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INTERNATIONAL MISSION & ECUMENISM CERTIFICATE (Pre-Approved Courses)
School
Harvard Divinity School
HDS 2785
Lived History of the Church in Latin America: Global Perspectives and Dimensions
BTI Category
Semester
Church History/History of Religions
FA24
This course explores the lived history of the Church in Latin America, with primary focus on Roman Catholicism, from European invasion and the so-called “spiritual conquest” to the present. The class considers the church as an institution of empire and its colonial legacies, and also as it is lived and practiced in communities across Latin America. Moving chronologically through time, readings and discussion explore how subject communities and their descendants have responded to Christianity, with particular attention to how these communities worked to transform and reshape the imposed religion. In the last weeks of the semester, we will consider the place of Latin America in the emerging study of global Christianities: topics will include the significance of the first Latin American Pope, the practice of Peruvian religion in Rome, the influence of Latin American Liberation Theology in Africa, among others. There will be an opportunity or option to write a research paper for students preparing for advanced research in the topic.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Jennifer Hughes
R
12:00-2:59 PM
Grading Option
Letter, P/F
Professor
4
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
Y
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
Students should submit a statement of interest to the professor via email (jscheperhughes@hds.harvard.edu) including providing relevant preparation or background in the subject matter before September 3, 2024. Those selected to enroll will be notified by the professor during the first week of instruction.
School
Harvard Divinity School
HDS 3186
History of Pentecostal/Charismatic Christianity
BTI Category
Semester
Church History/History of Religions
FA24
This course is a historical overview of the global Pentecostal/Charismatic movement from the 18th century to the present. It traces key movements, people, events, experiences, and theological ideas in the development of what is now the fastest-growing movement within World Christianity. The course will emphasize 20th century developments and discuss, among other topics, Pentecostal historiography, the Azusa Street Revival, the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in Latin America, gender roles, and expressions of Pentecostal/Charismatic Christianity in the global South. Given the experiential nature of Pentecostalism, students will be introduced to the tradition not only in written texts, but also in audio, film, music, and an in-person visit to a Pentecostal/Charismatic worship service. All course materials (assignments, announcements, readings, grades, etc.) can be found on Canvas, and students will have the opportunity to write a final research paper.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Zurlo
T
12:00pm-01:59pm
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Professor
4
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N
School
Boston College Department of Theology
THEO5011-01
Revolutionaries, Diplomatic Theology, and Catholic Missionaries: Challenges in 20th Century China
BTI Category
Semester
Church History/History of Religions
FA24
This is a survey course. Each of these three groups challenged the witness of Catholicism in China since 1900. Understand how American ambassadors, business and military interests responded to Chinese political and social change. Learn how they then enabled zealous and adventurous Catholic missionaries to balance their dual identity as American citizens as well representatives of the Pope in Rome to preach the Gospel and provide social relief as China quested stability amid decades of war. Discover how the Nationalists led by Chiang Kai-shek and the Communists inspired by Mao Zedong responded to and tested the resolve of these missionary foreigners. After 1949, the focusshifts to see how the U.S., the Holy See, and international Chinese Catholics have had to renegotiate their participation pertaining to religious freedom and human rights in China till the present day.No background on Chinese history is required. Theology, history, political science and international relation students are welcome.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Carbonneau
M
1-3:30p
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Professor
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
UNDERGRAD/GRAD SPLIT
School
Boston University School of Theology
STHTM 815
Christian Mission
BTI Category
Semester
Church History/History of Religions
FA24
Exploration of biblical, historical, theological, political, and cultural perspectives on the world mission of the church. This course is a requirement for United Methodist MDiv students pursuing ordination in the United Methodist Church.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Dana Robert
T
12:30-3:15pm
Grading Option
Letter
Professor
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N
School
Boston University School of Theology
STHTS 848
Global Pentecostalism and Christian Renewal
BTI Category
Semester
Ethics (all traditions)
FA24
The last 50 years have seen the explosion of Pentecostal-Charismatic type churches in the world, becoming not only the fastest growing segment of Christianity, but also the vanguard of the global Christian movement. This is a basic course on the theology, ethics, and history of the worldwide Pentecostal-Charismatic renewal movements. It offers a historical-descriptive approach of the movements in various countries, theological analyses of their doctrines and beliefs, a sociological investigation of their religious techniques, and an ethical study of their social actions and political spiritualities. Students will learn how Pentecostal-Charismatic movements are transforming themselves to be a major positive force for social justice in this- worldly realm. Drawing on readings from religious studies, theology, politics, sociology, and anthropology, this course seeks to transcend disciplinary boundaries to enable students to better understand Pentecostal and Charismatic movements, their recent histories, and their potentials for renewal of Christianity across denominational lines and across the Catholic- Protestant divide.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Nimi Wariboko
W
2:30-5:15pm
Grading Option
Letter
Professor
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N
School
Hartford International
HI-523
A Global History of Christianity: Defining Moments and People that Shaped a Faith
BTI Category
Semester
Church History/History of Religions
Fall 2024
This course will explore some of the most significant moments and persons in the history of Christianity. These moments produced shared understandings that have endured for centuries, while others fractured Christianity into divergent and often opposing forms. To investigate both the unity and diversity of Christianity, we will examine the diverse cultural settings where Christians planted themselves, and how Christians interacted with other religious traditions. We will also pay particular attention to the forms of Christianity that have been used to legitimate dominance and oppression, even as other forms have been used to resist and thrive under oppression.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Grafton
R
5-7pm
Grading Option
Letter
Professor
3
Online?
Y
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N
School
BTI Category
Semester
Professor
Class Day & Time
Grading Option
Professor
Online?
Professor Approval Req'd?
Prerequisites?
Notes
School
Harvard Divinity School
HDS 3192
Global Christian Nationalism
BTI Category
Semester
Sociology/Ethnography/Research Methods
FA 24
This course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of global Christian nationalism, a political ideology and cultural framework calling for the amalgamation of a particular form of Christianity with a country’s civic and political life. Using a comparative perspective, we will examine contemporary Christian nationalism’s impact on society and politics around the world. We will also explore arguments for and against Christian nationalism. Through readings, discussions, presentations, and critical analysis, students will come away from this course with a firm grasp of the contemporary relevance of Christian nationalism in the modern world.
Professor
Class Day & Time
TBA
R
9:00am-10:59am
Grading Option
TBA
Professor
4
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
A major research paper is required. The course has limited enrollment in order to facilitate robust discussions of the material. 50% of seats will be reserved for continuing HDS students and 50% for incoming HDS students.
School
Boston College Department of Theology
THEO5426-01
From Nile to Niger: African Christian Fathers and Mothers of the Church
BTI Category
Semester
Church History/History of Religions
FA24
This course counts as an elective towards the interdisciplinary Minor in Ancient Civilization. Introduction to the Fathers of the Church, with special emphasis on the period after the apostles to the Council of Nicea (A.D. 325). The lives, writings, and teachings of the Church Fathers will be studied through readings in English translation.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Schatkin
M
3-5:20p
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Professor
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
UNDERGRAD/GRAD SPLIT
School
Boston University School of Theology
STHTM 910
Seminar in Mission History and World Christianity
BTI Category
Semester
Church History/History of Religions
FA24
A seminar in the history of Christian missions, from the early church to the present. Issues of historiography, method, and the emergence of non-western church history. Required course for doctoral students in mission studies.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Dana Robert
F
8:00-10:45am
Grading Option
Letter
Professor
4
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
Y
Notes
Doctoral
School
Saint John's Seminary
THPT500
New Evangelization/Pastoral Theology
BTI Category
Semester
Practical/Pastoral Theology
FA24
Holiness is oriented to meeting the needs of the contemporary world, which requires a sophisticated
understanding of the mission field. This course will examine the mission field in detail, while directing
attention to the true nature of Christian mission: finding our identity within the universal mission of the
Incarnate Son. The second half of this course looks at the theological underpinning to pastoral ministry:
the theology of a parish, roles of the ordained and lay, mission effectiveness and best practices in pastoral
settings. This course will follow a hybrid model of both in-person and online meetings using the Canvas
learning platform. In-person classes will be held at Our Lady Help of Christians Parish Center in Newton, MA.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Dr. A. Lingertat
T
7:15-9:15pm
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Professor
3
Online?
Hybrid
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
This course will follow a hybrid model of both in-person and online meetings using the Canvas learning platform. In-person classes will be held at Our Lady Help of Christians Parish Center in Newton, MA.
School
Hartford International
HI-523-2
A Global History of Christianity: Defining Moments and People that Shaped a Faith
BTI Category
Semester
Church History/History of Religions
Fall 2024
This course will explore some of the most significant moments and persons in the history of Christianity. These moments produced shared understandings that have endured for centuries, while others fractured Christianity into divergent and often opposing forms. To investigate both the unity and diversity of Christianity, we will examine the diverse cultural settings where Christians planted themselves, and how Christians interacted with other religious traditions. We will also pay particular attention to the forms of Christianity that have been used to legitimate dominance and oppression, even as other forms have been used to resist and thrive under oppression.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Grafton
R
5-7pm
Grading Option
Letter
Professor
3
Online?
Y
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N
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