Historical Studies (HST)
HST 650NE
Women in Church History
Credits: 3
This course explores the lives and roles of women throughout church history, including biblical history. It will examine historical and social contexts of various women identified as having an impact on theology, biblical interpretation, cultural influence, and social justice. Individual women’s lives will be discussed in terms of their response to God’s call, their commitment to the Christian faith, and their contributions to the overall Christian Church. Another goal of the course is to provide analysis of the methods and resources women in various times and cultures used to have their voices “heard.” Students will be able to identify the diverse views of church leaders toward women’s roles as this course examines the support, obstacles, and beliefs of the historical Church. The final course section focuses on the current status of women in the Church and reflection on global challenges for women in the 21st century.
HST 695NE
Independent Study in Historical Studies
Credits: 1—3
Under the guidance of a professor, the student pursues independent research in a specific topic of church history or historical theology.
[Prerequisite: advisor and instructor approval required and a GPA of 3.0]
HST 699NE
M.A. Thesis in Historical Studies
Credits: 3
This course is a research option for M.A. students in the field of historical studies. Students wishing to pursue thesis work must file a written petition with academic services formally requesting this degree completion method prior to registering for the course. (Students who have not completed the thesis project by the end of the semester will automatically be registered for RES 799NE-Continuation of Registration for Master’s Thesis, and charged a $250 fee every subsequent semester until the completion of the master’s thesis.)
HST 700NE
Great British and American Preachers
Credits: 3
Through the reading of primary sources (sermons) and secondary materials, this course will consider the theological perspectives, practical admonitions, and homiletical techniques of some of the great English-speaking preachers in our history. Preachers studied will include, but not be limited to, the following: John Wesley, George Whitefield, Jonathan Edwards, John Henry Newman, Charles Spurgeon, Lyman Beecher, Phillips Brooks, William Sloan Coffin, Harry Emerson Fosdick, John R.W. Stott, and Billy Graham.
HST 710NE
Life and Ministry of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Credits: 3
This course will survey the life and writings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Students will explore key words in King’s sermons and writings (e.g., agape and beloved community) and consider terms of value used in assessing King’s life and work. Concepts (e.g., personalism) that characterize King’s theological social ethics will be discussed, and the interpretation of King’s contributions in today’s world. Special attention will be devoted to King’s doctrine of God and how it influenced his social ethics. Using King’s philosophy and contributions as benchmarks, students will be challenged to think about and examine the relevance of King’s theological ethics for today and what it may mean within the context of their own ministry. This course is cross-listed as THE 710NE.
HST 727NE
Calvinism and Arminianism
Credits: 3
This course will focus on the divergent views of Calvinism and Arminianism with significant readings in the primary texts they authored. The course will examine the overarching issues related to Calvinism and Arminianism from an historical, biblical, theological, and practical perspective. The issues will be presented in their clearest possible light in order that they might be discussed and examined with as much understanding and fairness as possible. Attention will also be given to how their successors interpreted and applied their teachings. This course is cross-listed as THE 727NE.