Courses

2019 Spring 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 528 Gospel of Mark

2 credits
Prerequisite: BTI 504
The Gospel of Mark bears witness to a God who has invaded the cosmos, but in an enigmatic way. This course will use a variety of critical approaches (including but not limited to historical, narrative, ideological, theological, etc.) to study Mark’s gospel as a particularly apt witness for Christian faith in a post-modern world.

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

Prerequisite: Taken in last year of MDIV degree program
An individualized learning experience that creates space for students to draw from their entire MHGS 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 MHGS advisor, 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 one credit earned in each of those terms.

BTI 575B Special Topics

Special Topics: Lift Up Your Voice: Prophetic Ministry in Scripture, Church and Society.

This course will provide a survey of the prophetic streams found within Scripture, in dialogue with contemporary voices in the global church that emphasize various dimensions of the prophetic. This course will seek clarity on how the Biblical prophets receive their call, hear God’s voice, communicate God’s Word to God’s people and to the powers and deal with opposition. Included in this course will be presentations and discussions on discerning between God’s voice and that of the “false prophets,” the relationship between the Old Testament prophets and the work of Jesus and ministries of the apostles. Students will be helped to develop an understanding of the prophetic which includes “social prophetic” concern like social advocacy on behalf of the marginalized and oppressed, resistance to the powers, and “charismatic prophetic” practices like hearing and communicating words of knowledge for encouragement and healing, “prophetic evangelism” and spiritual warfare.

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 528 Interpersonal Foundation: Dialogue and Presence

2 credits
Prerequisites: Concurrent with CSL 551
This course considers the incarnational relationship and what it means to be present in the face of the other. It seeks to develop a paradigm of listening and relating that is dialogical in its intent. The course will focus on theological and psychological paradigms of relationship.

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
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 552 First Year Practicum Part II: Therapy as an Interpersonal Art

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 561 Interpersonal Neurobiology

2 credits: Sat Jan 12 & 18, Feb 2, & March 9.
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 580A Individualized Research

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 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 520 IS Independent Study - Word on the Street

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 503 The Art of Spiritual Disciplines

This is an introductory course to the field of spiritual disciplines, including spiritual direction, which entails assisting persons in their devotion to and relationship with God. This course utilizes practical experiences, selected readings, guest speakers, and a student’s written work to facilitate a deeper understanding of spiritual disciplines, including being a soul friend.

SFD 521 The Artist's Way

WEEKEND RETREAT IN LEAVENWORTH 1/23-26
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

Course Catalogue Description: "This course provides an overview of contemporary art worldview and examines its implications for a Christian's engagement with culture. Each participants will be encouraged to examine his/her role in being God's masterpieces (poiema) given cultural stewardship over all culture."

2019: Every two years, SFD 523 Spirituality in the Arts focuses on a different topic on the intersection of art and spirituality. This spring, Dr. Kj Swanson is centering this Spiritual Formation course on “The Wizarding World of JK Rowling.” The books, films, theme parks, tours, and fandom that have grown from JK Rowling’s stories have enchanted the hearts and minds of countless children and adults for over twenty years and counting. By exploring the spirituality of Harry Potter fandom and the world-building of JK Rowling, this course invites students to reflect on 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.

SFD 575A Special Topics

Special Topics : Constructing an Embodied Spirituality in a post-colonial context

COURSE ALSO MEETS TWO TUESDAYS - March 5 & 12 5:00-7:00pm for pre-trip discussions.

This course is part of the Engaging Global Partnership series and will focus on the spiritual formation and leadership development of Mending Wings , a Native American Youth Organization in Toppenish Washington. Students will participate 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 Yakima Reservation.

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 513B Advanced Seminar

Jesus In The Early Church:
Since the first generation of the church Christians have been attempting to answer Jesus' question to Peter: "Who do you say that I am?" In the early centuries questions about Jesus' humanity and his divinity took a central place in theological and pastoral reflection, leading to the great ecumenical councils of the fourth and fifth centuries. What is implied by the basic Christian confession "Jesus is Lord?" How can believers confess that he is both fully God and fully human at the same time? This class will trace the theological road from the New Testament to the Council of Chalcedon in 451. This will be explored in seminar style as we examine together the primary source documents of the early church as it wrestled with the central tenets of the faith.

TCE 544 The Triune God & Creation

This course will explore the work and being of the Triune Creator (with special reference to the work of the Holy Spirit) and how understanding the Triune Creator helps to shape a dynamic eco-theology. The goal in this class is to survey the growing theological literature around the care of the earth. The lens of eco-theology intersects with the Doctrine of God and creation, Pneumatology, feminist theory, creation care, theology of place, agrarian theology, food, liberation theology, poverty and justice issues, etc. This class will weave context and doctrine together, moving back and forth between the Missio Dei to love and perfect all persons and things in the world and attending to the call of the earth toward love, justice, mercy, and humility for all of the created order

TCE 570 Book of Job

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.

TCE 580B Individualized Research

TCE 580C Individualized Research

2019 Summer Courses

BTI 503 Old Testament Genre

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 522 Feminist/Womanist Biblical Hermeneutics

The semi-seminar course studies feminist and womanist theories and their application to biblical interpretation. We will examine feminist theoretical works with special attention to complex relationship between sexism and other binary modes of "isms" such as racism, heterosexism, and (neo)colonialism and then explore various strategies for applying theoretical insights to ethical biblical interpretation.

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 509 Multicultural Perspectives: Race & Culture

Dates still pending. 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 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. This course also includes a required Research Symposium Saturday June 22, 2019.

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. This course also includes a required Research Symposium Saturday June 22, 2019.

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 524 Introduction to Counseling Children & Adolescents

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 bio-psychosocial perspective with special emphasis on developmental, attachment, and systemic issues as relevant to today's children and adolescent culture.
Friday & Saturday - May 10th/11th & 17th/18th.

CSL 531 Internship II

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

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

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.
This class meets Tuesdays May 7, 14, 21, 28, & June 4, Thursdays May 9, 23, 30, & June 6 as well as one Friday, June 7 from 11-4.

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.

SFD 575A Special Topics

Journey to the outskirts of Tucson, Arizona, April 28-May 3, 2019, where we will immerse ourselves in the ancient Christian tradition of desert spirituality, exploring the contemplative path and learning from this fierce and unique landscape. Each day of our journey will contain elements of contemplation, group reflection, and exploration, with regular rhythms of communal practice and plenty of free time to experience the desert way of life. This journey is led by spiritual director and pilgrimage guide Lacy Clark Ellman and spiritual director and retired faculty member Tom Cashman.

SFD 575B Special Topics

Session 1: Saturday, May 11, 9am-4pm
Session 2: Saturday, June 1, 9am-4pm (we'll be going to Bainbridge Island)
Session 3: Friday, June 21, 1pm-8pm

Pilgrimage has historically been understood as sacred travel that integrates body, mind, soul and spirit. Might pilgrimage also provide a formative model for our everyday lives and the lives of those whom we serve? The practice of pilgrimage invites us as seekers to become agents of change on our journeys of transformation. In this course, students will learn about pilgrimage through study, reflection, practice, and shared experience and develop an understanding of how the archetypes of pilgrimage and the Hero’s Journey can be also applied in everyday life.

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

This cross cultural course is hosted by Kenyan leaders serving in high risk communities in Nairobi that are impacted by poverty, lack of education, homelessness, addiction, and gang violence. Students participate pre-trip readings focused on Kenyan/African theology, history, and culture and a one week cross cultural dialogue in Nairobi. Additionally, students meet with local leaders to discuss street kids and human trafficking, gender violence, and advocacy, gang chaplaincy, education, trauma informed care, and community development.

Fall Courses

Winter Courses