THY-1100: The Bible (B) (3 hours)

An introductory study of the Bible, both Old and New Testaments. Major components include the principles of biblical interpretation, biblical history, biblical themes and the unity of Scripture. For non-church-professional students.

THY-1210: Introduction to Christianity (S) (3 hours)

An examination of Christianity defines and answers the religious and spiritual questions of the human condition. Attention will be paid to its origins, its basic teaching and practices, and how these are understood within differing traditions or denominations. For non-church professional students.

THY-2010: Introduction to the Old Testament (B) (3 hours)

An introduction to the books of the Old Testament. Ancient Israelite history, prophecy and poetry. Major themes, controversies and archaeological discoveries. Prerequisite: C or higher in THY-1100 or enrollment in any LCMS church work program or instructor consent.

THY-2400: Biblical Readings in Redemptive History (B) (3 hours)

Selected readings in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments with emphasis upon the problem of evil and God's plan of redemption in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Application to the structures and relationships of the workplace, the home and the broader communities of everyday living. Replaces: CTHY-4000.

THY-2500: Martin Luther's Small and Large Catechisms (S) (3 hours)

The articles of doctrine in these documents and the historical setting for their inclusion in the Book of Concord are explored with discussion of contemporary applications. Prerequisite: Intention to enroll in a church professional program or permission of the instructor. Replaces: THY-2220.

THY-2600: Introduction to Deaconess Ministry (CS) (1 hour)

Orientation to the office and roles of the Lutheran deaconess. Exposure to various types of deaconess work. Establishing a mentor relationship. Reflection on attitudes and skills for ministry. Open to all students; required of students who intend to enter the Deaconess Program. Field Trip: Required. Field Experience: Required. Fee: Required.

THY-2700: The Christian Faith (S) (3 hours)

Examination and analysis of the teachings of the Christian Church based on the outline of the Apostles’ Creed. Readings from various periods of Church History. Replaces: CTHY-4030.

THY-3105: Introduction to the New Testament (B) (3 hours)

The content of the New Testament writings in terms of the historical, literary and cultural context. Attention to principles of interpretation, both ancient and modern. Prerequisite: C or higher in THY-1100 or enrollment in any LCMS church work program or instructor consent.

THY-3120: Getting in The Acts (B) (3 hours)

The literary structure, narrative scope and theological perspective of the New Testament Book of Acts. Comparison to its companion volume, the Gospel of Luke and to later apocryphal Acts. Prerequisite: C or higher in THY-3105.

THY-3230: The Augsburg Confession and its Apology (S) (3 hours)

A Study of the Augsburg Confession and its Apology. The articles of doctrine in these documents and the historical setting for their inclusion in the Book of Concord are explored with discussion of contemporary applications. Replaces: THY-3220 and THY-4220. Prerequisite: C or higher in THY-2500. This course, along with THY-3330 and THY-3410.

THY-3320: Survey of Church History (H) (3 hours)

An intensive survey of the history of Christianity from the apostolic age to the present focusing on major theological trends and developments. Readings from primary sources. Replaces: THY-3310.

THY-3330: The Ancient Creeds, the Smalcald Articles, and the Treaties (S) (3 hours)

A Study of the three ecumenical creeds, the Smalcald Articles and the Treatise. The articles of doctrine in these documents and the historical setting for their inclusion in the Book of Concord are explored with discussion of contemporary applications. Replaces: THY-3220 and THY-4220. Prerequisite: C or higher in THY-2500.

THY-3410: The Formula of Concord (S) (3 hours)

A Study of the Formula of Concord and the Catalog of Testimonies from the Book of Concord. The articles of doctrine in the Formula and the historical setting for their inclusion in the Formula are explored with discussion of contemporary applications. Replaces: THY-3230 and THY-3330. Prerequisite: C or higher in THY-2500.

THY-3600: Deaconess Ethos and Formation (2 hours)

Exploration of the deaconess life of mercy formed by God’s action in Word and Sacrament. Specific areas include, worship and devotions, community life, wellness, family life, attitudes and dispositions, hospitality, vocational ethics and etiquette. Field Trip: Required. Field Experience: Required. Fee: Required. Co-requisite: C or higher in THY-2600 and one additional THY course.

THY-3650: Foundations of Deaconess Office (2 hours)

History and theology underpinning the deaconess vocation, including distinction of Law and Gospel, theology of mercy, women’s vocations in church history, LCMS history and polity. Field Trip: Required. Field Experience: Required. Fee: Required. Co-requisite: C or higher in THY-2600 and THY-2500.

THY-4000: History of Israel (B) (H) (3 hours)

The origin and development of the Old Testament nation of Israel. Historical methodologies, the Ancient Near Eastern context, recurrent themes. Cross-Listed: HIS-4000. Prerequisite: C or higher in THY-1100 or THY-2010 or instructor consent.

THY-4020: Wisdom Writings (B) (3 hours)

An examination of the wisdom literature of the Old Testament: Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and the Song of Songs. Biblical poetry, devotional literature and the major questions of life. Prerequisite: C or higher in THY-1100 or THY-2010 or instructor consent.

THY-4031: The Pentateuch (B) (3 hours)

An examination of the major themes and events in the foundational books of the Old Testament, including creation, sin, divine mercy, the messianic promise, the patriarchs, the early history of the people of Israel, the covenant and the Levitical priesthood and sacrificial system. Prerequisite: C or higher in THY-1100 or THY-2010 or instructor consent.

THY-4100: The Four Gospels (B) (3 hours)

The structure, purpose and perspective of each of the New Testament gospels. The portrayal of Jesus by each evangelist. The literary relationship of Matthew, Mark and Luke. The distinctive features of John. Prerequisite: C or higher in THY-1100 or THY-3105.

THY-4110: Paul the Apostle (B) (3 hours)

Study of Paul's life, apostleship, theology and theological method on the basis of one or a group of Paul's letters, particularly Galatians, Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, within the wider context of the history and the theology of the Early Church. Prerequisite: C or higher in THY-1100 or THY-3105.

THY-4115: Studies in New Testament Writing (B) (3 hours)

The historical context, literary features and theological perspectives of a variable group of New Testament writings outside the major Pauline letters, the four gospels, and Acts, e.g., Johannine writings. The particular writings to be studied in a given semester will be identified after a colon in the course title in the Master Schedule. Prerequisite: C or higher in THY-1100 or THY-3105.

THY-4125: Mediterranean Perspectives (B) (H) (1-3 hours)

A field-based experience of one to three week(s) to significant sites within the lands adjoining the Mediterranean Sea. Exploration and examination of the historical, geographical, cultural and artistic, and theological aspects of the visited region(s). May serve independent studies in history, geography, art or music, and theology. Fee: Required.

THY-4210: Theological Movements in American Lutheranism (S) (H) (3 hours)

An investigation of the key theologians, theological movements, controversies and inter-synodical organizations, especially of the 19th and 20th centuries, that have contributed to the diverse theological character of contemporary Lutheranism in America. Prerequisite: C or higher in THY-1210.

THY-4230: Defense of the Christian Faith (S) (3 hours)

The nature, objectives and importance of defending the truthfulness of the Christian Faith in the contemporary pluralistic world. Lutheran theological principles that inform the apologetic task and analysis of various apologetic approaches. Prerequisite: C or higher in THY-1210 or THY-2500.

THY-4240: The Church and its Ministry (S) (3 hours)

Examination of the nature of the Church and its Ministry with particular attention to its offices and their duties in relationship to the vocation of the Church and Christian service in the world. Prerequisite: C or higher in THY-1210 or THY-2500.

THY-4250: Studies in Christian Doctrine (S) (3 hours)

Selected articles of faith explored on the basis of Scripture, Lutheran and other theological sources with particular attention to issues and problems raised by the wider context of Christian writing and thought. Prerequisite: C or higher in THY-1210 or THY-2500.

THY-4310: Encountering Religion in America (CS) (3 hours)

A historical, systematic and apologetic study of the unique and diverse experiences of religion in America in the 21st century. Prerequisite: C or higher in THY-1210 or THY-2500.

THY-4330: Martin Luther (S) (H) (3 hours)

Historical introduction to Luther as theologian, churchman and polemicist for 16th-century Evangelicalism. Enduring images of Luther inside and outside Protestantism. Luther's significance to contemporary theology. Readings from primary sources. Prerequisite: C or higher in THY-3320 or instructor consent.

THY-4350: The Intertestamental Period (B) (H) (3 hours)

The political, cultural and religious forces that molded Judaism in Palestine and the Diaspora in the Greek and Roman periods. Includes reading primary sources in the Apocrypha, Pseudepigrapha, Talmud and Dead Sea Scrolls. Prerequisite: C or higher in THY-2010, or THY-3105, or THY-1100.

THY-4360: Women in the History of Christianity (H) (3 hours)

A study of the contribution of select female agents to the Christian tradition, typically including such diverse figures as Mary, the early Christian martyrs and ascetics, Hildegard of Bingen, Julian of Norwich, Katherina von Bora, Teresa of Avila, Madame Guyon and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Readings from primary sources. Prerequisite: C or higher in THY-3320 or instructor consent.

THY-4380: History of Biblical Interpretation, 200-1600 (H) (3 hours)

Introduction to the development of hermeneutical and exegetical traditions within Christianity from the early church to the Reformation. Extensive primary source readings in ancient, medieval and Reformation biblical exegesis. Prerequisite: C or higher in THY-2010 or THY-3105 or THY-3320 or instructor consent.

THY-4390: Topics in the History of Christianity (H) (3 hours)

Selected persons, themes or problems in the history of Christianity. Prerequisite: C or higher in THY-3320 or instructor consent. Course may be repeated for credit when topic varies.

THY-4490: Senior Seminar: Theology (3 hours)

Study and discussion of selected works of literature and audio-visual materials from the perspective of the theological areas—biblical, historical, systematic, practical. Preparation and presentation of an essay written with the guidance of a department member. Required of all Theology majors with senior standing.

THY-4550: Liturgy and Worship (CS) (S) (H) (3 hours)

A theological examination of Christian worship and ritual in the context of the contemporary American experience, with emphasis on the rites and worship practices of Western Christianity (including Lutheran worship traditions), and the sanctification and ritual ordering of time. Replaces: THY-4400. Prerequisite: C or higher in THY-1100, THY-1210, THY-3105, THY-3320 or THY-2500.

THY-4580: Lutheran Catechesis (3 hours)

Study of the history, theology, and practice of catechesis in the Christian Church, with particular attention given to its theology and practice within the Lutheran Church, and its contemporary application. Replaces: THY-4570. Prerequisite: C or higher in THY-2500.

THY-4611: Ministry with Women (CS) (3 hours)

Spiritual caregiving and mercy during short and long term crises often faced by women and their families. Applying God’s Word of Law and Gospel with the Theology of the Cross and mobilizing the Body of Christ for care. Assessing and utilizing church and community resources. Fee: May be Required.

THY-4631: Deaconess Field Experience (1 hour)

Beginning experience in the vocation of the Lutheran deaconess. Minimum 50 hours of supervised practicum in a congregation or institution. Attendance required at scheduled seminars including peer review and discussion of ministry issues. Deaconess students complete four semesters of THY-4631, usually two semesters each in an institution and in a congregation. The student is responsible for transportation to the site. Replaces: THY-4630. Prerequisite: C or higher in THY-2500 and THY-3105.

THY-4650: Deaconess Office (2 hours)

History, theology and expressions of the deaconess office from the Early Church through today. Diaconal roles of mercy, spiritual care, and teaching the Faith in church, world and institutions. Field Trip: May be Required. Field Experience: Required. Fee: May be Required. Co-requisite: C or higher in THY-3650.

THY-4660: Deaconess Practice: Mercy (2 hours)

Exploration of the deaconess role as advocate for mercy in congregations, church agencies and missions. Issues include cross-cultural sensitivity, the marginalized, and compassionate responses to persons and communities in distress. Topics include grant-writing, ethics of helping, and assessing and utilizing community and church resources. Field Trip: Required. Field Experience: Required. Fee: Required.

THY-4665: Deaconess Practice: Diaconal Care and Visitation (2 hours)

Exploration of soul care provided by the deaconess; application of God’s Word and worship amidst the storms of life. Special issues of care and visitation. Spiritual assessment and care plans. Ethics of soul care and visitation. Assessing and utilizing community and church resources. Field Trip: Required. Field Experience: Required. Fee: Required. Co-requisite: C or higher in THY-2600 and THY-2500.

THY-4670: Deaconess Practice: Servant Leadership (2 hours)

Exploration of the deaconess as servant with focus on the leadership roles in a congregation, agency and mission. Topics include ethics, serving in a team, administrative roles and tasks, planning and implementing programs, coordination of volunteers, writing for the church. Field Trip: Required. Field Experience: Required. Fee: Required.

THY-4675: Deaconess Practice: Teaching (2 hours)

Exploration of the deaconess as teacher, explaining and applying God’s Word with individuals and groups through the lifespan. Topics include God’s Word in prayer, Bible studies, devotions, class management, introduction to educational programming for youth and adults, and assessing and utilizing resources. Field Trip: Required. Field Experience: Required. Fee: Required. Co-requisite: C or higher in THY (RE) course.

THY-4910: Special Topics in Theology (4 hours)

An in-depth study of a topic relevant to a current topic in the discipline or a topic of interest that is not addressed in other departmental courses. The course may be repeated for credit so long as the topic is different.

THY-4950: Independent Study in Theology (1-6 hours)

THY-4990: Deaconess Internship (6-12 hours)

Relating classroom concepts to the practical ministry of the deaconess. Minimum of 5 months of full-time supervised practicum in a Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod congregation, recognized service organization, or mission. This course is open only to deaconess students. Students normally register for 2 consecutive semesters of THY-4990 to total 24 semester hours. With approval of the Deaconess Program Lead, students may substitute 6-12 hours of CLS-4900 to fulfill the Deaconess Program internship requirements. Pre-requisite: C or higher in THY-4650.

THY-4991: Internship: Deaconess (CS) (1 hour)

Relating classroom concepts to the practical ministry of the deaconess. Minimum of five months of fulltime supervised practicum in a Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod sponsored congregation or agency. Prerequisite: C or higher in THY-4600, THY-4611 and two semesters of THY-4630. Offered: Pass/Fail. This course is not open to undergraduate students in their first two semesters of deaconess internship. Fee: Required. Additional costs for international internships. Contact Deaconess Office for current rates.

THY-4992: Deaconess Certificate Internship (1 hour)

Relating classroom concepts to the practical ministry of the deaconess. Minimum of five months of fulltime supervised practicum in a Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation, recognized service organization or mission. This course is open to deaconess students who already hold a bachelor’s degree. Fee: Required.

THY-4993: Deaconess Certificate International Internship (1 hour)

Relating classroom concepts to the practical ministry of the deaconess. Minimum of 5 months of fulltime supervised practicum in a Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod congregation, recognized service organization, or mission outside of the United States. This course is open to deaconess students who already hold a bachelor’s degree and will intern in an international setting. Fee: Required.