Courses-THY
Theology Courses
To correspond with the requirements of the theology programs, the courses are indicated as follows:
(B)- Biblical Studies
(S) - Systematic Theology
(H) - Historical Theology
(CS) - Christian in Society
(RE) - Religious Education
THY-1100: The Bible (B) - 3 hours
An introductory study of the Bible, both Old and New Testaments. Major components include the principles of biblical interpretation, biblical history, biblical themes, and the unity of Scripture. For non-church-professional students. IAI: H5 901.
THY-1200: Summary of Christian Belief (S) - 3 hours
Examination and analysis of the teachings of the Christian Church on the basis of Biblical texts and the Ecumenical Creeds. Readings from various periods of church history, including contemporary Christian sources. For non-church professional students.
THY-2000: The Old Testament (B) - 3 hours
An introduction to the books of the Old Testament. Ancient Israelite history, prophecy, and poetry. Major themes, controversies, and archaeological discoveries.
THY-2100: Writing About Theology - 3 hours
An introduction to college level writing through critical analysis of theological literature. Prerequisite: ENG-1100 or equivalent.
THY-2200: Faith of the Christian Church (S) - 3 hours
Exploration and analysis of the major themes of Christian doctrine on the basis of selected readings in the Scriptures, the Ecumenical Creeds, and the Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
THY-2310: History of Christianity in America (H) - 3 hours
The origin and development of the Christian churches in America. The role of the First Amendment, the dynamics of denominationalism and revivalism, and the impact of African-American churches. The spread of immigrant traditions with emphasis on the history of Roman Catholics and Lutherans.
THY-2600: Introduction to Deaconess Ministry (CS) - 1 hour
Orientation to the office and roles of the Lutheran deaconess. Exposure to various types of deaconess work. Establishing a mentor relationship. Reflection on attitudes and skills for ministry. Required of students who intend to enter the Deaconess Program. Field trips. Fee: $10.
THY-3100: The New Testament - 3 hours
The content of the New Testament writings in terms of the historical, literary, and cultural context. Attention to principles of interpretation, both ancient and modern.
THY-3120: Getting in The Acts (B) - 3 hours
The literary structure, narrative scope, and theological perspective of the New Testament Book of Acts. Comparison to its companion volume, The Gospel of Luke, and to later apocryphal Acts. Prerequisite: THY-3100.
THY-3130: Medieval Christendom, 500-1400 (H) - 3 hours
Cross-listed with HIS-3130.
THY-3210: Christian Life (S) - 3 hours
Perspectives on the Christian life created and enabled by Law and Gospel. Emphasis on the sinner/saint tension in relation to Church, worship, ministry and society. Prerequisite: THY-1200 or THY-2200.
THY-3300: History of Christian Biography (H) - 2 hours
Biographical survey of select persons in the history of Christianity emphasizing important contributors to the developing Christian theological tradition. Readings from primary sources.
THY-3320: Survey of Church History (H) - 3 hours
An introduction to the history of Christianity from the apostolic age to the present focusing on major theological trends and developments. Readings from primary sources.
THY-4000: History of Israel (B) (H) - 3 hours
The origin and development of the Old Testament nation of Israel. Historical methodologies, the Ancient Near Eastern context, recurrent themes. Field Trip. Cross-listed with HIS-4000. Prerequisite: THY-1100 or THY-2000 or consent of instructor.
THY-4010: The Prophets of Israel (B) - 3 hours
Prophecy and the prophetic movement. Its origin, development, purpose, methodology, message, and impact. Prerequisite: THY-1100 or THY-2000 or consent of instructor.
THY-4020: Wisdom Writings (B) - 3 hours
An examination of the wisdom literature of the Old Testament: Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Songs. Biblical poetry, devotional literature, and the major questions of life. Prerequisite: THY-1100 or THY-2000 or consent of instructor.
THY-4031: The Pentateuch (B) - 3 hours
An examination of the major themes and events in the foundational books of the Old Testament, including creation, sin, divine mercy, the messianic promise, the patriarchs, the early history of the people of Israel, the covenant, and the levitical priesthood and sacrificial system. Prerequisite: THY-1100 or THY-2000 or consent of the instructor.
THY-4100: The Four Gospels (B) - 3 hours
The structure, purpose, and perspective of each of the New Testament gospels. The portrayal of Jesus by each evangelist. The literary relationship of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The distinctive features of John. Prerequisite: THY-3100.
THY-4110: Paul the Apostle (B) - 3 hours
Study of Paul's life, apostleship, theology, and theological method on the basis of one or a group of Paul's letters, particularly Galatians, Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, within the wider context of the history and the theology of the Early Church. Prerequisite: THY-3100.
THY-4115: Studies in New Testament Writing (B) - 3 hours
The historical context, literary features, and theological perspectives of a variable group of New Testament writings outside the major Pauline letters, the four gospels, and Acts, e.g., Johnine writings. Prerequisite: THY-3100. [The particular writings to be studied in a given semester will be identified after a colon in the course title in the Master Schedule.]
THY-4125: Mediterranean Perspectives – 3 hours
A two-week fieldtrip outside the United States. Investigation of historical, geographical, artistic, and theological aspects of the lands surrounding the Aegean Sea, namely Greece and Turkey. May serve independent studies in history, geography, art or music.
THY-4130: The Age of Reform, 1400 - 1650 (H) - 3 hours
An examination of the chronic problems of the Late Medieval Church, the failure of reform movements inside the Church, the Protestant Reformation, the breakup of Protestant unity, the Catholic Reformation, and the culminating age of religious wars in Europe. Cross-listed with HIS-4130.
THY-4210: Theological Movements in American Lutheranism (S)(H) - 3 hours
An investigation of the key theologians, theological movements, controversies, and inter-synodical organizations, especially of the 19th and 20th centuries that have contributed to the diverse theological character of contemporary Lutheranism in America. Prerequisites: THY-1200 or THY-2200.
THY-4230: Defense of the Christian Faith (S) - 3 hours
The nature, objectives, and importance of defending the truthfulness of the Christian Faith in the contemporary pluralistic world. Lutheran theological principles which inform the apologetic task and analysis of various apologetic approaches. Prerequisite: THY-1200 or THY-2200.
THY-4240: The Church and its Ministry (S) - 3 hours
Examination of the nature of the Church and its Ministry with particular attention to its offices and their duties in relationship to the vocation of the Church and Christian service in the world. Prerequisite: THY-1200 or THY-2200.
THY-4250: Studies in Christian Doctrine (S) - 3 hours
Selected articles of faith explored on the basis of Scripture, Lutheran and other theological sources with particular attention to issues and problems raised by the wider context of Christian writing and thought. Prerequisites: THY-1200 or THY-2200.
THY-4260: The Lutheran Confessions (S) (H) - 3 hours
A study of the historical context and the doctrinal content of the Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. The doctrinal emphases of the Augsburg Confession will be traced through the remaining confessional writings. Prerequisites: THY-1200 or THY 2200.
THY-4330: Martin Luther (S) (H) - 3 hours
Historical introduction to Luther as theologian, churchman, and polemicist for 16th century Evangelicalism. Enduring images of Luther inside and outside Protestantism. Luther's significance to contemporary theology. Readings from primary sources. Prerequisite: THY-3300 or THY-3320, or consent of instructor.
THY-4360: Women in the History of Christianity (H) - 3 hours
A study of the contribution of select female agents to the Christian tradition, typically including such diverse figures as Mary, the early Christian martyrs and ascetics, Hildegard of Bingen, Julian of Norwich, Katherina von Bora, Teresa of Avila, Madame Guyon, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Readings from primary sources. Prerequisite: THY-3300 or THY-3320, or consent of instructor.
THY-4380: History of Biblical Interpretation, 200-1600 (H) - 3 hours
Introduction to the development of hermaneutical and exegetical traditions within Christianity from the early church to the Reformation. Extensive primary source readings in ancient, medieval, and Reformation biblical exegesis. Prerequisite: Either THY-2000 or THY-3100; and either THY-3300 or THY-3320; or consent of instructor.
THY-4390: Topics in the History of Christianity - 3 hours
Selected persons, themes, or problems in the history of Christianity. Prerequisite: THY-3300 or THY-3320, or consent of instructor. Course may be repeated for credit when topic varies.
THY-4400: Worship and Witness (CS) - 3 hours
The historical foundations, essence, and forms of worship in the Christian church. The interconnection of worship and witness, and the influences of sociological and cultural change.
THY-4410: World Religions (CS) - 3 hours
Introduction to the nature of religion with emphasis on primal religious expression. The origin, teachings, spread, and influence of major living religions.
THY-4420: Sociology of Religion - 3 hours
Cross-listed with SOC-4120.
THY-4450: Ministry to the Family (CS) - 3 hours
An exploration of family dynamics in contemporary American society. Various models of ministry to families are reviewed, including strategies for initiating and sustaining a parish program of ministry to families. Special attention is given to the role of the family in one's faith development.
THY-4490: Senior Seminar: Theology - 3 hours
Study and discussion of selected works of literature and audio-visual materials from the perspective of the theological areas - biblical, historical, systematic, practical. Preparation and presentation of an essay written with the guidance of a department member. Required of all Theology majors with at least senior standing.
THY-4500: Spiritual Nurture: Young Child (RE,CS) - 3 hours
Development of concepts and skills for the nurture of spiritual growth in the young child, with attention to the central truths of the Christian faith, child development, curriculum resources, parental responsibilities, and the Office of the Lutheran Teacher. Prerequisite: THY-2000 or THY-3100, and THY-2200 and junior/senior standing, or permission of instructor.
THY-4505: Spiritual Nurture: Elem. School Child (RE,CS) - 3 hours
Principles, organization, materials, and practices of teaching the Christian faith in the elementary school, a review of the history of Lutheran education, and the Office of the Lutheran Teacher. Prerequisite: THY-2000 or THY-3100, THY-2200 and junior/senior standing or permission of instructor.
THY-4510: Spiritual Nurture of the Adolescent (RE,CS) - 3 hours
Principles, organization, materials, and practices of nurturing the faith of the adolescent. Prerequisite: THY-2000 or THY-3100, and THY-2200, or permission of instructor.
THY-4520: Religious Education of the Adult (RE,CS) - 3 hours
Principles, organization, materials, and practices of adult religious education. Prerequisite: THY-2000 or THY-3100, and THY-2200, or permission of instructor.
THY-4530: Educational Ministry of the Church (RE)- 3 hours
Philosophies, theological approaches, and materials of religious education; evaluation of curricular materials.
THY-4540: Theories of Religious Instruction (RE,CS) - 3 hours
A review of the contributions of developmental psychology, in light of Lutheran theology, to the field of religious education.
THY-4560: Confirmation Theology and Practice (RE)- 3 hours
Theological and historical foundations of the rite of confirmation in the Lutheran Church and a survey of contemporary practices.
THY-4600: Deaconess Foundations (H) (CS) - 3 hours
The office of the Lutheran Deaconess; history, roles, and ethics. The history and structure of the LC-MS particularly in relationship to the deaconess. Field trips. Fee: $35. Prerequisite: THY-2200, THY-3200. Recommended: THY-4240.
THY-4610: Deaconess Skills (CS) - 3 hours
Identification and application of beliefs, attitudes, and skills of the beginning deaconess. Focus on spiritual care giving, practice in teaching Bible studies, application of Law/Gospel, volunteer coordination, and mercy ministries. Field trips. Fee: $35. Prerequisite: THY-4600, PSY-4201.
THY-4620: Deaconess Seminar (CS) - 2 hours
Evaluation and analysis of the internship experience. Preparation for the call into deaconess ministry. Exposure to ministry resources and opportunities. Prerequisite: two semesters of THY-4990 or 4991.
THY-4630: Deaconess Field Experience (CS) - 0 hours
Beginning experience in the ministry of the Lutheran deaconess. Minimum of 40 hours of supervised practicum in a congregation or agency. Attendance required at scheduled seminars to review students' reports and discuss ministry issues. Pass/fail. Deaconess students complete four semesters of field experience. Fee: $75 Additional transportation fees possible. Prerequisite: Application to the Deaconess Program and three theology courses.
THY-4905: Research in Theology - 3 hours THY-4910: Topics in Theology - 4 hours
THY-4950: Independent Study in Theology - 4 hours
THY-4990: Internship: Deaconess (CS) - 12 hours
Relating classroom concepts to the practical ministry of the deaconess. Minimum of 5 months of full-time supervised practicum in a Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod sponsored congregation or agency. Prerequisites: THY-4600, THY-4610; two semesters of THY-4630. Pass/Fail. Fee required for international internships. Contact Deaconess Office for current rates.
THY-4991: Internship: Deaconess (CS) - 0 hours
Relating classroom concepts to the practical ministry of the deaconess. Minimum of 5 months of full-time supervised practicum in a Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod sponsored congregation or agency. Prerequisites: THY-4600, THY-4610; two semesters of THY-4630. Pass/fail. This course is not open to undergraduate students in their first 2 semesters of deaconess internship. Fee $2,000. Additional costs for international internships. Contact Deaconess Office for current rates.
