United Methodist Courses

United offers polity, history, and doctrine courses to fulfill denominational requirements for The United Methodist Church.

Candidates for ordination in The United Methodist Church are advised to consult with their annual conference boards of ordained ministry regarding competencies and areas of study.

New students or persons wishing to take denominational courses as Special Students may contact the Admissions Office for details.

DEN 103 Contemporary United Methodist Polity (2)

The contemporary expressions of the organization and administration of The United Methodist Church are explored through the Discipline, the experience of the denomination interpreted by various resource persons, and the use of two texts. The course will deal with constitutional issues, the local church, ministry, superintending, connectionalism, how decisions are made through “Conferencing,” the social creed and other matters. This course fulfills the United Methodist ordination requirement in polity.

Scheduled for: Spring 2008 and Fall 2008

DEN 207 United Methodist Doctrine (2)

A study of the basic and characteristic doctrines of the Wesleyan heritage. Beginning with the theological position and contribution of John Wesley, the distinctive Wesleyan approach and teachings will be traced down to the present. Wesley and other selected thinkers will be examined on the basis of their writings. Doctrinal developments will be traced in their historical context by means of lectures and the study of primary and secondary sources. The student will be expected to develop an articulate understanding of the Wesleyan doctrinal heritage. The course is designed to fulfill the United Methodist ordination requirement of doctrine. Prerequisite: The Faith of the Church: An Introduction to Theology. Note: Open only to students who have already taken History of the United Methodist Movement; others should plan to take the new combined course, History and Doctrine of The United Methodist Church.

Scheduled for: TBA

DEN 220 History and Doctrine of The United Methodist Church (4)

A study of the basic history and characteristic doctrines of the Wesleyan heritage. Beginning with the context, theological position and contribution of John Wesley, the distinctive Wesleyan history, theological approach and teachings will be traced down to the present. Wesley and other selected thinkers will be examined on the basis of their writings. This course fulfills the United Methodist ordination requirements of doctrine and history. Prerequisite: Introduction to Theology and History of Christianity II.

Scheduled for: Spring 2008 and Spring 2009