Courses

2020 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. THIS CLASS WILL MEET VIA ZOOM EXCEPT MARCH 24, 2020. STUDENTS WILL ZOOM IN FROM THEIR HOME COMPUTERS. ON MARCH 24, 2020, CLASS WILL MEET IN PERSON FROM 1-5PM.

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. DATES TBD

CSL 517 Marriage and Family

2 credits
Prerequisites: 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. INTENSIVE DATES January 17-18 and February 21-22 from 9:00-6:00 each day.

CSL 530 Internship I

2 credits
Prerequisites: CSL 502, CSL 503, CSL 528, CSL 551, CSL 552, CSL 553, CSL 542, CSL 544, CSL 545, concurrent with CSL 543 (Recommended: CSL 510, CSL 524)
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 gatherin 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 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 531 Internship II

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

CSL 538 MACP Practicum III

2 credits
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 Therapy I:Interpersonal Theory & Practice of Ther.

2 credits
Prerequisites: CSL 502, CSL 517, CSL 527, CSL 528, 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. A $50 fee will also be applied to this course for required conference attendance on Feb. 29. Please see the course syllabus for more details.

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. Extra fees of $230 will be applied for required conference and webinar trainings. Please see course syllabus for full details.

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 553 Second Year Practicum

2 credits
Prerequisites: CSL 551 & 552
Concurrently taken with: CSL 542 and CSL 544
This course provides advanced counseling training and builds upon the training experiences of First Year Practicum. 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 related to the practice of counseling.

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 561 Interpersonal Neurobiology

2 credits
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.
INTENSIVE DATES - 9:00-6:00 each day
February 1
February 7
March 13 & 14

CSL 575B Special Topics

The Art and Science of Psychotherapeutic Interpretation.

Many psychodynamic and psychoanalytic clinicians struggle with the realm of interpretation and meaning-making in the psychotherapeutic setting. It can be challenging for beginning therapists and therapists-in-training, as the need to feel grounded in theory and practice can eclipse the reflectiveness and clarity of thought inherent in making sense of therapeutic interactions on behalf of the patient and the clinical dyad; therapists working in community mental health (CMH) settings also have
difficulty in this realm, as the need to abide by CMH’s standards for care can override dynamic work. How does one know when to interpret the experience and when to use cognitive techniques designed to regulate both a crisis-ridden patient and a system
designed to not handle dynamic processes?

This class will meet as an intensive on JAN. 31ST (2PM - 6PM), FEB 1 (9AM - 5PM), MARCH 6 - 7 (9A - 5PM)

CTA TRN Intro to Trauma-Informed Narrative Therapy

Non-credit training weekend 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 511 Critical Analysis & Interdisciplinary Application

Prerequisite - IDS 510 OR TCE 501

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 505 Homiletics: Crafting Transformational Moments

2 credits
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 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 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. INTENSIVE Dates - JAN. 16 - 19. See syllabus for full details. Extra fees of $380 will be applied for travel, lodging, and food etc.. Attendance is also required at a post-trip art presentation day on Saturday, March 14 from 12:00-5:00.

SFD 575A Special Topics

This course is part of the Engaging Global Partnership series (Engaging Global Partnerships: Creating Conversations with Grassroots’ Leaders in their Context). It will focus on the spiritual formation and leadership development of Mending Wings, a Native American Youth Organization in Toppenish Washington. Students will participate in pre-trip readings focused on Native American, spirituality, theology, history and culture and a one weekend intensive hosted by Corey Greaves and the Mending Wings staff on the Yakama Reservation.
Course will entail travel to Yakima, WA and additional fees of $160 will be applied for travel, food, and lodging etc.. INTENSIVE Travel Dates are March 13-14. In addition, this class will meet Monday, March 2, 9, & 16 from 6:00-8:00pm.

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 511 Theology and Artistic Impulse

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 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 580A Individualized Research

2020 Spring Courses

BTI 503 Old Testament Genre

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

2 credits
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 530 Textual Synthesis I: Examination of the Book of Ruth

2 credits
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

3 credits
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. ENDS JUNE 8th.

CSL 512B Substance Abuse: The Nature of Addictions

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 512C Substance Abuse: The Nature of Addictions

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 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 12, 2020; 9:00am-4:00pm.*

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 12, 2020; 9:00am-4:00pm.*

CSL 532 Internship III

2 credits
Prerequisites: CSL 530, CSL 531
Students who have not completed their required hours of internship may register for internship until the hours are completed. Note that internship credits beyond the required Internship I and II do not count toward the total credits required within the degree.

CSL 543 Therapy II: Psychotherapy in Clinical Practice

2 credits
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 564 Assessment and Treatment of Trauma and Abuse

CSL 565 Human Sexuality

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.

IDS 503 Intersections: Textual Integrations

This third Intersections course guides students in the synthesis of the first two Intersections courses. With faculty advising, students will develop a working draft of a theological and psychological anthropology (spanning issues such as economics, politics, culture, etc.) that will serve as an important contribution to the portfolio particular to the student’s program of study, and as a basis for their vocation.

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.

SFD 522 C.S. Lewis: Theological Perspectives for Spiritual Formation

This course will examine the literary legacy of one the twentieth century's foremost Christian authors. More specifically, it will explore the theological perspectives of C. S. Lewis, perspectives that speak of God, humanity, nature, love, heaven, hell, prayer, pain and suffering, and ethics. Students will critically reflect on how these insights might inform, nourish, challenge and support their own relationship with God and God's work in the world.

TCE 510 Word & Sacrament: Theology of Spiritual Formation

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 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 532 Theology of Eroticism

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 placed 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. INTENSIVE DATES May 21-23, 9:00am-6:00pm.

TCE 542 Christ & Hospitality

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 550 Engaging Global Partnerships

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.

TCE 575B Special Topics

Economy, Empire, and God -- The Class on Class

RFPT Yr Courses

2020 Fall Courses