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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12 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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Religious Education Studies: Concentration Requirements
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18 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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REL502
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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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RES505
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Curriculum Construction for Teaching the Faith
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2
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RES506
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Varieties of Belief
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2
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RES507
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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 Teacher
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2
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RES510
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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)
This course presents definitions and principles of servant leadership within the sociopolitical context of schools; examines processes and functions of various educational leadership roles, both traditional and contemporary; identifies critical leadership roles; examines and develops beliefs and practices which promote 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 the nature of educational research and its various traditions, including differing epistemological orientations and the fundamental issues within each research paradigm. Attention will be given to the central role of data collection and interpretation in curricular and programmatic decision-making. The ethical and legal considerations of research using human subjects will be examined with particular attention to the university’s Human Subjects Research Policy
EDU 570 Professional Learning Communities in a Pluralistic Society (3 credits)
This course presents research and practices aimed at developing professional learning communities and nurturing positive school cultures. Emphasis is placed on creating partnerships with parents, the business community, and local/state/federal agencies in order to ensure that the community’s diversity and resources are represented in decision-making processes.
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).
RES 505 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.
RES 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.
RES 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.
RES 510 Project in Religious Education Studies (1 credit)
Guided project in the development of an educational/instruction product for teaching the Faith.
NOTE: Courses RES 501- RES 508 may be taken for no credit to fulfill the theological preparation requirements of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod Colloquy Studies beginning July 2006. Contact the School of Education for an application to colloquy studies if you qualify.
Phone 734-995-7392
