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Click for Starr King course fees.
Updated: 04/01/08
Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | To Be Announced
Compassion and Moral Repair
9:40 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Monday
Christine Fry
"Now is the time to open wide our hearts," says Alice Walker. The world, our planet, our very lives depend on it. Yet many of us become overwhelmed, stuck or indifferent in the face of so much suffering. This will be a class in compassion. Students will covenant together to learn and practice compassion together. Drawing on a variety of religious traditions — including Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam — students will will deepen and strengthen their ability to act with compassion in their lives and ministries and, thus, help "repair the world." In addition to readings and class participation, students will perform at least twelve hours of compassionate service and participate in an online Compassion Practice Circle.
PS 4613
3 units
Minimum: 1
Limit: 15
Fireside Room
Teacher and Prophet
9:40-12:30 Tuesdays
Michelle Favreault
The role of teaching in congregational and community settings is one of prophetic possibility and power. We will explore the art of teaching as a religious leader and experiment with forms, content and group process techniques. This Advanced class will consider a postmodern critique of "small group work" or "student centered learning/teaching." We will learn about and through multiple intelligences for learners of all ages. This will be a dynamic classroom that combines lectures, guided discussion, mentoring, apprenticeship and judiciously teaching one another. We will draw, eat, talk, write, take walks, watch films, take self-created impromptu field trips, sing, argue and move.
ED 4056
3 units
Minimum: 1
Limit: 10
Reading Room
Unitarian Universalist History in North America
2:10-5:00 p.m., Tuesdays, March 31-May 19, 2009
David Sammons
In spite of earlier developments in Europe, both Universalism and Unitarianism can be considered North American religions with their roots in a more reasoned (in the case of Unitarians) and heartfelt (in the case of Universalists) to the Puritanism of New England, out of which both grew. This course will explore the beginnings of these two movements, their growth and change, the controversies that challenged them, and their eventual coming together in the Unitarian Universalist Association. Explored will be all aspects of our history, from theology to personalities to institutional change.
HS 4007
1.5 units
Minimum: 1
Limit: 25
Fireside Room
Dr. Howard Thurman — The Search for Common Ground in the 21st Century
7:10-9:40 p.m., Tuesdays
Dorsey Blake
Considered a 20th Century prophet by historian Lerone Bennett, Dr. Howard Thurman created a body of spiritual insights exploring the relation between mysticism and social action. This course will focus on comprehending the ideal of community as expressed through the thought and ministry of Dr. Howard Thurman. A goal of this course will be the discernment of evidence of oneness across racial, sexual, cultural, religious, and national boundaries. A crucial objective will be the embracing of spiritual discipline as an essential method for engaging the search for common ground in the 21st Century.
RSSP 4568
3 units
Minimum: 1
Limit: 15
Fireside Room
Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | To Be Announced
Unitarian Universalist Theologies: Modernity and Postmodernity
9:40 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Wednesday
Rebecca Ann Parker
The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to distinctive theological perspectives present within Unitarian Universalist traditions and congregations, and to equip students to begin to think and write theologically in the context of post-modern religious communities and culture. Unitarian Universalism will serve as a case study in post-modern religious community and as a specific location for theological reflection. Especially oriented to students who identify as Unitarian Universalists, participants in this course will be encouraged to form a practice of engaged theological thinking within the context of Unitarian Universalism's particular perspectives, resources, limits and possibilities. Students who do not identify as Unitarian Universalists will be encouraged to become acquainted with this expression of American progressive post-Christian Protestantism as a site in which theological issues critical to post-modern religious community can be engaged.
ST 4019
3 units
Minimum: 1
Limit: 18
Fireside Room
Indigenous Ways of Knowledge
2:10-5:00 p.m., Wednesday
Phillip Scott
An experiential course presenting Indigenous perspectives and Ways of Living — including practices related to the healing arts and the relationship to the Sacred. Designed to inform the student of the rich, elegant, sophisticated worldviews of Native peoples as well as to cultivate religious and cultural sensitivity and personal healing.
HRSP 4013
3 units
Minimum: 1
Limit: 30
Fireside Room
Prisons and Punishment
7:10-9:40 pm, Wednesdays, February 4-March 18, 2009
Laura Magnani
A comprehensive look at the criminal justice system, its history, trends, and current practices. How do we, as people of faith, minister to victims, offenders, and family members of those caught up in the system? There is a tendency, in public discourse to address criminal justice in a vacuum, whereas in this class the context for our work will be social, racial, and economic justice. Issues about prison chaplaincy, including the ethical questions imbedded in that ministry, will be discussed. We will explore new paradigms of justice, including restorative/transformative models and examine what prophetic witness calls us to.
CERS 4472
1.5 units
Minimum: 1
Limit: 30
Fireside Room
Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | To Be Announced
Sufi Story Telling and the Art of Sermon
7:10-9:40 p.m., Thursday
Shaykh Yassir Chadly
For centuries Sufi teachers have used the ancient art of storytelling to inspire, motivate, and provide insights into complex spiritual concepts. Parables and stories have universal appeal, speaking to people of all ages, genders, cultures, and ethnicities. The creative use of storytelling within a sermon has the ability to enliven and enrich its message, capturing the imagination of the listener. In this course students will learn how to effectively integrate storytelling into sermon preparation and delivery. Through understanding and incorporating Sufi principles, students will be encouraged to find their own voice and particular style in crafting and delivering sermons within their individual faith traditions.
HRHM 4816
3 units
Minimum: 1
Limit: 25
Fireside Room
Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | To Be Announced
Graduate Level Pedagogies
9:40 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Friday
Jo Sanzgiri
This course examines pedagogies that we learn/teach from, in a context of multicultural and trans-national approaches. Pedagogy, the art and science of teaching, will encourage us to examine aesthetic (experiential) and cerebral (critical thinking) approaches to the philosophy of teaching. We will read assigned articles, engage in focused questions posted on Blackboard, write term papers. One short lecture will be prepared by each participant taking the class, based on cultural assumptions that are non Western. We will make choices about which pedagogies might best align with Starr King's commitment to counter oppressions and develop just and sustainable learning communities. This class is required for all SKSM students wishing to apply to be Starr King Teaching Fellows during the 2010-2011 school year.
ED 4875
3 units
Minimum: 1
Limit: 12
Reading Room
Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | To Be Announced
Experiencing Kabbalah
10:00 am-3:00 pm, Two Saturdays March 7 and 14, 2009
Charles Burack
Kabbalah is the mystical heart of Judaism and has influenced both Christian and Muslim mysticism. In this course, we examine key Jewish mystical texts, ideas and practices and discuss their relevance to spirituality and personal development today. We explore the Kabbalists' experience of an androgynous divinity, their mapping of divine creative powers onto human beings, and their understanding of the mystical and magical nature of scriptures. We will also experience some of their transformative practices: prayers, blessings, rituals, songs, chants, and meditations. No background in Judaism is needed. Comparisons with other spiritual traditions will be made. Before the first class session, students should read parts 1 and 2 of David Cooper's God Is A Verb. For the second session, read parts 3 and 4 of God Is A Verb. A final 5-10 page paper will be due two weeks after last class session.
SPHR 4047
1.0 unit
Minimum: 1
Limit: 30
Fireside Room
Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | To Be Announced
Infield Assignment III: Congregational Fieldwork
TBA
Patti Lawrence
Fieldwork in Unitarian Universalist congregations includes teaching a religious education class for children or adults, working with a youth group, participating in a stewardship campaign and more. Please arrange with the professor.
FE 4002
1 to 5 units
Minimum: 1
Limit: 25
Community Fieldwork
TBA
Gabriella Lettini
Community Fieldwork involves supervised placements in a non-profit service agency, hospice work, literacy counseling and more. Those who register for this course should also register for FE 4035, Community Fieldwork Reflection II. Arrangements should be made with the professor.
FE 4310
1 to 10 units
Minimum: 1
Limit: 25
Community Fieldwork Reflection II
TBA
Gabriella Lettini
All SKSM students doing community fieldwork will meet together for reflection on their ministerial work, as it is only through the processes of theological reflection and critical reflection on experience that field work becomes field education. This class is designed to broaden and to deepen students' analytic perspective on their field site contexts and on their roles as religious leaders and professionals. Students will be learning how to think and learn in a praxis oriented way, that is, allowing situations of practice to deepen and challenge their academic knowledge about theology, and allowing their academic knowledge of theology to deepen and challenge their ministerial practice. In field-based experiences the depth of students' learning depends entirely upon how well they can implement praxis oriented learning. Arrange with Instructor. All participants will be expected to attend a gathering on January 27, 2009.
FE 4035
2 units
Minimum: 1
Limit: 25
Clinical Pastoral Education
TBA
Gabriella Lettini
This is for Starr King Students engaged in part-time or full-time Clinical Pastoral Education. Participate in ministry to persons, and in individual group reflection upon that ministry. Theoretical material from theology, the behavioral sciences, and pastoral care. Integrates theological understanding and knowledge of behavioral science into pastoral functioning. Upon completion, a written evaluation from the program supervisor will be placed into the student's permanent files. Arrange with your advisor or the Director of Studies in Public Ministry.
FE 4012
1-10 units
Parish Internship Spring
TBA
Patti Lawrence
This is a 6-10 month full-time or part-time experience in a teaching congregation under the supervision of a Minister in final Fellowship, an intern committee, and the Professor of Congregational Studies. Those who register for this course should also register for FE 4025, Intern Reflection Group.
FE 4211
5-10 units
Minimum: 1
Limit: 25
Intern Reflection Group
TBA
Patti Lawrence
All Starr King students working as interns in Unitarian Universalist congregations are expected to participate in this time of reflection on their ministerial work. All participants will be expected to attend the Starr King Intern Gathering on January 27-28, 2009.
FE 4025
2 units
Minimum: 1
Limit: 25
MASC Project
TBA
Gabriella Lettini
For SKSM Master of Arts in Religious Leadership for Social Change (MASC) students only. MASC students should sign up for this class during the semesters when they are producing their final project representative of their learning during the program. A copy of the project will be placed in a public collection at the school.
MA 5300
1-12 units
In Thesis
TBA
Faculty
All Masters level students in the GTU community should use this designation if they are working on their thesis.
MA 5000
1-12 units
Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | To Be Announced
2008-2009
Fall / Intersession / Spring /Saturday Intensives / Online
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