Syllabi

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CO 605 Treating the Serious Mentally Ill: Treatment Modalities and Referral Coordination

Javier Sierra

In order to function as a competent counselor, one must develop skills in diagnosing, treating and referring a variety of problems with which one may be confronted. In order to do this one must be thoroughly familiar with a variety of treatment modalities. This particular course is focused on working with those individuals with serious mental illness. This course will also consider the impact of serious mental illness on the family as well as the role of the family in care and support. A concern for Christian spirituality as it influences treatment for the serious mentally ill will be considered throughout the course.
CO 610 Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling

Javier Sierra

Course Description: This course is designed to help students in the MA/MAP Counseling programs to identify and examine ethical and legal issues encountered in the counseling process and to explore ways to effectively deal with them. As an intensive course, students are expected to read the two main texts (Sanders’ and Wheeler’s) before the first day of class, submit one assignment during the week of class and another ten days after the last day of class. Students completing the course will develop a sensitivity to the ethical and legal aspects of the counseling process, better appreciate ethical constrains under which a counselor works, and develop skills to critically examine how they conduct themselves as counselors.
CO 621 Psychology of Religion

Javier Sierra

This course is designed to explore topics in the psychology of religion with the goal of relating the findings the helping professions. The course is also designed to encourage thought about the psyche as it works in religious thought, feeling and behavior. One tool we will use to facilitate this kind of reflection is reading of some of the major approaches to the psychology of religion. Another is observation of religious practice. Another is a habit of asking questions--and following them up with questions. Questions are important because psychology, like most fields of study, is a process of inquiry. A seminar format allows for sharing results of student research on selected topics. A key goal is to consider the significance of the research findings for Christian ministry. • Everyone should come to class prepared to say what he or she sees as the main point of the reading. • Everyone should attempt to understand the structure of the author's argument, and have two questions about the readings.
CO 625 Recognizing and Treating Addictive Disorders

Javier Sierra

This course has been designed to facilitate prospective professional counselors, and church leaders, the tools to understand the addictive process associated with chemical dependency and other addictions. As an intensive course, students should expect to have a significant amount of readings each day of class, and two more weeks after the last class to finish two main assigments. Topics to be covered include, prevention, assessment, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment planning and strategies, interventions, relapse, family issues and the process of recovery. Current approaches for treating chemical dependency, eating disorders, compulsive gambling and sexual addictions will be examined. This course will also help students to develop an understanding of how faith in Jesus Christ provides the grace, hope and compassion needed to integrate effective treatments as part of the redemptive process of addictive individuals.
CO 670 Marriage and Family Therapy

Javier Sierra

Course Description: Family systems theory provides a course framework for exploring marital and familial issues. Special emphasis is given to the role of the counselor. Procedures and techniques for both preventative and remedial interventions are investigated. In this course, students will be exposed to basic concepts in marriage and family therapy, as well as, basic systemic counseling skills and techniques. A theological and biblical foundation for marriage and family processes will provide the lenses through which the relational realities of marriages and families will be approached. Students will have frequent opportunities for in-class role play of various interventions and techniques.
CO 675 Group Counseling

Javier Sierra

Course Description: This course offers an overview of the more common approaches to working with groups, especially groups that are formed for the practice of counseling. The key goal is to help course members develop a personal theory, framework, synthesis and some "tools" suitable to support their professional practice. The class will incorporate lecture, video demonstrations of various aspects of group work, and interactive experiences.
CO 705-706 Practicum in Counseling

Javier Sierra

These foundational practica are designed to provide students the opportunity to experience the role of counselor in actual situations. Each student will be expected to locate a placement where their responsibilities will include a number of counseling contacts. The Area of Counseling and Pastoral Care is building a list of sites that you may wish to consult for idea for placements sites. This information can be requested to José Hernández. Students are free to arrange for their own placement sites as long as it meets the practicum requirements. Choose sites that are in keeping with your career interests or that involve populations in which you have an interest.
CO 720 Psychopathology: Theory and Assessment

Javier Sierra

Course Description: This course offers a thorough, hands-on examination of the categorization, diagnosis, etiology and maintenance of psychopathology as it is presented in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV-TR). Special emphases will be placed on the knowledge needed to facilitate assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning and prevention of psychopathology as would be expected in the practice of counseling.
CO 730 Advanced Issues in Cross-Cultural Counseling

Javier Sierra

Pedersen, P. B., Draguns, J. G., Lonner, W. J., & Trimble, J. E. (2007). Counseling Across Cultures, (6th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Sue, D. W., and Sue, D. (2007). Counseling the Culturally Diverse: Theory and practice, (5th ed.). New York: John Wiley & Sons
CO 730 Advanced Issues in Cross-Cultural Counseling

Javier Sierra

Pedersen, P. B., Draguns, J. G., Lonner, W. J., & Trimble, J. E. (2007). Counseling Across Cultures, (6th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Sue, D. W., and Sue, D. (2007). Counseling the Culturally Diverse: Theory and practice, (5th ed.). New York: John Wiley & Sons
CO 730 Advanced Issues in Cross-Cultural Counseling

Javier Sierra

The purpose of this course is to help students to develop a counseling ministry, which will be sensitive and helpful to various cultural groups. Counseling, whether it be in this country or overseas, requires a basic understanding not only of how various ethnic groups live and relate but also of one’s own possible stereotypes, which may hinder effectiveness in the counseling process. This course is an attempt to integrate material scripturally, experientially, psychologically and theologically. In addition, the course will examine issues of racism, differences in religio-cultural values and world-views, verbal and non-verbal communication and other factors that effect the processes of counseling. Lectures, videos, role-plays, group discussions and a cross-cultural inventory (books and articles) will be used to present techniques and approaches in working in a cross-cultural context.
SP 501 Communication as Christian Rhetoric

Carolyn Smith

“Communication as Christian Rhetoric provides a context for instruction and practice that introduces the art of written and spoken communication within a clearly articulated Wesleyan theological framework for the purpose of Christian ministry. As a core course within the theological curriculum, its purpose does not simply replicate undergraduate speech and communication studies. Students will be provided with appropriate means for cultivating necessary habits of Christian life and speech in light of the Christian rhetorical tradition, classical rhetoric, and contemporary communication studies in preparation for Christian ministry in a multicultural society. This course is designed to integrate theological and scriptural knowledge, rhetorical and cultural understanding, for clear, coherent, and persuasive written and oral expressions of Christian speech in the practice of Christian leadership.” (ATS 2005-07 Catalog, p. 182)
SP 501 Communication as Christian Rhetoric

Carolyn Smith

“Communication as Christian Rhetoric provides a context for instruction and practice that introduces the art of written and spoken communication within a clearly articulated Wesleyan theological framework for the purpose of Christian ministry. As a core course within the theological curriculum, its purpose does not simply replicate undergraduate speech and communication studies. Students will be provided with appropriate means for cultivating necessary habits of Christian life and speech in light of the Christian rhetorical tradition, classical rhetoric, and contemporary communication studies in preparation for Christian ministry in a multicultural society. This course is designed to integrate theological and scriptural knowledge, rhetorical and cultural understanding, for clear, coherent, and persuasive written and oral expressions of Christian speech in the practice of Christian leadership.” (ATS 2005-07 Catalog, p. 182)
CD 511 The Pastor and Christian Discipleship

Daryl L. Smith

This course explores the foundations of Christian discipleship in Scripture, theology (including Wesleyan distinctives), and educational and human development theories. It examines the pastor’s role in forming and transforming disciples across the lifespan, discerning and communicating a vision for Christian discipleship, and empowering laity to fulfill that vision (revised.7.11.08)
CL 613 Equipping the Laity

Daryl L. Smith

This course will lay the foundation for a lay revolution within and beyond the local church. Using Ephesians 4 as our base, we will flesh out the paradigm of pastor as equipper/coach and laity as unpaid servants engaged in the work of the ministry….The delineation between laity and clergy will be minimized in favor of a model emphasizing the ministry of the whole people of God. We will address such issues as assimilation, leadership development and discipling disciplers.
CD 610 / CO 620 Moral Development

Daryl L. Smith

This course examines and calls the student to moral formation and judgment in relation to biological, cognitive and faith development, with special attention given to primary sources in Jean Piaget and Lawrence Kohlberg. Moral development perspectives are evaluated in relation to creation, sin, the nature of human beings, redemption, justice and nurture. Attention is given to correcting bias in developmental perspectives with respect toward better understanding diversity in gender and race.
MM 601 Mentored Ministry Section

Daryl L. Smith

1. Reaching People under 40 while Keeping People over 60 by Edward H. Hammett with James R. Pierce (Chalice Press, 2007). ISBN 978-0-827232-54-9 2. Mentored Ministry Handbook: MM601/602: purchased from the professor for $11.00, the first day of class. 3. Preparing for Ministry: A Practical Guide to Theological Field Education edited by George M. Hillman Jr. (Kregel Press, available October 2008) ISBN-10: 0825427576.
NT 636 Acts of the Apostles

David F. Smith

(1) The Bible (2) Liefeld, Walter. Interpreting the Book of Acts (Hereafter: IBA) Revised edition. (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1995). (3) Fernando, Ajith, Acts: The NIV Application Commentary (Hereafter: Acts) (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1998).
MS 635 Renewing the Church for Mission

Howard A. Snyder

DESCRIPTION This course focuses on the recurring phenomenon of renewal in the church as a key aspect of a biblical and contemporary ecclesiology. It seeks an understanding of the work of the Holy Spirit in renewing the church, drawing from biblical foundations, historical models, and contemporary examples of congregational renewal and renewal movements. Application is made especially to the life of the local congregation.
MM 602 Mentored Ministry A Supervised Learning Experience in Cross-Cultural Ministry

Kathryn Spackman

Course Goal: To expand and stretch each student’s understanding of the nature and ministry of the church, both personally/individually and corporately, and to increase his/her comfort and skill level in ministering to persons significantly different.
MM 602 Mentored Ministry A Supervised Learning Experience in Cross-Cultural Ministry

Kathryn Spackman

Course Goal: To expand and stretch each student’s understanding of the nature and ministry of the church, both personally/individually and corporately, and to increase his/her comfort and skill level in ministering to persons significantly different.
MM 650 Mentored Ministry Tutorial in Mentored Ministry

Kathryn Spackman

CGood News about Injustice (Gary A Haugen. Downers Grove: Intervarsity Press, 1999.) When God Weeps (Joni Eareckson Tada and Steven Estes. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1997.) The Critical Journey (Janet O. Hagberg and Robert A. Guelich. Salem: Sheffield Publishing Company. 1995)
CH 501 Church History I

Michael S. Stephens

An introduction to the development of Christianity from the apostolic period up to the Reformation. The emphasis is on the central historical figures, movements, and theological issues, with attention to their importance for Christian ministry today. We will read major texts and interpretive studies.
CD 511 The Pastor and Christian Discipleship

Catherine Stonehouse

Course Packet – to be purchased from Asbury Seminary Bookstore Postmodern Children’s Ministry: Ministry to Children in the 21st Century, Ivy Beckwith The Godbearing Life: The Art of Soul Tending for Youth Ministry, Kenda Creasy Dean and Ron Foster Growing in the Life of Faith: Education and Christian Practices, Craig Dykstra John Wesley’s Class Meeting: A Model for Making Disciples, D. Michael Henderson Disciple Making Teachers: How to Equip Adults for Growth and Action, Josh Hunt with Larry Mays Patterns in Moral Development, Catherine Stonehouse Soul Stories: African American Christian Education, Anne Streaty Wimberly The Kolb Learning Style Inventory Version 3.1 The Gospel of Mark
CD 655 Ministering with Children through the Church

Catherine Stonehouse

Examines the potential and needs of children in contemporary society, biblical perspectives on children and how they are to be involved in the faith community, the characteristics of the child's physical, emotional, cognitive, moral, and faith development. Explores the ministries a church can provide to involve children in the faith community, meeting their needs, nurturing wholeness and faith.