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Basic Courses

CSOC 501 - Formerly CHSOC 400 - Christian Ethics (3)
A systematic treatment of the central themes and issues of Christian ethics, with particular attention to the life of the Christian community and its place in the social order. Preferably to be taken by M.Div. students in the second year of study, and after CSOC - Formerly CSOC - Formerly CHSOC+401 and TPHL - Formerly TPHL - Formerly THEPH+301.
Prerequisite: TPHL - Formerly TPHL - Formerly THEPH+301 and CSOC - Formerly CSOC - Formerly CHSOC+401. Same as: CMFE - Formerly COMFE+400
CSOC 500 - Formerly CHSOC 401 - Religion and the Social Process (3)
An introduction to sociological thinking that combines conceptual and experiential content. Students become more sensitive to and informed about current social problems. Focuses on situations of oppression and uses "the view from below" as a key to the entire social process and, specifically, the role of the church in that process. To be taken by students in the M.Div. program in the first year of study. Offered second semester annually.

Intermediate Courses

CSOC 561 - Formerly CHSOC 461 - Mass Incarceration, Economic J ustice, and Religious Activism (3)
This course aims at a critical analysis of mass incarceration principally in, but not limited to, the United States. Topics include: criminalization of urban youth, parenting from prison, immigration and incarceration, prison health care, community re-entry, privatization of prisons, and capital punishment. It will also examine the role of religious activism and ministry in support for inmates and their families and as resistance to the prison-industrial complex.
Repeatable. Prerequisite: . Offered every other Spring.

Advanced Courses

CHSOC 402 - Church and Community (3)
An exploration of the relationship between the congregation and the social environment through off-campus site visits and other direct experiential learning projects. Explores the nature of community in its multicultural variations through discussions of the mission and ministry of the congregation. The work of the pastor and empowered laity is at the center of the discussion. Recommended for M.Div. students in the second or third year of study.
CSOC 603 - Formerly CHSOC 403 - Sociology of Religion (3)
This course is designed to acquaint students with the sociological approach and methodology used in the study of religion and to give students a general sense of the immense variety of religious practice both locally and globally. The ultimate goal of the course is to encourage students to recognize and respect the diversity of ways in which people make religious sense of their worlds.
CSOC 604 - Formerly CHSOC 404 - Religion and Social Conflicts (3)
Assuming that the major social tensions and conflicts marking our lives deeply shape our religious choices, interpretations and behavior--and vice-versa: our religious heritage is a key resource in our dealing with the tensions and conflicts of our social environment--this course seeks to enhance our capacity for grasping, analyzing, and dealing with the interplay of religion and social conflicts in today's society from the perspective of the social sciences of religion, while bearing in mind key theological and pastoral concerns involved therein.
CSOC 616 - Formerly CHSOC 416 - Ministries in Non-Parish Settings (3)
An investigation of the possibilities and constraints of ministries in specialized settings (chaplaincies in the armed services, in hospitals, and nursing homes, in prisons, and on campuses; ministries in church boards and agencies, in overseas missions, and in administration of church-related institutions) and the role of the ordained person in "secular" settings, such as poverty programs, community agencies, journalism, and teaching.
CSOC 617 - Formerly CHSOC 417 - Women and Religion (3)
A review of anthropological, sociological, and psychological theory relating to women and, specifically, to women and religion. Combines theoretical readings with cross-cultural case studies designed to put social-scientific theory in conversation with the concrete life situations of specific women. Topics include women's spirituality and religious leadership; the social, political, and economic forces that shape their lives; as well as the relationship between religious imagery about women and the positions they, in fact, occupy in their larger societies.
Interdisciplinary Course. Signature of instructor required for registration.
CSOC 619 - Formerly CHSOC 419 - The Search for the Good Community (3)
The vision of the good community in England and America in the 19th and 20th centuries as that vision has emerged in utopias, cooperative movements, theocracies, and intentional communities. A review of various perspectives that bear upon the establishment of goals for human communities today.
CSOC 528 - Formerly CHSOC 428 - Topics in Church and Society (3)
An intensive study of selected problems and themes in contemporary sociology of religion having special significance for the church and its ministry.
Course may be repeated. Same as: GRC+101
CSOC 537 - Formerly CHSOC 437 - Ethics for Religious Professionals (3)
Emphasizes ethical dilemmas that arise for religious professionals. Explores issues related to confidentiality, sexual misconduct, personal boundaries, and accountability by religious professionals.
CSOC 542 - Formerly CHSOC 442 - Race,Ethics,and Women's Lives (3)
This course will explore women's ideas and strategies for addressing racism, health care, poverty, and other social problems. We will read short essays, including excerpts from biographies about Christian historical figures (U.S.), short stories with female protagonists, as well as articles by feminist and womanist Christian ethics scholars. In class discussions, we will compare the authors' varied discussions of the ethical visions, competing community loyalties, and complex moral choices of women with African American, Latina, Asian American, and Native American cultural backgrounds.
CSOC 543 - Formerly CHSOC 443 - The Religious Landscape of the United States (3)
This course is designed to acquaint the theological student with the general and particular landscape of contemporary American religion. Students read in-depth sociological portraits and broad overviews. Liberal and conservative Christianity is covered. In addition, students look at "sects and cults" in new religious movements and old religious movements such as Mormonism and Johovah's Witnesses. Primarily for theological students. Offering to be determined.
Interdisciplinary Course. Signature of instructor required for registration.
CSOC 644 - Formerly CHSOC 444 - Ethically Responding to Violence Against Women (3)
This course investigates the social and moral dimensions of intimate violence against women in the United States. The sources include biblical and theological literature, narrative accounts, and feminist social science analysis. This course examines the interwoven personal and political dimensions of intimate violence against women, and identifies practical, constructive responses for church leaders who work in local contexts.
Same as: RLSC - Formerly RLSOC+783
CSOC 645 - Formerly CHSOC 445 - Community Economic Realities and Ministry (3)
An examination of a range of economic crises that ministers often face in local communities and an exploration of useful church responses to those problems. This course examines the ethical role of the minister in interpreting economic realities to congregations, advocating specific policy solutions, and addressing some of the survival needs of members of the church and community.
Signature of instructor required for registration.
CSOC 646 - Formerly CHSOC 446 - Ethics and Agency of Children and Youth (3)
Ethical questions relating to moral agency, theological anthropology, andcommunity obligation will be re-evaluated from the perspective of children and youth. Christian ethics has most often focused on adult subjects, thus missing critical insights about moral character and action. Similar to adults, children and youth engage current moral issues including the use of technology, , poverty, consumerism, sexuality, racism, and so on. This course asks how children exercise moral agency and grow in their moral capacity, as well as, how adults help or hinder child/youth development as they become capable, well-informed, and confident moral agents. While the course resources are multidisciplinary, the core methodologies and questions are situated in Christian social ethics.
CSOC 648 - Formerly CHSOC 448 - Medical and Healthcare Ethics (3)
This course explores methods and principles of medical ethics along with a series of pressing topics in the realms of medicine, healthcare, and bioethics. Major topics covered include health disparities, beginning and end of life decision-making, genetic and reproductive technologies, and caregiver-patient relationships. The theoretical frameworks employed include philosophical ethics and theological-ethical perspectives in Catholic and Protestant Christianity. This course should prove valuable for students pursuing careers in chaplaincy, healthcare fields, and ministry settings with significant health-related pastoral care needs.
CSOC 550 - Formerly CHSOC 450 - Religion and the Earth: (3)
Readings in spiritual, philosophical, feminist, scientific, and sociopolitical responses around the globe to the ecological crisis.
CSOC 551 - Formerly CHSOC 451 - Christianity and Ecology (3)
Examines what sociological and theological factors shape various Christian responses to ecological concerns. Surveys some of the historical, philosophical, socio-political and theological influences that have shaped the current planetary context and looks at an array of contemporary global religious ecological voices and emerging eco-theologies.
CSOC 576 - Formerly CHSOC 476 - Hispanic Religion and Culture: Church, State, and Immigration (3)
Introduction to history, culture, economics, and politics of the Hispanic presence in the United States. In addition to lectures, this course uses feature films, novels, and short stories by and about U.S. Hispanics and Latinas/os to stimulate reflection, discussion, and research on its subject matter. The religious dimension of the U.S. Latina/o experience is highlighted.
Course may be repeated. Same as: RLSC - Formerly RLSOC+722
CSOC 579 - Formerly CHSOC 479 - Developing Environmental Education and Resources (3)
See CERT+313 for course description.
Same as: CERT+313
CSOC 580 - Formerly CHSOC 480 - Choosing Future Partnering w/ Eth. Leaders, Chur. & Comm. (3)
See CERT+314 for course description.
Same as: CERT+314
CSOC 681 - Formerly CHSOC 481 - Political Elections and Church Ministry (3)
This course will examine the role of Christian churches and faith in electoral politics. What role do they play? What role should they play? Resources for our discussion will range from ideas about church-state relations in western Christian ethics to the 2004 U.S. presidential election process. Topics include: values expressed in the media, preaching about politics, Christian politicians.
CSOC 582 - Formerly CHSOC 482 - Leadership Skills For Community Organization (3)
This course will assist participants to develop their power and leadership skills. Students will learn how to develop any congregation or voluntary organization through engaging in the fundamentals of community organizing.
RLSC 704 - Formerly RLSOC 704 - Autobiography and the Religious Life (3)
A consideration of autobiographical writings, including journals, diaries, essays, and autobiographical novels, with particular attention to stories, accounts, depictions of religious life as pilgrimage, chosen path, visitation, ordeal, and ordinary life. Sources include a wide range of readings, including a consideration of figures of interest to students.
Signature of instructor required for registration. Offering to be determined.
RLSC 721 - Formerly RLSOC 721 - Contemporary Ethical Issues (3)
An exploration of contemporary issues, such as sexuality, economics, and globalization; their importance; and the contributions of Christian ethics to understanding and dealing with them.
RLSC 725 - Formerly RLSOC 725 - History of Western Christian Ethics (3)
A study of selected themes and formative figures in Christian ethics, with attention to their contributions to contemporary reflection.
RLSC 728 - Formerly RLSOC 728 - Gay and Lesbian Liberation Theologies in World Religions (3)
This doctoral seminar strives to collectively explore through research, presentations, discussions, films, etc., some of the ways in which emerging lesbian and gay struggles for liberation intersect with the diverse religious traditions present in world Christianity.
Interdisciplinary Course. Signature of instructor required for registration.
RLSC 729 - Formerly RLSOC 729 - Feminist Sociology of Religion (3)
An exploration of ways in which a feminist perspective is emerging today in the social-scientific study of religions and the ways in which it might challenge and enrich assumptions about religion. Examines theoretical essays and field-research materials expressing that standpoint within the socio-biology of religions, as well as contibutions emerging from such areas as feminist theologies. The seminar's approach and method attempt to embody traits central to the feminist perspective itself.
Signature of instructor required for registration.
RLSC 730 - Formerly RLSOC 730 - Religion and Social Change (3)
Selected problems and themes in the sociology of religion regarding issues of religion and social change. For example: religious involvement in social movements, disruptive religion, global Pentecostalism and social change, gender issues, colonialism.
Signature of instructor required for registration.
RLSC 740 - Formerly RLSOC 740 - Geopolitics of Race: Colonial Expansion to Post-Racial Era (3)
Through the lenses of geopolitics and postcolonial/decolonial studies, this course provides an examination of how the disciplinary measure of "racializing bodies" has been integral to social domination and stratification from the colonial imperial expansions to the Americas and sheds light on how marginalization through racialization continues to operate in an era labeled "post-racial." This course will also look at how race has been mobilized from the margins as a resource for resistance.
Course may be repeated. Signature of instructor required for registration. Offered every other spring.
RLSC 745 - Formerly RLSOC 745 - Selected Thinkers and Themes in Psychology and Religion (3)
An introduction to thinkers and themes in the modern West in psychology and religion, including Freud, Jung, Eliade, James, Tillich, Rubenstein, Gilligan, Lifton, and Daly. Themes include anxiety and courage, faith and identity, symbolic immorality; the psychology of the survivor; feminist consciousness and cultural mourning; theology after the Holocaust.
Course may be repeated. Signature of instructor required for registration.
RLSC 757 - Formerly RLSOC 757 - Illness of Body, Mind, and Spirit (3)
An examination of basic concepts of psychiatry. Describes their philosophical underpinnings. More concretely, addresses such issues as health and illness in body, mind, and spirit.
Signature of instructor required for registration.
RLSC 771 - Formerly RLSOC 771 - Major Thinkers & Major Themes in the Soc. & Anth. of Rel. (3)
A seminar focusing on one particular thinker or one important theme in the history of the social scientific study of religion. Required for sociology of religion concentration.
Signature of instructor required for registration.
RLSC 779 - Formerly RLSOC 779 - Classical Theories in the Sociology of Religion (3)
An introduction to some of the main theories and theorists in the sociological study of religion, developed in the North Atlantic urban centers from the last half of the 19th century to the first decades of the 20th century. Karl Marx's (and his colleague and often co-author, Friedrich Engels'), Max Weber's, and Emile Durkheim's contributions to the sociology of religion are often the focus of this course.
Signature of instructor required for registration. Offered fall semester in alternate years
RLSC 780 - Formerly RLSOC 780 - Deconstructing Racism (3)
An examination of interdisciplinary approaches that describe how racial superiority and inferiority are socially constructed in the U.S. culture. Investigates some of the ways that social norms about race are translated into moral norms and upheld by institutional and individual behavior.
Interdisciplinary Course. Signature of instructor required for registration.
RLSC 785 - Formerly RLSOC 785 - Critical Approaches in Epistemology (3)
This is a course on the subject of human knowledge as a problematic issue, examined from an interdisciplinary perspective. Thus, this course will concentrate on some crucial issues interrelating, on the one hand, the sociology, psychology, and biology of knowledge, the history of science and philosophical theories of knowledge, with, on the other hand, human action and religious thought. In particular, we will privilege analytical and critical perspectives on gender, race, culture, and class as cognitive contexts including for theology, ethics, and ministry.
Signature of instructor required for registration.
RLSC 795 - Formerly RLSOC 795 - Topics in Religion and Society (3)
An intensive study of selected problems and themes in religion and society.
Repeatable. Prerequisite: Offered every other Spring.