August
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Semester One
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J-Term
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Semester Two/Summer
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- MT210 Orientation Seminar
- Introduces the Th.M. program by forming a "cross-cultural community of scholars" in which scholarly reflection is done. Creates new configurations of self-understanding for theological reflection in community and introduces the philosophy, format, and thesis requirements of the Th.M. program. Meets annually during the last two weeks in August. 1.5 credits.
- MT220 Research Design
- Assists the Th.M. students in the preparation of a thesis proposal by introducing the basics of academic research and writing. By the end of the course the student 1) will be able to construct a well-designed research proposal; 2) will be familiar with basic strategies and tools for research and academic writing; and 3) will plan a research strategy for writing a Th.M. thesis. Meets monthly during the first semester. 1 credit.
- MT230 Seminar in Contextual Analysis
- Develops theoretical orientations and methodological skills for contextual analysis with three foci: sociological, cultural, and psychological. Meets during the first half of the first semester. 1.5 credits.
- MT240 Seminar in Theology and Its Contexts
- Explores issues surrounding the cultural embeddedness of theology. Examines how the idea of "context" is related to debates about theological method and considers how to understand the relationships between theology and the Holy Spirit, the "culture" of the church, and the larger cultures in which we find ourselves. Meets during the second half of the first semester. 1.5 credits. Prerequisite: MT230.
- MT250 Seminar in Intercultural Hermeneutics
- Explores and applies methodologies for the interpretation of Scripture in cross-cultural contexts and addresses the interaction of gospel and culture in intercultural dialogue. Meets during the January-term. 1.5 credits. Prerequisites: MT230, MT240.
- MT252 Preliminary Exam
- A faculty advisor and a faculty colleague, in consultation with the candidate, assign discipline and thesis-related bibliographies. The lists reflect the major contributors to a particular discipline, the methodological issues involved in that discipline, and the current questions or debates among scholars in that discipline most relevant to the thesis topic. The exam is given at the end of January and has two components: a two-hour written examination conducted by the Th.M. Director and a 45-minute oral examination conducted by an examination committee.
- MT255 Independent Research
- In the event that courses critical to a Th.M. candidate's program are unavailable within current curriculum offerings, the candidate may request an independent study in a particular field of inquiry within the chosen focus area. It may be done only with the consent of a professor who provides guidance and evaluation and only with the approval of the Academic Dean. It may combine course materials from a required M.Div. course with additional independent work, at the professor's discretion.
- MT260 Thesis
- A major research paper, which builds upon and extends in a focused area the knowledge and critical ability gained in the basic divinity degree, and also includes the Th.M. coursework. The topic and plan are subject to the approval of the Th.M. Committee. The candidate's faculty advisor, in conjunction with a Second Reader, provides guidance for the research. 6 credits.
- MT260A Research Paper
- A major research paper that builds upon and extends in a focused area the knowledge and critical ability gained in the basic divinity degree, and includes the Th.M. coursework. The topic and plan are subject to the approval of the Th.M. Committee. The candidate's Faculty Advisor, in conjunction with a Second Reader, provides guidance for the research. 3 credits.