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142 TJA 502 Seminar in Cultural Analysis In every area of life, the Christian must exercise some level of theological reflection and cultural analysis, but for those who desire to minister and serve in a variety of contexts such as non-profit work, outreach ministry or the secular workplace with a missional mindset, understanding the complexity of any social issue is the responsibility of those who seek to be a positive influence for change. Thus, this course introduces students to the methods of practical theology and requires students to employ them in understanding current and emerging social concerns. To this end, students in this course will wrestle with the theological and social causes, forces of influence, ethics, and models for change in a variety of social concerns. A variety of historical and current issues will be addressed such as racial injustice, gender inequity, environmental impact, migration, and immigration, etc. Specific issues will vary and will be determined by the current realities locally and globally. Students will learn how to integrate knowledge and insight from social sciences, economics, and political theory with biblical and theological truth to gain a better understanding of the social concerns. Students may opt to take TJA 511 in place of this course. Three hours. TJA 511 Experience in Historical and Current Issues Learning about the challenges and struggles in modern life in a classroom is helpful and important, however, learning about the issues through physical proximity and relational connection can deepen the learning in powerful ways. This course introduces the principles of practical theology, cultural analysis, and theological reflection from TJA 502 Seminar in Cultural Analysis through physical presence in the historical and current places of social concern. Students will travel to the cities and communities of historic injustice or of current struggle to see, hear, and experience. This may be traveling along the Trail of Tears, a journey through the key places of the Civil Rights, or a visit to communities of migration. This course involves travel and must be taken in person. Students in the MA program, Graduate Certificate program or the MDIV concentration may take either TJA 502 or TJA 511. Three hours. TJA 590, 690 Studies in Theology, Justice, and Social Advocacy These course numbers are reserved for courses of special or one-time interest that do not otherwise appear in the catalog. Two or three hours. TJA 591, 691 Individualized Study in Theology, Justice, and Social Advocacy These course numbers are reserved for courses that are designed to free the student for independent investigation in Theology, Justice, and Social Advocacy under the guidance of a professor. One to three hours. TJA 600 Justice in the Public Square: Christian Advocacy Confrontation of injustice is the prophetic work of the church. Moving your convictions to the public square requires theological rootedness in biblical justice & peacemaking, an understanding of historical movements of change and the necessary tactics for strategic and effective engagement. This course will introduce the learner to understand and work within the three areas of public engagement for social & systemic change: organizing, advocacy and activism. One feature of this course, in addition to its practical application, will be students' opportunity to engage with faith-rooted practitioners and guests who are currently shaping social & systemic change at various civic levels. Utilizing existing case studies and generating issues from within the class, students will implement course content and objectives through direct application. Three hours. TJA 611 Congregational Public Theology and Community Development In a holistic mission of redemption, the church has the privilege and responsibility of working to see its communities and neighborhoods flourish. In this course, students will be introduced to the characteristics and normative practices of congregational public theology and will evaluate a variety of strategies and models of community development with a goal of understanding how the local church can be a positive