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Curriculum Overview
A Personalized Program
We view our students as future leaders in their fields and because this can represent such a broad spectrum of interests, we provide the opportunity for a highly personalized program. We allow you to embrace your own wisdom, spiritual orientation, and life purpose. All Paths Divinity School is essentially a selfdirected program for serious students. APDS recognizes that each student is on a spiritual journey whether they have prior experience in religious and spiritual studies or not.. Each student has a different learning style some students need more structure and guidance, whereas others prefer more flexibility. To accommodate this, we've intentionally designed a differentiated curriculum to support each student in their interests. The first assignment for each student is an in depth facilitated spiritual biography establishing a personal vision statement. The fruits of this process will help to shape the direction of the students ministry. This vision is revisited several times throughout the program for the student to fine tune as their experience unfolds.Streamlined Learning Objectives
The primary learning objectives for most Master of Divinity (M.Div) courses are to demonstrate a holistic understanding of how the topic relates to each of the primary world religions, and also what it means to you personally how it could relate to your own ministry. Part of our process is to help mentor you in defining what your ministry might be. Some students might connect with this clearly right away, whereas others might require added support in this area. Students of Interfaith Theology (M.Th) explore contemporary issues and controversial topics through the theological lenses and philosophical frameworks of different religions. Students of Interfaith Theology draw upon the entirety of the world’s wisdom traditions, allowing the many variations to enrich and inform their own. Various systems of theology and related philosophical underpinnings are also examined such as syncretism which looks past differences towards a universal religion, relativism which claims any approach is as good as another, and pluralism which recognizes the shared common themes but also honors the cultural particularities that make each religion distinctive and unique.Selecting an Emphasis for your Degree
Each student has the option to select a particular focus for their studies although this is not required. The choices at present are: Enlightened Leadership, Divine Feminine, INterfaith Dialogue, Religion and the Arts, Peace Studies, Spiritual Healing, Community Building, EcoSpirituality and Chaplaincy.Resources & Guidance
Your program mentors will help you choose learning resources which provide the knowledge required to progress towards the completion of your degree. Ultimately, how and when you study is up to you. It could be an online study group, an online learning community, textbooks, or other resources. You’ll have the guidance of a mentor to review your progress, recommended reading lists, and lots of other free online resources, but the intensity and duration of your study time is your decision.Sample Syllabi
Attached (below) is a course syllabus from each category of coursework: Ministry, Theology, and Religious Studies. Students who do best with a lot of structure and direction may reply upon syllabi/outlines like the attached samples. But students who desire less structure are permitted the freedom to explore the subjects from other angles. For example, a textbook may often be substituted with a similar book, perhaps by an author you find more favorable. Likewise, topics for writing papers are provided for you but you are also usually free to select your own writing topic, as long as it is relevant.Writing Assignments
Every class requires at least one written paper, typically between 1,000 to 2,000 words. Students will be given the outline of specific requirements in Student Policy Handbook.Testing/Exams
Some courses also have multiple choice tests, but not all.HandsOn Projects
A handful of classes in the M.Div program require projects be completed, but you also have the freedom to propose your own project ideas. Specific examples we suggest: ● making your own interfaith prayer book● visiting different churches or temples in your area ● designing an interfaith wedding service
● creating a peace garden in your neighborhood ● interviewing a chaplain