ORIENTATION CHICAGO THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY SPRING 2014 NEWSLETTER

CTS ORIENTATION NEWSLETTER SPRING 2013 PAGE 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Classes to Take ...... 2

A Student’s Perspective: Kathy Schuen ...... 3

Financial Aid ...... 4

Streaming Chapel ...... 4

A Student’s Perspective: Angela Parker ...... 5

In and Around Hyde Park and Woodlawn ...... 6

A Student’s Perspective: Josh Simon ...... 9

= most helpful for face-to-face students = most helpful for online students

CLASSES TO TAKE

If you haven’t done so already, you will soon be much time they will be able to devote to their speaking with your advisor about what classes you studies—each online course requires about 12 should take this spring. Here are some ideas. hours of work per week.

MDiv students should think about taking RH 344: Some courses, such as Systematic Theology, History of Christian Thought (online only), RH 301: Religion in North America, and Christian Ethics, Interpreting the Hebrew Bible (online only), or both. have pre-requisites, so most MDiv students will take They might also consider taking RH 325: those courses in a later term. Interpreting the Epistles (face-to-face and online), another required course. Once you’ve completed your Moodle orientation and have been notified about by the registrar about MARL and STM students have more flexibility, and who your advisor is, you can start the registration so should talk with their advisors about their specific process by contacting your advisor. Happy interests before choosing courses. registering! ⯁ We recommend that students who will be taking classes primarily online consider carefully how

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A STUDENT’S PERSPECTIVE: KATHY SCHUEN ONLINE CLASSES, ONLINE SUCCESSES

Hello, everyone. My name is Kathy Schuen, and in images when these illustrate your points. Respond the fall of 2013 I signed up for a CTS course taught promptly to others. Respect deadlines, especially completely online. I live in Portage, Michigan, and those that require responses from your classmates. until last fall I had no way to access the theology And remember—keep your responses positive. and philosophy courses that interested me. I am a Cyber-communications can be easily misinterpreted proud parent of 16-year-old twins, am married to a since the usual conversational cues aren’t available, man who gracefully copes with an extremely so don’t hesitate to ask for and offer clarification debilitating disease and am a working pastor as when it seems indicated. well. I cannot relocate, and a long commute is not possible at this time, as I juggle roles of pastor, Make sure you have internet access! This sounds wife, and mother. So, when an online course on my like a “duh,” but I live in an area subject to power favorite philosopher, Jacques Derrida, was offered I outages. I needed a plan B, and some of my posts immediately signed up. I was starved for deep, were sent from a nearby library’s computer terminal intense and vital conversations—in short, a learning when our power went out. CTS Moodle is extremely community—devoted to exploring the work of this well-managed. Questions are promptly and difficult, fascinating thinker. I was excited to explore thoroughly answered—so don’t be afraid to ask. with others the reality of the virtual, and curious Some things were common knowledge for others in about what that would be like. the class, but were not obvious to me. So, ask! Your classmates and instructor won’t bite, I’ve been asked to share my some of my guaranteed—after all, it’s virtual! experiences and suggestions with those who are new to the online classroom. Here are a few Be prepared to put in the time . . . for me this was recommendations based on things that worked for the hardest part. The level of discourse in the class me: was amazingly high, and I had to work hard on my essays and responses. In an online course the Be a virtual presence in your online class! The only responses can be more considered and in-depth way your classmates will get to know you if you are than in a traditional classroom. The disadvantage is, new to CTS is through your posts and/or webcam however, that this becomes a tacit expectation. It’s check-ins. The usual classroom much easier to keep up than to catch up—and this visual cues will be lacking, is doubly true in an online course where it is so your writing has to impossible to claim the dog ate your paper. convey both your thoughts and your One more thing: be prepared to be amazed, personality. Post often awed, and delighted at the worlds you and your and be creative! Use classmates will uncover together! The instructor charts, video clips, and becomes a valued companion on your explorations rather than a dominating classroom presence, and your learning community can become a place of growth, renewal and creative engagement. Have fun!

Kathy Schuen, Distance Scholar ⯁

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FINANCIAL AID

There are two financial aid issues that may or may to submit applications to be considered for not be of concern to you. Merit and Needs-based scholarships for the 2014–2015 academic year beginning in a. If you need to use student loans for the September 2014. If you wish to apply for spring semester, please download the CTS these types of scholarships, please contact Student Loan Fact Sheet (PDF) from the the CTS Financial Aid Officer Howard CTS website. This fact sheet explains the Nelson at 773-896-2412 or federal student loan program at CTS [email protected] for an explanation including the required FAFSA submittal and of these scholarship opportunities. explains the steps you must take to arrange for student loans. Feel free to contact the Financial Aid Officer Howard Nelson with any questions or concerns. ⯁ b. No spring 2014 semester scholarship assistance (except for the STM program) is available from CTS. But you are encouraged

STREAMING CHAPEL: YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE PRESENT TO PARTICIPATE

A key part of community life here at CTS is our weekly chapel service. Each week, a different group comes together to plan a service of meditation, worship, and/or celebration for the community. All of these services are streamed (broadcast) live online—helping to make chapel accessible for those who may not be able to attend physically but can be at CTS electronically.

And chapel services aren’t the only things accessible online from CTS—various workshops, lectures, and other events are also either streamed or recorded during the school year. These streamed services and events are available via the CTS website to our online students, our alumni, and other friends. These online community life MA student Jae Seon Jo runs the camera for the Casteñeda Lecture. offerings are a great way for us to celebrate, learn, and worship together as one community. We may be separated by distance, but thanks to the online format, we can continue to gather around our common pursuits.

The first chapel of the semester will be a Prayer for Beginnings service on February 5. In addition, be sure to watch Spring Convocation on February 12. Dr. Bo Myung Seo will be speaking on “Ralph Waldo Emerson as a Thinker of Religions.” The streaming links for these will be announced later—check your email and CTS’ Facebook page. ⯁

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A STUDENT’S PERSPECTIVE: ANGELA PARKER WELCOME TO CTS . . . NOW WHAT?

Please allow me to extend greetings to all students As an academic institution, we are charged to who are embarking on seminary training for the first challenge the preconceived notions that you may time. Whether you are a master’s student or a hold dear and force you to ask new questions. You doctoral student, please allow these few reflections may have thought you knew all the answers to to help you make the transition into the comedic every question about faith, theology, ethics and maze of seminary training. I describe seminary scripture reading. However, you will learn in training as “comedic” because I want to remind you seminary that the more questions you ask, the more of the old adage “Sometimes you have to laugh to questions you generate. Be ready for that. keep from crying.” Tip No. 3: Please remain active. You will be Angela, why are you talking about crying? I am tempted to stay in your apartment or library in order beginning seminary, what do I have to cry about!? to try to read everything on your syllabus. Get In actuality, you probably will not cry. But there will outside sometimes! Know that when you step away be times when you will question your decision to be from your work and engage your body (through here and if you have made the right choice by exercise, a walk, tennis, riding your bike), your brain beginning seminary. So, when these thoughts still thinks about your academic work in the occur, please refer to my following tips to help you background. You need that time of refreshment stay on track during your time at CTS. and rejuvenation so you can come back to your academic work with a fresh perspective. Tip No. 1: You cannot read everything. Now do not think I am telling you not to read. I am advising Tip No. 4: If you are a PhD student, scratch you all to learn the art of speed reading. everything I just said! No, I am joking (only a little Speed reading does not mean that you bit, though). For the PhD students that are read every single word of every beginning their programs, please, please, please, single article or book assigned. think about and make notes for your Program of Your reading list for your classes Study. Ask yourself why you are studying at CTS will be way too long. However, and begin to formulate your Program of Study now. you must learn the art of speed We PhD students have a habit of taking way too reading so you can ascertain what long to complete our degrees. Please keep Tips the author’s main points are and No. 1, 2 and 3 in your view but remember that you how the author argues to her must keep moving along in order to complete your conclusion. This is essential in degrees (and get the really cool PhD hat). seminary. Angela N. Parker is a fourth year PhD student Tip No. 2: Expect to be in Bible, Culture, and Hermeneutics with challenged. When I a New Testament focus. Parker entered seminary, I was a attempts to read the sacred good Baptist girl from the texts through a South who thought womanist/postcolonial lens everyone read the Bible in order to provide the same way I did. One liberation and week in seminary transformative knocks those thoughts interpretations. ⯁ right out of your head.

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IN AND AROUND HYDE PARK AND WOODLAWN

Whether you are moving into an apartment in Hyde 2. Walking to CTS: Check the weather before you Park or Woodlawn, or you will just be coming into leave, as you might need to carry an umbrella or the neighborhood for classes and events, here are layer your clothing. Keep your cell phone and other some good things to know: valuables in your pocket and out of sight, just to be safe, but be sure to enjoy the fantastic scenery and Getting Around architecture as you walk!

1. Public transportation to and around CTS: To get 3. Driving to CTS: Parking on the Midway is free, to Hyde Park and Woodlawn, befriend Google Maps and there’s a free parking lot on Stony Island and to get directions for CTA, and check out the CTA’s 60th St., but plan to arrive early in order to snag a website to find maps, fare prices, and status spot, especially when the University of Chicago is in updates for trains and buses. The 6 and 28 buses session. If you want guaranteed parking every day, run between Hyde Park and downtown, and the CTS offers parking in our parking lot for Metra goes both north and south, with a stop right $140/semester—space is limited however, so it’s by CTS. Within Hyde Park, CTA buses 170, 171, first come, first served. In addition, consider 172, and 192 go around the Hyde Park/Kenwood carpooling with your classmates. This is a great way area, and you must pay regular fares for those. to debrief after class, and it’s good for the planet. However, the NightRide shuttles, which start at 5:00 (cont’d) p.m. and run into the early morning every day, are available to anyone for free.

CTA has a bus stop right in front of CTS. The Press Building next door to CTS has good food and coffee.

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Eating and Drinking serve good coffee, and Robust Coffee Lounge at Woodlawn and 63rd does too. There are all kinds of unique restaurants in Hyde Park and Woodlawn. So where do you go when you • For major coffee chains, check out the have a fifteen-minute class break and need coffee? Starbucks on Woodlawn and 55th St. and Where is a good place to celebrate a birthday or Einstein’s Bagels inside the U of C Reynolds take out-of-town guests? Here are some ideas: Club on the corner of 57th St. and University. 1. You’re at CTS and you need a quick meal: 3. You just aced your finals, and it’s time to • The U of C Press Building next door has celebrate with drinks or dessert: sandwiches and prepared meals for breakfast and lunch. • Jimmy’s Woodlawn Tap on Woodlawn and 55th St. (next to the Starbucks) is a nice chill • 57th St. has a nice row of restaurants, bar. They’re cash only, but they have an including Medici, Noodles Etc., Subway, ATM. Edwardo’s Natural Pizza, Z&H Market Café, and Salonica. • Medici on 57th St. has great shakes, floats, cakes, and pies. • B’Gabs Goodies behind CTS serves raw vegan food, smoothies, juices, and teas.

2. You need caffeine in a hurry:

• There’s usually some coffee already made or ready to be made in the student lounge on the third floor of CTS.

57th St.'s restaurants are a short walk from CTS.

• The Pub in the basement of Ida Noyes at 59th St. and Woodlawn (requires a $5 yearly membership).

• Einstein’s Bagels in the Reynolds Club on the corner of 57th St. and University has $1 Go to the student lounge if you need a quick coffee fix. milkshakes every Wednesday!

• The Press Building next door serves 4. You’re done for the day and want a nice dinner: Intelligentsia coffee. • Leona’s at the shopping center on 53rd and • If you’re willing to walk a little farther, Medici, Kimbark. You must try the mozzarella sticks. Z&H Market, and Café 57 on 57th St. all (cont’d)

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• Shinju Sushi on 53rd. They’ve got a great 6. Rockefeller Chapel offers terrific concerts and dinner special. artistic events throughout the year, in addition to church and meditation services weekly. • Cedars Mediterranean Kitchen in the Kimbark shopping center at 53rd and Woodlawn.

• Hyde Park Produce in the Kimbark shopping center at 53rd and Woodlawn. Go here to pick up tasty pre-made meal in the deli case, or buy affordable fresh produce & make a good homemade dinner!

Seven Fun Things to Do in Hyde Park/Woodlawn 1. Go to the Lake; at some point, be sure to have a picnic on Promontory Point on 54th St. Don’t forget the beach and the Lakefront Trail, too!

Rockefeller Chapel's beautiful architecture is a must-see.

7. The Museum of Science and Industry is a great place to visit, and while you’re there, check out the Osaka Garden just south of it. ⯁

Promontory Point offers an unparalleled view of the lake.

2. Check out the Oriental Institute—it’s free and a short distance from CTS.

3. Bookstores galore! Seminary Co-op Bookstore’s new location at Woodlawn and 58th St. is beautiful. But check out 57th Street Books and Powell’s Bookstore, too (just to name a few).

4. An eclectic assortment of shops and even a movie theater—check out 53rd St., Harper Court, and 55th & Lake Park. 5. The Midway right in front of CTS is a beautiful The Osaka Garden is a great place to find park. When the weather’s nice, take a jog there! some peace and quiet.

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A STUDENT’S PERSPECTIVE: JOSH SIMON TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF

I’m a second-year Master of Divinity student; you will love Chicago Theological Seminary. I look forward to meeting, learning, and hanging out with you over the next several years.

When I first started here as a first year student, one of the best pieces of advice I received from a second- year MDiv student came when she noticed that I had not worn a fall jacket on a rather unexpectedly cool day. I mentioned that by the time I realized it was going to be cold. I was already out of the house and couldn’t turn back. She responded with, “Self- care is important.” Now, to keep the practice going, from a second year MDiv student, I give you this advice: to make your experience here successful, you need to practice self- care. You cannot care for others if you do not take care of yourself.

Chicago Theological Seminary will challenge you in many ways; it can be really easy to lose yourself in your academic and church responsibilities and completely forget your own self- care. I suggest spending time with other seminarians outside of CTS, making friends outside of the seminary setting, and exploring Chicago, which truly is an amazing city to people watch. Our community at CTS is an awesome community for learning and growth, but it is vital for you to spend time outside of seminary and religious activities. Finally, do not forget to take time to be by yourself, take time to reflect on the preceding week. See you soon!

Josh Simon, MDiv student ⯁

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