This course will present an overview of issues, concepts, events, heritage, as well as customs that have evolved to comprise a general African American world view. The course will outline and explore the elements of Black culture that are expressed in the social institutions of Church and Family. The unifying cultural themes will be discussed as functional and central to personal identity and emotional equilibrium. Implications for pastoral care and worship will be discussed.

This practicum focuses on the basic counseling skills, providing opportunities for observation and active practice of these behaviors. Constructive feedback is provided by the practicum supervisor through the use of role-playing and structured exercises.

Claudia Sadler-Gerhardt, PhD, PCC cgerhard@ashland.edu 419-289-5163

This course is designed to give the student a deeper understanding of personality disorders. Attention is given to recognizing and addressing the dynamics the various personality disorders create in the therapeutic process and to adapting treatment plans to address Axis II diagnosis.

Lee Wetherbee, PhD, LP, LPCC-S lwetherb@ashland.edu 419-289-5995

This course will examine the value of treatment planning within the therapeutic endeavor, general guiding principles for treatment planning, and well-researched, effective treatment protocols for dealing with specific DSM-IV diagnoses. (A basic understanding of DSM-IV diagnostics, counseling theory, and mental health treatment is required for this course.)

A chronological survey of outstanding devotional writings from the apostolic age to the present. The focus will be on the breadth of this literature as well as acquaintance with major authors and their works.

This course introduces students to the foundations of theological education at Ashland Theological Seminary. It explains the seminary's curriculum model, provides assessment of students in personal and professional areas, and leads to the development of a personal Formation Covenant that will guide the student through the seminary experience.

OFFERED ONLY FALL QUARTER! Students should plan to enroll in IT 694 within the first 36 credit hours of course work. This is a hybrid course with an introductory seminar and online class work. The majority of the coursework is 200 hours of field ministry. The student is responsible to arrange the site and mentor for their Field Study. NOTE: IT 694 is only offered Fall Quarter! All students who anticipate beginning Field Study in an academic year must enroll in the Fall Quarter. Students may enroll in the course in the fall and wait to start the actual ministry of their Field Study later in the year. The 200 hours of ministry may span more than one quarter. Theological Field Education is the intentional use of ministry experience as a transforming opportunity aimed at personal and ministry formation. This Distance Learning course will examine the purpose of experiential education, the program requirements for theological field education at this seminary. Field Study involves direct mentoring, theological reflection, and case studies. The course focuses on achieving competency, if not excellence, in the student's area of study and their context of ministry. It encourages the integration of academic learning with the practice of ministry, while under the direct supervision of a Field Mentor. Each student will need a field site where they are actively involved with ministry and an on-site Field Mentor. The student will develop basic personal and ministry competencies and complete written reports based on their ministry experience.

John Swope, PhD jswope@ashland.edu 419-289-5772

This course examines the biblical, theological, and historical foundations for evangelism to include various concepts, models, techniques, and methods used in faith-sharing. Through classroom and field experiences, students will articulate a biblical theology of evangelism and develop practical skills for doing evangelism. In the process, students will be equipped to train others and lead a local church in the effective practice of evangelism.

William P. Payne, PhD wpayne@ashland.edu 419-289-5865

A chronological survey of outstanding devotional writings from the apostolic age to the present. The focus will be on the breadth of this literature as well as acquaintance with major authors and their works.