Catalogue and Courses

Andover Newton Catalogue and Course Schedules

The Andover Newton Theological School Catalogue includes information about all courses of instruction, degree programs, academic and student policies, admissions and other important material about the school and its programs.

Andover Newton Catalogue 2016-2018

Please check the Supplement Page for all updates to the Andover Newton Catalogue after June 1, 2016.

Andover Newton offers a wide variety of courses designed to give students both breadth and depth of knowledge. To view the schedule and information for all courses offered at Andover Newton for the 2016 – 2018 Academic Years please click on the links below:

Draft Course Schedules 2017-2018:

Past Andover Newton Catalogues:

View the School’s Academic Calendar

Courses by Semester (select the appropriate tab)

COURSE	TITLE	Faculty	DAY/TIME
PSYP/PRAC/CHRS 701/801	The Healing Power of Joy, Celebration and a Play-full Life Description Pastoral care has too long been dominated by a focus on the healing of individual suffering without sufficient attention being given to the power of joy, celebration and play as essential elements of health and wellbeing for individuals and communities. Neuroscience research speaks of an evolved negativity bias hardwired in human beings which has profound implications for people’s search for meaning and happiness. Learning how to cultivate a sense of joy, celebration and playfulness in our practice of pastoral care and leadership across the multiple spheres of ministry and in congregational life are essential to helping people lead a meaningful and flourishing life. We will learn how to recognize the times and places where joy, celebration and play need to be called forth and how the healing power of positive emotions, gratitude and strengths can contribute to a flourishing life. The class will be grounded in one’s own personal experience, in the science of positive psychology, the discipline of appreciative inquiry, and in Inter-play as a method to unlock the wisdom of the body. We will also include attention to relevant neuroscience research and theological and scriptural foundations. We will explore the implications of what we learn for individuals and faith communities and the spiritual practices that can contribute to a flourishing and play-full life. This intensive course will meet daily over the course of one week. Limit: 24.	Gill-Austern	June 5-9, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
NEWT 651	Sex, Money, and Power in the Bible Description Some of the most destructive and constructive endeavors and experiences throughout human history have been about sex, money, and power. In this course we will explore how the Bible may figure and reconfigure our understandings and practices of sex, money, and power, and how it has created conditions for not only subordination but also the possibilities for liberation. Prerequisite: NEWT 505 or Old Testament Introduction.	Liew	June 5-9, 12-16, 9:00 a.m. – noon
[EL] INTE/THEO 747	Unitarian Universalist Traditions II: Theology and Polity Description This course will use recent historians and theologians to explore the ethical and theological basis of modern Unitarian Universalism. We will examine some of the continuing themes of liberalism – its conception of faith as an ethical way of life, and its source of authority in individual experience. What is the role and place of the minister in congregational dynamics? What is the role of covenant in developing the theology, the community and right relationships? How do we define sacred times in the life of the congregations? Finally, where and how do we find the holy, explain evil and suffering, and build the just and beloved community? UU Traditions I is available with Rev. Harris in Spring 2017. UU Traditions I and II may be taken out of sequence. Limit: 25.	Harris	E-Learning, May 30-July 3
INTE 743	UCC History, Theology and Polity Description An exploration of the history, theological understandings, structures, and practice of ministry in the United Church of Christ. Recommended for those seeking ordination or commissioning in the UCC, or for those seeking privilege of call; but open to all. Generally to be taken in the last half of one’s seminary studies; exceptions, however, are possible. This course will take place off campus in NH.	Nordbeck/New	June 2-week intensive, OFF CAMPUS in NH
WREL 626 [IF] [BC]	Islam and Muslims in America: Northern CA Description A domestic Islamic immersion experience in Northern California. Sites to be visited include Zaytuna College, a global hub of Islamic learning in Berkeley, the University of Spiritual Healing and Sufism, a Muslim school and retreat center in the remote mountains of Napa Valley where trip participants will learn about Sufi meditations and reconciliation and peacebuilding based on Islamic concepts. Two days will also be spent at a Zen meditation center in the Muir Woods. Limit: 8. Estimated cost (dependent upon airfare): $2,300 (includes travel and lodging). Application Deadline: until November 1, 2016 See the Border-Crossing Immersion Handbook for more details and the application process.	Ibrahim/Hearlson	May 8-17 (tentative)
INTE 602J [BC]	CPE at Hebrew SeniorLife/Hebrew Rehabilitation Center: Crossing Borders of Religion, Age, Ethnicity and Socio-economic Status Description This is a 10-week intensive course, counts as 6 credits, 3 for Border Crossing Immersion and 3 for CPE elective credit. This course is a full unit in Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) meeting all requirements for a Level I or II unit in CPE, while providing students a border crossing immersion in a context of learning with most CPE students there preparing for the rabbinate, working in a Jewish senior residence with an average age of over 90, with residents who speak languages of their country of birth and who are mostly supported by medicaid. Prerequisite: Completion of one year of seminary. Limit: 2. Application Deadline: until November 15, 2016 *This course requires applying through both our Border Crossing application process, and also separately applying for the CPE portion. See the Border-Crossing Immersion Handbook for more details and the application process.	Thiel	Summer 2017

COURSE	TITLE	Faculty	DAY/TIME
CMPR 625	Holistic Preaching Description The focus of this course is a holistic approach to preaching that explores various methods and theories of sermon development and construction, and examines issues around the formation of preachers. This is an experiential learning course that will utilize the following modes of learning in order to develop and enhance our preaching abilities: lectures, class discussion, videos of notable preachers, small group dialogues, writing exercises, in-class preaching with feedback sessions, and movement and voice exercises. Limit: 12	Hess	Tuesday, 9-11:50 a.m.
CMFE 620 (2)	Integrative Seminar - section two Description This course will provide an integrative seminar experience for those students who are enrolled in Field Education. Credit for the course is included in the overall 6 credits students earn for Field Education. Students will use framework for ministerial leadership provided by the text to reflect upon their field education experiences. Individual cases students will provide the basis for class discussion in order to integrate theory and practice. Intended for students in the first year of field education. Students taking an additional year of field education must have the permission of the Director of Ministry Studies. Students register through the Field Education Program staff. Limit: 8.	TBA	Wednesday, 1-2:30 p.m.
CMFE 620 (3)	Integrative Seminar - section three Description This course will provide an integrative seminar experience for those students who are enrolled in Field Education. Credit for the course is included in the overall 6 credits students earn for Field Education. Students will use framework for ministerial leadership provided by the text to reflect upon their field education experiences. Individual cases students will provide the basis for class discussion in order to integrate theory and practice. Intended for students in the first year of field education. Students taking an additional year of field education must have the permission of the Director of Ministry Studies. Students register through the Field Education Program staff. Limit: 8.	TBA	E-Learning
HIST 645	American Religious History from the Colonial Period to the Present Description This course explores religious (primarily though not exclusively Christian) life in the U.S. from the colonial period to the 21st century. Focus is on the diverse people, groups, movements, themes, events and institutions that have shaped and characterized the American religious landscape, and their relevance for contemporary leadership/ ministry issues. This course fulfills the US Religious History distributional requirement. Limit: 25	Nordbeck	Tuesday, 2-4:50 p.m.
JUST/THEO 601	Justice Matters Description This course provides a theo-ethical model of analysis of systems of power like racism, classism, sexism, heterosexism, and so forth, particularly as they function in American society. While providing an introduction to various forms of oppression through historical contextualization, theoretical analysis, and narrative, the course will focus primarily on how such systems intersect to reinforce and facilitate injustice and oppression. The goal of the course is to develop a paradigm of theology and ethics that will enable us to adequately analyze the competing interests and values present in contemporary social, political, and religious debates. We will focus on two case studies, the “Black Lives Matters” movement and Intimate Partner Violence and the difference race, class, gender bias and so forth make. We will also discuss the implications of this paradigm for each class member’s current or future work context.	Satcher/Nienhuis	Tuesday, 6-8:50 p.m.
JUST/PSYP 747Y [BC]	Mercy and Justice in the Criminal Justice System Description To be compassionate within the criminal justice system requires knowing the particular needs of people impacted by the criminal justice system including: those incarcerated, families and relatives of prisoners, those on parole, undocumented immigrants and those who work with this population in numerous ways. This year-long Border-Crossing Immersion class will allow students to have multiple experiences within the criminal justice system while learning about the complex interlocking realities that create suffering for the incarcerated, their families, friends and communities and which further injustice in our society. Students will engage in ministries of compassion within the criminal justice system by engaging with those incarcerated and those impacted by incarceration. Students will be involved in some ministry of justice-making by learning about the laws and policies that contribute to de-humanization and involving oneself in the organizations and movements that are the voice of advocacy and change. A total of 80 hours of immersion is expected over the course of the year. Limit: 14. See the Border-Crossing Immersion Handbook for more details and the application process.	Gill-Austern	Monthly campus meetings will take place Wednesdays, 5–8:00 p.m., dates TBD
PSYP 615	Introduction to Pastoral and Spiritual Care: Healing and Hope Through Seasons of Loss Description This course will explore in depth the ministry of pastoral care and counseling in times of grief and loss, with an emphasis on the theological dimensions in both Judaism and Christianity which assist persons to find hope and meaning in the aftermath of loss. We will explore together historical and contemporary grief theory, the various forms of loss and types of grieving, the role of attachment styles on grief and our relationship to God. We will examine how death is experienced differently through human development, the role of healthy and unhealthy religious coping in times of stress, and focus on the reconstruction of meaning as essential to finding hope and a new future. Personal, theological, and cultural understandings of death, grief, and loss will be studied to appreciate both the universal and unique elements to grieving. Students will learn the tasks of grieving and how to facilitate healthy grieving within the context of congregational life and the role that pastoral empathy, counseling skills, rituals and funerals can play in this. While the primary focus of the course will be on normal grieving we will also deal with complicated grieving that may result from traumatic loss. Students will learn to distinguish complicated grieving from normal grieving and learn when referral to therapy is indicated. We will also help students to prepare advance directives and explore how to help families prepare for the end of life by taking responsibility for making critical decisions before death comes. This course meets the Pastoral Care distributional requirement in the MDiv curriculum. Limit: 30.	Gill-Austern	Friday, 9-11:50 a.m.
[EL] DMIN 803	DMIN Writing Seminar Description This is the third of three required seminars for Doctor of Ministry students. The purpose of this seminar is to develop a writing cohort of DMin peers for mutual edification and support in completing their projects. Prerequisite: completion of DMIN 801 and 802. Limit: 15.	Pazmiño/Hearlson	E-Learning



CMED 601/801	Educational Ministry of the Church Description A survey course in Christian education designed for prospective pastors and lay leaders serving in a variety of settings.	Pazmiño	Thursday, 9:00 – 11:50 a.m.
CMLE 601/801	Ministry As a Profession Description This modular course will explore ministerial leadership from the perspective of work. Ministry is not a job, it is a calling, and yet the daily work of ministry provides insights into the nature of faith leadership as both a function and an identity. In this course, students will explore how the profession of ministry fits in with other professions in North American culture, the nature of work and conflict, and the meaning of vocation. The course will have four sessions that all include a Thursday evening, a Friday morning, and a Friday afternoon. Each module will include content, reflection, and group work among course participants. Module dates:Module I September 14-15; Module II October 12-13; Module III November 16-17; Module IV December 7-8	Drummond	Modular, Thursday nights into Fridays, 4 sessions
CMWO 662Y	Church Worship, Church Music Description A critical overview of Christian worship in theological perspective, including anthropological, historical, and practical approaches. With an eye to liturgical leadership, we will press the deceptively simple questions: What is Christian worship? What is it for? Year Long 2017- 2018 Meets every other week.	Stanfield	Wednesday, 9-11:50 a.m. Year long course meets every other week
ETHI/JUST 725	Christian Ethics and U.S. Civil Society: Option for the Poor and Inequality Description This modular course introduces the student to social scientific, cultural, and theological analysis of U.S. civil society as it pertains to Christian ethics. Module dates: Module I September 21-22; Module II October 19-20; Module III November 9-10; Module IV November 30-December 1	Davila	Modular, Thursday nights into Fridays, 4 sessions
[EL] WREL/HIST 682	Understanding Interfaith Work Description What are the challenges and opportunities of living in the most religiously diverse nation in the world? What does your faith teach you about authentic engagement with the religious other? What do you need to know about interfaith dialogue? The word interfaith (and its equivalents) includes a wide range of definitions, goals and outcomes. With particular focus on the contemporary interfaith movement in the US, we will begin to unpack our understanding of “interfaith” by exploring its meaning personally, historically, theologically, and practically. Students will draw on the resources of their own faith tradition to develop a foundation for engagement in interfaith dialogue and action. Students will build knowledge and skills for interfaith engagement. This course fulfills the introductory Interfaith Leadership course requirement for the MAGIL degree. Limit: 24.	Peace	E-Learning


[EL] PSYH/THEO 784	The Psychology and Theology of Forgiveness Description A study of the psychodynamics, theological meanings, and clinical/pastoral applications of forgiveness when we are burdened by anger, resentment, and fantasies of revenge after being injured and betrayed. Process models of forgiveness will be explored as a way of being liberated from the feelings of shame and guilt that naturally arise from being hurt. Limit: 25.	Thompson	E-Learning

COURSE	TITLE	FACULTY	DAY/TIME
CMED 654/854 [IF] [BC]	Israel/Palestine: Religious Education in the Holy Lands: Teaching and Learning In and Across Religious Traditions Description This course will immerse students in religious education thought and practices in the Holy Lands and take account of that particular context with its gifts and challenges. The course seeks to explore and practice the art and craft of teaching in the Jewish, Christian and Muslim traditions. The course will focus on common issues shared by religious traditions but approached in particularistic ways: the teaching of the Bible or Koran and the Prophets, teaching social responsibility and tzedaka, and cultivating ritual practices and observance of a religious tradition. It also actively explores what is being learned from interfaith encounters and ministries regarding religious identity and openness to one’s neighbors as a religious educator. This course may be limited to 8 Andover Newton students and 8 Hebrew College students. Costs for flights, lodging, program, and incidental costs will range between $3,300 and $3,500, and specific costs will be made available before travel.	Pazmiño/Mobley	OFF CAMPUS
PRAC/CHRS 620	Sustaining Ministry Description This course will offer students strategies and tools to help sustain ministry over the life of one’s vocation. We will examine how to move from burnout to breakthrough in one's ministry, paying particular attention to the practices early in ministry that can help or hinder our effectiveness and sense of fulfillment. How do we learn how and when to say ‘no’ to the never-ceasing needs of our ministries? How do take care of ourselves so that we can serve others? How might our theology and sense of call inform whether or not we ‘over-function’ in our ministries? Sustaining Ministry will give students the opportunity for self-examination and companioning one another in answering these and other complex questions as we seek to become the ministers we hope to be at our best.	Detering	January 8-12, 15-19, 9:00 a.m. - noon
THEO 610	Introduction to Systematic Theology (Intensive) Description This intensive format course is an introduction to Christian theology, condensing material previously covered in THEO 611 and THEO 614. It deals with major Christian doctrines, from both descriptive and constructive perspectives. Topics covered include God, humanity, Christ, salvation, church, and eschatology. There are no prerequisites for the course, but students are encouraged to have some prior study in the areas of Bible and history. Limit: 20.	Heim	January 2-5, 8-12, 9:00 a.m. - noon
PRAC 630 [IF] [BC]	Interfaith Community Organizing and Congregational Life Description Students will learn the basics of broad-based community organizing in the setting of a Presbyterian church that has been active in the work of the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization, an IAF-affiliate which has had successful campaigns in housing, health care and education. Students will explore interfaith community work and also study how the tools of community organizing can strengthen the development of one’s own particular congregation. Limit: 25. Class meets off-campus at 4th Presbyterian Church, Boston. For students taking this class for their Border Crossing initiative the class will include 3 additional hours each day. See the Border-Crossing Immersion Handbook for more details and the application process.	Stanfield	TBD
OLDT 644	Backstories: A Thematic and Theological Overview of the Bible Description The purpose of this course is to expand and enrich our understanding of the story of God and of the human adventure through attention to the dynamic interplay of chaos and order in the texts of the Bible (mainly the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, but the New Testament and Rabbinic literature as well). Prerequisite: One of the following: OLDT 509, 511, or 512.	Mobley	January 8-12, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

COURSE	TITLE	FACULTY	DAY/TIME
CMED 620/820	History and Philosophy of Christian Education Description A survey of historical developments in Christian education followed by the exploration of a philosophy of religious education that addresses contemporary issues.	Pazmiño	Thursday, 9-11:50 a.m.
CMPR 649	Preaching as Pastor Description All preaching is contextual. It occurs in dialogue with a text and in the context of what is happening in the world today. For the pastor, however, preaching has an added dimension because it takes place in the rich context of shared life in a congregation. In such a context, the transformative power of preaching can be enhanced. This course examines the unique role of preaching in pastoral ministry, and students will study and practice preaching as a pastoral act. Various approaches to preaching, all grounded in the role of pastor, will be examined. Students will be given ample opportunity to practice preaching in a workshop format. The goal of the course is to shape an approach to preaching that deepens the engagement with both texts and congregation in ways that are transformative. A prior course (or courses) in preaching is preferred, but not required. Limit: 12. This course fulfills the CMPR distribution requirement.	Copenhaver	Wednesday, 9–11:50 a.m.
CMWO 662Y	Church Worship, Church Music Description A critical overview of Christian worship in theological perspective, including anthropological, historical, and practical approaches. With an eye to liturgical leadership, we will press the deceptively simple questions: What is Christian worship? What is it for? Year Long 2017- 2018 Meets every other week.	Stanfield	Wednesday, 9-11:50 a.m. Year long course meets every other week
[EL] ETHI 601	Introduction to Christian Ethics Description This introductory course seeks to present students with a wide spectrum of sources used for ethical reflection in Christianity. Considering the classical four sources of Bible/Scripture, tradition, reason/science, and human experience, the course will try to survey the chronological development of Christian ethical reflection, a broad ideological spectrum, and relatively new or emerging themes in ethics. This will be done through an examination of both major themes as well as key figures that have helped shape Christian ethics through the centuries as we also consider critical ethical questions facing the human family today. Limit: 25.	Dávila	E-Learning
JUST/PSYP 634	When Home is a War Zone: Pastoral Care and Theological Issues in Domestic Violence Description It is estimated that 1 out of 3 people in a congregation will have some experience with domestic violence. It remains the leading reason women visit hospital emergency rooms. Although it is less frequent, men are also victimized. This course will examine the impact of domestic violence on families and congregations. It will give special attention to the general problem of domestic violence and to the role that theological understandings of suffering, obedience, and ownership may play in such violence. The course will delve into the science behind DV trauma and examine the relationship between the neurobiological effects of trauma and a survivor’s ability to escape a violent relationship. It will utilize pastoral counseling case studies (video vignettes of actual pastors) to provide those in ministry with the tools they need to respond to people in their care and understand how to make appropriate referrals. Special attention will be paid to the impact intimate partner violence has in immigrant, GLBT, African American, and Latino/a communities. Although the primary focus of the class will be on Christian and Unitarian Universalist communities of faith, we will also look briefly at intimate partner violence in Jewish and Muslim communities.	Nienhuis	Thursday, 6:00 – 8:50 p.m.
JUST/PSYP 747Y [BC]	Mercy and Justice in the Criminal Justice System Description To be compassionate within the criminal justice system requires knowing the particular needs of people impacted by the criminal justice system including: those incarcerated, families and relatives of prisoners, those on parole, undocumented immigrants and those who work with this population in numerous ways. This year-long Border-Crossing Immersion class will allow students to have multiple experiences within the criminal justice system while learning about the complex interlocking realities that create suffering for the incarcerated, their families, friends and communities and which further injustice in our society. Students will engage in ministries of compassion within the criminal justice system by engaging with those incarcerated and those impacted by incarceration. Students will be involved in some ministry of justice-making by learning about the laws and policies that contribute to de-humanization and involving oneself in the organizations and movements that are the voice of advocacy and change. A total of 80 hours of immersion is expected over the course of the year. Limit 14 See the Border-Crossing Immersion Handbook for more details and the application process.	Gill-Austern	Monthly campus meetings will take place Wednesdays, 5-8:00 p.m., dates TBD
CHRS/PRAC 640	Ella, Louie, and Love: The Spiritual Reservoir of Jazz Description An examination of central spiritual and theological themes, as they relate to spiritual formation and ministry, including God, Personhood, Community, Joy, Suffering, Solitude, Prayer, and Creativity through the music and musicians of Jazz. Limit: 25	K. Jones	Thursday, 2-4:50 p.m.
PSYF 762	Spiritual Practices for Healing and Wholeness Description An experiential exploration of various prayer and meditative practices from the Christian tradition (including Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina) which awaken the heart to the love of God, neighbor, self and all beings, as well as contribute to the spiritual formation of pastors and congregations. The connection between spiritual, physical and psychological wellbeing is examined with particular emphasis given to preventative care. An hour of yoga is included. Graded Sat/Unsat. Limit: 25. This course meets the Christian Spiritual Resources requirement for the MDiv and a course for the Pastoral and Spiritual Care Certificate.	Gill-Austern	Tuesday, 8:30 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.
[EL] PSYH 643	Ministry to Seniors Description This course will explore what it means to grow old and also how to age well. What is the significance of spiritual fulfillment for seniors? What does the Bible teach about growing old? In addition, we will evaluate critically cultural myths of aging which imprison and impoverish them and also the challenges that seniors have to negotiate. We will investigate the advantages and disadvantages of retirement. Finally, developing our own theology of aging, we will learn modes of ministry to seniors including those struggling with disability, dementia, terminal illness, and death. This course meets the Pastoral Care distributional requirement in the MDiv curriculum. Limit: 25.	Thompson	E-Learning
[EL] NEWT 612	Luke-Acts Description This course is an in-depth study of the formation, structure, and style of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. A primary focus will be on the particular literary features that have led scholars to conclude that both works were written by the same author. In addition to a literary analysis of these two volumes, attention will be given to their historical contexts and theological ideas. The course will provide opportunities to explore questions about Christian origins, to exegete selected passages, and to study theories of interpretation/ hermeneutics. This course will fulfill a Scripture II distribution requirement.	Shellberg	E-Learning
[EL] HIST 685	History of Christian Spirituality Through the Lives of Women Description This course takes a broad survey through the history of Christian Spirituality as it is expressed through the lives of women. The course is divided into four historic periods from ancient times (Perpetua & Felicitas), through medieval (Julian of Norwich), to renaissance/reformation (Teresa of Avila), to modern (Plaskow & Christ). Using a combination of primary and secondary sources, we will explore the spirituality and historical context of women from each period. In addition we will explore key themes in the history of Christian spirituality including martyrdom, mysticism, monasticism and feminism as these themes relate to the lives of the women under consideration. This course will fulfill the distributional requirement for Early Christian History. Limit: 20.	Peace	E-Learning
CMFE 621 (2)	Integrative Seminar - section two Description This course will provide an integrative seminar experience for those students who are enrolled in Field Education. Credit for the course is included in the overall 6 credits students earn for Field Education. Students will use framework for ministerial leadership provided by the text to reflect upon their field education experiences. Individual cases students will provide the basis for class discussion in order to integrate theory and practice. Intended for students in the first year of field education. Students taking an additional year of field education must have the permission of the Director of Ministry Studies. Students register through the Field Education Program staff. Limit: 8.	TBA	Wednesday, 1-2:30 p.m.
CMFE 621 (3)	Integrative Seminar - section three Description This course will provide an integrative seminar experience for those students who are enrolled in Field Education. Credit for the course is included in the overall 6 credits students earn for Field Education. Students will use framework for ministerial leadership provided by the text to reflect upon their field education experiences. Individual cases students will provide the basis for class discussion in order to integrate theory and practice. Intended for students in the first year of field education. Students taking an additional year of field education must have the permission of the Director of Ministry Studies. Students register through the Field Education Program staff. Limit: 8.	TBA	E-Learning
CMFE 723	Advanced Field Education Seminar Description This 1.5 credit course is open to students participating in field education for the second year. The course will provide an opportunity for students to share with each other about the field education experience and also to explore issues related to leadership. Students must be enrolled in CMFE 701Y. Limit: 8.	TBA	Thursday, 7–8:30 p.m.
CHRS 615	Introduction to Benedictine Spirituality Description This intensive course is focused on Benedictine Spirituality. Exploring the history, theology, contemporary expressions, and potential relevance for one’s own life and ministry, this seminar-style class will culminate in a three-day retreat with a Benedictine Community. Limit: 16	Peace	Intensive, spring recess (April 3-7) Tu, W, & Th. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Th. & F overnight at Benedictine Abbey in W. Mass
JUST/ETHI 650 [BC]	Encountering Homelessness and Housing Vulnerability in the Boston Area Description Over a period of 14 weeks (depending on placement), students will learn about the experience of homelessness in the greater Boston area while working directly in a setting that ministers to and services homeless and housing vulnerable populations. The face of homelessness today includes an array of life experiences that often surprise our assumptions about the homeless. Housing insecurity or vulnerability is today part of many more households than it used to be. Life in shelters, housing insecurity, struggle with the housing authorities and confusing regulations, chronic abuse (physical, mental, substance, sexual), spiritual, psychological, and financial needs are some of the challenges increasingly facing those already homeless or at risk of losing their home. Through this course students will share in some of the experiences described above as well as enter the world of those providing direct services and support to diverse populations suffering from homelessness and housing insecurity. All students will be asked to dedicate at least 6 hrs./week to their location. In addition, there will be 5 2-hour meetings to be held on campus, time based on class consensus. Prerequisite: ETHI 601 or 602. Limit: 10	Davila	occasional meetings, scheduled by group
PSYC 738	Death and Dying: Cultural Perspectives and Pastoral Care Description One of the most ubiquitous experiences as a minister in any setting—congregational or clinical—is being called upon at the time of death. Situations of death and dying call for one to employ a cross-section of ministerial roles and functions: caregiver to the dying and to the grieving, liturgist and musical consultant for funerals and memorial services, ethical consultant for families and physicians in healthcare settings, and occasional liaison to funeral care providers. The course will include an introduction to common funerary practices in the U.S. and their historical and cultural development, including the growing occurrence of “do-it-yourself” or “home funeral” practices and will introduce students to multireligious perspectives on death and dying. Students will develop pastoral and even prophetic perspectives on question surrounding what we do with our bodies when we die and will develop skills to pastorally accompany others in situations involving death and dying.	Sanders	Tuesday, 6-8:50 p.m.

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