This program is designed to help the classroom practitioner or administrator develops the skills to effectively construct and direct a program of religious studies. Upon completion of the program, participants who qualify, may also receive the Lutheran Teaching Diploma (LTD). The religious studies component is based on the traditional teaching of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS).
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Educational Leadership Studies Core
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15 credits
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EDU520
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Educational Leadership: Theory and Practice
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3
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EDU530
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Organizational Theory in Educational Settings
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3
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EDU550
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Research Methods in Education
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3
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EDU570
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Professional Learning Communities in a Pluralistic Society
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3
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EDU580
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Curriculum Development & Instructional Supervision
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3
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Religious Education Studies: Concentration Requirements
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21 credits
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RES501
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Advanced Studies in the Old Testament
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3
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RES502
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Advanced Studies in the New Testament
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3
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RES503
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Confessional Lutheran Theology
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3
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RES504
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Christian Doctrine
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3
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EDU605
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Curriculum Construction for Teaching the Faith
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2
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REL506
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Varieties of Belief
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2
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HIS507
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History of Christian Thought
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2
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RES508
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Seminar on the Office of the Christian Ministry
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2
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EDU794
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Project in Religious Education
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1
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Course Descriptions
EDU 520 Educational Leadership: Theory and Practice (3 credits)
An exploration of the basic principles of educational leadership within the sociopolitical context of schools. An analysis of the beliefs and practices required for high levels of performance.
EDU 530 Organizational Theory in Educational Settings (3 credits)
This course presents traditional and contemporary theories, research and practices related to the behavior of human beings in formal organizations, particularly within the context of the school an institution.
EDU 550 Research Methods in Education (3 credits)
This course provides a broad introduction to educational research and the various traditions found within the community of educational researchers. Attention will be given to the central role of data collection and interpretation in curricular, programmatic, and leadership decision-making. The student will examine the moral, legal, and ethical issues that arise when conducting research. The coursework leads to the development of the initial research project design for meeting the degree requirements of the Master of Science in Educational Leadership.
EDU 570 Professional Learning Communities in a Pluralistic Society (3 credits)
An overview of the development of learning communities within the school system. The emphasis in this course is that the school system reflects the community it serves. This includes developing partnerships with the parents, the business community and local/state/federal agencies that serve the community.
EDU580 Curriculum Development and Instructional Supervision (3 credits)
Candidates examine the criteria and development of effective instructional programs, including the dynamics involved in planning, implementation and evaluation of programs; the implications of personnel and resource development to the overall instructional model; and the skills necessary to effectively and positively impact personnel in order to create and sustain a positive learning environment.
*RES 501 Advanced Studies in the Old Testament (3 credits)
Students explore Old Testament Biblical literature within its historical, cultural and geographical settings in order to understand its message to God’s people then and now. Examination of the genres and canon of the Old Testament along with Biblical interpretation skills are emphasized.
*RES 502 Advanced Studies in the New Testament (3 credits)
This course examines the literature of the canonical New Testament in light of the world within the text (literature), the world behind the text (history), and the world in front of the text (culture of the contemporary reader). Emphasis is given to developing the art or skill of interpreting the Bible as religious literature.
*RES 503 Confessional Lutheran Theology (3 credits)
An in-depth study of Christian doctrine as presented by the 16th-century Lutheran Confessions and by contemporary Missouri Synod theologians. The doctrinal units studied with an emphasis on their applicability to today's Christians are: The nature of confessional Lutheran theology; revelation and inspiration; the nature of the Triune God; creation; divine providence; saving grace; the nature, work and offices of Jesus as the Christ.
*RES 504 Christian Doctrine (3 credits)
A detailed examination, on the basis of the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions, of such doctrinal matters as: the person and work of the Holy Spirit, sanctification as the particular sphere of the Spirit's activity; the means of grace as the instruments through which the Spirit engenders and sustains personal faith, and in the process effects a redeemed community, the holy Christian church. The doctrines of Holy Scripture and church and ministry are also explored, as is the biblical teaching on the "last things" (eschatology).
*EDU 605 Curriculum Construction for Teaching the Faith (2 credits)
Students will examine faith development theory and the practice of curriculum construction and design for teaching faith based subjects. Curriculum construction includes building instructional objectives, mapping scope and sequence, assessment, differentiating instruction, and improvement. Instructional methods and materials for teaching the Christian faith will be explored. The course leads students to mastery in selecting materials, structuring the unit plan, the lesson plan and facilitating the learning process.
*REL 506 Varieties of Belief (2 credits)
This is a survey course of the major Christian denominations and non-Christian religions of America. Students explore religious terms, texts, and belief systems. Points of contact or conflict with basic Christian affirmations will be examined.
*HIS 507 History of Christian Thought (2 credits)
A historical survey of Christian thought, placed in the context of the Church’s history, from the first century into the 20th century. Emphasis is placed upon the articulation and development of the doctrinal, institutional, and ethical patterns of the church in the light of the Biblical witness and contemporary social, cultural, and intellectual environments.
*RES 508 Seminar on the Office of the Christian Teacher (2 credits)
This course is a historical survey of Lutheran Christian School development. The student examines the relationship of the school to the parish and the teacher’s role in the ministry of the parish. The organizational structure of the LCMS and the management of the doctrinal, institutional, and ethical patterns of the church are explored. The professional ethics of the teachers in the light of the Biblical witness and contemporary social, cultural, and intellectual environments are discussed in light of the doctrine of the call.
*EDU 794 Project in Religious Education Studies (1 credit)
Guided project in the development of an educational/instruction product for teaching the Faith.
*NOTE: Courses RES501, RES502, RES503, RES504, RES508, REL506, HIS507, EDU605, & EDU794 may be taken for no credit to fulfill the theological preparation requirements of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod Colloquy Studies beginning July 2006. Currently this concentration is only offered on Concordia’s campus.
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