Fall 2022

Adult Faith Development

This course provides an overview of the theory and practice of adult faith formation in progressive churches, especially Unitarian Universalist congregations. Topics include adult learning theories, including culture and context in the theory and practice of adult learning; frameworks for understanding the congregation as a multi-generational, liberatory, learning community; and the power of education and spiritual growth to address injustice and foster the wholeness and liberation of people, their communities and environment. The second half of the course will be conducted as a seminar with students researching existing approaches to adult and multigenerational faith development and making constructive proposals for best practices in congregations. Evaluation based on weekly participation, reflection papers, and a final project. The course is suited to MDiv, MASC, and certificate students. SKSM thresholds – Seven: Educating for Wholeness & Liberation. MFC competencies Three: Spiritual Development for Self and Others. Maximum 25 students. Auditors excluded.

Chaplaincy Formation

This synchronous online course (once per month in ZOOM, for 4 meetings total per semester) is required for all students in the Chaplaincy concentration at SKSM. Taken every semester, for 6 semester if you are in the MDiv program (for a total of 9 units)—this class will provide the container for pastoral and professional formation, in preparation for ordination and future service as a chaplain. Topics over the course of the 6 semesters will include: focus on one’s own spiritual path and formation as a chaplain; the requirements of working as a chaplain in multiple settings; how to function pastorally with boundaries and using pastoral authority; group dynamics and organizational behavior; as well as organizational culture, system and relationships. Depending on where you are at in the program will determine the content you will be studying. The monthly meetings will allow you to explore where you are at in your personal formation process along with your peers on the same journey. Enrollment Max: 20. Auditors excluded.

Faculty Consent Required.

Students must complete the faculty consent questionnaire. Registration is contingent upon faculty approval.

For questions regarding Faculty Consent, please contact kmoebius@sksm.edu.

ChI Bells Bowls Dances Water

Bells, Bowls, Dances, Water: Ceremonies & Rituals for the Multi-Religious Seeker: The religious/spiritual buzz phrases include words like, multi-religious, multi-generational, multicultural, anti-oppressive, radically inclusive, radically welcoming, justice centered, sustainable communities. How does a spiritual leader prepare to minister to and accompany those who identify on this spectrum? Please join together as we grow spiritual confidence, grace, respect and humility to craft meaningful rituals that sincerely speak to the wholeness of those we serve. We will review templates that could be used for any weddings, memorial (celebration of life), street witness action and child blessing.

Only for joint-program students participating in Chaplaincy Institute (ChI) courses as part of the Interfaith Chaplaincy and Ministry Certificate. Max. enrollment 15. Auditors excluded. Relevant for SKSM thresholds 1 (Life in Religious Community & Interfaith Engagement) and 8 (Embodied Wisdom & Beauty); MFC competency 1. Meets Sept. 9-11.

Prerequisite: ECO course.

ChI Sacred Justice Ministry

In this course, students will immerse themselves in both self-inquiry and applied theology while exploring questions around diverse aspects of injustice and oppression, how spirituality informs social action, and key elements of social transformation. Specific areas of focus will include: Prison Ministry; Human Sexuality: History, Theology and Politics; Liberation Theology; Theatre of the Oppressed; Prophetic Voice in Ministry; and an Introduction to Deep Culture.

Only for joint-program students participating in Chaplaincy Institute (ChI) courses as part of the Interfaith Studies Certificate. Max. enrollment 15. Auditors excluded.Relevant for SKSM thresholds 2 (Prophetic Work & Witness) and 4 (History of Dissenting Traditions); MFC competency 4. Meets Nov. 18-20.

Prerequisite: ECO course.

ChI Science and Spirit

This 3-day course will focus on science itself as a source for wonder, contemplation and transformative meaning. Challenging the stereotypes that paint spirituality and science as incompatible, participants will travel between first-person experiences, depictions of the Cosmos, and key developing areas of science. On day 1, we will re-kindle the aptitude we all have for scientific inquiry, tapping into the joy of first-hand explorations of phenomena and perceptions. On day 2, we will take a “highlights tour” of the Universe as it has been collectively described by generations of inquirers. On day 3, we will focus on key unsolved areas of science that offer spiritual, existential and ethical pathways towards new meanings.

Only for joint-program students participating in Chaplaincy Institute (ChI) courses as part of the Interfaith Chaplaincy and Ministry Certificate. Max. enrollment 15. Auditors excluded.Relevant for SKSM threshold 6 (The@logy in Culture & Context); MFC competency 6. Meets Oct. 7-9.

Prerequisite: ECO course.

ChI Spiritual Care as if Oppression Matters

This seminar course will include readings, reflection, discussion, presentations from and/or dialog with partners, virtual immersion opportunities, in-class praxis using Zoom breakout rooms, and a writing project. Students will engage with theory and practice of spiritual care within diverse cultural and socio-economic contexts. With a focus on healing, guiding, sustaining and reconciling persons, spiritual care is a response to their emotional, relational, and spiritual needs. This course is designed to to deepen students awareness and understanding of spiritual care through consideration of broader contexts including not only the oppression of individuals, but also oppressive systems and structures. Students will consider and integrate theological, spiritual, psychological and sociological perspectives and resources, attending particularly to matters of justice, healing, and wholeness.

Both asynchronous and synchronous engagement will be required.

Only for joint-program students participating in Chaplaincy Institute (ChI) courses as part of the Interfaith Studies Certificate. Max. enrollment 15. Auditors excluded. Relevant for SKSM thresholds 2 (Prophetic Work & Witness), 5 (Spiritual Practice & Care for the Soul); MFC competencies 2, 4. Meets Dec. 16-18.

Prerequisite: ECO course.

ChI Spiritual Care Concerns

This course provides both theoretical and hands-on learning for developing one’s approach to effective, sustainable (self-care), and pastoral care practices whether as a chaplain, minister or other spiritual leader. Focus areas include: Spiritual Care and Addiction, Ministry with the Ill and Dying, Grief and Loss, Trauma-informed care, Ministerial Boundaries, and Self-care & Stability in Ministry. The ChI curriculum incorporates lecture, personal sharing, creative projects, and experiential exercises to appeal to our many ways of integrating and practicing new learning.

Only for joint-program students participating in Chaplaincy Institute (ChI) courses as part of the Interfaith Studies Certificate. Max. enrollment 15. Auditors excluded. Relevant for SKSM thresholds 1 (Life in Religious Community & Interfaith Engagement) and 5 (Spiritual Practice and Care for the Soul); MFC competency 3. Meets Nov. 11-13.

Prerequisite: ECO course.

ChI Spiritual Psychology

This is a 4-day course where students will integrate wisdom from various spiritual traditions: Kabbalah with Jungian; Developmental and Archetypal Psychology; Family Systems and Psychodynamic perspectives; Astrology and Alchemy. We will consider how ego development and Identity formation weaves together with soul and spiritual development. Course topics include: Tree of Life Model; Internalizing the Good Mother; Attachment Styles and Defenses of the Personality; Emotional Wounding; Family Systems & Individuation; Soul Development; Healthy Boundaries & Self-Love; Spiritual Awakening & Healing; Holistic Health & Integration.

Only for joint-program students participating in Chaplaincy Institute (ChI) courses as part of the Interfaith Chaplaincy and Ministry Certificate. Max. enrollment 15. Auditors excluded.Relevant for SKSM threshold 5 (Spiritual Practice & Care for the Soul); MFC competency 3. Meets Sept. 15-18.

Prerequisite: ECO course.

ChI Spiritual Traditions 2

Global Spiritual Traditions 2 is the second of a 2-part series. This course introduces students to World Religions and/or spiritual paths that have their origins in the Abrahamic traditions (Judaism, Islam, Christianity). While studying the world’s knowledge, beliefs, traditions, scriptures, and practices, the curriculum incorporates lecture, dyad shares, various art projects, and practice sessions to engage our many ways of integrating and practicing new learning.

Only for joint-program students participating in Chaplaincy Institute (ChI) courses as part of the Interfaith Chaplaincy and Ministry Certificate. Max. enrollment 15. Auditors excluded. Relevant for SKSM thresholds 1(Life in Religious Community & Interfaith Engagement), 3 (Sacred Text & Intepretation); MFC competencies 3, 6. Meets Oct. 14-16.

Prerequisite: ECO course.

ChI Theological Literacy

Theology literally means “words about the Divine.” In Theological Literacy, students will explore the concepts that attempt to describe the Divine, as well as how we understand the universe and ourselves in relation to the Divine. Our approach to ministry is always directed by our theology. In this course, students will receive an interfaith orientation to theological concepts across the World Religions, to better discern, define and describe one’s own understanding of theological questions related to morality and end-of-life speculation.

Only for joint-program students participating in Chaplaincy Institute (ChI) courses as part of the Interfaith Chaplaincy and Ministry Certificate. Max. enrollment 15. Auditors excluded.Relevant for SKSM threshold 3 (The@logy in Culture & Context); MFC competency 3. Meets Oct. 21-23.

Prerequisite: ECO course.

Community Intern Reflection

This course is a peer group seminar for interns doing fieldwork in community field sites. It offers the@logical reflection, linking the experience in the internship to the student’s broad educational and vocational goals (praxis). The class is designed for students to assess their personal progress, gather support from peers and the instructor, integrate their internship experience into their degree program, and deepen the@logical practices to sustain religious leadership in community ministry. Students gather multi-religious sources of wisdom and inspiration, which serve as touchstones for group spiritual reflection. The course includes a required live web-based video seminar approximately twice a month, as well as weekly online discussion postings that orient the seminar sessions. This online course is synchronous on Zoom and counts as low residency; students must have consistent internet access to relevant technology. Evaluation is based on participation, depth of engagement with peers and resources, as well as written self-evaluations. Required for MDiv/ MASC students enrolled in credit for community internship during the same semester. Fulfills thresholds based on personal learning goals.

PREREQUISITES:SIMULTANEOUS ENROLLMENT IN COMMUNITY INTERNSHIP CREDITS FOR THE SEMESTER. FULL AND COMPLETE APPROVAL OF THE INTERNSHIP AGREEMENT BY THE DIRECTOR OF CONTEXTUAL EDUCATION, SITE SUPERVISOR AND FACULTY ADVISOR. STUDENT MUST SUBMIT DESCRIPTION OF APPROVED INTERNSHIP AND COPY OF AGREEMENT TO INSTRUCTOR PRIOR TO FIRST SESSION. ECO CORE INTENSIVE IS A PREREQUITE. MAXIMUM ENROLLMENT: 6

Congregational Intern Reflection

The Congregational Intern Reflection course is paired with the on-site experience of Congregational Internship. This course is for M.Div students. The Intern Ministers meet twice a month by Zoom to discuss progress on Learning Goals, development of pastoral/prophetic/ preaching voices, and integrating theory with skills. Students are expected to attend the January 2023 Congregational Intern Minister gathering at Starr King. Evaluation will be based on the Zoom conversations and the content of the mid-term and final evaluations. During the Internship experience, there are opportunities for all 8 Starr King Threshold Areas to be explored, as well as each of the UU Ministerial Fellowship Committee Competency Areas.

Depth Psychology for Chaplains

This synchronous online course will consist of a Zoom class every other week and online work in Populi every other week. Students will be evaluated on postings, participation and a final paper. This class is intended for those in the Chaplaincy Concentration (MDiv or MASC). This course is intended to provide the psychological grounding for those going into Chaplaincy to understand the complexity of the human condition. Topics included will be: the religious function of the psyche, ego development, and psychological issues that may arise when ministering to people.
Relates to Thresholds: 1. Life in Religious Community and Interfaith Engagement 5. Spiritual Practice and Care of the Soul and MFC: 2. Pastoral Care and Presence. Maximum enrollment: 25. Auditors excluded.

Faculty Consent is required. Registration is contingent upon faculty approval.

Students will self-enroll in the course to be placed on the waitlist. Complete the faculty consent questionnaire.

For questions regarding Faculty Consent, please contact kmoebius@sksm.edu.

ECO Core

Educating to “Create Just and Sustainable Communities that Counter Oppressions”(“ECO”) is a core goal of Starr King’s M.Div. and M.A.S.C. degree programs. In this required core synchronous online course, M.Div. and M.A.S.C. students work together to form a framework for counter-oppressive spiritual leadership. We will ask: how can spirituality, ministry, and religious activism respond to the multiple and intersecting realities of injustice, suffering, and oppression in our lives and our world? What models of justice and sustainable community invite our commitment? Drawing on Unitarian Universalist and multi-religious sources, we will explore how in the midst of a world marked by tragedy, sorrow and injustice there remain abiding resources of beauty and grace that nourish resistance, offer healing and call us to accountability and community building. Reflection essays and final paper. Relates to Thresholds: 2) Prophetic Witness and Work, 5) Spiritual Practice and Care of the Soul, 7) Educating for Wholeness and Liberation, 8) Embodied Wisdom and Beauty, as well as MFC: 4) Social Justice in the Public Square. Please take in the first term after Orientation, as the course will introduce you to studying at SKSM. Limited to 22 students. Auditors excluded.

Ecotheologies

As theologians have responded to the injustices and harm of human-made ecological crises, climate catastrophes, and social inequities, a variety of critical and constructive theologies have emerged. The theologians studied in this course are rooted in Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish traditions, with an emphasis on ecofeminist, ecowomanist, queer ecotheologies, and Native American theologies. This course will be conducted in a seminar style. We will all be researchers, teachers, and learners together. Each student will research one current ecological justice issue as a conversation partner for the theologies we will study. We will also inquire about the implications of these theological projects for liturgical practices, congregational mission, and the students’ own constructive theological work where applicable. Weekly meditation in nature, weekly reading assignments, course discussions, group work, two synthesis papers, and a final project are required.

It would be helpful but not essential to have taken Unitarian Universalist Theologies or a systematic theology class prior to the beginning of this class. If you haven’t had an introductory theology class, read A House for Hope: The Promise of Progressive Religion for the Twenty-first Century by John Buehrens and Rebecca Parker before the first day of class

This course addresses Threshold Six: Thea/ology in Culture & Context and Threshold Two: Prophetic Witness & Work as well as Ministerial Fellowship Competencies: 1. Worship and Rites of Passage 4. Social Justice in the Public Square and 7. Leads the Faith into the Future. Appropriate for MDiv and MASC students. Enrollment Max: 20

Illness, Health & Healing

This course invites students to listen for the voices of the ill, even when those voices are full of pain or have been long ignored. Students will develop spiritual care skills and practices to promote health and healing in their ministries and their lives. The course will draw from narrative medicine as well as scriptures and healing stories from a variety of religious traditions.
The class will be online, using an asynchronous format on Populi, while also encouraging students to meet together periodically through Zoom. The course is experiential, counter-oppressive, and multi-religious. Students will engage with texts that include readings, poetry, art, and videos. They will also engage in weekly spiritual practice exercises. Evaluations will be based on student posts, reflections, and a final project. This course is for MDiv students and designed especially for those preparing to be chaplains and/or spiritual leaders in congregational and/or community settings.
Relates to Thresholds: 5. Spiritual Practice and Care of the Soul and MFC: 2. Pastoral Care and Presence.
Enrollment Max: 20. Auditors excluded.

Faculty Consent is required. Registration is contingent upon faculty approval.

Students will self-enroll in the course to be placed on the waitlist. Complete the faculty consent questionnaire.

For questions regarding Faculty Consent, please contact kmoebius@sksm.edu.

Introduction to Hebrew Bible

This course is a survey of the Hebrew Bible. The Tanakh, as the Hebrew Bible is known in Hebrew, is a canon of literature that can be seen as a library of narrative texts, law, prophetic poetry, and wisdom literature. It holds a multitude of voices and students will explore its genres, institutions, and ideas. Students will learn basic principles of biblical interpretation as well as issues related to reception history in a variety of historical and religious contexts. There is no single “correct” interpretation of the Hebrew Bible. There are interpretations that have become dominant over time or in certain communities, but the Hebrew Bible has meant different things to different people across time and geographical location. This course will engage with the Torah, Prophets, and Writings with an emphasis on their ancient cultural, historical, and literary contexts. In addition, feminist, postcolonial, and queer methodologies will be introduced in order to equip students with liberating readings of passages that have been interpreted in order to justify violence as divinely sanctioned. By surveying a wide range of questions, interpretations, and translations, students will discover the diversity of traditions that have sprung forth from the Hebrew Bible.
This is an online Zoom synchronous course. The format is lecture/discussion. Lectures will be posted to VoiceThread each week on Populi to be watched asynchronously. Zoom session participation is mandatory and will be primarily for group discussion of the lecture and the readings. Evaluation is through reflection papers & a final project, zoom participation & watching VT lectures. Intended for MDiv and MASC students. This course falls primarily within the following SKSM Thresholds: 2) Prophetic Witness & Work 3) Sacred Text and Interpretation and 4) History of Dissenting Traditions and Thea/ological Quest and MFC: 3) Spiritual Development for Self and Others. [Enrollment max: 25. Auditors excluded.]

Introduction to Islam

This course will give an introduction to the Islamic tradition in its religious, historical, and cultural contexts, paying particular attention to the diversity of expressions of Islam within each of these categories. The course will discuss the theological foundations of the tradition, the history of its development, and different expressions of its praxis that have evolved out of Muslim cultures and societies. It will also present contemporary issues related to Islam and Muslims, particularly in their representation throughout different types of media. Course format and evaluation: seminar, with final research paper/presentation on a specific topic or theme. Intended audience: all degree programs. Auditors excluded.
Relates to SKSM Threshold: 1. Life in Religious Community and Interfaith Engagement 3. Sacred Text and Interpretation 4. History of Dissenting Traditions and the Theological Quest 6. Theology in Culture and Context and MFC: 1. Worship and Rites of Passage 4. Social Justice in the Public Square.

Introduction to Preaching in a Cross Cultural Context

This non-lectionary, thematic preaching course embraces counter oppressive ministry through worship and the arts. Hands on learning will combine the sharing and peer review of brief homilies with exercises aimed at identifying your authentic preaching voice. Each student will also deliver two full-length sermons in class. Questions of how to make our worship services more relevant in today’s culturally shifting world will be explored through thea/ological study of homiletics through a libratory lens and an engagement with issues of cultural appropriation and misappropriation in Unitarian Universalist liturgical practice. Students from all traditions welcome.

Starr King thresholds: 1. Life in Religious Community and Interfaith Engagement 2. Prophetic Witness and Work 6. Theology in Culture and Context 7. Educating for Wholeness and Liberation and MFC Competency 1. Worship and Rites of Passage. This course is for M.Div students and will be evaluated based on sermons and class participation.

PREWORK IS REQUIRED FOR THIS COURSE: Each student must write manuscripts for two original sermons, on the theme of your choosing, of 15-20 minutes in length. All sermons are due
at midnight US Pacific time on August 29, 2022.

Pre-requisites: ECO Core Intensive.

Faculty Consent is required. Registration is contingent upon faculty approval.

Students will self-enroll in the course to be placed on the waitlist. Complete the faculty consent questionnaire.

For questions regarding Faculty Consent, please contact kmoebius@sksm.edu.

Maximum enrollment is 15. Auditors excluded.

Leadership Along the Way

The rationale for this course is to develop one’s own life-regenerating leadership along the long arc of social change and transformation that existed before our time and will continue after us. We will explore ways of engaging and directing energy within an ecosystem so as to encourage diversity and distribution of leadership. This includes rediscovering our agency in challenging environments while leading in a way that honors the leadership present in any given moment, as well as the leadership that preceded and will follow such moments.
This course is online, synchronous, interactive, and informed by Taoist, Zen, and Somatic praxis. Students will be expected to complete readings, reflections, and activities that will deepen their leadership practice.
MDiv. and MASC students. Relates to SKSM Thresholds: 1. Life in Religious Community and Interfaith Engagement 3. Sacred Text and Interpretation 5. Spiritual Practice and Care of the Soul 7. Educating for Wholeness and Liberation, and MFC Comps: 3. Spiritual Development for Self and Others 5. Administration, 7. Leads the faith into the future.

RECOMMENDED PREREQUISITE: ECO CORE INTENSIVE. MAXIMUM ENROLLMENT: 20. Auditors excluded.

MASC – Fall

For SKSM Master of Arts in Social Change (MASC) students only. MASC students may split this course over two semesters or sign up for it during their last semester. This final project can take a variety of forms and should be representative of the student’s learning and creative work in the MASC degree. The student will work independently under faculty supervision. Projects include research thesis, public presentations, designing and implementing educational curricula, organizing local/national conferences and special events, multimedia art-work, writing a book and more. The project’s topic, proposal and final draft need to be discussed and developed with the Director of the MASC program and a second faculty member. The project may be presented publicly. A total of 3 MASC Project credits are required for graduation in the MASC degree. Fulfills Threshold 2. Prophetic Witness and Work. ECO Core Intensive is a prerequisite.
This project is variable credit between 0.5-3 credits. Max enrollment: 10. Auditors excluded.

MAXIMUM ENROLLMENT:10. AUDITORS EXCLUDED.​

Queer Liberation Theologies

What does «liberation» mean to queer individuals and communities? How do Christian traditions worldwide relate to queer issues and queer believers? For the last twenty years queer theologians and communities have been developing contextual theologies in order to challenge and critique the ingrained heteronormativity in theological thought, spiritual practices, and institutional governance. Drawing from an interdisciplinary perspective, the course aims to examine and explore the development of queer theologies in the specific contexts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The focus of the course is intentionally non-US centered in order to offer future ministers, scholars, and activists tools to collaborate and interact with experiences, key topics, and thinkers within the complex and yet fascinating world of queer liberation theologies, thus, enriching their worldview and praxis glocally.
The target audience is both MA and MASC students. For this course students are expected to develop a final project that should make evident the learning achieved during the semester.
The course fulfills the following thresholds: Thresholds: 2. Prophetic Witness and Work; 3. Sacred Text and Interpretation; 4. History of Dissenting Traditions and the Thea/ological Quest; 6. Thea/ology in Culture and Context; and 7. Educating for Wholeness and Liberation.
The course also complies with the following MFCs: 4. Social Justice in the Public Square; 6. Administration; and 7. Leads the faith into the future. [Enrollment Max: 20. Auditors excluded.]

Roll for Enlightenment: Exploring the Spiritual Power of Tabletop Role-Playing Games

Roll for Enlightenment: Exploring the Spiritual Power of Tabletop Role-Playing Games:
Humans have been creating games, telling stories, and searching for the Divine since the beginning of time. In 1974, Dungeons and Dragons gave us a new opportunity to do all three at the same time and changed the world of gaming forever. Tabletop role playing games (TTRPG) offer a unique opportunity for communities to explore collective action, shared narratives, and community values; this course invites you to relentlessly explore these deep possibilities.
Designed both for those who are already familiar with role-playing games and those who consider themselves brand new, this seminar course gives space for religious leaders to explore the power of TTRPGs as a way of deepening personal and community faith development. With a learning experience built on a foundation of multimedia resources, class discussions, and actual play opportunities, students will be able to explore these games as scholars, players, and spiritual leaders. We will engage with the industry of TTRPGs supported by a counter-oppressive framework that constructs gaming spaces geared towards addressing injustice. Assignments – including a final project motivated by individual student’s professional and spiritual goals – will empower participants to apply the learnings of this course to their specific path of spiritual leadership.

Online synchronous format. Appropriate for both MDiv and MASC students. SKSM Thresholds: 5. Spiritual Practice and the Care of the Soul 6. Thea/ology in Culture and Context, and 8. Embodied Wisdom and Beauty. MFC Competency: 3. Spiritual Development for Self and Others, and 7. Leads the Faith into the Future.

Prerequisite: Completion of the ECO Core course. Previous experience playing TTRPGs helpful but not required. Maximum enrollment of 14 students.

Faculty Consent is required. Registration is contingent upon faculty approval.

Students will self-enroll in the course to be placed on the waitlist. Complete the faculty consent questionnaire.

For questions regarding Faculty Consent, please contact kmoebius@sksm.edu.

Transformative Ritual Craft

Transformative Ritual Craft is an exploration into the art and technology of ritual craft. This course supports students in developing a nuanced understanding of successful ritual structures and empowers students in cultivating skills to create and guide ritual. The course itself is a ritual immersion, with each class meeting structured as a ritual experience. Students are encouraged to deepen their own ritual practices, to experience rituals in contexts new to them and to craft and guide ritual for community. Students will identify their strengths and edges in ritual craft and leadership, and will receive structured support in enhancing their existing ritual strengths and in nurturing arenas in which they seek additional growth and experience. The Transformative Ritual Craft class will also participate in monthly online SKSM chapel services, which occur during class time. Limited to 20 students. MDiv and MASC students. SKSM Thresholds 1. Life in Religious Community and Interfaith Development 3. Prophetic Witness and Work 5. Spiritual Practice and Care of the Soul 8. Embodied Wisdom and Beauty and MFC: 1. Worship and Rites of Passage and 7. Leads the Faith into the Future.

Unitarian Universalist History

This course begins with a discussion of recent historical developments in Unitarian Universalism and then extends back through time to the various antecedents of Unitarianism and Universalism in pre-Reformation Europe, all the way back to the early church and the Council of Nicea. Students will have the opportunity to explore Unitarian Universalist heritage, as well as different historical approaches. We will examine social location in relation to class, race, and gender identities, and how these enabled or impeded social justice advances. We will discover the origins of our faith by progressing from our known contemporary experience to the unknown, and perhaps unknowable. Along the way we will consider various theological developments within this tradition, as expressed through various identities and the challenges presented by new modalities of faith including Transcendentalism and Humanism. Sources will range from primary sources to anecdote, with an emphasis on articulating contemporary experience in the context of historical identity and experience. Evaluation: demonstrated preparation, weekly posts on the Moodle, final paper or project. Students who take the course for a grade instead of pass/fail are required to submit a 25 page paper with original research. Students who take the class pass/fail have the option to turn in a 15 page paper or a project. Projects must be approved in advance.

Target audience is MDiv students. This course relates to the Unitarian Universalist Association’s Ministerial Fellowship competencies: 6. Serves the larger UU Faith and 7. Leads the faith into the future and Starr King Thresholds: 4. History of Dissenting Traditions and the Theological Quest and 6. Theology in Culture.

MAXIMUM ENROLLMENT: 30. Auditors excluded.