Course Descriptions

REL 100 or 300 is a prerequisite for all religion and youth and family ministry courses.

YFM 205 Exploring Topics in Youth and Family Ministry (0.5 course)
Exploring Topics in Youth and Family Ministry features a selection of half-credit courses in which students may further focus upon ministry topics introduced in YFM 235 and elsewhere. Special ministry topics will vary from year to year and include such subjects as outdoor ministry, service-learning, program administration and planning, youth culture and religion, communications, media, music and ministry, and ministry with youth on the margins.

YFM 208 Vocational Formation I (.0 course)
A noncredit requirement for all students majoring in youth and family ministry that is to be completed by the end of the student’s second year. Students will complete an entrance process into the major, participate in monthly cohort groups, monthly roundtables, attend multiple spiritual direction sessions, and attend a vocational formation retreat.

YFM 209 Vocational Formation II (.0 course)
A noncredit requirement for all students majoring in youth and family ministry that is to be completed by the end of the student’s final year. Students will complete a professional portfolio, participate in monthly cohort groups, monthly roundtables, have multiple meetings with an assigned mentor from the field, and attend one approved professional conference or workshop. (Prereq.: YFM 208)

YFM 232 Peer Ministry: Principles and Leadership
Students learn to train college, high school, and junior high youth to serve as peer ministers in their congregations and communities. They will learn and practice communication skills, facilitate small groups, and learn the role of a listener/helper. Peer ministry integrates the act of caring and serving others within a Christian belief system.

YFM 235 Foundations for Ministry with Youth and Families
An introductory-level study in which the biblical, theological, and historical foundations of ministry with youth and families are explored. Students will also be introduced to the principles of practical theology and learn the skills and sensibilities necessary for discerning what faithful ministry might look like in a specific location.

YFM 305 Ministry Practices
This course emphasizes the day-to-day sensibilities, skills, and practices needed for the grounding and guiding of ministry professionals. An exploration of the history and development of the spiritual practices of the Christian tradition, combined with modern practices used for effective ministry, make up the major themes of this course. (Prereq.: YFM 235)

YFM 316 Church and Culture in Context
A study of culture, church life, and the contemporary religious situation in another country. An exploration of the roles of households, congregations, and other ministry organizations in shaping and nurturing faith as compared to the United States. Short term travel seminar; available as offered.

YFM 358 Life and Work of the Church
This course features an overview of the manner in which Christianity has carried out its mission throughout the centuries, as well as an exploration of the issues and challenges facing modern and “postmodern” churches. A central element of this course will be a research project that studies the methods and strategies of congregations and other ministry organizations in their efforts to introduce, nurture, and shape the Christian faith. (Prereq.: YFM 235)

YFM 399 Internship
The internship centers around 150 hours of supervised leadership practice focused on youth and families, fulfilled in partnership with a congregation or other approved ministry setting. A formal learning agreement as well as the development of a professional portfolio round out the internship experience. (Prereq.: YFM 235 and YFM 305 or 358)

REL 210 Research Methods in Religion
An introduction to the study of the main disciplines within the academic study of Christianity (Bible, theology, and church history), including methods and research skills. (Prereq.: REL 100 or 300 and ENL 111 or 112 or HON 111)

REL 301 Interpreting the Old Testament
An investigation of the Torah, prophets, and writings, including forms, genres, historical contexts, portrayal of God, and interpretation of these texts by ancient and modern Jewish and Christian communities. (Prereq.: REL 100 or 300 and pass CT assessment or GST 100)

REL 302 Interpreting the New Testament
Historical, literary, and theological interpretation of Paul’s letters, the gospels, and other New Testament writings as persuasive literature for ancient and modern communities.

REL 362 Martin Luther and the Reformation
An introduction to the theological thought of the Protestant reformers of the 16th century. Special attention to the writings of Martin Luther and other representative figures. (Prereq.: REL 100 or 300 and ENL 111 or 112 or HON 111)

REL 481 Contemporary Theology
An introduction to some representative trends in Christian theological thought today, as seen from the systematic perspective, in the light of the continuing theological task of the Christian church. (Prereq.: REL 100 or 300 and ENL 111 or 112 or HON 111)

REL 495 Religion Keystone
This course is required for the major, and enrollment is normally restricted to students who have nearly finished their coursework. Selected topics vary by instructor. Students will improve writing abilities through writing a major research paper. (Prereq.: REL 210 and ENL 111 or 112 or HON 111)