THEO 5102 – Research Methods
An introduction to the sources, methods, and communication of research in each theological field. Required for MATS; recommended for students intending further graduate work.
THEO 5110 – Christian Theology
An introduction to the doctrines, methods, and tasks of Christian theology, seeking active appropriation of Christian faith in the context of the church and in engagement with the world.
THEO 5120 – Christian Worship
This course introduces students to the interdisciplinary field of liturgical studies. The course explores the history of Christian worship, liturgical theology, the place of ritual in the life of faith, as well as the application of a praxis-theory-praxis model to the worship concerns of pastoral ministry.
THEO 5130 – Christian Ethics
An introduction to the methods and topics of moral reflection and action in their biblical, historical, and theological context. The course focuses on new life in Christ as embodied in the church for the world.
THEO 5140 – Seminar in Theology
The advanced seminar builds on skills and content learned in Christian Theology through in-depth study of either (1) a single doctrinal locus (Christology, Trinity, Sacraments, etc.) from multiple methodologies or (2) multiple doctrines through a single methodology (e.g., liberation theology). Course is run seminar style.
THEO 6330 – Christian Theology
An introduction to the doctrines, methods, and tasks of Christian theology, seeking active appropriation of Christian faith in the context of the church and in engagement with the world.
THEO 6334 – Peace, Justice and Restorative Practices
This course explores the theological and ethical foundations of justice ministries. Careful study of the Bible probes the grounds of the claim that justice is central to biblical religion. Such study seeks to distinguish the definition of justice that is rendered by the biblical tradition from the classical Greek notion and examines Jesus as a prophet of justice.
THEO 6350 – Planning for the Arts in Worship
This course offers foundational information in planning for the arts in worship, as well as opportunities to plan and participate in the use of the arts for seminary chapel.
This course considers the arts in worship using historical examples and liturgical theology paradigms. It provides a background on music, drama, dance, visual arts, media, and architecture/environment. Criteria for theological, liturgical, and aesthetic assessment will be included.
THEO 6360 – Theology and the Arts
A study of one or more arts forms (such as film, visual arts, architecture, drama, and literature) as they converge with theology, Scripture, history, and culture.
THEO 6410 – Wilderness and Faith
This offsite, experiential course, based on substantial reading and reflection, explores the theme of wilderness in relation to the Bible, Christian history, and spirituality, as well as the American context of stewardship and a land ethic. Set in the Iron Range of the upper peninsula of Michigan, this May course includes a wilderness experience on the Flambeau River and local trails. This course has limited enrollment and students must have the instructors’ permission to register.
THEO 6420 – Saints, Radicals, and Heretics: Critical Voices in Christian Theology
An exploration of one or multiple figures in the history of Christianity, through engagement with primary and secondary sources. Examples include Martin Luther King, Jr., Dorothy Day, Augustine, Wendell Berry, Julian of Norwich and Luther.
THEO 6440 – Theological Perspectives of Caring and Health
This course will demonstrate that caring and health are terms equally applicable to the disciplines of healthcare and theology. Students will develop a practical theological understanding of the human story, worldviews, the meaning of personhood, the environment, health, suffering, spirituality, caring, and the church’s role in healthcare.
THEO 7190 – Special Topics in Theology
This course will focus on various special topics in theology.
THEO 7191 – Young Life Staff Training Courses
These courses are offered by Young Life and given graduate credit through North Park Theological Seminary.
THEO 7192 – Intervarsity Christian Fellowship Staff Training Courses
These courses are offered by InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and given graduate credit through North Park Theological Seminary.
THEO 7215 – NCTI: The Church and Its Mission
This course is will explore the views of seven major Christian communions on the nature of the church and its mission in the world. Faculty members from various seminaries representing each of these communions will lecture on the course topic, and student teams will make field trips to congregations. The course meets on selected evenings and Saturdays of fall term at various locations.
THEO 7220 – Christian Ethics
An introduction to the methods and topics of moral reflection and action in their biblical, historical, and theological context. The course focuses on new life in Christ as embodied in the church for the world.
An in-depth study of a selected doctrine or theological theme in its historical and systematic context. This course may be repeated with different doctrines.
This course considers the arts in worship using historical examples and liturgical theology paradigms. It provides a background on music, drama, dance, visual arts, media, and architecture/environment. Criteria for theological, liturgical, and aesthetic assessment will be included.
THEO 7390 – Independent Study in Theology
An opportunity for students to explore a topic of interest outside the regular curriculum. Instructor’s permission required. Submission of course proposal/syllabus to the academic dean is required.
THEO 7490 – Thesis I: Topics in Theology
This course will focus on various special topics in Christian theology. Previous course offerings have included: Liberation Theology, Thought of Wendell Berry, Feminist Practical Theology, and Post-colonial Theologies. This course may be taken more than once.
THEO 7491 – Thesis II: Topics in Theology
THEO 7501 – Theology of the Evangelical Covenant Church
This course explores the core doctrines of the Evangelical Covenant Church and the theological diversity expressed in its life together. While the ECC identifies itself with the historical doctrines of the whole Christian church, it has distinctive theological positions and methods. The course will examine such central doctrines as scripture, ecclesiology, sacraments, and Holy Spirit, giving attention to Covenant Affirmations and other sources as a framework for theological reflection.