Courses

2021 Fall Courses

BTI 502R Reading Practices: Engaging the Biblical Text

Course Description

2 Credits
This course is an introduction to practices of theological interpretation. Different critical approaches and their historical development, contributions and limitations are discussed. Students gain experience using the biblical story as a norm to reflect on culture and life. The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is studied.

BTI 503O Old Testament Genre

Course Description

3 Credits
This course is an introduction to Old Testament scripture from the perspective of its literary genres. Students examine six major genres: theological history, law, poetry, wisdom, prophecy, and apocalyptic writing. The characteristics of these genres are discussed and students are exposed to extra-biblical examples of each type. Application of the insights from this approach to the study of the Old Testament, to contemporary life, ministry and mission will be included.

BTI 512O Introduction to Biblical Languages II: Opening the Greek Text

Course Description

2 Credits
Prerequisites: BTI 502, BTI 511
In this course, the student learns the Greek alphabet, basic Greek vocabulary and morphemes, and is introduced to Greek syntax in order to make intelligent use of available Bible software. Scholarly Greek language study tools are used.

BTI 570R Integrative Project: Exploring the Future

Course Description

2 OR 3 Credits
Prerequisite: Taken in last year of MDiv or MATC degree program
An individualized learning experience that creates space for students to draw from their entire The 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 & MATC during their final year. This course is taught consecutively over two trimesters, with one credit earned in each of those terms. MDIV students also add another credit in the Spring term.

BTI 572O Integrative Project Continuation II

Course Description

1 credit
For students who need an additional term (beyond the first two) to complete their Integrative Project. See the Integrative Project policy in the Academic Catalog for details.

CSL 502R History & Systems

Course Description

3 Credits
This course offers students a survey of the historical counseling theories and practices. Each theoretical model is evaluated through the lens of psychodynamic methodology and its efficacy in working with diverse populations and settings. Students will increase their awareness of the lineage that precedes the “birth” of Western psychology, and examine emerging spiritual, relational, and community practices that offer an alternative to Western psychology.

CSL 502S History & Systems

Course Description

3 Credits
This course offers students a survey of the historical counseling theories and practices. Each theoretical model is evaluated through the lens of psychodynamic methodology and its efficacy in working with diverse populations and settings. Students will increase their awareness of the lineage that precedes the “birth” of Western psychology, and examine emerging spiritual, relational, and community practices that offer an alternative to Western psychology.

CSL 510-O Human Growth and Development

Course Description

2 credits
The course covers human development from a biopsychosocial perspective, which includes neurological, psychological, and interpersonal perspectives from conception to death. Particular emphasis will be placed upon the integrative functions of the mind as a key to meaningful growth across the human life-span.

CSL 510-S Human Growth and Development

Course Description

2 credits
The course covers human development from a biopsychosocial perspective, which includes neurological, psychological, and interpersonal perspectives from conception to death. Particular emphasis will be placed upon the integrative functions of the mind as a key to meaningful growth across the human life-span.

CSL 514O Issues of Abuse: Sexual Harm and Its Consequences

Course Description

2 Credits
Prerequisites: IDS 520, IDS 521, CSL 517
This course provides a dynamic and interpersonal overview of the consequences of sexual abuse as well as instruction in working therapeutically with an abuse victim. The course will aid the student in recognition and assessment of various abuse contexts, reporting procedures and prevention programs.
*This course will meet as an intensive on the following dates: Oct 7 , (9:00am-12:00pm + 1:00pm-4:00pm), Oct. 28 (1:00pm-4:00pm + 6:00pm-8:00pm), Nov 4 (9:00am-12:00pm + 1:00pm-4:00pm), Nov 18 (1:00pm-4:00pm)

CSL 524S Introduction to Counseling Children & Adolescents

Course Description

2 Credits
Prerequisite: CSL 510
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 biopsychosocial perspective with specific emphasis on cognitive and emotional development, attachment and systemic issues as relevant to today’s child and adolescent culture.

CSL 530S Internship I

Course Description

Prerequisites: CSL 502, CSL 503, CSL, 524, CSL 542, CSL 544, CSL 545, CSL 553, IDS 520, IDS 521 (Recommended: CSL 509, CSL 510)
The purpose of the Counseling Internship is to provide a clinical setting for the intern to gather clinical experience and to receive clinical supervision. During the gathering of clinical experience, the intern has the opportunity to learn and to grow their “clinical mind.” The clinical setting will provide the intern with supervised experiences in preparation for professional practice as a counselor. Supervision will include but is not limited to administrative skills (fees, billing, etc.), case management skills (evaluation of lethality, level of care, etc.), and clinical skills (frame/perimeter, setting, transference, countertransference, documentation, assessment, case formulation, etc.). The intern will have an opportunity to develop and practice these skills in a variety of clinical settings under the guidance of an on-site supervisor. In addition, the student will participate in a supervised Case Conference seminar at The Seattle School. Please also see the Internship Handbook on the website.

CSL 544-O Psychopathology I

Course Description

3 credits
Prerequisites: CSL 551, CSL 552, and IDS 501
This course provides a theoretical foundation in understanding clinical psychopathology. The class addresses developmental and biological categories of mental disorders as well as theological underpinnings of development. The student will explore theoretical material regarding clinical disorders and disorders of the self. The class addresses diagnostic categories of psychopathology, assessment, treatment, understanding, and the use of current Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-V.

CSL 553-O Second Year Practicum

Course Description

2 credits
Prerequisites: CSL 551, CSL 552

This course provides advanced counseling training and builds upon the training experiences of Listening Lab. It provides a supervised training experience with a practicum supervisor as well as peer feedback. Practicum II emphasizes therapeutic conversations, supervised practice counseling with fellow students, and personal exploration as it relates to the practice of counseling.

*This course meets as an intensive Oct. 15-16 on-campus and Nov. 19-20 online.

CSL 553-S Second Year Practicum

Course Description

2 credits
Prerequisites: CSL 551, CSL 552

This course provides advanced counseling training and builds upon the training experiences of Listening Lab. It provides a supervised training experience with a practicum supervisor as well as peer feedback. Practicum II emphasizes therapeutic conversations, supervised practice counseling with fellow students, and personal exploration as it relates to the practice of counseling.

CSL 557 CTA Practicum C Part I: Narrative Focused Trauma Care Level II training

Course Description

1 credit
Prerequisites: CSL 503, CSL 543
This course is the final training in advanced trauma-informed counseling. It builds upon the previous material and experiences gained in CTA Practicum A. It utilizes narrative engagement as the primary avenue to bring integration and healing to trauma and abuse memory/story. In this course students will hone their ability to use previously demonstrated methods to engage sexual harm/abuse. In this course students will progress in their ability to interact with issues of race, sexual and gender identity and other aspects of underrepresentation/marginalization/oppression. The course involves supervised practice counseling with fellow students, and personal understanding as it relates to the impacts of trauma and abuse.

Session #1: November 18-21, 2021 (Fall trimester)
Session #2: January 6-9, 2022 (pre-Winter trimester -- classes start on Jan 10)
Session #3: March 31-April 3, 2022 (Winter trimester)

CSL 565O Human Sexuality

Course Description

2 Credits
Human Sexuality is designed to ask questions about the nature of biological sexuality, sexual preference, sexual identity, and desire. The course will seek to explore multiple perspectives to attempt to understand such questions from scientific research, developmental theory, cultural influences, and relational experience. Contemporary scholarship from psychoanalytic literature will be assigned to formulate the bases for class discussion. Students will consider several ways of understanding and working with sexuality in their personal lives and in clinical settings, equipping them to think critically and work effectively in various cultures and systems.

CSL 565S Human Sexuality

Course Description

2 credits
Human Sexuality is designed to ask questions about the nature of biological sexuality, sexual preference, sexual identity, and desire. The course will seek to explore multiple perspectives to attempt to understand such questions from scientific research, developmental theory, cultural influences, and relational experience. Contemporary scholarship from psychoanalytic literature will be assigned to formulate the bases for class discussion. Students will consider several ways of understanding and working with sexuality in their personal lives and in clinical settings, equipping them to think critically and work effectively in various cultures and systems.

CSL 566 CTA Practicum A: Story Workshop

Course Description

Please see CTA Story Workshop email & preference form to register.

CSL 570S Infant Observation I

Course Description

TBD

EXTERN Externship

Course Description

Not available for general registration. Alumni externs through approved application only.

FI Frameworks and Intersections

Course Description

This course is intended to provide incoming students with context for learning methods employed at The Seattle School, academic resources and other information to help them be successful in the classroom.

IDS 501O Intersections: Interdisciplinary Inquiry & Psychological Frameworks

Course Description

2 credits
Corequisite: IDS 504
This course will explore interdisciplinary perspectives on complex problems that affect and reveal the human condition, as well as contexts that impact learning, including epistemological frameworks, personal worldviews and hermeneutics, and one’s internal world and development of the mind. Issues pertaining to diversities of one’s locatedness, experience, oppressive systems and institutionalized marginalization and social fragmentation will all be engaged from an interdisciplinary framework of theology, psychology and biblical studies.

IDS 504S Critical Reading Lab

Course Description

1 credit
Corequisite: IDS 501
Critical Reading Lab is a companion class to the first term Common Curriculum classes. In this course, students explore what it means to know and to learn within the graduate curriculum, particularly as it relates to interdisciplinary and integrative work. Students will explore various ways of knowing as part of a journey of discovery in a smaller group format with other students.

IDS 510O Constructive Critique for Change: Interdisciplinary Methods

Course Description

2 credits
Required course for all MATC students in the Interdisciplinary Track
Interdisciplinary studies involves integration of insights and theories in order to answer questions or solve problems in a comprehensive way. But what does that mean exactly and how does one do it well? In this course students will explore interdisciplinary approaches to examine theological and socio-cultural issues. Together we will engage said theories and methods, grounding these practices in concrete, contemporary explorations.

IDS 520R Listening Lab: Part I

Course Description

2 credits total ; taught over 2 terms
This introductory Listening Lab provides the foundation for interpersonal training by means of group interaction with a clinical faculty supervisor. Listening Lab 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 personal, professional and artistic development and their work in their vocational calling. In addition, the students meet individually six times per trimester with a Listening Lab facilitator.

IDS 520S Listening Lab: Part I

Course Description

2 credits total ; taught over 2 terms
This introductory Listening Lab provides the foundation for interpersonal training by means of group interaction with a clinical faculty supervisor. Listening Lab 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 personal, professional and artistic development and their work in their vocational calling. In addition, the students meet individually six times per trimester with a Listening Lab facilitator.

INTERNFORMS Internship Start Forms

Course Description

RLM 503O Life Together I: Ancient-Future Focus for Church and Worship

Course Description

2 Credits
Corequisite: RLM 530
This course considers missional leadership for church and worship by surveying the Church's past and continuing story through lenses of both struggle and strength. The interanimation of text, church, and culture in the ongoing process of God's people incarnating Christ is highlighted. Praxis-focused field experience (i.e. preaching, pastoral care, worship, chaplaincy, etc.), and classroom instruction are integrated with an intentional community setting. Students will develop a practical ecclesiology.

RLM 530O MDiv Practicum II: Embodying Christ

Course Description

1 Credit
Prerequisites: IDS 520, IDS 521
Corequisite: RLM 503
This course provides advanced ministry practice building upon the experiences of Counseling Listening Lab I with a focus on vocational Christian ministry. MDiv Practicum II explores incarnational and relational ministry affording students the opportunity to further discern their unique calls to ministry.

RLM 583O Theology and Culture Apprenticeship II

Course Description

1 credit (out of 2 total)
The MATC Apprenticeship is a faculty approved and supervised self-selected community-based two (2) credit learning opportunity. Students will self-select a human service or artistic organization that can help them fine tune their creative, entrepreneurial and service skills. Based on the mission of the selected community service organizations students will establish an applicable learning contract with an on-site supervisor. The apprenticeship agreement will name an agreed upon beginning and end date as well as the hours to be completed.

SFD 513R Care of the Soul and Call to Sacred Activism

Course Description

1 Credit
The question explored in this course is how the Christ call of self-denial does not become a self-deprecating denial of self. Care of the soul has to do with continually cultivating a richly expressive, imaginative and meaningful life that concerns itself with attending to God's presence in the world. This course invites the student to organize and shape one’s soul and life in a way that is inseparable from the world's soul; calling us to work for change in God's world in a manner that allows for sustainability, to "burn and not be consumed” (Exodus 3:2).

SFD 521T The Artist's Way

Course Description

2 credits
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.
*This class requires travel to The Grunewald Guild. Additional fees to cover travel, lodging, and food expenses will apply. * Intensive dates TBD.

SFD 526O Celtic Spirituality

Course Description

1 Credit
This is an introduction to a period of history in which Christianity developed somewhat differently in the British Isles and somewhat independently from the Church on the Continent. The “Golden Age of Saints and Scholars” which characterized the 5th-8th centuries in Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Brittany, Cornwall and The Isle of Man continues to have an impact on the Church today. We will examine the ethos, worldview, and values of the Christian culture of that era, and how it speaks across the centuries to the Christian Communities of today.

no published courses at this time

TCE 501O Critical Social Theory: Bridging Church & Community

Course Description

2 Credits
Prerequisites: IDS 520, IDS 521
The class is designed for mid-year to advanced students who are in need of a solid and deeper background in the theoretical understandings of professional critical social theorists. We will examine critical theory, postmodern philosophies, feminist theory, multiculturalism, queer theory, masculinity studies, cultural studies, critical race social theories, and religion. We will compare critical theories, critical social theories, and religion. We will compare critical theories, critical social theories, and their responses in the context of the current religious nationalism occurring in the United States. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the discussed approaches in respect to textual interpretation, social analysis, and the development of social movements? What are (or should be) the community church’s response to questions raised in these conversations?

TCE 506O Church History I: From Jesus to the Renaissance

Course Description

3 Credits
This course examines the unfolding narrative of Christianity from its beginnings through the Renaissance, along with the history of Christian mission and the part Christians and Christianity played in the larger social history of each era. It seeks to integrate doctrinal, intellectual, liturgical, and ecclesiastic history with an understanding of how Christians lived their daily lives.

TCE 513AO Advanced Seminar

Course Description

1 Credit
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 540O God & Persons

Course Description

2 Credits
This course explores the theological concept of persons, both divine and human. The goal of this class is to survey, compare and contrast, and evaluate various perspectives on personhood from the depth and breadth of the Christian tradition. This class will start with the doctrine of God, engage with the doctrine of creation (and eco theology), and end with theological anthropology (including the imago Dei and the imago Christi). This is a more doctrinally oriented class, but with an eye to the reality that all theology is contextual.

TCE 543O God, Gender, and Sexuality

Course Description

2 Credits
This course explores the interaction between the theological concepts of God, gender and sexuality. The goal of this class is to survey, compare and contrast, and evaluate various perspectives on God, gender, and sexuality from the depth and breadth of the Christian tradition, with special reference to critical social theory around gender and sexual identity. This class will examine the doctrine of God and Theological Anthropology, while engaging with how to critically examine doctrine through such lenses as feminist theology, queer theology and liberation theology. This is a contextually oriented class that seeks to articulate and re-contextualize the various loci of theology such as prolegomena, the Triune God, sin, human persons, sexuality, and gender.

WWO Writing Workshop

Course Description

The Writing Workshop provides a foundational understanding of the writing process and of The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology’s academic writing standards. This seminar-style class is an opportunity to become familiar with different types of writing required at The Seattle School, learn the appropriate use of academic sources, and receive feedback about your writing. In addition, you’ll review the basics of thesis statements, evidence, paper organization, revision, library research, citation style, and sentence style and grammar. Peer review and small- and large-group discussion will be used extensively in this workshop; thus, the Writing Workshop is appropriate both for the novice academic writer as well as the experienced one.

*Section 1 meets: Aug. 24, 26, 31 and Sept. 2 from 9-11:30 am online

2022 Winter Courses

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

Course Description

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

Course Description

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 540O Textual Synthesis II: Book of Galatians

Course Description

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 571O Integrative Project Continuation

Course Description

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 509R Social & Cultural Diversities

Course Description

This course is designed to increase students' cultural competence by deepening their awareness of self and how they have been socialized to think about groups who are culturally similar and different from them. Students develop in their understanding of racial tensions that exist across cultures by examining their own stereotypes, attitudes, values, preconceived notions, behaviors and assumptions. Power, privilege and race are explored as well as their impact on racial minorities. Lecture, class discussions, video, reading and interactive group activities are used as a catalyst to promote personal and professional growth.

CSL 509S Social & Cultural Diversities

Course Description

This course is designed to increase students' cultural competence by deepening their awareness of self and how they have been socialized to think about groups who are culturally similar and different from them. Students develop in their understanding of racial tensions that exist across cultures by examining their own stereotypes, attitudes, values, preconceived notions, behaviors and assumptions. Power, privilege and race are explored as well as their impact on racial minorities. Lecture, class discussions, video, reading and interactive group activities are used as a catalyst to promote personal and professional growth.

CSL 510R Human Growth and Development

Course Description

The course covers human development from a biopsychosocial perspective, which includes neurological, psychological, and interpersonal perspectives from conception to death. Particular emphasis will be placed upon the integrative functions of the mind as a key to meaningful growth across the human life-span.

CSL 510S Human Growth and Development

Course Description

The course covers human development from a biopsychosocial perspective, which includes neurological, psychological, and interpersonal perspectives from conception to death. Particular emphasis will be placed upon the integrative functions of the mind as a key to meaningful growth across the human life-span.

CSL 531O Internship II

Course Description

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

CSL 531S Internship II

Course Description

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

CSL 538O MACP Practicum III

Course Description

Prerequisites: CSL 542, CSL 544, CSL 545, CSL 551,CSL 552, CSL 553 (can be taken concurrent with CSL 530)
This practicum functions as a synthesis of the Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology. It provides an observed therapeutic experience with a senior therapist followed by class and faculty feedback and evaluation. The student interacts with issues of interviewing, assessment, diagnosing and treatment, as well as the use of therapeutic relationship to address client concerns. The course draws on the theoretical categories presented throughout the degree as well as the training experiences in practicum and internships.

CSL 542-O Therapy I: Interpersonal Theory & Practice of Therapy

Course Description

Prerequisites: CSL 502, CSL 517, CSL 551, CSL 552, CSL 544
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 542-S Therapy I: Interpersonal Theory & Practice of Therapy

Course Description

Prerequisites: CSL 502, CSL 517, CSL 551, CSL 552, CSL 544
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-O Psychopathology II

Course Description

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 556 CTA Practicum B: Engaging Trauma From a Narrative Lens

Course Description

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

Course Description

CSL 561D Interpersonal Neurobiology

Course Description

This course allows the student to further integrate theory and practice. The course will introduce and explore the expanding date 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 571S Infant Observation II

Course Description

TBD

CTA TRN Intro to Trauma-Informed Narrative Therapy

Course Description

Non-credit training weekend for those enrolled in the MACP Concentration in Trauma & Abuse

IDS 502O Intersections: Biblical Traditions & Theological Formations

Course Description

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 505O Contextual Learning Lab

Course Description

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 505S Contextual Learning Lab

Course Description

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 511O Critical Analysis & Interdisciplinary Application

Course Description

TBD

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

Course Description

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 505O Homiletics: Crafting Transformational Moments

Course Description

Prerequisite: BTI 502
This course explores the nuances of preaching and public communication. By combining theory, preparation and practice, the course places emphasis on the art of listening well to the text, soul and culture to craft moments where transformation has space to occur. Students are given opportunity to develop consistent and excellent communication skills in a variety of settings.

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

Course Description

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 531O MDiv Practicum III: Embodying Christ

Course Description

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 601O Spiritual Formation: Prayer, Presence & Practice

Course Description

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 511O Theology & the Artistic Impulse

Course Description

This course will explore a theology of creativity as understood through our identity as persons made in the image of God. In the process, we will look at the vocational call of the artist as well as the more general call to create in and engage with the created order at large. This class will use a variety of 'tests' - e.g., literature, music and visual art - in order to search out the least inadequate 'language' in which to both describe and praise God.

TCE 513AO Advanced Seminar

Course Description

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 532O Theology of Eroticism

Course Description

This class will address the development of a biblical theology of sexual eroticism from the vantage point of the book Song of Solomon. Special emphasis will be place on addressing the sexual issues faced by students who live in a sexually casual and charged culture in order to develop strategies for exploring those issues in a therapeutic context.

TCE 541S Spirit & Trauma

Course Description

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.

2022 Spring Courses

BTI 507O Biblical Survey

Course Description

TBD
(MACP students only)

BTI 507S Biblical Survey

Course Description

TBD
(MACP students only)

BTI 521O Love in Public: Using the Bible in Social Justice & Transformation

Course Description

This course will explore the use of the Bible in relation to contemporary social issues. Participants will examine issues such as racism, poverty, sexism, gender violence, sexual orientation in light of a Christocentric Theological Anthropology. Students will identify how a Biblical story of Abundance, embodiment and peacemaking, can do justice in the world.

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

Course Description

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-O Professional Ethics: Honoring the Other

Course Description

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 503-S Professional Ethics: Honoring the Other

Course Description

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 512O Substance Abuse: The Nature of Addiction

Course Description

Prerequisites: CSL 527, CSL 528, CSL 544, and CSL 551 This course is designed to provide foundational concepts to understand addictive processes and provide appropriate therapy. The course explores existential, theological, and biological foundations and provides instruction in assessment and treatment of those who are drug or alcohol addicted. Individual, family, and community issues surrounding addictions and abuse are covered.

CSL 516O Research & Statistics

Course Description

TBD

CSL 516S Research & Statistics

Course Description

TBD

CSL 517R Family Systems

Course Description

TBD

CSL 517S Family Systems

Course Description

TBD

CSL 543-R Therapy II: Psychotherapy in Clinical Practice

Course Description

Prerequisites: CSL 542, CSL 544, CSL 551, CSL 552, and CSL 553; concurrent with CSL 530
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.

CSL 543-S Therapy II: Psychotherapy in Clinical Practice

Course Description

Prerequisites: CSL 542, CSL 544, CSL 551, CSL 552, and CSL 553; concurrent with CSL 530
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.

CSL 564S Assessment and Treatment of Trauma and Abuse

Course Description

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 traumatiza on, grief, and crisis intervention. Finally, students have the chance to review evidence-based practices in the trauma field.

IDS 503O Intersections: Textual Integrations

Course Description

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.

IDS 503S Intersections: Textual Integrations

Course Description

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

Course Description

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 582O Theology & Culture Apprenticeship I

Course Description

TBD

SFD 524O From the Heart: A Contemplative Approach to Ministry

Course Description

This course is an exploration of contemplative ministry. Through reading, lecture, discussion and contemplative exercises we will examine ways of structuring, practicing and being in ministry that places prayer, discernment, relationship, compassion, and authentic action as the primary elements of the life of ministry.

TCE 510O Word & Sacrament: Theology of Spiritual Formation

Course Description

This course provides the historical, theological and biblical foundation of Christian spiritual theology its form and function as it is practiced in pastoral care, individual, group, and institutional settings.

TCE 520O Philosophy & Theological Thought

Course Description

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 542O Christ & Hospitality

Course Description

This course looks at the relationship between the Christian Church (ecclesiology) and Jesus Christ (Christology). At stake in this conversation is how our doctrines about the person and the work of Christ impacts how persons are formed in the practice of the Church and its liturgy. Doctrine, in this context, is not just an abstract exploration of proper belief about sin, atonement, soteriology, or ecclesiology, but, instead, the location of questioning, and sometimes reforming, how theory (theoria) and practice (praxis) are related to one another in the daily life of the body of Christ. The aim of this class is to show that all study of theology should lead to doxology (worship) and all doxology should lead to the fullness of life in Jesus Christ.

TCE 550O Engaging Global Partnerships

Course Description

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.