St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary will offer four courses to the general public starting in September 2015, giving non-degree students opportunities to increase their knowledge about the Orthodox Christian faith. The classes, to be held on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, require no prior coursework at the seminary and will cover: religious themes in film, liturgical space and practice, an exploration of the Book of Genesis, and spiritual life. Courses will begin September 1 and 2, and will run for ten weeks; courses may be audited or taken for one academic credit.

RELIGIOUS THEMES IN FILM
(Dogmatic Theology 376)
Credits: 1 credit
Dr. Peter Bouteneff

The meeting place between high art and popular culture, cinema became arguably the most influential art form of the 20th century. This course will analyze ways in which religious themes are treated—explicitly as well as implicitly—in modern film and other popular media. Prerequisite: None.

Wednesday, 8:10pm–9:25pm (Ten class sessions, beginning Wednesday, September 2, 2015)

THE LITURGICAL SPACE AND PRACTICE OF THREE HIERARCHS CHAPEL
(Liturgical Art 101)
Credits: 1 credit
Rev. Dn. Evan Freeman

This course introduces students to the liturgy, architecture, and sacred arts of the Eastern Orthodox Church in the context of Three Hierarchs Chapel of St Vladimir’s Seminary. Students will be familiarized with chapel etiquette, reading, and serving, as well as with the structures of services and the cycles of the liturgical year. This course will also contextualize the iconographic program and architectural space of Three Hierarchs Chapel within the broader tradition of Orthodox iconography and ecclesiastical architecture. Required for all M.Div. and M.A. candidates; of benefit to students interested in Liturgy and the Sacred Arts. Prerequisite: None.

Tuesday, 6:45 p.m.–8:00 p.m. (Ten class sessions, beginning Tuesday, September 1, 2015)

EXPLORING GENESIS
(Old Testament 370)
Credits: 1 credit
Very Rev. Dr. Harry Pappas

This course will wrestle with the pervasive questions surrounding faith and science, history and story, the nature of God, the mystery of Scripture, and the impact of literary genre through the foundational text of Genesis for the Torah of ancient Israel and the Christian Bible. Attention will be given to both Hebrew and Greek in the context of the history of interpretation, contemporary historical-critical method, and application to pastoral work and parish life today. Prerequisite: None.

Wednesday, 6:45 p.m.–8:00 p.m. (Ten class sessions, beginning Wednesday, September 2, 2015)

INTRODUCTION TO THE SPIRITUAL LIFE
(Spirituality 101)
Credits: 1 credit
Very Rev. Dr. John Behr

This first-year seminar introduces the student to the life of the School, a life of deeper spiritual, liturgical, and intellectual engagement with the Christian faith. The course also provides an occasion in which students can bring together the different elements of their formation—chapel, classroom, and library—in open discussion with the Dean and each other, leading to a more fruitful integration and appropriation of what is on offer. Required for all M.Div. and M.A. candidates; of benefit to prospective students and student wives, but open to all. Prerequisite: None.

Tuesday, 8:10 p.m.–9:25 p.m. (Ten class sessions, beginning Tuesday, September 1, 2015)

The procedures for course registration are found here (see under "Non-Degree Students"). 

The fees (including registration) are:

– $175 for audit

– $588 for credit