Other Courses
Denominational Courses
Courses pertaining to the United Methodist Church
DS511. History of Methodism
Credit, three hours. (Daniel, Matthews)
This course traces the historical development of United Methodism and its predecessor bodies primarily in the United States, including major themes in theology and polity. It introduces John Wesley and Methodist origins in England. Does not fulfill area requirements.
DS512. Theology of Wesley and Methodism
Credit, three hours. (Matthews)
This course focuses on John Wesley’s life and the development of his theology in the context of the emerging Methodist movement during the eighteenth century; on developments and modifications of Wesley’s theology by his nineteenth- and twentieth-century heirs and successors, especially in North America; and on contemporary discussions of doctrine and theology in the United Methodist Church.
DS513. Discipline of the United Methodist Church
Credit, three hours. (Frank; White, W)
This course examines the polity of the United Methodist Church, with attention to the way polity evolves historically and expresses the church's ecclesiology and engagement with contemporary issues.
Courses pertaining to the Baptist Tradition
DS521. The Baptist Tradition: History and Theology
Credit, three hours. Fall 2004 (Key)
A study of the origins, development, and theological distinctives of the various
strands of the Baptist tradition from its origins in England to its flourishing
in the United States and spread to other parts of the world. Does not fulfill
area requirements.
DS522. Systematic Theology in Baptist Perspective
Credit, three hours. (Key)
This course seeks to engage students in critical reflection on Christian theology according to the distinct emphases of the Baptist tradition. Using
the ecclesiological and ethical ideal of the believers' church as the creative
center of the Baptist tradition, the course will employ that ideal as the interpretive
lens through which the broad scope of Christian doctrine may be viewed.
DS523. Baptist Traditions and Church Praxis
Credit, three hours. (Key)
This course examines worldwide Baptist traditions from their seventeenth Century
English beginnings to the present, especially Baptists in America. The class
explores how to apply Baptist distinctives in a constructive way to issues
facing the church and society today.
Courses pertaining to the Anglican and Episcopal Traditions
DS531. History of the Episcopal Church
Credit, two hours. (Faculty)
The course will trace the development of the Episcopal Church in the United States from the English Reformation through the colonial period, the American Revolution and its aftermath, to the present time. There will be particular emphasis on Anglican identity in the context of the American experience and the current issues this raises within the Anglican Communion. Does not fulfill area requirements.
DS533. Episcopal Prayer Book and Polity
Credit, two hours. (Faculty)
The course will trace the history, theology and rationale of the Book of Common Prayer from the first English Prayer Book to the 1979 Book of Common Prayer, which in the light of the Liturgical Movement is a significant departure from all other prayer books in the Cramnerian tradition. Particular attention will be given to the Daily Offices, rites of initiation and the Eucharist in the context of the Paschal Mystery. The course will also examine the polity of the Episcopal Church as embodied in its liturgy and canon law. Does
not fulfill area requirements.
Courses pertaining to the United Church of Christ
DS541. History, Polity, and Customs of the United Church of Christ
Credit, three hours. (Faculty)
Does not fulfill area requirements.
Courses pertaining to the African Methodist Episcopal Church
DS551. Polity of the AME Church
Credit, three hours. (Faculty)
Does not fulfill area requirements.
Courses pertaining to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
DS561. History and Polity of the Christian Church Disciples of Christ
Credit, three hours. (Faculty)
Does not fulfill area requirements.
Courses pertaining to the Reformed Tradition
DS572. Theology of the Reformed Traditions
Credit, two to three hours. (Faculty)
Does not fulfill area requirements.
Contextual Education
CE550. Contextual Education I Weekly Reflection Meeting
Fall. Credit, one credit hour. (Faculty)
In the first semester, students meet weekly with their Contextual Education I site group and site supervisor on campus.
CE551. Contextual Education I Site Work
Fall. Credit, one credit hour. (Faculty)
During the first year of Contextual Education I, students are placed in a social service or clinical setting, unless they are enrolled in the Teaching Parish or Anglican Studies track. Four hours of weekly engagement at these sites during the entire academic year give students the opportunity to experience various ministries and pastoral relationships. Note: In the fall, all Contextual Education I students are enrolled in one of six three-hour Introductory Arts of Ministry classes, each class coordinated with two contextual education sites. These classes are designated exclusively for first year students. Two Contextual Education groups are placed together in one Introductory Arts of Ministry class.
CE552. Contextual Education I Reflection Group
Spring. Credit, two credit hours. (Faculty)
In the second semester, students continue working four hours per week at the same Contextual Education I site. Students meet with a faculty member and the site supervisor for a weekly, two-hour theological
reflection group.
CE554Ta,b. Contextual Education I: Teaching Parish
Credit, two hours per semester for two semesters. (Faculty)
Permission of instructor needed. First-year MDiv students who are in the Teaching Parish Program may enroll for CE554Ta,b in lieu of CE550, CE551, and CE552. Participants are assigned to student
pastor groups in respective districts under the leadership of the teaching parish
supervisory pastors, United Methodist ministers who serve as Candler adjunct faculty. Course work is experiential and collegial in nature, with student-pastors engaging in practice and reflection on a variety of ministerial activities (e.g., preaching, systems analysis, planning, and teaching).
CE503a,b. Contextual Education II
Credit, two hours per semester for two semesters. (Faculty)
Second-year MDiv students who are not in the Teaching Parish program are assigned to ecclesial settings that share a life of worship as well as ministry. The student's work in the ecclesial setting is supervised by a site supervisor. Weekly small group sessions alternate with period plenary sessions. Contextual Education II groups are composed of colearners inquiring into the history, meaning, and execution of the practices of an ecclesial community. Students remain in the same placement and small group for two semesters. An evaluation is made at the end of each semester, and an in-progress (P) grade is assigned at the end of the first semester if the student is performing satisfactorily. To receive credit, the student must satisfactorily complete two consecutive semesters.
CE503Ta,b. Contextual Education II: Teaching Parish
Credit, two hours per semester for two semesters (Faculty) (Prerequisites: CE501a,b or CE501Ta,b and Permission of instructor needed)
Second-year MDiv students who are in the Teaching Parish program may enroll for CE503T in lieu of CE503. Participants are assigned to student pastor groups in respective districts under the leadership of the Teaching Parish supervisory pastors, United Methodist ministers who serve as Candler Adjunct faculty. Course work is experiential and collegial in nature, with student-pastors engaging in practice and reflection on a variety of ministerial activities (e.g., preaching, systems, analysis, planning, and teaching).
CE507R. Contextual Education for Anglican Students
Credit, two hours per semester. (Faculty)
For postulants preparing for ordination in the Episcopal Church. Students are placed as interns in parish settings and participate each week in a two-hour reflection seminar which examines the parish as a situation of ministry. The class analyzes specific church ministry situations, acts of ministry, priorities and dilemmas of ministry, and development of an operational theory of ministry.
CE545R. Ministry Internship
Variable Credit, six hours maximum. (Faculty)
Internships are a student initiated practical experience for which the student gains academic credit at Candler. Students can intern with a church, an agency, or with an existing internship program. Students must have a Candler faculty member and an approved placement supervisor identified to direct the internship. The student must complete a contract form for approval through the office of contextual education. Internships provide students with an opportunity to tailor their course of study by meeting specific ministry-learning goals they have, to enrich and/or complement their courses, to provide more depth to a particular aspect of ministry, or greater exposure to a broader range of ministry, for instance. To get ideas for an internship opportunity, students are welcome to view the internships notebook in the Office of Contextual Education. It also can be an important avenue for discernment of the student’s professional ministry and calling.
CE546R. Clinical Pastoral Education
Variable credit, six hours maximum.
Basic Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is available to seminarians during the fall, spring, and summer of each year at sites accredited by the national CPE association. CPE is most often located in hospitals, clinics, and community agencies, and the program has a concentrated focus on pastoral care, counseling, and relational skills development. Some traditions (e.g., UM Conferences) require CPE for ordination; students need to determine those specific requirements. CPE can be a part of a person’s preparation for parish, chaplaincy, lay ministry, teaching and counseling. Students apply directly to the site where they would like to do CPE. Once accepted into a particular CPE program, students can apply for Candler academic credit for CPE through the office of contextual education.
CE547R. Teaching Parish
Credit, one hour; four hours maximum. (Rogers)
This course is taken after the completion of the CE501Ta,b and CE503Ta,b sequences.
Participants are assigned to student pastor groups in respective districts under the leadership of the teaching parish supervisory pastors, United Methodist ministers who serve as Candler adjunct faculty. Course work is experiential and collegial in nature, with student-pastors engaging in practice and reflection on a variety of ministerial activities (e.g., preaching, systems, analysis, planning, and teaching).
Directed Studies
BCS699, BL699, CC699, CH669, CT699, DS699, ES699, HT699, LA699, M699, NT699, OT699, P699, PC699, RE699, RP699, SR699, ST699, W699, WR699, WTM699
Variable credit, maximum of three credit hours. Study planned with a professor on a topic not covered by courses regularly taught. The syllabus is developed by the professor and student. For more information on procedures and eligibility please see the catalog.
Certificate studies
Baptist Studies
BAPS500. Baptist Studies Reflection Seminar
Credit, none (Key)
This course is taken concurrently with the second year of Contextual Education. This course is an integrative experience. Students reflect on their theological preparation at Candler and its pragmatic meaning for the future of the Baptist church family.
BAPS501. Baptist Studies Colloquy
Credit, one hour. (Key)
For Baptist studies certificate candidates in the their year. Provides engagement others in the certificate program and offers an opportunity for group reflection.
Black Church Studies
BCS500. Black Church Studies Reflection Seminar
Credit, none. (Faculty)
This course is taken concurrently with the second year of Contextual Education or Contextual Education - Teaching Parish. This course is an integrative experience. Students reflect on their theological preparation at Candler and its pragmatic meaning for the future of black and/or multiracial church communities.
BCS501. Introduction to Black Church Studies
Credit, three hours. (Faculty)
This course explores the wide variety of data related principally to the religions of Americans of African descent for the purpose of enriching personal faith and preparing persons for competent leadership in behalf of God's mission of liberation for all people. The approach is broadly interdisciplinary and contextual, drawing especially on religious and theological disciplines. (Race, Ethnicity, and Gender)
BCS502. Black Church Studies Colloquy
Credit, one hour. (Faculty)
For black church studies certificate candidates in the third year. Provides engagement with the history/theology of the black church, a forum for discussion around contemporary issues related to black and multiracial churches, and an opportunity for group reflection.
BCS504. Black Church Studies Retreat
Credit, none. (Faculty)
This course will be added to the transcript by the registrar after completion of the retreat.
Religious Education
RE504. Religious Education Retreat
Credit, none. (Brelsford)
This course will be added to the transcript by the registrar after completion of the retreat.
RE507. Religious Education Professional Conference
Credit, none. (Brelsford)
This course will be added to the transcript by the registrar after completion of the conference.
Women in Theology and Ministry
WTM500. Women in Theology and Ministry Reflection Seminar
Credit, none. (Moore)
This course is taken concurrently with the second year of contextual education or contextual education—teaching parish.
WTM501. Women in Theology and Ministry Certification Colloquy
Credit, one hour. (Moore)
For Women in Theology and Ministry certificate candidates in the sixth semester for MDiv students and fourth semester for MTS students.
WTM503. Global Feminisms and Christian Tradition
Credit, three hours (Moore)
This course explores theological traditions emerging in communities around the world, focusing on women's reflective action, critical analysis, tradition retrieval, and theological constructions. The purpose is to: evoke theological passions, explore the passions and perspectives of women in diverse contexts, engage theological questions with critical imagination, and develop theological perspectives and actions for the future. The class will engage in reading, research, and resource development in dialogue with these global movements. (Race, Ethnicity, and Gender)
WTM504. Women in Theology and Ministry Retreat
Credit, none. (Moore)
This course will be added to the transcript by the registrar after completion of the retreat.
Doctor of Theology Courses
ATA421. Family Systems
Credit, three hours. (Faculty)
This course explores family theories and how systems theory illuminates understanding of function, dysfunction, and therapy for families.
ATA434. Exploring the Field of Family Therapy
Credit, three hours. (Faculty)
An overview course that examines a range of theories of family therapy.
ATA435. Ethics in Family Therapy
Credit, three hours. (Faculty)
This course examines the ethical, legal, theological, and professional issues involved in the practice of family and marital therapy.
ATA463. The Historical and Social Dimensions of Contemporary Pastoral Counseling
Credit, three hours. (Faculty)
Modern history of pastoral counseling is examined, including its roots in theology, philosophy, psychiatry, psychology, psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, and existential and humanistic psychology. (core course)
ATA471. Human Being in Context
Credit, three hours. (Faculty)
Theological and psychological theories of personhood, selfhood, and personality are examined in this course. The implications of these theories in themselves and the interactions between them are explored. The import of these theories for different approaches to pastoral counseling are assessed. (core course)
ATA473. Pastoral Transformation and Change
Credit, three hours. (Faculty)
Taken in the first year, this course provides residents with the basic tools to begin seeing clients. This includes both the theoretical and practical aspects of pastoral counseling, such as office procedures,fee setting and scheduling, history making and intake procedures, and any other necessary practical matters. It also includes such theoretical issues as listening, empathy, transference and counter-transference, neutrality, therapeutic authority, and the use of the self. In addition, this course provides an in-depth understanding of assessment, diagnosis, and treatment from the developmental perspective of ego psychology and object relations theory. (core course)
ATA475. Pastoral Theological Method
Credit, three hours. (Faculty)
Pastoral theology as a theological discipline, including soteriology, ecclesiology, and methodologies of theology, pastoral care, and counseling. These are examined as a means of assisting students in theological reflection and critique appropriate to the ministry of pastoral counseling. (core course)
ATA476. Family Evaluation and Treatment
Credit, three hours. (Faculty)
This course explores diagnosis of family dysfunction and therapeutic strategies that are indicated for effective restorative treatment.
ATA477. Seminar in Pastoral Supervision
Credit, three hours (Faculty)
Taken in the second year, students focus on working with clients with disorders most difficult to understand and help. Professional development is emphasized through study of the influences of race, ethnicity, gender, culture, and spirituality on theories and practices of pastoral counseling.
ATA478a. Group Therapy: Theory
Credit, three hours. (Faculty)
This course provides a broad overview of the theoretical underpinnings of different forms of group therapy, facilitating conceptualization of what happens in group therapeutic processes.
ATA478b. Group Therapy: Process
Credit, three hours. Prerequisite: ATA478a, (Faculty)
This course focuses on group process, exploring and examining group therapeutic processes experientially and in practice.
ATA479. Family Development
Credit, three hours. (Faculty)
This course explores the cycles of development that families go through in particular cultural settings.
ATA481. Pastoral Counseling Research Seminar
Credit, four hours. (Faculty)
This course consists of a three-hour seminar
and one hour of integrative colloquy. The course focuses on research methodology in pastoral counseling and pastoral theology directed to the development of a student’s doctoral dissertation proposal. It includes attention to research method and design and provides opportunities
for students to integrate theory and practice in the construction of a viable research proposal.
ATA485S Summer Practicum
Credit, three hours. (Faculty)
In the summer between the first and second years students are given supervision and reflection on their ongoing clinical work.
ATA485 a, b, c, d. Practicum: Individual Supervision
Credit, four hours. (Faculty)
Students in the practicum are given one credit hour per semester of supervision by a certified pastoral counselor for their clinical practice.
ATA486 a, b, c, d. Practicum: Group Supervision
Credit, four hours. (Faculty)
Students in the practicum are given one credit hour per semester of supervision in groups by qualified pastoral counselors.
ATA487 a, b, c, d. Practicum: Case Conference
Credit, four hours. (Faculty)
Students meet in groups with professionals(in social work, psychiatry, and practical theology) for one and a half credits per semester, in discussion of the clinical casework.
ATA489. Intercultural Pastoral Care and Counseling
(Cross-listed with GDR course RLPC 720G)
The theories and practices of pastoral care and counseling reflect the cultures in which they are formed. This course examines the influence of race, ethnicity, gender, culture, and spirituality on theories
and practices of pastoral counseling. By examining the writings of selected counseling practitioners who address these issues, cross-cultural, multicultural and intercultural approaches will be explored. Particular attention will be paid to how cultural analysis can assist the processes of counseling and pastoral care. Some exposure to clinical counseling
practice is required to participate in this class.
ATA490. Advanced Seminar
Credit, variable. (Faculty)
Topics determined from time to time by faculty.
Administrative Courses by Degree
Master of Divinity
MDIV502R. Master of Divinity Thesis
Credit, six hours maximum. (Kraftchick)
Students prepare thesis proposals that must be approved before permission is given to proceed with the thesis writing.
MDIV505. Master of Divinity First Year Advising Group
Credit, one hour. (Faculty)
First-year students are required to enroll in the First Year Advising Group. Advising groups will be composed of ten to twelve first-year students, along with a faculty adviser and third-year MDiv student peer advisers. These groups will assist first-year students with orientation to the Candler community, Emory, and the first year of graduate studies.
MDIV510a. Thinking Through Theological Education: Sacred Texts
Credit, one hour. (Faculty)
The mission of theological education is to prepare thoughtful and discerning leaders for complex contexts of ministry in an ever-changing world. Such leadership requires both religious faithfulness and well-developed practices of critical investigation, analysis, and communication characterized by clarity, precision, and purposefulness. This course, for first-year MDiv students, is designed to build upon students’ existing skills and assist in developing critical practices for understanding
religion and theology and for contributing to religious and theological understanding in others. These objectives will be accomplished through exercises and assignments designed to strengthen capacities for thinking and knowing with particular emphasis on: reading biblical and theological texts; writing in academic and ecclesial contexts; and critical analysis
of opinions, facts, and beliefs. The course will meet in small colloquy groups and will be coordinated with OT501 in the fall and CT501 in the spring through synchronization of some assignments and topics.
MDIV510b. Thinking Through Theological Education: Christian Traditions
Credit, one hour. (Faculty)
The mission of theological education is to prepare thoughtful and discerning leaders for complex contexts of ministry in an ever-changing world. Such leadership
requires both religious faithfulness and well-developed practices of critical investigation, analysis, and communication
characterized by clarity, precision, and purposefulness. This course, for first-year MDiv students, is designed to build upon students’ existing skills and assist in developing critical practices for understanding
religion and theology and for contributing to religious and theological understanding in others. These objectives will be accomplished through exercises and assignments designed to strengthen capacities for thinking and knowing with particular emphasis on: reading biblical and theological texts; writing in academic and ecclesial contexts; and critical analysis
of opinions, facts, and beliefs. The course will meet in small colloquy groups and will be coordinated with OT501 in the fall and CT501 in the spring through synchronization of some assignments and topics.
MDIV511. Thinking Through Theological Education II
Credit, one hour. (Faculty)
MDIV999R. Master of Divinity Administrative Fee
Credit, none. (Registrar)
Master of Theological Studies
MTS501. Master of Theological Studies Colloquy
Credit, two hours. (Kraftchick)
Small group discussions in which entering MTS students clarify their involvement in the program. In this one-semester colloquy, students become acquainted with each other and develop cohesion within the group.
MTS502. Master of Theological Studies Thesis
Credit, six hours maximum. (Kraftchick)
Students prepare thesis proposals that must be approved before permission is given to proceed with the thesis writing.
MTS503. Master of Theological Studies Integrative Paper
Credit, two hours. (Kraftchick)
MTS999R. Master of Theological Studies Administrative Fee
Credit, none. (Registrar)
Master of Theology
THM501a,b. Master of Theology Seminar
Credit, four hours.
THM999R. Master of Theology Administrative Fee
Credit, none (Registrar)
Doctor of Theology in Pastoral Counseling
ATA473. Theory and Practice of Pastoral Counseling
Credit, three hours. (Johnson)
ATA489R. Directed Study
Variable credit, maximum of three credit hours. Study planned with a professor on a topic not covered by courses regularly taught. The syllabus is developed by the professor and student.
ATA496. Dissertation Research
Variable credit, maximum of three credit hours. For students who take fewer than six hours of ATA481.
ATA499R. Doctor of Theology Administrative Fee
Credit, none. (Registrar)
ATA Cross Registration
CO99R. Columbia Coursework
Variable credit. Used to designate course work taken through cross-registration at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia.
ER999R. Erskine Coursework
Variable credit. Used to designate course work taken through cross-registration at Erskine Seminary in Due West, South Carolina.
IT999R. Interdenominational Theological Center Coursework
Variable credit. Used to designate course work taken through cross-registration at Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta.
LTC999R. Lutheran Theological Center Coursework
Variable credit. Used to designate course work taken through cross-registration at the Lutheran Theological Center in Columbia, South Carolina.
MC999R. McAfee Coursework
Variable credit. Used to designate course work taken through cross-registration at McAfee School of Theology, Mercer University, in Atlanta.
English for Speakers of Other Languages
TESL300. English as a Second Language—Written Skills
Credit, three hours. (Rubin)
Students will become familiar with the grammar, diction, organization, and stylistic conventions that characterize written English for academic purposes. Students will engage in close analysis of academic writing in English, will engage in a series of writing exercises, and will produce coherent essays of varying length and topical focus. Active participation in class discussions and peer feedback is required.
TESL301. English as a Second Language—Oral Skills
Credit, three hours. (Rubin)
Students will learn advanced skills in English pronunciation to enhance intelligibility and communication effectiveness. In addition, students will become more comfortable and competent in making oral academic presentations and in engaging in classroom discussion in English. Students will practice principles of English pronunciation including word stress, emphasis, and sentence intonation. Students will prepare and deliver several oral presentations of varying length and topical focus. Active participation in class discussions and peer feedback is required.
-- Last updated 01.29.2008