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for Starr King course fees.
Updated: 3/1/06
Please note that all online courses listed here
are dependent upon the technical and human resources
of the Online Education Department.
Our Theological House: An Introduction to Theology
for Unitarian Universalists
Fall Semester
Roy Phillips
Traversing the classical topics of systematic theology
(the nature of God, humanity, Christ, Spirit, sin and
salvation, and the purpose of the church), this course
will introduce Unitarian Universalists and interested
fellow travelers to the distinctive theological perspectives
that give our theological house its shape and character.
The course will include readings in the history of theology
and contemporary sources, combined with online discussions
and reflection papers. The goal is to deepen Unitarian
Universalist theological competency and creativity in
our emerging post-modern context. This course, developed
by Starr King President and Professor of Theology Rebecca
Parker, is open to Unitarian Universalist seminarians
enrolled in schools outside the Graduate Theological
Union, ministers, lay professionals and interested lay
people. The Rev. Roy Phillips has served for 38 years
as Unitarian Universalist minister for congregations
in Arizona, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio and
Florida. He has a degree in philosophy from Boston University
and in theology from Meadville/Lombard Theological School
at the University of Chicago. Click
for a class sample.
SKOL 4005
3 units
Limit: 15
Islams: Multiplicity in Unity
Fall Semester
Nayer Taheri
In this class we'll explore a brief history of Islam
and the Prophet Muhammad's life. We'll also be introduced
to the nature and history of the Qur'an and explore
the major branches of Islam: Sunnism, Shi'ism and Sufism,
concluding with progressive Muslims' writings on Islam
and its relation to gender, justice and sexuality. These
readings will show the diversity and dynamic nature
of Muslim communities by representing Islam from feminist,
liberal and gay Muslim perspectives. Students will examine
"life in religious community and interfaith engagement"
by participating in individual field trips, making connections
with local Muslim communities and posting their explorations
in an online forum. The purpose of these activities
is for students to examine the diversity within Islam
and to learn from each other by sharing insights and
experiences. Through assigned reading, students will
examine how Muslims in different corners of the world
are dealing with oppression and other social justice
issues, as well as the changes brought by feminism,
modernism and globalization. Nayer Taheri studied English literature at Tehran University and has focused her study at Starr King on Islamic studies, Sufism and its relation to Unitarian Universalism. She has taught two 3-week classes on Islam for the school.
SKOL 4001
3 units
Limit: 13
Unitarian Universalist History
Spring Semester
Rev. Jay Atkinson and Roxanne Seagraves
This course covers the history of liberal religion,
from its origins in the Renaissance and Radical Reformation
and its development in Europe to its history in America.
The course also critically examines contemporary issues
and is designed for Unitarian Universalist seminarians
who do not have access to courses in denominational
history at or near their seminaries. The Rev. Atkinson
has master's degree in physics from Oregon State University
and an M.Div. from the University of Chicago. He is
a 1979 D.Min. graduate of Meadville/Lombard Theological
School. Prior to his current position as parish minister
at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Studio City,
Calif., he served congregations in Sioux City, Iowa,
and Davis, Calif., and has taught as adjunct faculty
at Starr King School and Meadville/Lombard. He has been
an active member of Collegium for 25 years, where his
interests have focused on the religion/science interface,
social and economic justice, and 16th-century Unitarian
roots in the Radical Reformation. Roxanne Seagraves received her Ph.D. from the GTU and SKSM in 2002, and her M.Div. from SKSM in 1995. She continues her research into American religious history and the roots of 20th century Humanist/Spiritualist debates among Unitarian Universalists and Quakers. She lives and teaches in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
SKOL 4009
3 units
Limit: 15
Children's Literature: A Religious Education
Spring Semester
Keith Kron
A spider saves the life of a pig. A teenage girl integrates
a high school in the South. Children make cranes for
a sick classmate. A mouse holds memories for its community.
A boy learns about the differences between his choices
and his abilities. "Charlotte's Web," "Warriors Don't
Cry," "Sadako and the 1000 Paper Cranes," "Frederick,"
"Harry Potter." These books for children and many others
contain the stories of meaning, of life, of death. Immersing
ourselves in the words and pictures of books for and
about children, this course will examine the religious,
theological and pastoral themes found in the wide world
of children's literature and how these might be of use
in ministry to others. Participants will be asked to
read several children's books a week, participate in
online discussions, and complete reflection papers and
projects. The Rev. Kron is a Starr King graduate and
Director of the UUA's Office of Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian
and Transgender Concerns. Click
for class sample.
SKOL 4000
3 units
Limit: 15
Congregational Polity
Spring Semester
Mark W. Harris
This is an online course about the history and development
of congregational polity in the Unitarian Universalist
tradition. How did congregational polity evolve, and
what were the differences in Unitarian and Universalist
approaches to governance? We'll especially address issues
of authority. Where does the congregation/denomination
find its sources of authority? Where does the minister
find his/her authority? How do we feel about hierarchies?
We'll look at how religious communities make decisions,
support their leaders and define their roles for ministry.
In the context of ministry, we'll especially focus on
issues of power and gender, the call, as well as the
meaning and context for worship and rites of passage.
How does the minister answer the question, who's in
charge? The Rev. Mark W. Harris is a 1978 graduate of Starr King and has served churches in Sheffield, England, as well as Palmer, Milton and now Watertown, Mass. He also teaches at Andover Newton Theological School. He is a former Director of Information for the UUA and the author of the "Historical Dictionary of Unitarian Universalism."Click
for class sample.
SKOL 4006
3 units
Limit: 15
Unitarian Universalist Community Ministry CANCELLED
Spring Semester
Tawna Nicholas Cooley
An overview course on the theological, institutional
and practical aspects of Unitarian Universalist community
ministry. Exploration of the following as it relates
to Unitarian Universalism and community ministry: history,
theology, denominational polity, institutional factors,
ministerial call, settlement, congregational relationships,
anti-oppression and community ministry in other religious
traditions. The Rev. Tawna Nicholas Cooley is a graduate of Starr King and was a member of the 1995 SKSM Community Ministry Project. She also served as the school's representative to the 1996 Consultation on Community Ministry in Boston and on the P.C.D. Task Force on Community Ministry. She is a founding and current member of the P.C.D. Community Ministry Council. Cooley has also conducted community ministry workshops at General Assembly. Click for
class sample.
SKOL 4008
3 units
Limit: 15
CANCELLED
World Religions
Spring Semester
Tawna Nicholas Cooley with Laura Friedman, Jim Redington, Naomi Seidman, Nayer
Taheri and Martin Verhoeven
The online World Religions course is focused on major, centuries-old, but living religions. A scholar/ practitioner in each religion has been invited to teach most sections, so the students will learn from the experience and expertise of several professors in this course. In most sections, students will be required to purchase a soft-cover book, recommended by the professor. Every effort is made to choose books that are easily available and low in cost. Students will be expected to post a one-page reflection paper each week, as well as interact with their peers in the course. Lectures will be available for some sections. A final paper of 10–12 pages is required. More information about expectations will be available to those who register for the class. Click
for a class sample.
SKOL 4007
3 units
Limit: 15
Our Theological House: An Introduction to Theology
for Unitarian Universalists
Spring Semester
Paul Rasor
Traversing the classical topics of systematic theology
(the nature of God, humanity, Christ, Spirit, sin and
salvation and the purpose of the church), this course
will introduce Unitarian Universalists and interested
fellow travelers to the distinctive theological perspectives
that give our theological house its shape and character.
The course will include readings in the history of theology
and contemporary sources, combined with online discussions
and reflection papers. The goal is to deepen Unitarian
Universalist theological competency and creativity in
our emerging post-modern context. This course, developed
by Starr King President and Professor of Theology Rebecca
Parker, is open to Unitarian Universalist seminarians
enrolled in schools outside the Graduate Theological
Union, ministers, lay professionals and interested lay
people. Click
for a class sample.
SKOL 4005
3 units
Limit: 15
Online courses are open only to students not
enrolled at a Graduate Theological Union member school.
2005-2006
Fall
/ Intersession / Spring
/ Saturday
Intensives
2006-2007
Fall / Intersession / Spring / Summer / Saturday Intensives / Online
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