CDS 501. Social and Cultural Analysis. (3 h)

An introduction to interdisciplinary tools and methods for social and cultural analysis of the historical contexts in which religious leaders and faith communities engage in theological reflection and ministry practice.

CDS 510. Nicaragua. (3 h)

CDS 512. Introduction to Research and Writing. (2 h)

This course will introduce students to writing and research in biblical and theological studies. Students will learn the foundational aspects of planning, writing, and revising academic papers as well as how to access and evaluate resources for research. We will also discuss important reading strategies, organizational practices, and appropriate citations.

CDS 521. Interfaith Dialogue. (3 h)

An exploration of the challenges and opportunities presented by the contemporary encounters between Christians and people of other religious communities.

CDS 612. Advanced Research and Writing. (1 h)

This course will introduce students to advanced writing and research methods in biblical and theological studies. Through assignments such as preparing annotations for specific types of research sources and learning strategies for completing significant writing projects, students will develop skills that will support their work in the School of Divinity and any future graduate degrees they may pursue.

CDS 701. Global Human Systems. (3 h)

This course will draw on anthropology, sociology, and health sciences to focus on the global social outcomes of decision making and resource managment, with an emphasis on sustainability in cultural contexts. Topics that will be covered include sustainable community development, agricultural policy, the effects of sustainability policy choices on public and community health, and public policy regulating the built environment. Students will look at these through the lens of environmental ethics and learn to think critically about the interdependence of economic and environmental policy and community well-being. After studying sustainability initiatives in developing nations, they should be able to realistically assess the feasibility of development strategies in various societies.

CDS 790. Topics. (1-3 h)

CDS 790A. Topics. (1-3 h)

CDS 790B. Topics. (1-3 h)

CDS 790C. Topics. (1-3 h)

CDS 791. Senior Research. (3 h)

Working with a faculty advisor and following a course syllabus developed by the academic dean, students engage in a semester of research on a topic of theological inquiry in the Fall of their third year. This course can stand alone or serve as preparation for CDS 792 Senior Project.

CDS 792. Senior Project. (3 h)

Drawing on work completed in CDS 791, students engage in the creation of a significant, research-informed reflection on a topic of theological inquiry. Senior projects may take the form of a traditional written thesis. They may also be developed in other media - for example, a project around a ministry practice completed in an internship setting or a project in an artistic performance or medium. Students select and partner with a faculty advisor who guides the development of the senior project over the course of the student’s third year. The academic dean coordinates the senior project process for all third-year students who register for this option.