interpretations. The aims of this part of the
subsequent “golden” age of Syriac literature,
seminar will be to understand the basic
associated with such authors as Ephrem
background to and narrative of the
and Jacob of Serug; some forms of
Holocaust, to introduce students to the
asceticism and spirituality peculiar to Syriac
critical use of primary historical sources, and
Christianity; and finally, the stretch of Syriac
to familiarize them with some of the major
Christianity eastward, to India and China.
historiographical debates. Then the
Jointly offered in the Faculty of Arts and
members of the seminar will ponder
Sciences as Religion 1420.
religious and theological reactions to the
Requires Professor Approval.
Holocaust. The seminar will also consider
the historical question of the role played by
HDS 2390A
the Protestant and Catholic churches and
Colloquium in American Religious
theologies in the Holocaust. The seminar
History
will conclude with an assessment of the role
Brekus
played by the Holocaust in today's
T 6:00-7:59PM ONLINE
world, specifically in the United States.
2 Credits
Throughout the seminar, participants will
Presentation and discussion of the research use various literary and cinematographic
of doctoral candidates in American religious sources and test their limits in helping to
history. Note: First half of an academic year understand and to represent the Holocaust.
bi-weekly course. Credit will not be earned Jointly offered in the Faculty of Arts and
unless both the fall and spring semester of Sciences as Religion 1529.
the course is completed. Requires Professor Approval.
Requires Professor Approval.

51
Islamic Studies
HDS 3171
Spiritual Cultivation in Islam Part I: The
Classical Era
Kane
T 3:00-4:59PM ONLINE
4 Credits
This course, as part of the new HDS
Initiative on Islamic Spiritual Life and
Service, is intended for students preparing
for vocation in a variety of settings in which
they will provide Islamically-inspired service
and support. The course will acquaint
students with Islamic pedagogy and practice
on spiritual cultivation, highlighting the
foundational importance of spiritual-ethical
virtues in Islamic piety and the lifelong quest
for nearness to and knowledge of God. In
addition it will: explore ways in which
spiritual-ethical cultivation has been fostered
holistically in the lived devotion of Muslim
communities across time, place, and
culture, including in various manifestations
of the Islamic science of Sufism (taṣawwuf)
and its traditional integration within
educational and religious life and
institutions, with attention to topics such as
spiritual mentorship, spiritual training
(tarbiya), spiritual companionship, oral
tradition and transmission, devotional arts,
and the creation of spaces for spiritual
connection and service across religious,
cultural, and social differences; engage the
students in experiential-learning exercises
to deepen their understanding of relevant
concepts and practices; invite students to
reflect upon what they are learning in
relation to; their personal development, faith
perspectives, and spiritual, ethical,
intellectual, and vocational formation the
Islamically-inspired service they will provide
within and beyond Muslim communities;
ways to support their own and others growth
in this pursuit language and approaches for
engaging varied audiences with this topic
and pursuit in their respective settings.
Requires Professor Approval.
HDS 3173
Shamans, Saivas, Sufis or Salafis?:
Islam & Islamic Bodies in Southeast Asia
Sevea
TH 12:00-1:59PM ONLINE
4 Credits
This course introduces students to
scholarship on Islam in Southeast Asia. It
focuses on the literature on Islamic bodies
and sexuality in Southeast Asia, paying
particular attention to how Islamic adepts
associated the health, growth and
regeneration of religion with the cultivation
of bodies and sexual practices. Students will
be introduced to the academic literature on
religious sexuality in Southeast Asia and the
broader Islamic and Persianate world,
before being introduced to manuals,
mantras, travelogues, autobiographies,
novels, pamphlets and films produced in
Southeast Asia between the sixteenth and
twenty-first centuries. This course is divided
into four main parts. Part I will focus on
thinking about religion, bodies and sex and
the genealogies of Islam in Southeast Asia.
It will also consider the Sufi and Salafi
articulations of Southeast Asian Islam and
Islamic sexuality. Part II will shift attention
toward Islamic societies of the Malay world,
to trace a history of the relics, blood and
bodily fluids of missionaries and saints in
Southeast Asia. The dramatis personae of
Part II include cosmopolitan heirs of Prophet
Muhammad and Jesuits mediating Islamic
frontiers and Islamic bodies and spirits, as
well as the primary agents of Southeast
Asian Islam who were portrayed by
orientalists as Muslim shamans and
Tantrics. Part III focuses on martial arts,
soldiering, yoga and traditions of
abstinence, breathing, piercing, bleeding
and doctoring, while tracing connections
between Islamic, Hindu and Sikh bodily
techniques across the Bay of Bengal.
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE.
52
 Part IV concentrates on the cultivation of
masculinity and challenge of alternative
masculinities in Islamic modernity, and the
category of the eunuch and accompanying
sacred boundaries. Part IV then devotes
attention to the voluminous textual traditions
on the modern Muslim body and sexuality.
This course concludes by engaging the
sociopolitical representations of the Muslim
body, and its connection to (or disjunction
from) nationalism, secularism, caste,
hypersexuality and COVID-19.
Islamic Studies (CONT.)
HDS 3065A
The Man of Light: The Philosophy and
Spirituality of Henry Corbin
Stang
F 12:00-2:59PM ONLINE
2 Credits
This seminar will focus on the writings of
Henry Corbin (1903-1978), the philosopher
of religion and scholar of Islam, especially
the Persian tradition. The aim of the seminar
will be to read Corbins major works; to
understand his controversial place in the
history of the study of religion in general,
and of Islam in particular; to appreciate him
as a creative and constructive philosopher
and theologian in his own right; and to
assess his legacy for the 21st century.
Students must complete both terms of this
course within the same academic year in
order to receive credit. Jointly offered in the
Faculty of Arts and Sciences as TBD.
Requires Professor Approval.
HDS 3368
Islam, Modernity, and Politics
Kane
F 3:00-4:59PM ONLINE
4 Credits
The aim of this seminar is to study the
evolution of Islamic thought and political
practices in Muslim societies from the 19th
to 21st centuries. Attention will be devoted
to the patterns of interaction between the
Muslim World and the West because it is
our assumption that these patterns
contribute to influence ideological
formations and modes of religious/political
mobilizations in the Muslim World. By the
end of the eighteenth century, much of the
Muslim World was in decline whereas
European imperial powers, mainly France
and Great Britain, were on the rise. The
course will explore the response of Muslim
societies and intellectuals to the rise of
European prominence. The major 19th
century reformist movements that appeared
in the Muslim World will be discussed,
ranging from movements advocating mild
reform to those rejecting all influence of
Western civilization and advocating a return
to the Tradition of Muhammad. In the
twentieth century, virtually all the Muslim
World came under European colonial
domination. During colonial rule and after,
the Muslim world experienced major
transformations which affected the nature
and administration of law, politics and
society. It is in this context, that the new
Islamic revival that some have called
Islamism was articulated as an alternative to
Westernization. The course will address the
rise of contemporary Islamism as an
alternative to Western domination and
modernization. The major theorists of
political Islam as well as the different
trajectories of Islam in diverse Muslim
societies will be covered. The final part of
the course will assess the trajectories of
political Islam and address the ongoing
debates on post-Islamism, secularism and
modernity. Requires Professor Approval.
53
Buddhist Studies
HDS 3051
Buddhist Lives
Goldstein
T/TH 10:30-11:45AM ONLINE
4 Credits
An exploration of forms of Buddhist
religiosity considered through the life-stories
of diverse individuals. Drawing from
Buddhist traditions across a variety of
cultures past and present, we examine lives
portrayed through autobiography,
biography, hagiography, ethnography, and
explicitly fictionalized life-stories. Topics
include self-representation, the relation
between art and life, and the
understandings that emerge from the
interplay in Buddhism between idealized
religious systems and the contingencies of
actual lives.
HDS 3777
Modern Buddhism and Fiction
Hallisey
W 3:00-4:59PM ONLINE
4 Credits
An examination of how fiction is a vehicle for
religious imagination and reflection in the
modern Buddhist world. The genres of
fiction will include both the novel and the
short story, with examples drawn widely
from across the Buddhist world and beyond.
In accommodation to the necessity of
remote learning in the fall term, 2020, class
format will be of three types: 1 hour in
lecture (Wednesdays 3-4); one hour in small
group discussion (Wednesdays, 4-5); and
one hour in tutorial format (one hour to be
arranged for two students to meet weekly
via Zoom with instructor). Enrollment is
limited.
HDS 3836
Introduction to Buddhist Scriptures and
Their Critical Interpretation
Hallisey
T 12:00-1:59PM ONLINE
4 Credits
An introduction to basic issues in the
contemporary understanding of textuality,
psychology, reading, and interpretation and
their relevance to engaging Buddhist texts
as scriptures. Examples of Buddhist
scriptures will be drawn primarily from the
Mahayana traditions. In accommodation to
the necessity of remote learning in the fall
term, 2020, class format will be of three
types: 1 hour in lecture (Tuesdays 12-1);
one hour in small group discussion
(Tuesdays, 1-2); and one hour in tutorial
format (one hour to be arranged for two
students to meet weekly via Zoom with
instructor). Enrollment is limited.
World Religions
HDS 3074
Gender and Ritual in Ancient Egyptian
Funerary Practices
Ayad
M 12:00-1:59PM ONLINE
4 Credits
Ancient Egyptian men and women
constructed enduring mortuary monuments,
compiled funerary texts, and created
elaborate myths & intricate rituals to
deal with death. This course explores how
women feature in ancient Egyptian
conceptions of death, salvation, and the
afterlife and whether the Egyptians
conceived of gendered pathways to the
afterlife.
Requires Professor Approval.
54

Hinduism Studies
HDS 3399
Introduction to Hinduism
Borkataky-Varma
T/TH 10:30-11:45AM ONLINE
4 Credits
The religious tradition that we now know as
Hinduism originated on the South Asian
peninsula and developed over the course of
the last 3500 years. This course examines
the principal themes of traditional Hinduism.
It gives special attention to the historical
development of the tradition and its relation
to social and cultural life in India. We will
evaluate how Hinduism arose and how it
developed over time in response to social,
cultural, and historical variables. To the
extent possible, the course will examine
different forms of Hindu religious expression
created within India. These include written
texts that have been significant in the Hindu
tradition, but they also comprise rituals that
have been central to religious life, patterns
of social action that embody Hindu values,
and images and architecture that display the
form and powers of the world. They thus
offer the student of religion a unique
opportunity to reflect comparatively and
globally on the diverse histories, functions,
and roles of religion in human civilizations,
not to mention contemporary geopolitics.
Requires Professor Approval.
HDS 3425
Folk Hinduism
Borkataky-Varma
M 12:00-1:59PM ONLINE
4 Credits
Courses on Hinduism have predominantly
been approached via literary and textual
avenues, through which its ancient,
philosophical, abstract, and transcendent
features are highlighted. Even ethnographic
accounts of Hinduism have been dominated
by attention to the Sanskritic and Brahmanic
elements derived from such a scriptural,
elitist grounding. Such foci are limited
because of the neglect of oral traditions and
attention to Hindu practices, particularly at
the local, regional levels and the role of
specific household and cult deities, rituals,
and festivals in sustaining a religious
worldview. In this course, we will begin with
addressing how the study of Folklore is
distinguished from the field of Anthropology
and Religious Studies? Next, we will delve
into the contribution mythology makes to the
larger field of folklore and folk Hinduism.
The second segment focuses on the
complexity of texts in Hinduism by looking at
many Ramayana and looking at Draupadi
characterization in different Mahabharata.
The third segment will delve into living
rituals and performative traditions, for
example, theyyam, exorcism in Mehandipur
Balaji Temple, etc. The fourth segment
delves into spirit possession, mediumship
and how the digital space is allowing for
access into otherwise secretive practices.
Finally, we take a glimpse into folk Hinduism
in the diaspora by looking at communities in
Trinidad and Tobago.
Requires Professor Approval.
55
Hinduism Studies (CONT.)
HDS 3931
The Yoga Sutras: Text, Meaning,
Purpose
Clooney
T 3:00-5:29PM ONLINE
4 Credits
The brief Yoga Sutras (only 195 sutras) of
Patanjali (c 100 BCE-100 CE) is a vastly
influential and fundamental text of yoga. It is
the focus of the course, along with its
primary commentary (Vyasa Bhasya), notes
on other commentaries, and with some
attention to BKS Iyengar”s famous Light on
the Yoga Sutras. What was Patanjali up to?
What are the Sutras for? What do the
Sutras tell us about the meaning and
purpose of yoga then and now? Though not
a course about the practice of yoga or yoga
in the modern world, it is always attentive to
the implications for practice. Thus potentially
of great use for practitioners and teachers
today. Apt comparisons will be made with
ancient Hindu and Buddhist parallels, Al-
Biruni, 11th c. Arabic translation, and
modern Christian interpretations of the
Sutras. Given our stressful situation,
possibly some optional yoga practice
together at start or end of class. Weekly
written responses, plus two twelve-page
course papers.
Requires Professor Approval.
Interreligious Learning
HDS 3751
Who Needs God? Rethinking God in
Light of Hindu and Christian Theologies
Clooney
M/W 10:30-11:45AM ONLINE
4 Credits
This course reflects on God- the idea, the
reality, the significance- in light of Hindu and
Christian scriptures, from philosophical and
theological perspectives, and with reference
to spiritual paths to union with God, all re-
read in light of modern theological questions
and doubts about the very idea of “God.”
Issues include: the meaning of “God” and
knowledge of God; reasons to believe (or
not) in God’s existence; God’s relationship
to the world, humans, all living beings;
divine embodiment and salvation by God;
theism and polytheism before and after
secularism and atheism. Knowing both
Hindu and Christian traditions on God
clarifies each tradition, as we learn from
their great similarities and great differences.
And: how might studying God comparatively
change our God-talk, God-practice, God-
love here and now? Quiet course for noisy
times. Weekly written responses, plus two
10-12 page papers.
Ethics
HDS 2415
Liberal and Liberation Theologies in
Dialogue
McKanan
M/W 9:00-9:59AM ONLINE
4 Credits
This course will explore the possibilities for
fruitful interchange between classic liberal
theologies and contemporary theologies of
liberation. We will begin with major texts of
American liberal theology (Channing,
Emerson, Bushnell, Rauschenbusch), then
turn to the defining liberationist texts
(Gutierrez, Cone, Daly), and conclude with
several attempts to integrate the traditions.
56
 Ethics (CONT.)
HDS 2042
Religion, Values, and the Future of
Democracy
Dionne
T/TH 10:15-11:30AM ONLINE
4 Credits
G. K. Chesterton described the United
States as a nation with the soul of a church,
but America’s religious institutions have
increasingly taken on the souls of political
parties, at the same time, liberal democracy
finds itself under stress and the core values
of liberalism are being challenged by
nationalism, identify politics, authoritarian
forms of populism, and a backlash against
rising economic inequality. This course will
explore the religious and secular values that
under-gird democracy. It will examine both
political and religious institutions, and
explore the thinking of theologians and
philosophers on the challenge of self-rule.
HDS 2186
Women, Religion, and the Problem of
Historical Agency
Brekus
T 12:00-1:59PM ONLINE
4 Credits
This course examines recent scholarship on
women in American religious history,
focusing particularly on questions of
narration, agency and power. We will ask
several interrelated questions: How have
historians integrated women into narratives
of American religious history? Whose
stories have they highlighted, and why?
How have they conceptualized women as
historical agents? We will read major
interpretive works as well as theoretical
accounts of gender, social structure, and
power. Readings will explore the diversity of
religious traditions in America, including
Puritanism, Judaism, Mormonism,
Catholicism, African-American Christianity,
evangelicalism, and Islam.
Requires Professor Approval.
HDS 2064
The Climate of Unknowing: A Portal into
Beauty, Terror, and the Moral
Imagination
Moore
M 6:00-8:59PM ONLINE
4 Credits
Historically, pandemics have forced humans to
break with the past and imagine their world
anew. This one is no different. It is a portal, a
gateway between one world and the next. We
can choose to walk through it, dragging the
carcasses of our prejudice and hatred, our
avarice, our data banks and dead ideas, our
dead rivers and smoky skies behind us. Or we
can walk through lightly with little luggage,
ready to imagine another world, and ready to
fight for it. We are in a planetary pause, both
historic and transformative. Covid-19,
alongside the climate crisis, provides us with a
glimpse into the reality of our interdependence
and the multilayered ecologies that bind us to
one another and this beautiful, broken world
we call Earth. What are the forces that function
to pull us away from these truths and what can
inspire us to embrace them? How can we turn
our glimpse into a gaze and what more will our
vision reveal? How does racial and
environmental justice illuminate revolutionary
and evolutionary power? And might an
evolutionary power extend to other species?
What forms of unknowing lead to despair? To
imagination? And what roles can grief, love,
and creativity play as guiding forces toward
greater personal agency and engagement?
The Climate of Unknowing is an
interdisciplinary seminar where we will explore
these questions collaboratively in conversation
with one another through a mosaic of
materials, writing, and guests including artists,
scientists, and activists. Our collective
challenge that will saturate this seminar is how
do we act with urgency while maintaining a
compassionate and sustaining vision for the
long view.
57
Ethics (CONT.)
HDS 2217
Before Religious Pluralism: Race,
Religion, Art, and Politics
Gaston
TH 3:00-4:59PM ONLINE
4 Credits
This course will explore how understandings
of pluralism changed from the era of World
War I, when Horace Kallen first articulated
the concept of cultural pluralism to the mid-
twentieth century, when Will Herberg
advanced a specifically religious conception
of pluralism in Protestant-Catholic-Jew
(1955). It will look at the relationships
between religion, race, art, and politics in a
highly generative transnational context: the
interlinked bohemian cultural movements
that flourished in the United States and
Mexico after World War I. In the early
weeks, we will look at religion’s place in the
Harlem Renaissance (Langston Hughes,
Billie Holiday, Alain Locke) and Mexican
modernism (Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo). We
will also critically examine how white
progressives addressed religion, science,
art, and democracy (Kallen, Reinhold
Niebuhr, Paul Tillich). Many of the themes
highlighted between the wars still resonate
today, when categories from the mid-to-late
twentieth century are dissolving and rising
generations are exploring anew the complex
clusters of issues that earlier figures
addressed (individuals and collectivities,
religions and the secular, cultures and
politics, liberation and tradition) amid new
forms of demographic diversity and the
persistence of anti-blackness and other
forms of cultural violence and structural
domination. Later, we will consider how
themes from these contexts carried forward
into the Mexican and American folk art
movements of the 1930s and 1940s; the
Southern Gothic literary tradition; mid-
century modernism; and the folk revival and
Black Arts movement of the 1960s.
Requires Professor Approval.
HDS 2341A
Religion and Public Life in North
America, 16th Century to the Present
Brekus
W 12:30-2:29PM ONLINE
2 Credits
Examines the long historical relationship
between religion and American public life.
Contrary to the predictions of previous
generations of scholars, religion remains a
potent force in the U.S. Secularization, once
imagined as the inevitable result of
modernity, has not relegated religion to the
realm of private life or reduced its influence
in political, economic, and legal debates.
The course is especially interested in tracing
the role of religion in shaping conversations
about religious freedom, war, democracy,
social reform, capitalism, and the common
good. Particular attention will be paid to
change and development over time,
especially in regard to two key terms of
religion and public. Students must complete
both terms of this course within the same
academic year in order to receive credit.
Requires Professor Approval.
HDS 2632
Justice, Human Rights, and Religion
Fiorenza
TH 12:00-1:59PM ONLINE
4 Credits
This course introduces contemporary
discussions about justice, human rights, and
religion. It focuses on the relation between
different conceptions of justice and their
implications for the understanding of human
rights. It will deal with contemporary context
of human rights, the challenges and
criticism of human rights, and the relation
between human rights and religion,
especially Christianity. It will discuss a
conception of human rights in relation to
religion within the framework of a discourse
ethics. Attention will be given to the work of
Rawls, Sandel, Derrida Butler, Fraser,
Young, Wolterstorff, Kasper, and Fiorenza.
Requires Professor Approval.
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 Ethics (CONT.)
HDS 2690A
Religion, Gender, and Culture
Colloquium
Hollywood
W 6:00-7:59PM ONLINE
2 Credits
The Religion, Gender, and Culture
Colloquium explores the intersections of
feminist theory with other theories of
difference and the broader study of religion.
Interested PhD, MTS, ThM, and MDiv
students should contact the instructor. This
is an indivisible course. Students must
complete both terms of this course (parts A
and B) within the same academic year in
order to receive credit.
Requires Professor Approval.
HDS 2710
Christian Sex
Jordan
M 9:00-10:59AM ONLINE
4 Credits
Religious groups labelled “Christian” have
long been preoccupied with sex.The effects
of their preoccupation can be seen all
around us- in contemporary churches, in
ethical and political debates, in our
languages and cultural symbols. This
seminar will consider this preoccupation in
three steps. It will first sample influential
earlier discourses about sex in Christian
theology, paying special attention to rhetoric
of purity, disease, and death. It will then
examine rapid changes in Christian teaching
about procreation and pleasure, marriage
and parenting, “homosexuality” and
“gender” in the last hundred years. Finally, it
will try to find or make more hopeful futures
for Christian sex.
Requires Professor Approval.
HDS 2916
Religion, Democracy, and Education
Kerby
T 12:00-1:59PM ONLINE
4 Credits
The focus of this course is to develop an
understanding of the evolving relationship
among religion, secularism, democracy and
public education in the United States. Our
exploration will include 1) a historical review
of the relationship between religion and
public education in the U.S. with special
attention to pivotal Supreme Court decisions
that have shaped public policy discourses in
these areas over the past half century; 2) a
consideration of the social and moral
consequences that stem from privileging
secularism and democracy as the normative
ideologies of the public sphere; and 3) a
historical and contemporary analysis of
differing views regarding the nature and
purpose of public education and the role of
religion in those debates. Final projects may
focus on the legal, political or curricular
dimensions of the course. Note: This course
is required for those wishing to pursue the
Religious Studies and Education Certificate.
Requires Professor Approval.
HDS 3084
Religion, Gender, and Ethics in Africa
Ledgister
ONLINE
4 Credits
This course explores themes at the
intersection of gender, religion and conflict
in Africa, interrogating normative discourses
that almost exclusively paint African women
as victims of war, and marginalize the
importance of indigenous religion. Focusing
on the interplay of gender studies, religious
studies, and ethics, this course locates
agency in the lived experience of ordinary
African women who turn to indigenous
practice to wage war and to build peace in
contexts of political instability.
Requires Professor Approval.
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Ethics (CONT.)
HDS 3132
Religion and Race in the US: Case
Studies on Brutality, Resistance, and
Imagination
Batholomew
T 3:00-4:59PM ONLINE
4 Credits
Beginning with the arrival of Europeans in
lands now known as the United States and
continuing to the present day, religion has
been and remains a powerful force in
sanctioning white supremacy, inspiring
resistance, and cultivating moral
imagination. In this seminar, we will adopt a
critical race theory framework to explore a
series of case studies focused on race and
racism in the U.S. to examine the complex
ways that religion functions in explicit and
implicit ways to promote and mitigate
systemic racism. Our assumption is that a
nuanced understanding of the power of
religion in particular social/historical
contexts can yield fresh insights into the
challenges and opportunities before us in
these tumultuous times. In the fall course,
case studies will focus on the experiences
of Indigenous peoples and Black people
within the African Diaspora, and the spring
course will focus on diverse immigrant
communities while examining how
“immigrant” is interpreted and defined in
differing contexts and time periods.
Students can enroll in one or both courses.
Requires Professor Approval.
HDS 3347
Biopolitics and Religion in the Time of
Pandemic
Cesari
W 1:00-2:59PM ONLINE
4 Credits
COVID19 has shed light on the overbearing
power of state on the life and death of
people. It has also made citizens aware that
security is not anymore a question of
terrorism but also of health. It also acutely
emphasizes that the state is not limited to
the monopoly of legitimate violence or
administration of material needs. In the
wording of Michel Foucault (1977), it exerts
considerable influence on biopolitics, i.e.,
the management of the lives of people in all
aspects and broadly speaking the power to
make live and to let die. The past months
have highlighted the raw reality of this
biopolitics. Conversely, religions offer
meaning for life and death and regulate the
most intimate functions of the body from
procreation to sexuality and illness while
also providing resilience to hardship and
humanitarian crises, not to mention political
alternatives to deficient or failed states.
More specifically, the pandemic creates an
unprecedented situation in three fields
where religion was already relevant: public
health, conflict regulation and management
of cultural and ethnic diversity. These three
domains construe the landscape of
biopolitics which refers to the control and
regulation of the body and mind of citizens.
This course will provide an interdisciplinary
approach to examine the relevance of
religion for the approaches to war from a
Christian and Islamic perspectives for
political and medical regulation of
pandemics for political management of
cultural and ethnic diversity in secular liberal
democracies of western Europe and North
America.
Requires Professor Approval.
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Religious Education
HDS 2068
Education as Ministry
Click
T 3:00-4:59PM ONLINE
4 Credits
This course will enable students to imagine
their own ministerial artistry in terms of
education. In order to develop each
student’s individual educational philosophy,
we will read a series of educators, including
JS Bruner, Paolo Freire, and John Dewey.
Students will develop a creative project for
actual use in an educational setting. It is
assumed students enrolling will already
have significant teaching experience,
coursework in education, or both.
Requires Professor Approval.
HDS 2125
Religion and Neoliberalism
Thomas
T 12:00-1:59PM ONLINE
4 Credits
As it is popularly conceptualized,
neoliberalism is a political and economic
system that calls for the deregulation of
capitalist enterprises, the increasing
privatization of government services, and
the application of market rationalities in the
operation of social institutions. Yet, how
does neoliberalism interface with religion?
What religious sensibilities are encoded in
and spread amidst neoliberal formations?
Through our review of theoretical texts and
anthropological monographs, this course
investigates religion and neoliberalism
around some of the following loci: Christian
temporal reckonings that shape renditions of
millennial capitalism and late liberalism,
moral orders, co-constitutive discourses and
institutions of prosperity and accumulation,
and conflicting paradigms of selfhood and
belonging.
Requires Professor Approval.
Religion & the Arts
HDS 3001
Quests for Wisdom: Religious, Moral,
and Aesthetic Experiences in the Art of
Living
Carrasco
W 3:00-5:45PM ONLINE
4 Credits
This is an experimental course taught from
the perspectives of anthropology and
religious studies intended to be
transformative for students and teachers
alike. Our goal is to collaboratively develop
a pedagogy for fostering student’s personal
quests for wisdom; through lectures and
readings, extensive conversation, and other
experiences inside and outside of class,
including dramaturgical experiences with
film or theater, caregiving, and meditation.
Together, we will engage with the problems
of danger, uncertainty, failure, and suffering
that led the founders of the social sciences
and humanities to ask fundamental
questions about meaning, imagination,
aesthetics, social life and subjective
experience. The many answers to these
questions- wisdom that is found in religious,
ethical and aesthetic quests, expressions
and traditions - are intended to furnish
individuals art of living with strategies to
respond to potential and hope, pain and
suffering, to promote healing, and to
address concerns about salvation,
redemption, or other kinds of moral-
emotional transformation. Together we will
explore different paths to wisdom, including
(1) the youthful quest for truth, beauty and
goodness; (2) the affirmation of caregiving
for others as the means of applying wisdom
to repair and improve the world; 3)suffering
and the ordeal of journeying through
labyrinths and tests of courage; (4) the
discovery of wisdom in teachers and
mentors near and far; (5) the process of
creative mourning for past losses and
shaping new beginnings.
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Religion & the Arts (CONT.)
HDS 2965
Virginia Woolf and Religion
Paulsell
T/TH 10:30-11:45AM ONLINE
4 Credits
This course will look closely at the religion
around Woolf--in her family, her society, her
friendships and her reading--and explore its
relationship to her work. Special attention
will be given to the spiritual trajectories of
the modernist movement she helped to
shape and the religious dimensions of her
attempt to reimagine literary realism.
Requires Professor Approval.
Sociology
HDS 3113
Magic in The Contemporary World
Parmigiani
M 12:00-1:59PM ONLINE
4 Credits
What is “magic?” Is it different from
“religion?” Is magic a “way of knowing?” In
this course, we will look at “magic” from an
anthropological perspective. We will focus
on contemporary magic, addressing e.g.
Witchcraft in Post-Colonial Settings,
Contemporary Paganisms, Wicca, Chaos
Magic, New-Age Spirituality, and Western
Esotericism. By engaging with ethnographic
works, students will get acquainted with or
deepen their knowledge of the main issues,
traditions, debates, and research in the field
of the Anthropology of Religion and in the
Anthropology of Magic. Students will
analyze contemporary magic, popular
culture, feminism, globalization, medicine,
social media, history, and well-being. They
will do so through ethnographic readings,
films, music, arts, discussions, and
independent research.
HDS 3689
African Religion in the Diaspora
Olupona
TH 3:00-5:45PM ONLINE
4 Credits
This course focuses on the history and
phenomenology of African peoples religious
experiences in the Americas. The historical
and social processes that led to the
emergence of African diasporic religions in
Latin America and the Caribbean will form
the core of our reading materials. We will
examine the role of myth, ritual, arts, and
symbols as well as the social and political
processes that explain the evolution of Black
Atlantic religious traditions as formed by
African indigenous traditions, African
Christianity, and African Islam. Using
historical, ethnographic, and textual sources,
the course will illuminate the lived religious
experiences of enslaved Africans as well as
new immigrant diaspora communities in
South America, the Caribbean, and the USA.
We will examine Africana religious parallels
and divergences in religious practice and
social identity.
Systematic Theology &
Philosophy
HDS 2047
Black Women, Black Church, and Self-
Narratives
Junior
F 12:00-1:59PM ONLINE
4 Credits
This reading-intensive course focuses on
Black American women writers. It examines
classic and contemporary memoir and
autobiography in order to engage the variety
and distinctiveness of Christian beliefs and
practices. We will consider how race and
gender inform representations of the self
and how such representations speak to their
social and religious contexts. Readings
include work by Jarena Lee, Ellen Tarry,
Pauli Murray, and others.
Requires Professor Approval.
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Systematic Theology &
Philosophy (CONT.)
HDS 2620
HDS 2063
Foucault, Religion, Christianity
A Poetics of Difficulty
Jordan
Hollywood
T 12:00-1:59PM ONLINE
T 3:00-4:59PM ONLINE
4 Credits
4 Credits
This course will explore Foucault’s writing
Through the careful reading of and
about both “religion” and Christianity in
exploratory writing about selected works of
relation to illness, crime, sexuality, self-
contemporary poetry, together with some
knowledge, and coercive power over
key pieces of criticism and philosophy, the
stigmatized bodies. The course’s common
seminar will explore different modalities of
texts will be selected from across his writing
difficulty. The hypothesis driving the course
and speaking. They will include portions at
is that in difficult times, reading difficult
least of “History of Sexuality” which some
writing can be a vital and affectively
consider his decisive reckoning with
powerful task. Readings will likely include
Christianity. While some common readings
work by Susan Howe, Nathanial Mackay,
will treat religious topics explicitly (as HS
Rae Armantrout, Dan Beachy-Quick, Myung
does), others will contend with religion
Mi Kim, Claudia Rankine, Dawn Lundy
ironically, silently, or wistfully. Since
Martin, Harryette Mullen, Elizabeth
Foucault writes in order to be lived rather
Robinson, Lisa Robertson, TC Tolbert, and
than recited, you will be asked to connect
Cameron Awkward-Rich.
him with the questions, texts, or bodies that
Requires Professor Approval.
most concern you.
HDS 2179 Requires Professor Approval.
Love and Loss
Potts Practical/Pastoral Theology
W 3:00-4:59PM ONLINE
HDS 2927
4 Credits
Spiritual Care and Counseling
This course will explore the unsettling TBD
relationship between love and death, desire ONLINE
and grief, as it is expressed in theology and
4 Credits
philosophy and in contemporary fiction and
film. Readings will include selections from This introductory course focuses on
Simone Weil, Julia Kristeva, Judith Butler, developing an understanding of the basic
James Baldwin, Marilynne Robinson, Toni psychological concepts and clinical skills
Morrison, and others, with and screenings of necessary for effective spiritual care and
films by Hirokazu Koreeda, Yasujiro Ozu, counseling. Contemporary challenges
and Barry Jenkins. encountered by spiritual caregivers as
Requires Professor Approval. facilitators of healing and growth with
individuals and communities across
religious traditions are examined.
Requires Professor Approval.

63
Practical/Pastoral Theology
(CONT.)
HDS 2126
Religion and Family
Thomas
W 3:00-4:59PM ONLINE
4 Credits
Religion and family are contested concepts
that become politicized as they are
mobilized and debated in the public sphere.
Religion and family are also often depicted
as separate forms of social organization.
This course explores the ways in which
religious and familial concepts, institutions,
and relationships intersect to shape the
lived experiences of religious participants
who create and imbue their relationships
with social and sacred significance. In
particular, we will examine how rituals,
practices, and meanings surrounding
sexuality, marriage, parenthood,
siblinghood, and genealogy become
important signifiers of religious identity and
membership. Our discussion of these case
studies will also open broader conversations
about the politics ethnicity/race, gender,
sexuality, fundamentalism, and
trans/nationalism and their imprint on modes
of religious and spiritual belonging.
Requires Professor Approval.
HDS 2966
Change, Adversity, and Spiritual
Resilience
Berlin
W 3:00-5:59PM ONLINE
4 Credits
Change and adversity can impact one’s
spiritual life in challenging ways. Spiritual
loss, trauma and resistance to change
during such times can hinder one’s potential
for spiritual growth or a deepening of faith.
By drawing on Buddhist views of the nature
of mind, mindfulness practice, and
considering recent advances in positive
psychology, this seminar will explore how
spiritual counselors or others in caregiving
roles can apply these perspectives in theory
and practice to interfaith counseling settings
to help foster spiritual resilience in those
experiencing life change, adversity or
spiritual crisis.
Requires Professor Approval.
Preaching, Liturgy, & Ritual
HDS 2908
Preaching in the Unitarian Universalist
and Free Church Traditions: Seminar
Smith
TH 12:00-1:59PM ONLINE
4 Credits
This will be an introduction to the practical
art of preaching in the Unitarian Universalist
tradition. Participants can expect to begin
the process of finding their own voices in
their preaching and worship leadership, all
in the context of supportive peers.
Requires Professor Approval.
64
Preaching, Liturgy, & Ritual HDS 2980
Presbyterian Polity
(CONT.) Stanfield
M 12:00-1:59PM ONLINE
HDS 2038
4 Credits
Liturgical Theology
This course is designed to establish and
Walton
develop the student's working knowledge of
M 1:00-2:59PM ONLINE
the constitutional structure of the
4 Credits
Presbyterian Church (USA). The primary
Liturgy is the faith of the Church in motion.
focus is on current Presbyterian polity and
In this course, students will learn to think
programs, with attention to the
theologically about worship and liturgy in the
denomination's roots in Reformed theology
Christian tradition. We will read classic texts
and tradition. A thorough reading of the
by Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Anglican,
Confessions and The Book of Order will
and Reformed Protestant authors (Lathrop,
serve as a basis for discussion of cases that
Wainwright, Kavanagh, and others),
illuminate the implications of reformed
alongside recent theological work in
theology and polity in the praxis of the
response to the liturgical upheaval of
church.
COVID-19. We will also consider topics
such as the worship of the early church, the
profound impact of the liturgical movement
of the twentieth century across Christian
traditions, and liturgy as Christian formation.
Final projects will engage students’ specific
research interests, traditions, and
professional aspirations. This course counts
as Anglican/Episcopal polity.

Church Polity & Law

HDS 2955
United Methodist Polity
Fisher
F 9:00-10:59AM ONLINE
4 Credits
This course is designed to prepare United
Methodist students for ordination. The major
purpose of the course is to understand the
nature and functioning of the United
Methodist Church as the institutional
expression of its theological assumptions.
Through case studies, readings, lectures,
and discussions, the course will explore the
theology and practice of connectionalism
and collegiality as reflected in the Discipline. END OF HARVARD DIVINITY SCHOOL
CATALOG.

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