Theology and Culture (THC)
THC 800 Topics in Theology and Culture - 1-3 Units
Provides an opportunity for students to engage critically with emerging issues, debates, and developments within a specific academic discipline. Students will explore contemporary topics that shape the Church's witness, theological reflection, and vocational practice in today's world. Emphasis is placed on integrating biblical and theological perspectives with scholarly inquiry, fostering spiritual formation, and cultivating leadership rooted in humility and social responsibility. The course is designed to develop advanced research and communication skills, interdisciplinary thinking, and a deeper awareness of the student's role as a reflective practitioner within the global Christian community.
THC 810 Topics: Disciple Formation - 1-3 Units
Advanced study of the theology and practice of disciple formation in contemporary contexts. This course examines the holistic process of making and strengthening disciples, integrating evangelism, spiritual formation, ecclesial life, and cultural engagement. Emphases vary by offering and may include theological foundations, historical models, contextual strategies, and contemporary challenges. Repeatable for credit with different focus.
THC 811 History of Expansion of Christianity - 3 Units
A study of major missiological themes throughout the history of the global expansion of the church, with special emphasis on the modern Protestant missionary movement. Writings of exemplary mission historians will be examined for their contribution to our understanding of contemporary trends in world mission practice and strategy. Attention will be given to the missionary encounter with culture and society in its various historical contexts.
THC 812 History of Evangelism - 3 Units
An examination of evangelism throughout the history of the Church. Special attention is given to particular Christian movements and personalities, highlighting contributions to gospel proclamation and witness of the Church in word and deed. Application of selected practices are considered for evangelism in contexts today.
THC 820 Topics: Intercultural Relations - 1-3 Units
Advanced study of intercultural engagement within Christian theology and ministry. This course examines the theological, relational, and social dynamics of interaction across cultural differences in local and global contexts. Emphases vary by offering and may include cultural theory, communication patterns, power dynamics, migration, contextualization, and ecclesial life in multicultural settings. Repeatable for credit with different focus.
THC 821 Teaching Missions and Evangelism - 2 Units
Provides supervised teaching experience in missions and evangelism within higher education contexts. Integrates adult learning theory, course design, instructional methods, and evaluation strategies to prepare students for theological and missiological teaching. Guides development of a syllabus, learning objectives, course teaching plan, and creative instructional exercises while cultivating reflective teaching practice. Includes classroom observation, student feedback analysis, and self-evaluation to foster pedagogical competence, professional integrity, and vocational discernment in academic ministry settings.
THC 822 Leadership Development and Culture - 2 Units
Examines theological, philosophical, and anthropological foundations of leadership and culture in global Christian contexts. Integrates biblical reflection, leadership theory, and cultural analysis to evaluate leadership development across diverse social, political, and economic systems. Explores intercultural dynamics, power structures, and organizational practice while cultivating critical self-reflection and spiritual formation for ministry leadership. Applies major leadership theories to case studies of failed and effective leadership in order to develop culturally informed, theologically grounded approaches to leadership in multicultural and missional settings.
THC 823 Consulting and Mentoring in Bible Translation - 2 Units
Consulting and Mentoring in Bible Translation.
THC 830 Topics: Mission History - 1-3 Units
Advanced study of the history of Christian mission in global perspective. This course examines the development of Christian expansion across cultures, regions, and eras, attending to theological motivations, intercultural encounters, indigenous movements, and the social implications of mission. Offerings may focus on particular periods, regions, movements, or themes. Repeatable for credit with different focus.
THC 910 Missiology as a Discipline - 2 Units
An introduction to the academic discipline of missiology and principles of missiological research and writing. It includes an overview of classical and current publications in the field and an examination of the integrative relationship between theology, history, and the social sciences in Christian mission. Students will also receive an orientation to the TEDS PhD/Theology and Culture study program.
THC 911 Theology of Mission and Evangelism - 4 Units
Focuses on the theology of mission in the Old and New Testaments with special attention to the operation of the Trinity, the missio Dei, the purpose and tasks of mission, church and mission, the nature and necessity of evangelism, historical developments in theology of mission, and current theological issues in Christian mission.
THC 912 Sociology for Mission and Evangelism - 4 Units
An introduction of the field of sociology and the contributions it makes to the discipline of missiology. Attention will focus on issues such as globalization, new religious movements, gender, social capital, communication and media. Theoretical foundations and methodological questions will be introduced, and practical implications for ministry will be explored.
THC 913 Anthropology for Mission and Evangelism - 4 Units
An introduction to the field of anthropology and the contribution it makes to the discipline of missiology. The seminar encourages participants to develop a model they can use in studying and ministering in specific societies and cultures. Attention is given to a study of the issues involved in cross-cultural communication, contextualization, and social transformation in evangelism and church planting in cross-cultural settings.
THC 925 Professional Development Practicum - 0-2 Units
Provides doctoral students with the opportunity to design, conduct, and evaluate a supervised professional development activity that integrates academic expertise, vocational calling, and ministry practice. Activities may include teaching, consulting, curriculum development, coaching, pastoral ministry, grant writing, or other approved engagements. Students may propose Trinity-related or external opportunities, and must initiate planning conversations with their program director prior to the practicum semester. Each unit represents approximately 35-40 hours of invested work and may be repeated for credit up to a total of 2 units. Credit/No Credit.
THC 941 Missiological Research Methods - 4 Units
An introduction to various research methods in the study of missiology, from qualitative and quantitative empirical methods to theological and historiographic methods. Academic writing, use of library and archival sources, ethics in research and related topics will also be addressed. To be taken during the first 16 credit hours of the PhD/Theology and Culture program.
THC 942 Qualitative Research Methods - 4 Units
Teaches various qualitative methods oriented towards dissertation research in theology and culture including observation and interviewing skills and the analysis of verbal data. Other topics include ethical issues in research, the place of theory in qualitative research, proposal writing for qualitative research, and recent controversies over how one 'represents' others in one's writings. Students are encouraged to take THC 941 prior to this course.
THC 971 Orientation: Post Coursework - 0 Units
Workshop addressing the purpose, expectations, and methodology of preparing for the comprehensive exam, dissertation proposal, and dissertation writing. It includes class instruction, reading of exemplary field statements and proposals, and active participation in the various oral hearings. Credit/No Credit.
THC 975 Comprehensive Exam Prep - 0-2 Units
Facilitates student preparation for the comprehensive examination in their discipline. Students review and synthesize core disciplinary literature, theories and methods, while preparing to demonstrate their readiness for dissertation research.
THC 990 Dissertation Proposal Prep - 0-2 Units
An independent study for students to research a topic of study and prepare a proposal for their dissertation project. PhD/THC students may repeat this course twice for 2 units total.
THC 991 Dissertation Research - 1-4 Units
Students write a dissertation which embodies the results of their original research and makes a genuine contribution to knowledge in the field of concentration.
THC 992 Dissertation Extension - 0 Units
Permits students who have completed all required dissertation credits to work toward the completion of their dissertation.