Graduate Research [GR] (Doctor of Philosophy)

GR8650 Contextual Theology in Global Conversation

This course will introduce students to the tools, sources and methodologies necessary to develop a contextual and interdisciplinary framework that will inform their research and dissertation. It will present classical models of theology as the church sought to engage and respond to specific contexts and explore the contextual and ecumenical emphases developed in the 20th and 21st centuries – particularly in the Global South. Students will become familiar with a variety of socio-analytic tools for defining the peculiarities of a context in order to engage them theologically, critically, and constructively. The model developed by the theologians and churches of the Lutheran Global Communion will serve as a reference of global inter- contextual theologies.

Ph.D. students only; Th.M. students with permission

Full course

GR8651 Interdisciplinary Seminar

A tutorial taken with the advisor in the first year focusing on the intersection of the student's area of study with the program niche or thrust.

Ph.D. students only

Full course

GR8652 Designing Learning in the Global Theological Academy

Recognizing the important inter-relationships between content, context, and curriculum, this course provides a substantial introduction to learning design and practice. Topics include syllabus construction (development of outcomes, contextual challenges, learner particularities, assignments, etc.) as well as broader pedagogical challenges (e.g., education for [trans] formation, relationships between classroom and context, possible roles played by digital media, professional identity in the global theological academy, and so on). Students will produce a full course syllabus and accompanying essay, session notes, and example content presentation in consultation with their faculty content supervisor and appropriate to their context. Students will implement this design later in the degree program, as a requirement prior to receiving the Ph.D.

Ph.D. students only; Th.M. students with permission

Full course

GR8653 Theological Explorations in a Global Context

An interdisciplinary seminar to be taken by students in their first year focusing on themes in theology (womanist theologies, liberation theologies, etc.).

Ph.D. students only; Th.M. students with permission

Full course

GR8654 Theological Hermeneutics

A course in philosophical, theological and biblical hermeneutics focusing on the interpretation of Scripture in relationship to diverse situations and horizons. Various traditional and contemporary hermeneutical theories, including those originating in Europe, the Americas, Africa and Asia will be explored.

Ph.D. students only; Th.M. students with permission

Full course

GR8660 Interdisciplinary / Pre-comp Exams

A thesis feasibility independent study with the thesis advisor.

Ph.D. students only

Full course

GR8661 Comp Exam Development

A comprehensive examination proposal development course. The outcome of the course will be approval of a comprehensive examination proposal be the end of the second year.

Ph.D. students only

Full course

GR8662 Comp Examinations

A comprehensive examination course consisting of two exams. One written exam covering topics in student’s field of study and a second exam covering specific topics from student’s dissertation field. The outcome of the course is completion of exams.

Ph.D. students only

Full course

GR8670 Proposal

A thesis proposal development course. This will be an intensive course during the fall of the third year. Students will take the course as a cohort, allowing for peer or collaborative learning. The outcome for the second half of the course will be approval of a thesis proposal during the December division meeting.

Ph.D. students only

Half course

GR8671 Research

A research development course. spring of the third year.

Ph.D. students only

Half course

GR8680 Writing I

This course will be in context with collaboration with the contextual supervisor during the

A thesis writing independent study leading to a completed thesis.

Ph.D. students only

Half course

GR8681 Writing II

A thesis writing independent study leading to a completed thesis and defense.

Ph.D. students only

Half course

GR8699 Guided Reading and Research

An independent study for Ph.D. students. Consult faculty within division and the Advanced Theological Education Office.

GR8930 Introduction to Research Methods-Part A

An introduction to graduate level research within a theological perspective and with particular attention to the methodologies students will employ in their summative degree research (ThM, PhD, DMin). Research processes for empirical (social science field research) and literature-based dissertations will be considered. Topics include the research question, literature review, research methods, processes for data gathering and analysis, thesis writing, the ethical implications of research, and the complex nature of subjectivity. Participants will explore potential topics of interest for their research and develop a draft research proposal (including a draft IRB application if appropriate). Participants will also reflect on how personal and professional experiences affect the process of research and consider ways that their work can influence both the academy and the church.

Half course

GR8931 Introduction to Research Methods-Part B

Prerequisite: GR 8930: Introduction to Research Methods-Part A

Half course