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2016-2018 LSTC Catalog

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2016-2018 LSTC Catalog Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago 2016-2018 Catalog 2016-2017 Academic Calendar August 29-September 1 Orientation & Welcome (Back) for all students All students expected to participate) August 31-September 2 On-line Registration (for new students) for Fall & J-Term September 5 Labor Day (no classes) Fall Semester 2016 September 6 Fall Semester Classes Begin September 7 Opening Convocation Monday, Sept. 12 Last Day to Add a Course Friday, Sept. 16 Last Day to Drop a Course October 11-14 Reading Week October 23-25 Seminary Sampler November 2-4 On-line Registration for Spring Term November 21-25 Thanksgiving Recess December 9 Fall Semester Ends December 10-January 6 Christmas Recess J-Term 2017 January 9 J Term Classes Begin Monday, Jan. 9 Last Day to Add or Drop a Course January 16 Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday (no classes) January 27 J Term Classes End Spring Semester 2017 February 6 Spring Semester Classes Begin Friday, Feb. 10 Last Day to Add a Course Friday, Feb. 17 Last Day to Drop a Course February 19-21 Seminary Sampler March 13-17 Reading Week (no classes) April 5 On-line Registration for Fall Semester 2017 and J Term 2018 opens April 10-14 Holy Week (no classes) April 16 Easter May 12 Spring Term Classes End May 21 Commencement Maymester 2017 May 22-June 2 2016–2018 Catalog Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago i The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago Catalog 2016–2018 The catalog is an announcement of the projected academic programs of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago for the academic years 2016–2017 and 2017–2018. These programs are subject to change. The information here is in no way binding upon LSTC. Rules, regulations, and academic procedures of the seminary are briefly described. Definitive information on these matters will be found in LSTC’s constitution and in the formal actions of the board of directors, the faculty and other governing bodies of the school. Editors Kathleen Billman, Jan Boden, Cheryl Hoth, Esther Menn, Jan Schnell Rippentrop, Benjamin Stewart, Christine Yucha Layout and interior design Brooke Curran Cover photos John Gress, Tricia Koning Photo credits Jan Boden, Roger Bottorff, Joel David, John Gress, Tricia Koning, Jason McGovern, Dirk van der Duim © 2016 Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago ii Greetings from the President At the start of every new year, I hold conversations with di erent student groups. Each has distinctive delights and concerns, ideas about what to retain or improve. I was surprised this year when one of our new students asked what gives me joy and hope. No one ever asked that before. Though at rst thrown by the question’s candor, there was no hesitation in my answer. “Students,” I quickly replied. “It’s you who ll me with joy and hope.” Maybe that’s just the kind of corny response you’d expect from someone like me, but at our seminary, I am not alone in saying that students impel what we do. Sometimes, one’s day is consumed with the ordinary tasks of keeping a school running. We monitor nances, grade assignments, maintain records, repair facilities, seek donations, and so forth—stu that surely fails to inspire. But these are only partial activities, penultimate tasks. What truly excites us are people like you discerning afresh whether some form of ministry is right for you. You come to us with diverse lives, remarkable experiences, amazing stories, inventive plans. In a world where many are cynical and disheartened about the church and the power of the gospel, you show calm condence there is still something worthy of pouring out your life. That’s astonishing—and it lls us with joy and hope. As you read this catalogue and review your choices, I hope you’ll consider how the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago is a distinctive place for your formation to ourish. We’re not yesterday’s school attuned to bygone days. Instead, we form leaders called into the world, bearing witness to the good news of Jesus Christ in many di erent ways. That involves risk—and if you want to join in that venture, we could be the place for you. Should you become part of our community, not only will you receive a ne education in a thriving setting, but also be assured that we will welcome what you have to o er. Your commitment gives our whole church joy and hope for the days ahead. This is a fascinating place with global reach and rich opportunities. We would be delighted to get to know you better and encourage your discernment for service. Amidst the usual prose elsewhere in this catalog are testimonies by current students. Let them tell the journey they’ve taken at our school, and then imagine how you could join that story. And when you’re ready, I invite you to become part of this fascinating and faithful community. Next time you’re in Chicago, please come by for a visit. We’d be delighted to welcome you. Until then, may God bless your discernment. Sincerely, James Nieman President iii iv Contents Academic Calendars inside covers Greetings from the President iii Mission, Vision, Values 3 Welcoming Statement 3 Partners 5 Accreditation 6 Non-Discrimination Policy 7 Location 7 Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Theological Studies, Master of Arts in Ministry Programs 11 Leadership for a Public Church: Revised MDiv, MATS and MAM Programs 11 Public Church Fellows 17 Continuing in the Previous MDiv, MATS and MAM Programs 17 Master of Divinity 21 Master of Arts in Theological Studies 31 Master of Arts in Ministry 35 Educational Options for MDiv, MATS, and MAM Students 43 Emphases and Concentrations 43 Dual Degree Program 46 Studies in Race, Culture, and Ethnicity 46 Travel Seminars and Exchange Programs 48 Admission to the MDiv, MATS, and MAM Programs 50 Candidacy for Ministry in the ELCA 53 The “Lutheran Year” 56 Advanced Degrees 59 Introduction to the ThM and PhD Programs 59 Master of Theology 62 Doctor of Philosophy 65 Admission to the ThM and PhD Programs 68 Doctor of Ministry 72 Doctor of Ministry in Preaching 72 Ecumenical Doctor of Ministry 74 Academic Resources 77 JKM Library 77 Other Libraries 79 Language Resource and Writing Center 81 Technology for Teaching and Learning 82 Association of Chicago Theological Schools (ACTS) 83 University of Chicago Divinity School 84 v Centers and Initiatives 85 A Center of Christian-Muslim Engagement for Peace and Justice 85 The Albert “Pete” Pero Jr. Multicultural Center 86 Zygon Center for Religion and Science (ZCRS) 87 LSTC as a Green Zone 89 Publications 91 Academic Awards 93 Lifelong Learning 95 Coursework January Term and Maymester 95 Conferences, Lectures, and Other Events 97 Life Together 99 Worship and Spiritual Life 101 Healthy Life 101 Physical Health and Wellness 102 Spiritual Life and Pastoral Support 102 Community Life, Student Government, Refectory and Activities 103 International Student Affairs Office 103 Student Government, Committees, and Organizations 103 Refectory 104 Resident and Commuter Life 105 Housing 105 Commuter Life 106 Conduct Expectations and Grievance Procedures 107 Costs, Fees, and Financial Assistance 109 Costs of Seminary Education 109 Estimated Costs 110 Health Insurance 112 Housing Fees 113 Payment and Collection Policies 115 Financial Assistance 118 Course Offerings 119 Faculty and Staff 127 Faculty 129 Lutheran Seminary Program in the Southwest 139 Adjunct Faculty, Visiting Professors, Lecturers 140 Emeritus Faculty 142 Past Presidents 143 Board of Directors 144 Administration and Staff 145 Index 148 vi 1 2 MISSION Mission The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC), a seminary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), forms visionary leaders to bear witness to the good news of Jesus Christ. Vision LSTC seeks to build up the Body of Christ and work for a world of peace and justice that cares for the whole creation. Values LSTC is • Christ-centered—Strives by God’s grace to follow Christ’s call to loving service. • Responsive to context—Embraces its diverse urban setting and exciting academic environment that enable learning from and ministering to the community. Relationships with synods and congregations provide academic and practical experiences that meet the needs of the church. • Attentive to diversity—Emphasizes knowing and honoring the perspectives of all nationalities, ethnicities, cultures, Christian traditions, and religions to form leaders whose witness to the Gospel will build communities of hospitality and reconciliation. • Committed to excellence—Sends leaders into church and world who are prepared academically, practically, and spiritually to serve in a variety of vocational and ministry settings. Faculty members are faithful Christians who are internationally recognized scholars and teachers. Administration and staff strive to provide exemplary service to all constituents. Welcoming Statement LSTC strives to offer a community and academic experience that is grounded in the good news of the gospel and shaped by our urban, multicultural, ecumenical, global, interfaith and university-related context and commitments. Our primary mission is to prepare women and men for a complex, pluralistic world in need of faithful and courageous ministers to serve in a variety of contexts. Although a large percentage of students come to LSTC to prepare for ordained or lay rostered ministries in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, LSTC is also enriched and transformed by ecumenical and interfaith students in our various master’s and doctoral programs, as well as ecumenical and interfaith colleagues. As a Reconciling in Christ seminary, LSTC seeks to offer hospitality and welcome to all who enter LSTC’s academic programs. Following Jesus Christ, whose reconciling love bridged barriers and made strangers friends, we seek to welcome and learn from one another’s particularity—including but not limited to one another’s race, national or ethnic origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, physical ability, social status and theological diversity.
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