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 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 610. Theological Design Lab I. (3 h)

In the Theological Design Lab, students engage in a sustained, collaborative, and critical process of experiential learning, responding to the needs of society with innovative religious and theological ideas and praxis. Employing the principles of design thinking, students enter into conversation with one another and members of the community in order to discover, ideate, implement, and assess the efficacy of a project that addresses a given challenge facing the community.

CDS 611. Theological Design Lab II. (3 h)

In the Theological Design Lab, students engage in a sustained, collaborative, and critical process of experiential learning, responding to the needs of society with innovative religious and theological ideas and praxis. Employing the principles of design thinking, students enter into conversation with one another and members of the community in order to discover, ideate, implement, and assess the efficacy of a project that addresses a given challenge facing the community.

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.