NYTS Summer Course Listing: MAY 2010

All classes are held at Riverside Church unless otherwise noted.

MMC2751: CRISIS INTERVENTION IN THE PARISH; 3 Cr. (elective)
Prof. Rebeca Radillo
Dates: May 19, 20, 25, 26, 27 (6-9pm); May 22 & 29 (9am – 5pm)
Room: 430

It is a known fact that the first place a person turns to at a time of conflict or crisis is the church. Persons come to their spiritual leader seeking guidance when facing these crises, looking for spiritual support and a word of wisdom from a spiritual leader who they perceive to have the capacity to understand things the way they are and how to do the “right thing.” (Pruyser 1976) This course will focus on exploring the profound effect of different types of crisis. Participants will delve into four main phases that are essential in responding to crisis: Assessment; Action Plan; Intervention and Follow Up. Class methodology is didactic and experiential. This course will meet one requirement for the Pastoral Care Specialist Program for Parish Ministry.

NYTS Summer Course Listing: JUNE 2010

BBH2411: Women in the First Testament; 3 Cr. (elective)
Prof. Eleanor Moody-Shepherd
June 8, 10, 15 (6pm- 9pm), & June 12, 19 (8am-4pm)
Plus attend 1 day of the Women’s Center Conference: “Unlimited Journey: 50 Years of Women in Service”
Room: 430

This course will seek to help students understand the role of women in the Old Testament as a paradigm for salvation history. The exploration of the text will be through the social, political, and theological perspectives of the time in which they lived. Given those realities, the class will struggle with the church’s dilemma in addressing the role of women in the leadership and cultic functions in the contemporary church.

MMM2541: Unlimited Journey: 50 Years of Women in Service: 3 Cr. (elective)
Women’s Center Conference
Prof. Cynthia Diaz cdiaz@nyts.edu
Wed. 6/16 (4-9pm) Thurs. 6/17 (8am- 6pm) Fri, 6/18 (8am – 6pm)
Interchurch Center, First Floor

This course will explore the multi-faith, multi-cultural role of women as they participate in the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Interchurch Center. This conference style course intentionally designed for women and men, will explore the unlimited journey and contributions of women in the past, present and future. It will include a call to create models of concern, community and collaboration between the Interchurch Center, the Women’s Center, faith-based organizations and the greater tri-state community. The presentations and conference interactions will provide opportunities for lay and ordained women and men, to explore their call within a contemporary examination of economic, environmental, social and political issues.

MMC2201: Introduction to Substance Abuse: 3 Cr. (Elective)
Prof. Robert J. Abel
June 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29 (6-9pm) plus Sat. June 19 (8am-4pm)
Room: 414

This course will discuss important and useful facts about persons living with substance use disorders and the potential effect on your ministry in your congregations and communities. NYTS plans for substance abuse related course electives across all programs will be discussed.

MMP2821: Summer Preaching Institute: 3 Cr. (elective)
Prof. Yvette Flunder
June 1, 3, 7, 9, 11 (6-9pm); June 5 (8am -4pm) & Sunday June 6 (8am-3pm; place to be announced)
Rm. Chapel of the Cross

We will explore crafting sermons to address current social issues and populations that have been marginalized by church and society, along with preaching that speaks to more traditional congregations. The course will include methods of sermon preparation, delivery and lab experience where preaching will be shared with members of the class and during worship times.

MMC3261: Pastoral Care & the Elderly; 3cr. (Required for Pastoral Care Specialist; otherwise an elective)
Prof. Rebeca Radillo
Dates: June 7, 11, 14, 16, 21, 28, 30 (6-9pm); June 26 (8am-4pm)
Room: 430

The elderly in congregations are an integral part of its ministry. This course is designed to focus upon the gifts of the elder members of the faith community. The course will also respond to the social, spiritual and psychological tasks at this stage of life. We will deal with the issues of care giving; maintaining dignity; the process of aging and loss; and the inner process of transition and dying and spiritual support for the elderly and their families.

THU2571: “Becoming Whole, Telling Stories: 3 Cr. (elective)
Struggles for Justice, Healing & Forgiveness”
Prof. Father Michael Lapsley, SSM
June 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29 & July 1 (6-9pm)
Rm. 421

This course will take the form of a series of conversations with South African terror survivor and international reconciliation leader Father Michael Lapsley, SSM, on struggles for justice as well as healing and forgiveness. Father Lapsley, Director of the Institute for Healing of Memories, headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa, lost both his hands to a letter bomb sent 20 years ago by agents of the apartheid state. His response has been to tirelessly work for peace and reconciliation rather than retribution. The experience of his injury has also led to his leadership role as a tireless advocate for full human rights for people with disabilities.

The course will provide an opportunity for participants to explore their own experience of healing and forgiveness-with all its jagged edges-as they learn about healing and forgiveness in a broad historical and global context. We will examine how individuals, communities and nations have sought to heal themselves. The course will review material from South Africa’s post-apartheid Truth and Reconciliation commission as well as other theatres of struggle including Ireland and Australia. Struggle, healing and forgiveness will be viewed also from an Islamic perspective, an LGBT viewpoint, from the vantage point of the events of September 11,, from the perspective of slavery, of the African American/Black experience in the United States today, and of long-term incarceration in the U.S. and internationally. The role of religion and sacred texts will be critically examined as both sources of life and obstacles to healing and reconciliation. Upon completing the course, students will have a greater understanding of the following key concepts: healing memories; knowledge and acknowledgment; redemptive memory; and retributive and restorative justice. This three-credit course will be offered in eight in-person class sessions and two on-line sessions.

BTH3221: Reading Judaism Critically, Exogetically & Isogetically; 3 Cr. (elective)
Prof. Rabbi Douglas Krantz
Dates: June 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30 & July 5, 7: (6-9PM)
Room: 421

The course of study is designed to convey the nature, breadth and depth of the biblical literature, both through the eyes of the rabbinic tradition and our modern understandings of biblical criticism. We will ask complex, aporetic questions, building on the insight of the ancient Talmudic sage Ben Bag Bag that we are required to turn the words of the sacred texts of Judaism over and over again. We will explore the compelling urgency of our biblical narratives, and how they inform our intellectual and spiritual awareness of ourselves in relationship to others. We will discover the transformative nature of the ancient text that will help us nurture, develop, sharpen our insight, and deepen our understanding of ourselves and our lives.

MMU0131: Writing for Theological Education; 3 Cr. (elective)
Prof. Esther Owens
Sat. June 5, 12, 19, 26 (9am-5pm)
Rm. 330

This is an intensive writing course designed to give training in the fundamentals of expository and argumentative writing. The main emphasis is on giving students practice in organizing ideas into coherently structured and effective essays, using as a focal point their own unique experiences. Students are encouraged to look deeply into these experiences and to see them from shifting points of view.

In the course, writing is viewed as a means of communication as well as a means of inquiry, a way of thinking. To this end, the course focuses on analyzing the organizational patterns of various modes of writing and of paragraphs in relation to their development of entire essays. Problem-solving strategies for writing and concepts of critical thinking are explored. In addition to an examination of the four basic forms of writing, the research procedure and exegetical approaches are introduced. A study of grammar is incorporated into the study of writing, based on the needs of the students enrolled.

Required Texts:
A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Thesis and Dissertations, 6th Ed.
By Kate L. Turabian, Chicago: University of Chicago Press. ISBN#0-226-81627-3

The American Heritage Dictionary, 3rd Ed. (paperback)
Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Inc. ISBN#0-440-21861-6

MMC2781: Diagnosis & Referrals: 3 cr. (Required for Pastoral Care Specialist; otherwise an elective)
Prof. Mary Ragan
Dates: June 1, 2, 3, 9 (6-9pm); June 5, 12 (9am-5pm)
Room: 423

This course is designed as a basic introduction to the issues of diagnosis and referral in a congregational setting. Since the ability to identify psychological disorders and make effective referrals to mental health professional is a central task of Pastoral Care Specialist, this course will focus on the three main disorders as identified in the DSM IV, (Diagnostic and Statistic Manual). Practical aspects of interviewing, transference and counter-transference, boundary issues as they relate to diagnosis and referral will be included.

NYTS Summer Course Listing: JULY 2010

MMC2761: Grief and Loss; 3 cr. (Required for Pastoral Care Specialist; otherwise an elective)
Prof. Meriann Taylor
Dates: July 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19 (6 – 9 pm)
Room: TBA

It is my belief and experience that grief begets grief. Since we will focus on grief and loss for the duration of this summer intensive course, it would be wise to expect numerous encounters with your own grief and loss throughout the course. I suggest that you consider those persons who have provided support to you in the past, as you might find yourself turning to them during this time. We will journey together in honor of the personal memories and feelings that are triggered while exploring grief and loss. We will not have time to share or discuss these memories and feelings during class, because of our limited time together. In order to manage these encounters, maximize our classroom time, and maintain our intellectual focus, please purchase a journal and bring it with you to each class. Use your journal to notate your memories, reflections, feelings and insightful responses while reading and in class. As personal memories, reflections and experiences of grief and loss occur, write them in your journal. Journal entries are not meant to be shared with the class. However, the instructor may agree to read them, if requested to do so.

During the course, we will utilize literary sources, video presentations, role plays and engage in plenary and small group discussions. We will study basic counseling skills, the five stages of grief as defined by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, losses that often remain unresolved, the process of grieving, responses to loss and the concept of “good grief”.

MMC2611: Small Group Consultation; 3 cr. (Required for Pastoral Care Specialist; otherwise elective)
Prof. Marta Green
Dates: July 21, 28 (6-9 pm) & 24 (9am-5pm)
Rm: TBA

This three day intensive course gives students the opportunity to present pastoral interactions for group discussion using a verbatim and role play format. Emphasis will be placed on student’s ability to exercise good judgment, especially in crisis situations; understand the appropriate boundaries in a helping relationship, and understand how to introduce theological issues. Students are expected to interact constructively during presentations and show the ability to self–reflect and reflect theologically. It matters less that students have perfect verbatim than that they are able to discuss their work and be open to comment by others.

Grades will be based on the verbatim – writing and presentation, attendance and participation in class, ability to integrate insights with one’s own thinking. Two books are assigned to introduce issues around the counselor’s attitude.

Main Text

Ram Dass & Paul Gorman How Can I Help? Stories and Reflections on Service. New York Alfred A. Knoff, 1985, ISBN: o-394-72947-1

TEU2231: Exploring World Religions; 3 cr. (Elective)
Prof. Akintunde E. Akinade
Dates: July 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22 (6-9pm) & July 17 (9am-5pm)
Rm: TBA

This course is a cross-cultural exploration of the religious traditions of the world. The course will enable students to study the multiple ways in which religious experiences shape human understanding and worldviews. The main objective of the course is to enable students to enrich their own experience by understanding the religious and cultural heritage of people of diverse backgrounds. There will be lectures and class visits to various sacred sites in New York City.

MME2221: HIV/AIDS 101; 3 cr. (elective)
Prof. Shirley Daniels
Dates: July 19, 21, 26, 28 (6-9pm) & July 31 (9am-5pm)
Rm: TBA

This course is designed to help clergy and lay-leaders provide their members and others seeking guidance or advice with the facts about HIV/AIDS and ways to prevent its transmission; which they would need to protect themselves against infection. The course will provide facts and information about HIV/AIDS and will explore approaches to counseling/advising persons on this disease. The 20 hour course will consist of classroom and on-site experiences. The on-site experience will be scheduled at FACES NY, Inc., a local, HIV/AIDS community-based organization.

MMP2341: Preaching from Matthew; 3 cr. (elective)
Prof. Keith Russell
Dates: July 10 & 24 (10am-4pm) & July 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23 (6-9pm)
Rm: TBA

This course will involve both exegesis and sermon construction and will give students a solid grounding in understanding and interpreting the Gospel according to Matthew. Students will prepare and deliver two sermons as well as engaging in exegesis of the assigned texts. An introduction to Matthew will be included as part of the course.

MMM2771: Pursuing Profit & Purpose: Understanding the Spiritual Foundation of Enterprise; 3 cr.
Prof. Peter Ressler and Teaching Fellow Esslie W. Hughes
Dates: July 20, 22, 27, 29 (6-9pm) & July 31 (9am-5pm); plus Aug. 3, 5, 10, 12
Rm. TBA

This course is intended for students who wish to reconcile the pursuit of wealth or income with faith in a higher calling. It will focus on how to balance the material needs of modern life while serving a greater purpose than ourselves. Course material will include historical and contemporary examples of others who have successfully achieved this balance. This course will explore the spiritual purpose of business in our lives and how to find deeper meaning through work. It will offer a template for how to use enterprise and the pursuit of wealth as a tool for spiritual growth. Attention will be given to the connection between faith and money and how to remain faithful to your inner calling while fully participating in the material world.

EMU2001: Church, Clergy and Law; 3 Cr. (elective)
Prof. Hector Rodriguez
Dates: July 6, 8, 13, 15 (6-9pm) & July 17, 24 (9am – 5pm)
Rm: TBA

This course introduces the students to the laws applicable to the clergy and the church. It emphasizes general legal principles, critical thinking skills, practical issues and the application of the law to numerous legal problems. As the legal rights, duties and responsibilities of the clergy and the church have proliferated and become more complicated in the twenty-first century the threat of litigation has increased. Thus, every clergy and lay leader should know what federal, state and local laws/regulations apply and how to comply with them. The topics covered include: The American Legal System: Clergy-Church Relationship; Authority, Rights, Privileges, Duties, Liabilities, and Limitations; Contract Law: Tort Law; Constitutional Law, Employment Law; Rights in Property; and Regulatory Issues. The New York Theological Seminary and the Professor are not rendering legal or other professional advice. If legal advice or other professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought by the student to address the particular issues.

NYTS Summer Course Listing: AUGUST 2010

MMP2151: PREACHING INSTITUTE: Preaching Under Construction; 3 Cr. (elective)
Prof. Edward Hunt
August 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26 (6-9pm) & Aug. 14 (9am – 5pm)
Rm. TBA

Come and rediscover the joy of sermon preparation and preaching again for the first time. There will be interaction and an exciting time for all involved. Each student will be required to bring at least five of his or her best sermons. We will work with your sermons, examine your style and challenge your delivery skills. We also work on reaching a deeper depth and meaning in sermon development and thinking. Finally, we will also visit and examine the wonderful art of Celebration in Preaching.

MMU2621: Leadership for the 21st Century Church; 3 Cr. (elective)
Prof. Tommie Jackson
August 3, 5 (6-9pm) & August 14, 21, 28 (8am-4:30pm)
Rm. TBA

This course is designed to provide its participants with an understanding, practical knowledge, and proactive tools for bringing ministries into the 21st century. This will include and involve the use of various techniques such as technology, the media and business marketing tools to ensure that the congregational message is relevant, evolving, and connecting with target as well as large audiences. This course will examine, but not be limited to, the questions of personality driven ministries, what constitutes mega churches, how ministry is defined and conducted in a multi-cultural and trans-racial society as well as moving beyond so-called traditional perspectives with neo-orthodoxy messages that transcend historical norms. Student participants will work as teams to develop paradigms for practical implementation in local congregations to encourage as well as engage “out of the box thinking” that will enhance ministry in the 21st century.

MMC2771: Supportive Counseling Methods; 3 cr. (Required for Pastoral Care Specialist; otherwise elective)
Prof. Will Ashley
Dates: August 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12 (6-9pm) and Aug. 7 (9am – 5pm)
Rm: TBA

Students enrolled in this course will learn contextual supportive counseling methods. Students will learn how to create safe spaces to engage in conversational counseling. You will learn how to listen effectively, what to say, when to say it and why. The course offers theories, techniques, and practical interventions to clergy who serve as the triage center for a host of pastoral counseling needs. We will explore the role of supportive counseling methods in addressing self-esteem, anxiety, depression and adaptive skills. You will develop a deeper understanding of ego functions and how understanding ego functions can be of help to congregants who seek counseling. Multi-media presentations, role plays, online learning, case studies and lectures are the pedagogical techniques we will use in this course.

BBL3501: LANGUAGE INSTITUTE: Biblical Greek; 4 Cr. (elective)
Prof. Jerry Reisig
August 2, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 27, 30 (6-9pm)
Rm. TBA

This course is an intensive study of the grammar, syntax, and vocabulary of the Koine Greek of the Second Testament.

BBH3131: The Book of Jonah; 3 cr. (elective)
Prof. Jin Han
Dates: August 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26, 30, 31 (6-9pm)
Rm: Executive Conference Room, 5th Floor Interchurch Center

The course has a dual focus. First, we will read the book of Jonah from exegetical perspectives. In this approach, we are particularly interested in rhetorical devices that the book uses to portray a topsy-turvy world with a comic touch. Second, we will investigate how the book of Jonah is featured in Christian art. We will combine the two foci in view of formulating a theology of grace that burgeons out of this ancient text and fashions our contemporary ministry of compassion.