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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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