Courses

2021 Winter Courses

BTI 504 Tell Me the Stories of Jesus: A New Testament Survey

3 credits
This course is a survey of selected books of the New Testament considering them as narrative witnesses to the identity of Jesus and the formation of the Church. The Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles, selected Pauline and general epistles, and the Apocalypse of John are studied, attending to both their content and their literary form.

BTI 511 Introduction to Biblical Languages I: Opening the Hebrew Text

3 credits
This course (with BTI 512) introduces students to the Greek and Hebrew languages so that they are prepared to use the wealth of computer-based resources available for study of the biblical text. The student is introduced to the linguistic structures used to describe languages (phonology, grammar, morphology and syntax, and semantics). In BTI 511 the student learns the Hebrew alphabet, basic Hebrew vocabulary and morphemes, and is introduced to Hebrew syntax in order to make intelligent use of available Bible software. The use of scholarly Hebrew language study tools is introduced.

BTI 540 Textual Synthesis II - Book of Galatians

2 Credits
Prerequisites: BTI 501, BTI 502, BTI 511, BTI 512
An exegetical and interpretive study of the book of Galatians based on the Greek text and computer-based resources for study of the Biblical text. Various textual and hermeneutical strategies are used to understand the meanings of the Epistle to the Galatians. The history of the interpretation of the Epistle to the Galatians is considered. Students prepare a final project that synthesizes both the church's historic engagement and their own personal engagement with the biblical text.

BTI 571 Integrative Project Continuation

2 or 3 credits
Prerequisite: Taken in last year of MDIV degree program
An individualized learning experience that creates space for students to draw from their entire Seattle School experience as they look to their post-graduation ministry and their unique embodiment of text, soul and culture. Blending research methodology with the personal supervision of their advisor (at The Seattle School), students complete the writing of their final integrative project for the MDIV during their final year. This course is taught consecutively over two trimesters, with two credits earned in the fall and one credit earned in the spring term. M. Div students also add another credit in Spring term.

CSL 509 Social & Cultural Diversities

2 credits
This course is designed to increase students’ cultural awareness by providing students with a foundation for understanding the cultural context of relationships. Students will be introduced to theories and models of multicultural counseling, cultural identity development, and social justice and advocacy. By gaining a deeper understanding of power, privilege, and oppression, students will examine their own experiences and develop strategies for identifying and eliminating barriers, prejudices, and processes of intentional and unintentional oppression an discrimination in mental health counseling. Through deeply engaging a central theme related to counseling in diverse contexts, the course provides a framework for thinking about the effects of power and privilege for counselors and clients in ways that can be applied to topics such as aging, culture disability, ethnicity, race, religion/spirituality, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status/partnership, language preference, and socioeconomic status

CSL 511B Vocational and Occupational Direction

The course will examine theories of career selection and development. The course is also a consideration of the necessary tension between vocation and occupation and introduces several assessment tools as it explores lifestyle and career decision-making issues. Career counseling models and techniques will also be examined as the student considers their career choice as a vocational call.

CSL 511C Vocational and Occupational Direction

CSL 511C is the 3 credit option for the Vocational & Occupational Direction class. Please see the description under the CSL 511B title for further description.

CSL 517 Marriage and Family

2 credits
Prerequisites: CSL 527, CSL 528, CSL 551
Students study the imprint of the primary relational contexts of marriage and family. The course provides discussion of the impact of these formative relationships and it covers a range of marital and familial issues that bear upon the work of counseling.

CSL 524 Introduction to Counseling Children & Adolescents

Prerequisite: CSL 510; FA18 cohort and prior is eligible for this course in WI21 term.

This course utilizes a didactic and experiential format in which to explore therapeutic work with children and adolescents. Through reading, class-time, and role-play, this course provides a foundation to facilitate the growth and development of the student's clinical work with children and adolescents. Clinical work with children and adolescents will be considered from a bio-psychosocial perspective with special emphasis on developmental, attachment, and systemic issues as relevant to today's children and adolescent culture.

CSL 531 Internship II

Prerequisites: CSL 530
The course is a continuation of the internship experience.

CSL 542 Therapy I:Interpersonal Theory & Practice of Ther.

2 credits
Prerequisites: CSL 502, CSL 517, CSL 551, CSL 552, CSL 544
Required Conference Saturday, January 19 - 9:00-3:00
Students are provided an introduction to theological, philosophical, and psychological categories as they inform the practice of counseling as an essentially interpersonal pursuit. There is an emphasis on anthropology (human design), etiology (the development of problems), and treatment strategy. The course explores fundamental therapeutic categories such as transference and counter-transference and the use of such categories in the therapeutic process.

CSL 545 Psychopathology II

3 credits
Prerequisite: CSL 544
This second course in psychopathology builds upon the nosology and theoretical foundation in Psychopathology I. A multidisciplinary approach, specifically the bio-psycho-social model of disease are presented. This course covers the use of the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as related to assessment, evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment modalities of personality disorders. Developmental and intrapsychic perspectives are discussed with an emphasis on the treatment of the particular mental spaces and disorders of the self. The course addresses diagnostic categories of psychopathology of personality through mental status examinations and assessment instruments, as well as objective, achievement, neuropsychological, and projective instruments. An overview of the purposes and functions of testing, assessment, screening, problem-solving, counseling, rehabilitation, and progress evaluation is covered.

CSL 551 Listening Lab Part I

2 credits total ; taught over 2 terms
This introductory practicum provides the foundation for counseling training by means of group interaction with a faculty supervisor. The practicum provides training in listening and feedback skills. It also presents the opportunity for each student to consider personal matters that may impede or enhance their work as a counselor, pastor or ministry leader. In addition, the student meets three times per trimester with a practicum facilitator.

CSL 556 Engaging Trauma From a Narrative Lens

This course provides advanced counseling training with the emphasis on engaging trauma and abuse. It builds upon the training experiences gained in Listening Lab I and II, and Practicum II. It utilizes narrative engagement as a method to address explicit and implicit content within a trauma memory/story while honoring that the trauma experience is embodied, re-enacted and survived through various styles of relating. This course involves supervised practice counseling with fellow students, and personal understanding as it relates to the impacts of trauma and abuse.

CSL 558 CTA Practicum C Part II: Narrative Focused Trauma Care Level II training

INTENSIVE: February 25-28

CSL 561 Interpersonal Neurobiology

This course will be capped at 25 students and is offered in an intensive format. The course will meet from 9:00am-4:00pm PT on the following dates:
January 22
January 30
February 12-13

Prerequisite: CSL 552
This course allows the student to further integrate theory and practice. The course will introduce and explore the expanding data from Neuroscience and Interpersonal Neurobiology and address how this information can be used to enhance the practice of psychotherapy and the movement toward wholeness and integration that can only take place within the context of relationship. The course will also provide experiential learning and practice opportunities in a pro-seminar format.

CSL 563 The Battle of Shame

This course utilizes a didactic and experiential format in which to further explore the topic of shame. Shame is often kept hidden and leads us to experience the core human fear of being left and abandoned. The class attempts to discern the origins of shame, examine how shame permeates human relationships and provide insight into how shame can be addressed within a therapeutic context.

CSL 566 CTA Practicum A: Story Workshop

CSL 580A Individualized Research

CSL 582 Second Year Practicum Continuation

CTA TRN Intro to Trauma-Informed Narrative Therapy

Non-credit orientation day for those enrolled in the MACP Concentration in Trauma & Abuse.

IDS 502 Intersections: Biblical Traditions & Theological Formations

This course will explore interdisciplinary perspectives on complex problems that affect biblical interpretive traditions and theological formations. Real-world implications of the doctrine of God, the incarnation of God in Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit will be engaged from an interdisciplinary framework of theology, psychology, and biblical studies.

IDS 505 Contextual Learning Lab

This course grounds interdisciplinary inquiry within the reality of students’ everyday lives. It equips students to listen as storied, located, and bodied creatures, providing skills for ways of loving God and neighbor within their place’s ecosystem unto the common good.

IDS 511 Critical Analysis & Interdisciplinary Application

This class will meet every other week.

RLM 504 Life Together II: Relational Ethics for Church and Leadership

2 credits
Prerequisites: RLM 503, concurrent with RLM 531
As the second of a two-part course combining praxis-focused field experience, classroom instruction, and intentional community, this course considers applied relationality for church and leadership with a focus on pastoral ethics and intentional, creative care for the faith community. Students will be expected to develop a personal philosophy of ministry.

RLM 505IS Crafting Transformational Moments - Indepnt. Study

RLM 520 Being the Word on the Street: Developing Intercultural Competency

2 credits
This course prepares the student to engage and embrace culturally diverse contexts. Through the development of an anthropological understanding of culture this course considers new ways to navigate differences between the self and the "other". Students will examine unique interpersonal (social bias) and sociological (power) dynamics in diverse settings. This exploration will assist students in serving the church and community in culturally responsive ways.

RLM 531 MDiv Practicum III: Embodying Christ

1 credit
Prerequisites: CSL 551, CSL 552, RLM 530, concurrent with RLM 504
Students will be expected to demonstrate their understanding of ethics, pastoral care and their own philosophy of ministry. Students will present in oral and written form their theory of pastoral engagement in praxis.

SFD 521 The Artist's Way

This class will meet online for 1 intensive on Friday, January 15 from 1:00-6:00pm and then weekly on Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30pm. Last meeting will be Tuesday 6:30-8:30pm - March 30. Groups can also meet on their own at other times.
This course is about discovering and recovering your creative self. It is for anyone interested in practicing the art of creative living. It is about both being creative and putting that creativity into practice. We will explore what it means to BE an artist and a Christian and how the arts can inspire and transform humanity's relationship to God, community and scripture. We will also discover how creativity can enliven our understanding and communication of Counseling, Theology and Scripture.

SFD 523 Spirituality and the Arts: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Course Catalog Description: This course provides experiential engagement with the role arts can play in spiritual formation. Participants will be encouraged to examine the way imagination, creative expression, and artistic engagement influence and are reflective of spiritual practice and meaning-making.


Every two years, SFD 523 Spirituality in the Arts focuses on a different topic on the intersection of art and spirituality. This year’s offering is centered on “Harry Potter’s Wizarding World.” The books, films, plays, theme parks, and fandom that have grown from JK Rowling’s stories have enchanted the hearts and minds of countless children and adults for twenty-plus years and counting. By exploring the spirituality of Wizarding World fandom and the world-building of the stories, this course invites students to reflect upon what happens when we are captivated by a shared narrative and inspired creatively to respond and to reimagine our own stories through mythological dimensions. In this primarily experiential course, Hogwarts students from ALL houses will be encouraged to create, play, and reflect on the meaning-making represented in these stories’ continued impact and spiritual relevance, even as we wrestle with the increasingly strained relationship between fans and author.

SFD 575A Special Topics

A full course description is available on individual course syllabi and is particular to each course.

SFD 601 Spiritual Formation: Prayer, Presence & Practice

This course is intended to enable exploration of approaches to prayer, including various s (piritual practices for individuals and group practices. We will examine how Christians are formed as individuals and in community, and will see vvalues and practices from a range of sources, including the desert fathers and mothers, Benedictines, Franciscans, Celts, Eastern Orthodox and Jesuits. Our practices will provide an introduction to the soul feast available to feed and nourish the student for a lifelong relationship with the Trinity for the benefit of the world in which we live. (Designed for MDIV and MATC students)

TCE 502 Mission as Faithful Presence

This course explores Christian mission and missional leadership as faithful presence in the way of Jesus in relationship with the church, with others, with place, with the leader's own story, and with the Shalom of God. Christian mission as faithful presence emerges from Triune mission dei theology marking a 20th century paradigm shift in the understanding and practice of mission from a task to complete, to a holistic way of being for both the person and the community of Christ.

TCE 513A Advanced Seminar

An individualized learning experience, which creates spaces for students to draw from their entire Seattle School experience as they look to their post-graduation ministry and their unique embodiment of text, soul, and culture. Blending research methodology with the personal supervision of a Seattle School advisor, students complete the writing of their final integrative project for their MDiv & MATC during their final year. MDiv & MATC students must complete an Integrative Project in order to graduate.

Through active participation in this guided self-study, students are expected to synthesize their cumulative Seattle School coursework, readings, and research as they missionally articulate their understanding and integration of text, soul, and culture as relating to their future ministries. Each student will produce either a major paper or report of a major project as the articulation of his or her synthesis.

TCE 541 Spirit & Trauma

This course explores the intersection of theology trauma studies/traumatology. In this class, we will read and compare theologies of the cross and theologies of the Holy Spirit to investigate how different theological approaches impact one's view on trauma, suffering, healing, redemption, witness, resilience, community, etc. This class is primarily focused on theological questions, but will purposefully seek out ways to bring together and find various modes of integrating theology and psychology (i.e., traumatology) throughout the class. Though the disciplines of theology and psychology utilize different vocabularies and methodologies, both seek out the wholeness and well-being of the human person, particularly in the wake of suffering, abuse, and trauma. Theology in this frame, should lead persons toward liberation and shalom, especially when life and death are closely experienced and related.

TCE 543IS God, Gender & Sexuality - Independent Study

TCE 570 Book of Job

THIS CLASS IS AN INTENSIVE:
MARCH 25 - 27

Wisdom is seldom viewed in the Scripture as the mere acquisition of knowledge. Wisdom is knowledge applied to the vexing and complex situations of life far more as art than science. Nevertheless, wisdom is not solely subjective or a matter of random, self-referential choice. It is often said, "Beauty is in they of the beholder" to imply there is no universal or essential consistency to the aesthetic impulse. The same is often assumed regarding wisdom. It is individual, subjective, and not essentially related to something greater than itself. Wisdom as found in the book of Job requires us to see the limits of wisdom, the necessity of relational dialogue, and an openness simultaneously to wrestle and submit to the work of our redeemer God. Therefore, this course will consider the role of wisdom in the contexts of therapy, pastoral service and social advocacy. Specifically, this class will look at how one develops wisdom and we may use it for critiquing various approaches to conflict, therapy and community.

2021 Spring Courses

BTI 507 Biblical Survey

BTI 530 Textual Synthesis I: Examination of the Book of Ruth

Prerequisites: BTI 502, BTI 511
An introduction to exegetical methods and tools commonly used in the study of the Hebrew scriptures. An eclectic selection of biblical texts will be used to illustrate the various approaches. Students will prepare brief reports on texts and produce a final project that synthesizes the history of a text’s reception with their own contemporary location and commitments.

CSL 503 Professional Ethics: Honoring the Other

Prerequisites: CSL 528, CSL 551, CSL 552 and CSL 542
The student receives an overview of professional ethics and Washington State law as applied to counseling. Students are encouraged to examine their ethical decision-making processes in light of the difficult decisions facing the professional counselor. The course provides instruction regarding widely accepted ethical norms as well as common legal regulations. Additional topics will include professionalism, licensure, moral responsibility and issues of power.

CSL 516B Research: the Dialogical Context of Knowledge

This course is an introduction to psychological research. The student is introduced to quantitative and qualitative research designs and statistical methodologies. Research is studied in its dialogical context: researcher to subject, researcher to interpretation, and researcher to the community within which the research is relevant. Students will also receive guidance and practice in the use of research to inform their therapeutic work. Required research conference attendance on Friday, June 18, 2021 More details will be provided in the course syllabus.

CSL 516C Research: the Dialogical Context of Knowledge

This course is an introduction to psychological research. The student is introduced to quantitative and qualitative research designs and statistical methodologies. Research is studied in its dialogical context: researcher to subject, researcher to interpretation, and researcher to the community within which the research is relevant. Students will also receive guidance and practice in the use of research to inform their therapeutic work. Required research conference attendance on Friday, June 18, 2021 More details will be provided in the course syllabus.

CSL 518B Group Therapy: The Healing Context of Community

This course considers group psychotherapy from relationally based theoretical and theological perspectives and is informed by theological paradigms. The course covers group development and common group dynamics as well as techniques of intervention and leadership principles appropriate to various group stages.

CSL 518C Group Therapy: The Healing Context of Community

This course considers group psychotherapy from relationally based theoretical and theological perspectives and is informed by theological paradigms. The course covers group development and common group dynamics as well as techniques of intervention and leadership principles appropriate to various group stages.

CSL 543 Therapy II: Psychotherapy in Clinical Practice

2 credits
Prerequisites: CSL 542, CSL 544, CSL 551, CSL 552, CSL 553
This advanced course follows Therapy I and continues to explore the use of the self in the interpersonal aspect of therapeutic work. Focus is given to the clinical process by learning to develop treatment strategies and interventions.
*The first hour of the course will be spent in asynchronous class time viewing previously recorded material.

CSL 552 Listening Lab Part II

2 credits
This introductory practicum provides the foundation for counseling training by means of group interaction with a faculty supervisor. The practicum provides training in listening and feedback skills. It also presents the opportunity for each student to consider personal matters that may impede or enhance their work as a counselor, pastor or ministry leader. In addition, the student meets six times per trimester with a practicum facilitator.

CSL 564 Assessment and Treatment of Trauma and Abuse

Prerequisite: CSL 544
The purpose of this class is to discuss topics related to the treatment of victims/survivors of interpersonal violence (e.g., childhood sexual abuse, sexual assault, intimate partner/domestic violence). This class provides a foundation for understanding complex trauma, and trauma recovery, with a focus on trauma-informed treatment with various populations. Also included in this class, is the exploration of the professional’s response to trauma, vicarious traumatization, grief, and crisis intervention. Finally, students have the chance to review evidence-based practices in the trauma field.

FI Frameworks and Intersections

IDS 503 Intersections: Textual Integrations

In the context of The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology, theological anthropology synthesizes and integrates theories and concepts from the various disciplines at the school so that the student might dig deep into the question of what it means to be a human person. With this in mind, every student in IDS 503 will write a theological anthropology paper based on their accumulated research, reading, and annotated bibliographies compiled in IDS 501 & 502. This writing is an opportunity to integrate various ideas about what it means to be a human person (e.g. hurting, struggling, working, thriving, etc.) in the daily realities of life (e.g. relationships, family, work, culture, politics, etc.). With faculty advising and peer to peer collaboration, students will develop their own articulation of a theological and psychological anthropology that will serve as an important contribution to the student’s vocation and ongoing integration of theology & psychology.

RLM 510 Leadership in Organizations I: Personal Influence in the Service of Transformation

3 credits
This course will examine the importance of Christian Leadership with regard to personal leadership in multiple contexts - primarily the church, parachurch and non-profit settings. It will explore the importance of character, discover different leadership styles, explore gender issues and give a theological framework for leadership. Recognizing that leadership while anchored in some principles exists in context, the student will learn to discern their place in leadership within specific environments.

RLM 516 Social Entrepreneurship

This course will examine how old ways of doing business are becoming new ways of helping. Students will be introduced to the intersecting worlds of business and human services. Discover how the soul of a business can heal the heart of a community.

RLM 582 Theology & Culture Apprenticeship I

SFD 504B Spirituality & Sabbath

This course examines the biblical and theological understanding of the Sabbath, consulting both Jewish and Christian thinkers. Students consider the benefits of integrating Sabbath-living into faith practice.

SFD 575A Special Topics: Digital Personhood

Who are we becoming as we and our culture are increasingly online and in digital spaces? How is technology helping us, harming us, and how is it changing us? Through an engaged survey of digital anthropology, sociology, artificial intelligence, philosophy of technology and other related subjects, we will explore these aspects of digital personhood, and together we will craft a spirituality of technology which guides our belonging in the “real world”.

TCE 503 Our Religious Impulse: Encountering Religious Otherness in a Multi-faith Context

In this course we will explore the religious impulse. We will look into how religious ideologies fill the void for power, control, security, peace, and give voice to joy and pain. We will create a working definition for faith and be introduced to the process of faith development. Students will become familiar with the primary world religious and how they connect to our Christian narrative. We will also analyze the six basic streams of Christian spirituality. We will wrestle with what it means to be Christian in the world and what is Good News in a pluralistic society.

TCE 520 Philosophy & Theological Thought

This course builds philosophical foundations for graduate students in the interdisciplinary study of theology, philosophy, and culture. The course attends to relationships between philosophy and theology by looking at philosophers who have dealt with the theological tradition of the West and whose influence has affected the subsequent development of theology and of philosophy. While attending to western cultural and historical influences on philosophy that have in turn structured dominant Christian thinking, the course strives to remember that philosophy is a cultural product. Accordingly, this course seeks to understand western philosophy’s influence, its sources, its strengths, and its limitations even as students begin to think globally about Christian thought.

TCE 545 Beauty, Brokenness & The Cross

This class will explore the concept of beauty. This exploration will be shaped by a theology of the cross (which encompasses the whole of the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus) that not only leads us to a Christian understanding of beauty but to an understanding that beauty, to be true beauty, must have the power to identify, confront, and redeem that which is most ugly – even death itself. It is in this redemptive motion that we are brought to worship, which emerges from our acknowledgment of God’s redemptive power within our lives.

TCE 550 Engaging Global Partnerships

NOTE: IN Spring 2021 due to COVID this class will be lecture only and will NOT be traveling to Guatemala. Students will still engage with Guatemalan leaders and consider similar themes
The cross cultural course will be hosted by Guatemalan leaders serving Guatemala City communities impacted by poverty, lack of education, homelessness, addiction and gang violence. Students will participate pre-trip readings and film study focused on Latin American theology, history and culture and a one week cross cultural dialogue in Guatemala. Students will meet with local leaders to discuss, Gang Chaplaincy, street kids and human trafficking, gender violence, and advocacy, education, trauma informed care and community development.

2021 Fall Courses

2022 Winter Courses