Course Descriptions
Field Education
Clinical Pastoral Education
This course is for Starr King students engaged in part-time or full-time Clinical Pastoral Education. Participate in ministry to persons in crisis and engage in individual and group reflection. Didactic sessions draw together theoretical material from theology, the behavioral sciences, and pastoral care. Students learn to integrate theological understanding and knowledge of behavioral science with pastoral functioning. Upon completion, a written evaluation from the program supervisor will be placed into the student’s permanent file. Discuss CPE with your advisor and then faculty. Final evaluation from CPE supervisor needs to be sent to faculty by the last day of the semester to receive credit. Students are responsible for applying for and securing a place in a CPE program. Please check the SKSM Student Handbook and Contextual Education Handbook for more information. Relates to SKSM Threshold 5 and MFC Competency 2. Course is available from 1-10 units. [15 max enrollment; Auditors excluded]
Session
Spring 2021
Instructors
Course Type
Field Education
Location
No Location
Course ID
FE-4012
Faculty Approval Required
No
Units
1-10
Community Field Work Spring
Field work describes an involvement in community work for up to 15 hours a week with the ongoing support of a mentor. Community Field Work includes work in gender, racial and economic justice, queer activism, disability advocacy, immigration issues, environmental responsibility, civil liberties protection, HIV response, youth at risk, peace building, participating in a fundraising campaign for a non for profit or grassroots organization, chaplaincy, teaching and more. Students should discuss the field work opportunity with their advisor before making arrangements with the professor. Student and community mentor will discuss and sign a learning agreement at the outset of the field work experience. Midterm and final student/mentor evaluations will also be required by midterm and the end of term. All forms are available on the SKSM website. Please see Student Handbook and Contextual Education Handbook for more information. Relevance for specific SKSM thresholds and MFC competencies varies according to the nature of a student’s field experience. Course is available for 0.5-5 units. [15 max enrollment; Auditors excluded]
Session
Spring 2021
Instructors
Course Type
Field Education
Location
No Location
Course ID
FE-4062
Faculty Approval Required
No
Units
.5-5
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. Maximum enrollment: 6
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.
Session
Spring 2021
Instructors
Course Type
Field Education, Online, Synchronous
Location
Online
Days
Th
Time
3:40-5:00pm
Course ID
FE-4223
Faculty Approval Required
No
Units
1
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Community Internship Spring
Community Internships involve engagement at a field site from 16 to 40 hours a week, under weekly supervision at the site and the support of the SKSM Community Intern Reflection class. Community Internships include a variety of settings, such as supervised placements in a non-profit service agency or grassroots organization, hospice work, chaplaincy, teaching and more. They can also entail creating new projects such as starting a new organization or planning a conference. Those who register for this course should also register for Community Intern Integrative Reflection Spring. Students should discuss the internship with their advisor before making arrangements with the professor. Student and supervisor will discuss and sign a learning agreement at the outset of the internship. Midterm and final student/supervisor evaluations are also required. All forms are available on the SKSM Website. Please see Student Handbook and Contextual Education Handbook for more information. Relevance for specific SKSM thresholds and MFC competencies varies according to the nature of a student’s field experience. Course is available for 5-10 units. [15 max enrollment; Auditors excluded]
Session
Spring 2021
Instructors
Course Type
Field Education
Location
No Location
Course ID
FE-4221
Faculty Approval Required
No
Units
5-10
Congregational Field Work
Fieldwork is an opportunity to put into action the theory learned in the classroom. Working in a congregation gives the student a chance to develop their unique pastoral voice while navigating complexities of a congregation’s history, culture, systems and ethos. Fieldwork placements may include: teaching a religious education class for children or adults, working with a youth group, serving on a pastoral care team, participating in a stewardship campaign and more. Evaluation is based on Zoom conversations with professor, mid-term and final evaluations. This course is for M.Div. students. Variable credit from 0.5 – 5.0 depending on the scope of the field work.
Depending on the focus of the Field Work, your project may relate to Starr King thresholds 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8 and MFC requirements 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
Session
Spring 2021
Instructors
Course Type
Field Education
Location
No Location
Course ID
FE-4052
Faculty Approval Required
No
Units
.5-5
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 2021 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.
Session
Spring 2021
Instructors
Course Type
Field Education
Location
No Location
Course ID
FE-4213
Faculty Approval Required
No
Units
2
Congregational Internship
This is a 10 month full-time (one year, 10 credits/semester) or part-time (two years, 5 credits/ semester) ministry experience in a teaching congregation, under the supervision of a Minister in Full Fellowship (for UU students), working with an intern committee, and a professor at the school. For non-UU students, check with your denominational body to see if there are additional requirements for the congregational internship experience. This course is for M.Div students. Evaluation is based on the Zoom conversations, mid-term and final evaluations. The Intern Ministers meet twice a month by Zoom to discuss progress on Learning Goals. UU students will use the UUA Internship Evaluation forms. There are opportunities for all 8 Starr King Threshold Areas and all of the UU Ministerial Fellowship Competency areas to be explored.
Session
Spring 2021
Instructors
Course Type
Field Education
Location
No Location
Course ID
FE-4211
Faculty Approval Required
No
Units
5-10
Immersion
No courses found
Intensive
No courses found
Online
Advanced Topics in Ritual
This seminar style course will be developed in collaboration with the research interests of the participants, and is structured as a supervised independent study/SKIL. Class meets monthly – time TBD among registered participants – for feedback, check-in and accountability support. Each student will develop their syllabus and reading list and course of study with the instructor’s guidance, and the entire class will be a resource for one another and benefit from the collective learning. Students should come to the first session of class with a proposed syllabus prepared, for feedback & workshopping among the group. Evaluation is based on periodic reflection papers, in-class sharing, and final project. SKSM Thresholds: 8, 5, 7, 6, 1.
PREREQUISITE: STUDENTS MUST HAVE ALREADY COMPLETED AT LEAST ONE SEMESTER OF COURSEWORK AT SKSM – NOT OPEN TO INCOMING STUDENTS. ECO COURSE IS A PRE-REQUISITE, HAVING ALREADY TAKEN THE MULTIRELIGIOUS CORE INTENSIVE OR RITUAL CRAFT AS TRANSFORMATIVE PRACTICE IS PREFERRED.
CLASS SIZE LIMIT 10. SKSM STUDENTS ONLY.
Session
Spring 2021
Instructors
Prerequisites
PREREQUISITE: STUDENTS MUST HAVE ALREADY COMPLETED AT LEAST ONE SEMESTER OF COURSEWORK AT SKSM – NOT OPEN TO INCOMING STUDENTS. ECO COURSE IS A PRE-REQUISITE, HAVING ALREADY TAKEN THE MULTIRELIGIOUS CORE INTENSIVE OR RITUAL CRAFT AS TRANSFORMATIVE PRACTICE IS PREFERRED.
CLASS SIZE LIMIT 10. SKSM STUDENTS ONLY.
Course Type
Online, Synchronous
Location
No Location
Course ID
RALS-8420
Faculty Approval Required
No
Units
1-3
ChI Chaplaincy Electives
For joint-program students participating in Chaplaincy Institute (ChI) courses as part of the Interfaith Chaplaincy & Ministry Certificate. Students enrolling in ChI electives earn credit based on the total number of courses completed in a term. Please contact the SKSM registrar for a manual adjustment of credit level based on electives chosen. The following electives are offered in Spring 2021: Arts for Awakening (Feb. 19-20; 1 unit), Science & Spirit (Apr. 15-17; 1.5 units), Spiritual But Not Religious (Apr. 22-23; 1 unit), and Ceremonial and Congregational Ministry (May 21-22; 1 unit). Some additional coursework will be conducted online.
ChI electives are only for students who have been admitted to the SKSM-ChI joint program and are not available to other SKSM students or to students from other GTU schools. Relevance for SKSM thresholds and MFC competencies varies by elective. Max. enrollment 15; auditors excluded. REMOTE FORMAT.
Session
Spring 2021
Instructors
Course Type
Online
Location
No Location
Course ID
SPFT-1120
Faculty Approval Required
No
ChI Ministry Basics 1
For joint-program students participating in Chaplaincy Institute (ChI) courses as part of the Interfaith Chaplaincy and Ministry Certificate. In Ministry Basics 1, areas of focus in classes include: Introduction to Public Speaking, Spiritual Interventions & Blessings, Witnessing Depression, Suicide and Dark Night of the Soul, Ministry of Prayer & Presence, and Spiritual Assessment and Active Listening. The ChI curriculum incorporates lecture, dyad/small group work, and various art modalities to deepen our many ways of learning and integrating new awareness.
This course is only for students who have been admitted to the SKSM-ChI joint program and is not available to other SKSM students or to students from other GTU schools. This course does not count -toward residency requirements. Meets Feb.16-18 + additional online coursework. Relevant for SKSM thresholds 1, 5, and 8; MFC competencies 2 and 3. Max. enrollment 10; auditors excluded. REMOTE FORMAT.
Session
Spring 2021
Dates
2/16/21 – 2/18/21
Instructors
Course Type
Online
Location
No Location
Days
T / W / Th
Course ID
SPFT-1100
Faculty Approval Required
No
Units
1.5
ChI Ministry Basics 2
For joint-program students participating in Chaplaincy Institute (ChI) courses as part of the Interfaith Chaplaincy & Ministry Certificate. In Ministry Basics 2, areas of focus in classes include: Listening through the Arts, Genograms/Family Systems/Grief Ritual, Public SPeaking, and Spirituality and Aging. The ChI curriculum incorporates lecture, dyad/small group work, and various art modalities to deepen our many ways of learning and integrating new awareness.
This course is only for students who have been admitted to the SKSM-ChI joint program and is not available to other SKSM students or to students from other GTU schools. Meets Apr. 19-21 + additional online coursework. Relevant for SKSM thresholds 1, 3, and 6; MFC competency 3. Max. enrollment 10; auditors excluded. REMOTE FORMAT.
Session
Spring 2021
Dates
4/19/21 – 4/21/21
Instructors
Course Type
Online
Location
No Location
Days
M / T / W
Course ID
SPFT-1101
Faculty Approval Required
No
Units
1.5
ChI Spiritual Direction II
For joint-program students participating in Chaplaincy Institute (ChI) courses as part of the Interfaith Spiritual Direction Certificate. This course is the second of four quarterly classes in the 2021 program. The certificate is designed to inspire, nurture and educate those who are called to serve as Spiritual Directors in our increasingly diverse world. Our innovative program focuses on a combination of the study of world religions, an exploration of personal spirituality, and spiritual direction skills….all in a creatively infused context. Each course focuses on the development of practical skills and competencies for offering spiritual direction to persons of varying religious beliefs and backgrounds. This immersion in the arts of ministry combines pedagogies of theoretical, practical, and artistic learning.
This course is only for students who have been admitted to the SKSM-ChI joint program and is not available to other SKSM students or to students from other GTU schools. Meets March 16-20. Auditors exclude. Maximum Enrollment: 10. REMOTE FORMAT.
Session
Spring 2021
Dates
3/16/21 – 3/20/21
Instructors
Course Type
Online
Location
No Location
Days
M / T / W / Th / F
Course ID
SPFT-1496
Faculty Approval Required
No
Units
2
ChI Spiritual Traditions 2
Global Spiritual Traditions 2: for joint-program students participating in Chaplaincy Institute (ChI) courses as part of the Interfaith Chaplaincy & Ministry Certificate. The second of a 2-part series that introduces students to ChI’s core philosophy and learning approach as well as an introduction to World Religions and/or spiritual paths that have their origins in the Abrahamic traditions (Judaism, Islam, Christianity). This course is only for students who have been admitted to the SKSM-ChI joint program and is not available to other SKSM students or to students from other GTU schools.
Meets Mar. 16-20. Relevant for SKSM thresholds 1, 3, and 6; MFC competency 3. Max. enrollment 10; auditors excluded. REMOTE FORMAT.
Session
Spring 2021
Dates
3/16/21 – 3/20/21
Instructors
Course Type
Online
Location
No Location
Days
T / W / Th / F / Sa
Course ID
HR-1101
Faculty Approval Required
No
Units
3
ChI Theological Literacy
For joint-program students participating in Chaplaincy Institute (ChI) courses as part of the Interfaith Chaplaincy & Ministry Certificate. 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. The ChI curriculum incorporates lecture, dyad/small group work, various art modalities, and site visits to deepen our many ways of learning and integrating new awareness.
This course is only for students who have been admitted to the SKSM-ChI joint program and is not available to other SKSM students or to students from other GTU schools. Meets May 18-20 + additional online coursework. Relevant for SKSM thresholds 1 and 6, MFC competency 3. Max. enrollment 10; auditors excluded.REMOTE FORMAT.
Session
Spring 2021
Dates
5/18/21 – 5/20/21
Instructors
Course Type
Online
Location
No Location
Days
M / T / W
Course ID
HRST-1101
Faculty Approval Required
No
Units
1.5
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. Maximum enrollment: 6
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.
Session
Spring 2021
Instructors
Course Type
Field Education, Online, Synchronous
Location
Online
Days
Th
Time
3:40-5:00pm
Course ID
FE-4223
Faculty Approval Required
No
Units
1
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Deep Listening for All Forms of Ministry
In this semester-long, online synchronous course, students will explore, develop and/or deepen their ability to utilize Deep Listening (also called Active Listening) to strengthen their capacity to provide parishioners, clients, patients, etc., with authentic spiritual care. The class will be experiential and multi-religious, drawing on the wisdom of experts in the field—both psychological and spiritual. Deep Listening is one of the most important tools in the “toolbox” of anyone in a helping profession, and the cultivation of this practice will be useful in the spiritual, professional and personal life of the practitioner.
Relates to Thresholds 1) Life in Religious Community & Interfaith Engagement 2) Pastoral Care & Presence 5) Spiritual Practice & Care of the Soul MFC.
Maximum Enrollment: 20 Auditors excluded.
Session
Spring 2021
Instructors
Course Type
Online, Synchronous
Location
No Location
Days
W
Time
2:10pm - 5:00pm
Course ID
RS-4223
Faculty Approval Required
No
Units
3
Download
Faith-Rooted Organizing for Social Change
This foundational course – applicable to all vocational paths, from community organizing to parish ministry to non-profit leadership to theological scholarship – explores tools, best practices, and multi-religious theologies for faith-rooted organizing for change. Paying close attention to the intersections of social issues, identities, and religious traditions, participants will draw lessons from a diversity of historical and contemporary social movements. Merging the pastoral with the practical, students will learn to articulate their unique faith-rooted organizing style and strategize on how to take concrete, spiritually grounded action in their own congregations and communities. This asynchronous, interactive, multi-faceted course combines multimedia, readings, class discussion, a praxis (action/reflection) component, and more, and is open to all.
RSFT 8405 Faith-Rooted Organizing relates to these thresholds: Life in Religious Community and Interfaith Engagement (1) and Prophetic Witness and Work (2) and to these competencies for UU Ministerial Fellowshipping: Spiritual Development for Self and Others (3) and Social Justice in the Public Square (4).
Maximum Enrollment: 15
If you are a non-degree seeking student or would like to take only this course, please register as a Special Student (non-degree seeking student). For more information, visit: https://www.sksm.edu/academics/how-to-register-for-a-starr-king-school-course/ or schedule an appointment with Matthew Waterman, the Director of Admissions, to learn more about this class, admissions, or becoming a Special Student at Starr King School for the Ministry.
Session
Spring 2021
Instructors
Course Type
Asynchronous, Online
Location
No Location
Course ID
RSFT-8405
Faculty Approval Required
No
Units
3
Download
Families & Spiritual Practice
This class will explore ways of protecting, nurturing and strengthening families at home, in congregations and communities through spiritual practice and care. We will examine what “family spirituality” means and looks like in different times and contexts. We will also study and engage in a variety of family-oriented practices including: gratitude, mindfulness, shared meals, play, prayer, sabbath time, rituals, community service and activism. Families of all kinds, across generations and from different ethnic, cultural and faith traditions – including our own families – will receive our attention.
The class will be online, using an asynchronous format on Moodle, 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 with family and/or friends in weekly spiritual practice exercises. Evaluations will be based on student posts, reflections, and a final project. This course is designed especially for those preparing to be spiritual leaders and/or chaplains in congregational and/or community settings.
The course will satisfy SKSM’s Threshold 5 on “Spiritual Practice and Care” and the Unitarian Universalist Ministerial Fellowship Committee’s requirement #3 “Spiritual Development for Self and Others.” Enrollment is limited to 20 students maximum. Prior faculty permission is required.
Session
Spring 2020
Instructors
Course Type
Asynchronous, Online
Location
Online
Course ID
SPRS-8412
Faculty Approval Required
Yes
Units
3
Download
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. This online course is synchronous on Zoom and counts as low residency; students must have consistent internet access to relevant technology. Maximum enrollment: 12
Relates to SKSM Thresholds 1, 3, 5, & 7, and MFC Comps 3, 5, & 7.
Recommended prerequisite: ECO Core Intensive.
Session
Spring 2021
Instructors
Course Type
Online, Residential Hybrid, Synchronous
Location
Online
Days
M
Time
2:10pm - 5:00pm
Course ID
RSED-2200
Faculty Approval Required
No
Units
3
Download
MASC Project Spring
For SKSM Master of Arts in Social Change (MASC) students only. MASC students can 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. 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 thesis 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 can have a public presentation at SKSM. A total of 3 MASC Project credits are required for graduation in the MASC degree. – Fulfills Threshold # 2.
This project is variable credit between 0.5-3 credits.
Session
Spring 2021
Instructors
Course Type
Asynchronous, Online, Thesis/Final Project
Location
No Location
Course ID
MA-5300
Faculty Approval Required
No
Units
0.5-3
Queer Studies: Multireligious Perspectives
In an increasingly changing and globalized world, the intersection of religious and queer studies is vital for understanding the construction of identities. This online course is designed to introduce you to the place given to gender, sexuality, sexual orientation, the sexual division of labor, gender role expectations, race, and ethnicity within world religions’ theo(ideo)/logical discourses. Drawing from an interdisciplinary approach you will develop a self-critical perspective on the way that sacred texts and dogmatic corpus influence the lives and spiritual practices of queer individuals and communities. Together we will explore the mutual constitution of queerness and subjectivity of religious experiences and their social and political implications towards the deconstruction of stereotypes, power dynamics, and marginalization.
Thresholds: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 and MFCs: 1, 3, 4, 6, 7
Maximum enrollment: 20
Session
Spring 2021
Instructors
Course Type
Asynchronous, Online
Location
No Location
Course ID
HRRS-8421
Faculty Approval Required
No
Units
3
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UU Prophetic Witness
This online course will explore the history of Unitarian Universalist Prophetic Witness since the Merger in 1961, as expressed in action and voted on by the annual Unitarian Universalist General Assembly. It will combine historical investigation of social justice actions and witness with deep analysis of Unitarian Universalist polity and how congregations transform affirmation into action. Students will trace the moral arc from 1961 issues like desegregation, disarmament, reproductive rights, migrant farmworkers, House UnAmerican Activities and Capital Punishment to those of the present, including Islamophobia, gun control and Black Lives Matter. Required texts will be drawn from the Ministerial Fellowship Committee’s reading list and will include The Arc of the Universe is Long, The Premise and the Promise, Prophetic Encounters, and Conrad Wright’s Congregational Polity. Students will be evaluated through demonstrated preparation, class participation on Moodle, class presentations in VoiceThread on Moodle and a final paper based on class presentations.
Relates to SKSM Threshold 2, 4 and 6 and MFC Competencies 4, 6 and 7.
**This course has historically been taken by students who are preparing to see the as a Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) Ministerial Fellowship Committee (MFC) as an approved Polity course
If you are a non-degree seeking student or would like to take only this course, please register as a Special Student (non-degree seeking student). For more information, visit: https://www.sksm.edu/academics/how-to-register-for-a-starr-king-school-course/ or schedule an appointment with Matthew Waterman, the Director of Admissions, to learn more about this class, admissions, or becoming a Special Student at Starr King School for the Ministry.
Session
Spring 2021
Instructors
Course Type
Asynchronous, Online
Location
No Location
Course ID
HSFT-8409
Faculty Approval Required
No
Units
3
Download
Online Asynchronous
Faith-Rooted Organizing for Social Change
This foundational course – applicable to all vocational paths, from community organizing to parish ministry to non-profit leadership to theological scholarship – explores tools, best practices, and multi-religious theologies for faith-rooted organizing for change. Paying close attention to the intersections of social issues, identities, and religious traditions, participants will draw lessons from a diversity of historical and contemporary social movements. Merging the pastoral with the practical, students will learn to articulate their unique faith-rooted organizing style and strategize on how to take concrete, spiritually grounded action in their own congregations and communities. This asynchronous, interactive, multi-faceted course combines multimedia, readings, class discussion, a praxis (action/reflection) component, and more, and is open to all.
RSFT 8405 Faith-Rooted Organizing relates to these thresholds: Life in Religious Community and Interfaith Engagement (1) and Prophetic Witness and Work (2) and to these competencies for UU Ministerial Fellowshipping: Spiritual Development for Self and Others (3) and Social Justice in the Public Square (4).
Maximum Enrollment: 15
If you are a non-degree seeking student or would like to take only this course, please register as a Special Student (non-degree seeking student). For more information, visit: https://www.sksm.edu/academics/how-to-register-for-a-starr-king-school-course/ or schedule an appointment with Matthew Waterman, the Director of Admissions, to learn more about this class, admissions, or becoming a Special Student at Starr King School for the Ministry.
Session
Spring 2021
Instructors
Course Type
Asynchronous, Online
Location
No Location
Course ID
RSFT-8405
Faculty Approval Required
No
Units
3
Download
Families & Spiritual Practice
This class will explore ways of protecting, nurturing and strengthening families at home, in congregations and communities through spiritual practice and care. We will examine what “family spirituality” means and looks like in different times and contexts. We will also study and engage in a variety of family-oriented practices including: gratitude, mindfulness, shared meals, play, prayer, sabbath time, rituals, community service and activism. Families of all kinds, across generations and from different ethnic, cultural and faith traditions – including our own families – will receive our attention.
The class will be online, using an asynchronous format on Moodle, 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 with family and/or friends in weekly spiritual practice exercises. Evaluations will be based on student posts, reflections, and a final project. This course is designed especially for those preparing to be spiritual leaders and/or chaplains in congregational and/or community settings.
The course will satisfy SKSM’s Threshold 5 on “Spiritual Practice and Care” and the Unitarian Universalist Ministerial Fellowship Committee’s requirement #3 “Spiritual Development for Self and Others.” Enrollment is limited to 20 students maximum. Prior faculty permission is required.
Session
Spring 2020
Instructors
Course Type
Asynchronous, Online
Location
Online
Course ID
SPRS-8412
Faculty Approval Required
Yes
Units
3
Download
MASC Project Spring
For SKSM Master of Arts in Social Change (MASC) students only. MASC students can 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. 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 thesis 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 can have a public presentation at SKSM. A total of 3 MASC Project credits are required for graduation in the MASC degree. – Fulfills Threshold # 2.
This project is variable credit between 0.5-3 credits.
Session
Spring 2021
Instructors
Course Type
Asynchronous, Online, Thesis/Final Project
Location
No Location
Course ID
MA-5300
Faculty Approval Required
No
Units
0.5-3
Queer Studies: Multireligious Perspectives
In an increasingly changing and globalized world, the intersection of religious and queer studies is vital for understanding the construction of identities. This online course is designed to introduce you to the place given to gender, sexuality, sexual orientation, the sexual division of labor, gender role expectations, race, and ethnicity within world religions’ theo(ideo)/logical discourses. Drawing from an interdisciplinary approach you will develop a self-critical perspective on the way that sacred texts and dogmatic corpus influence the lives and spiritual practices of queer individuals and communities. Together we will explore the mutual constitution of queerness and subjectivity of religious experiences and their social and political implications towards the deconstruction of stereotypes, power dynamics, and marginalization.
Thresholds: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 and MFCs: 1, 3, 4, 6, 7
Maximum enrollment: 20
Session
Spring 2021
Instructors
Course Type
Asynchronous, Online
Location
No Location
Course ID
HRRS-8421
Faculty Approval Required
No
Units
3
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UU Prophetic Witness
This online course will explore the history of Unitarian Universalist Prophetic Witness since the Merger in 1961, as expressed in action and voted on by the annual Unitarian Universalist General Assembly. It will combine historical investigation of social justice actions and witness with deep analysis of Unitarian Universalist polity and how congregations transform affirmation into action. Students will trace the moral arc from 1961 issues like desegregation, disarmament, reproductive rights, migrant farmworkers, House UnAmerican Activities and Capital Punishment to those of the present, including Islamophobia, gun control and Black Lives Matter. Required texts will be drawn from the Ministerial Fellowship Committee’s reading list and will include The Arc of the Universe is Long, The Premise and the Promise, Prophetic Encounters, and Conrad Wright’s Congregational Polity. Students will be evaluated through demonstrated preparation, class participation on Moodle, class presentations in VoiceThread on Moodle and a final paper based on class presentations.
Relates to SKSM Threshold 2, 4 and 6 and MFC Competencies 4, 6 and 7.
**This course has historically been taken by students who are preparing to see the as a Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) Ministerial Fellowship Committee (MFC) as an approved Polity course
If you are a non-degree seeking student or would like to take only this course, please register as a Special Student (non-degree seeking student). For more information, visit: https://www.sksm.edu/academics/how-to-register-for-a-starr-king-school-course/ or schedule an appointment with Matthew Waterman, the Director of Admissions, to learn more about this class, admissions, or becoming a Special Student at Starr King School for the Ministry.
Session
Spring 2021
Instructors
Course Type
Asynchronous, Online
Location
No Location
Course ID
HSFT-8409
Faculty Approval Required
No
Units
3
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Online Synchronous
Advanced Topics in Ritual
This seminar style course will be developed in collaboration with the research interests of the participants, and is structured as a supervised independent study/SKIL. Class meets monthly – time TBD among registered participants – for feedback, check-in and accountability support. Each student will develop their syllabus and reading list and course of study with the instructor’s guidance, and the entire class will be a resource for one another and benefit from the collective learning. Students should come to the first session of class with a proposed syllabus prepared, for feedback & workshopping among the group. Evaluation is based on periodic reflection papers, in-class sharing, and final project. SKSM Thresholds: 8, 5, 7, 6, 1.
PREREQUISITE: STUDENTS MUST HAVE ALREADY COMPLETED AT LEAST ONE SEMESTER OF COURSEWORK AT SKSM – NOT OPEN TO INCOMING STUDENTS. ECO COURSE IS A PRE-REQUISITE, HAVING ALREADY TAKEN THE MULTIRELIGIOUS CORE INTENSIVE OR RITUAL CRAFT AS TRANSFORMATIVE PRACTICE IS PREFERRED.
CLASS SIZE LIMIT 10. SKSM STUDENTS ONLY.
Session
Spring 2021
Instructors
Prerequisites
PREREQUISITE: STUDENTS MUST HAVE ALREADY COMPLETED AT LEAST ONE SEMESTER OF COURSEWORK AT SKSM – NOT OPEN TO INCOMING STUDENTS. ECO COURSE IS A PRE-REQUISITE, HAVING ALREADY TAKEN THE MULTIRELIGIOUS CORE INTENSIVE OR RITUAL CRAFT AS TRANSFORMATIVE PRACTICE IS PREFERRED.
CLASS SIZE LIMIT 10. SKSM STUDENTS ONLY.
Course Type
Online, Synchronous
Location
No Location
Course ID
RALS-8420
Faculty Approval Required
No
Units
1-3
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. Maximum enrollment: 6
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.
Session
Spring 2021
Instructors
Course Type
Field Education, Online, Synchronous
Location
Online
Days
Th
Time
3:40-5:00pm
Course ID
FE-4223
Faculty Approval Required
No
Units
1
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Deep Listening for All Forms of Ministry
In this semester-long, online synchronous course, students will explore, develop and/or deepen their ability to utilize Deep Listening (also called Active Listening) to strengthen their capacity to provide parishioners, clients, patients, etc., with authentic spiritual care. The class will be experiential and multi-religious, drawing on the wisdom of experts in the field—both psychological and spiritual. Deep Listening is one of the most important tools in the “toolbox” of anyone in a helping profession, and the cultivation of this practice will be useful in the spiritual, professional and personal life of the practitioner.
Relates to Thresholds 1) Life in Religious Community & Interfaith Engagement 2) Pastoral Care & Presence 5) Spiritual Practice & Care of the Soul MFC.
Maximum Enrollment: 20 Auditors excluded.
Session
Spring 2021
Instructors
Course Type
Online, Synchronous
Location
No Location
Days
W
Time
2:10pm - 5:00pm
Course ID
RS-4223
Faculty Approval Required
No
Units
3
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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. This online course is synchronous on Zoom and counts as low residency; students must have consistent internet access to relevant technology. Maximum enrollment: 12
Relates to SKSM Thresholds 1, 3, 5, & 7, and MFC Comps 3, 5, & 7.
Recommended prerequisite: ECO Core Intensive.
Session
Spring 2021
Instructors
Course Type
Online, Residential Hybrid, Synchronous
Location
Online
Days
M
Time
2:10pm - 5:00pm
Course ID
RSED-2200
Faculty Approval Required
No
Units
3
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Residential
No courses found
Residential Hybrid
Advanced Topics in Religious Education and Faith Formation
This seminar style course will be developed in collaboration with the research interests and ministry goals of the participants. Possible topics include multigenerational worship and congregation-wide learning, dismantling white supremacy and positive racial identity formation in multicultural congregations, alternatives to Sunday School, safer congregation policies and practices, using technology and virtual/distance methods in religious education and faith development programs. Each student will develop their reading list and course of study with the instructor’s guidance, and the entire class will be a resource for one another and benefit from the collective learning. Evaluation based on periodic reflection papers, class presentations, and final project.
Class size limit 12. SKSM Thresholds 7, 1. MFC competencies 3, 7.
Prerequisite: Introductory level course in religious education or faith development or equivalent professional experience and training. Geared toward MDiv students. Residential Hybrid.
Session
Spring 2021
Instructors
Course Type
Residential Hybrid
Location
No Location
Days
M
Time
9:40am - 12:30pm
Course ID
ED-4097
Faculty Approval Required
No
Units
3
Creating Media that Counters Oppressions
This course will present an overview of developing a counter-oppressive popular media and technology framework that includes films, TV shows, comic books, video games, music, weblogs, streaming services, social network platforms, and other forms of infotainment. It will also foster discussion about the ways in which different forms of media are utilized both to reify and counter stereotyping, hegemony, discrimination, technology framework to disseminate content that works to counter oppression(s). Course format and evaluation: seminar, with final presentation and paper or media project that employs this media framework.
Intended audience: all degree programs.
Relates to Thresholds: II, VI, VII, & VIII. Relates to MFC: Social Justice in the Public Square, Leads the Faith into the Future.
Session
Spring 2021
Instructors
Course Type
Residential Hybrid
Location
No Location
Days
M
Time
2:10pm - 5:00pm
Course ID
HRRS-2040
Faculty Approval Required
No
Units
3
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Interreligious Dialogue
This course will present a framework for the practice of interreligious dialogue, in a collaborative and pluralist environment. It will draw upon contemporary texts and guest lectures representing a diversity of faith traditions to provide an integrative context for building bridges between and among religious boundaries, as well as addressing conflicts that arise through interreligious encounters. Students will be encouraged to share their interreligious experiences to foster discussion about ways in which to engage in interfaith work among and between different traditions and understand interreligious dialogue from a variety of perspectives. Course Format and Evaluation: seminar, with final presentation and research paper or project on a specific topic or theme. Intended audience: all degree programs.
Relates to Thresholds: I, II, IV, VI, VII, VIII. Relates to MFC: Social Justice in the Public Square, Leads the Faith into the Future.
Session
Spring 2021
Instructors
Course Type
Residential Hybrid
Location
No Location
Days
Th
Time
2:10pm - 5:00pm
Course ID
IR-4000
Faculty Approval Required
No
Units
3
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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. This online course is synchronous on Zoom and counts as low residency; students must have consistent internet access to relevant technology. Maximum enrollment: 12
Relates to SKSM Thresholds 1, 3, 5, & 7, and MFC Comps 3, 5, & 7.
Recommended prerequisite: ECO Core Intensive.
Session
Spring 2021
Instructors
Course Type
Online, Residential Hybrid, Synchronous
Location
Online
Days
M
Time
2:10pm - 5:00pm
Course ID
RSED-2200
Faculty Approval Required
No
Units
3
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Unitarian Universalist Liturgy and Worship Arts
This course introduces students to the history, theory, and practice of Unitarian Universalist liturgy, worship, and rites of passage with an emphasis on worship in emerging multicultural, multigenerational, mutually liberatory congregations. Topics include weekly worship services and annual congregational celebrations as well as weddings, memorials, child dedications, and other rites of passage. Coursework includes reading, video viewing, attending worship services, discussion, reflection papers, worship design, and a final project. It is recommended that student take Unitarian Universalist history and theology prior to this course. Residential Hybrid. Geared to MDiv students. Limit 12 students. Relates to SKSM threshold 1 and MFC competency 1.
Session
Spring 2021
Instructors
Course Type
Residential Hybrid
Location
No Location
Days
Th
Time
9:40am - 12:30pm
Course ID
LS-2400
Faculty Approval Required
No
Units
3
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Womanism and Earth Justice
This course will explore the emergent field of ecowomanist ethics in a global context through a wide variety of voices including those of activists, scholars, and grassroots organizers. What do the lived experiences of women in the African Diaspora have to teach us about earth justice and environmental degradation? What moral guidance can we learn from those perspectives? And how might we integrate such wisdom into the wider environmental canon?
This is a residential hybrid class intended for M.Div. and M.A. students. Doctoral students are welcome with additional work; please contact the instructor directly. Class will meet weekly in a seminar style, with a final research paper assignment. Class is limited to 20 students, please contact instructor for permission to enroll. Prerequisite: Educating to Counter Oppressions Intensive or equivalent. Relates to Starr King Thresholds 1, 2, and 6, and MFC Competencies 4 and 7.
Session
Spring 2021
Instructors
Course Type
Residential Hybrid
Location
No Location
Days
T
Time
2:10pm - 5:00pm
Course ID
CEST-4554
Faculty Approval Required
Yes
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Thesis/Final Project
MASC Project Spring
For SKSM Master of Arts in Social Change (MASC) students only. MASC students can 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. 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 thesis 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 can have a public presentation at SKSM. A total of 3 MASC Project credits are required for graduation in the MASC degree. – Fulfills Threshold # 2.
This project is variable credit between 0.5-3 credits.
Session
Spring 2021
Instructors
Course Type
Asynchronous, Online, Thesis/Final Project
Location
No Location
Course ID
MA-5300
Faculty Approval Required
No
Units
0.5-3