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Theological Foundations of Divine Law

Course Overview

The course "Theological Foundations of Divine Law" explores the religious and philosophical underpinnings of divine law across various religious traditions. It examines how divine law is conceptualized, interpreted, and applied in different contexts, providing a comprehensive understanding of its role in guiding moral and legal norms.

Course Objectives

  1. Understand the Concept of Divine Law:

    • Explore the definitions and interpretations of divine law in major religious traditions.

    • Analyze the theological principles that underpin divine law.

  2. Historical Development:

    • Study the historical evolution of divine law within different religious contexts.

    • Understand the influence of divine law on legal and ethical systems over time.

  3. Comparative Analysis:

    • Compare and contrast divine law across various religions.

    • Examine similarities and differences in how divine law is perceived and practiced.

  4. Contemporary Application:

    • Investigate the application of divine law in contemporary legal systems.

    • Analyze case studies where divine law intersects with secular law.

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Curriculum Structure

Module 1: Introduction to Divine Law

Week 1-2: Definition and Scope
  • Lecture: What is Divine Law?

    • Definitions and scope of divine law.

    • Key characteristics that distinguish divine law from human-made law.

  • Reading: Theological Texts

    • Selected readings from sacred texts and theological commentaries.

Week 3-4: Theological Foundations
  • Lecture: Theological Underpinnings of Divine Law

    • Examination of the theological principles that support the concept of divine law.

    • The role of divine revelation, prophecy, and sacred texts.

  • Assignment: Reflective Essay

    • Students write an essay on their understanding of divine law.

Module 2: Historical Development of Divine Law

Week 5-6: Divine Law in Ancient Religions
  • Lecture: Ancient Religious Legal Systems

    • Study of divine law in ancient religious traditions (e.g., Mesopotamian, Egyptian, and early Indian religions).

  • Reading: Historical Texts and Case Studies

    • Analysis of primary sources and historical case studies.

Week 7-8: Evolution in Abrahamic Religions
  • Lecture: Divine Law in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

    • Historical development of divine law in the Abrahamic religions.

  • Assignment: Comparative Analysis Paper

    • Compare the evolution of divine law in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Module 3: Comparative Analysis of Divine Law

Week 9-10: Divine Law in Eastern Religions
  • Lecture: Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism

    • Exploration of the concept of divine law in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism.

  • Reading: Sacred Texts and Commentaries

    • Study of relevant texts and theological interpretations.

Week 11-12: Comparative Approaches
  • Lecture: Comparative Theology of Divine Law

    • Examination of the similarities and differences in divine law across religions.

  • Group Discussion: Comparative Perspectives

    • In-class discussions on the comparative aspects of divine law.

Module 4: Contemporary Application of Divine Law

Week 13-14: Divine Law and Modern Legal Systems
  • Lecture: Integration and Conflict

    • How divine law is integrated into or conflicts with modern legal systems.

  • Reading: Contemporary Case Studies

    • Analysis of contemporary legal cases involving divine law.

Week 15-16: Ethical and Moral Implications
  • Lecture: Ethical Dimensions of Divine Law

    • Ethical and moral implications of divine law in contemporary society.

  • Assignment: Case Study Analysis

    • Students analyze a contemporary case where divine law played a significant role.

Module 5: Capstone Project

Week 17-20: Research and Presentation
  • Project: In-depth Research Paper

    • Students conduct research on a topic related to divine law, integrating theological and legal perspectives.

  • Presentation: Research Findings

    • Students present their findings to the class and receive feedback.

Assessment Methods

  1. Reflective Essays:

    • Essays on the theological foundations and personal understanding of divine law.

    • Analysis of ethical and moral dimensions.

  2. Comparative Analysis Papers:

    • In-depth comparative studies of divine law across different religious traditions.

    • Critical evaluation of theological and legal texts.

  3. Case Study Analyses:

    • Detailed analysis of historical and contemporary case studies involving divine law.

    • Application of theological principles to real-world scenarios.

  4. Capstone Project:

    • Comprehensive research project integrating course concepts.

    • Presentation and defense of research findings.

Resources and References

  • Books:

    • "The Concept of Law in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam" by Robert Cummings Neville.

    • "Divine Law and Human Nature: Essays on the Philosophy of Law" by Lloyd Weinreb.

    • "Ethics and the Divine Law: A Systematic Approach to Moral Theology" by Ronald Preston.

  • Articles and Journals:

    • Articles on the historical and contemporary applications of divine law.

    • Journals focusing on theology, religious studies, and law.

  • Online Resources:

    • Webinars and lectures on theological foundations and divine law.

    • Online courses on comparative religion and legal ethics.

​

Weekly Breakdown (First Semester Example)

  1. Weeks 1-2: Definition and Scope

    • Lecture: What is Divine Law?

    • Reading: Selected theological texts.

    • Assignment: Reflective essay on the scope of divine law.

  2. Weeks 3-4: Theological Foundations

    • Lecture: Theological principles supporting divine law.

    • Reading: Religious commentaries.

    • Assignment: Essay on theological foundations.

  3. Weeks 5-6: Divine Law in Ancient Religions

    • Lecture: Ancient religious legal systems.

    • Reading: Historical texts.

    • Assignment: Analysis of ancient case studies.

  4. Weeks 7-8: Evolution in Abrahamic Religions

    • Lecture: Development in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

    • Reading: Sacred texts.

    • Assignment: Comparative analysis paper.

  5. Weeks 9-10: Divine Law in Eastern Religions

    • Lecture: Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism.

    • Reading: Eastern sacred texts.

    • Assignment: Reflective essay on Eastern perspectives.

  6. Weeks 11-12: Comparative Approaches

    • Lecture: Comparative theology.

    • Discussion: Comparative perspectives on divine law.

    • Assignment: Group discussion report.

  7. Weeks 13-14: Divine Law and Modern Legal Systems

    • Lecture: Integration and conflict in modern legal systems.

    • Reading: Contemporary case studies.

    • Assignment: Case study analysis.

  8. Weeks 15-16: Ethical and Moral Implications

    • Lecture: Ethical dimensions of divine law.

    • Reading: Ethical analyses.

    • Assignment: Essay on moral implications.

  9. Weeks 17-20: Capstone Project

    • Project: In-depth research paper.

    • Presentation: Research findings.

This course provides a comprehensive exploration of the theological foundations of divine law, emphasizing its historical development, comparative aspects, and contemporary applications in the legal field.

Key characteristics that distinguish divine law from human-made law.

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Key Characteristics that Distinguish Divine Law from Human-Made Law

  1. Source of Authority:

    • Divine Law: Originates from a transcendent source, typically considered to be God or a supreme spiritual entity. It is believed to be revealed through sacred texts, prophets, or spiritual experiences.

Course Title: Transformational Leadership, Advocacy, and Divine Purpose

Course Overview

This course focuses on developing transformational leadership skills grounded in advocacy and a strong sense of divine purpose. It aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical foundation needed to lead and advocate effectively within various organizational and community contexts, emphasizing the integration of divine principles.

Course Objectives

  1. Develop Transformational Leadership Skills:

    • Understand the principles and practices of transformational leadership.

    • Foster skills in inspiring, motivating, and guiding teams and communities.

  2. Cultivate Advocacy Competence:

    • Learn effective advocacy techniques.

    • Promote social justice, human rights, and ethical practices.

  3. Integrate Divine Purpose:

    • Explore the concept of divine purpose in leadership.

    • Align personal and professional goals with a higher spiritual calling.

  4. Apply Ethical Principles:

    • Ground leadership and advocacy in ethical and moral principles.

    • Analyze ethical dilemmas and develop solutions guided by divine principles.

 

Curriculum Structure

Module 1: Foundations of Transformational Leadership

Week 1-2: Introduction to Transformational Leadership
  • Lecture: Principles of Transformational Leadership

    • Overview of key characteristics and practices.

  • Reading: "Leadership" by James MacGregor Burns

    • Fundamental texts on transformational leadership.

Week 3-4: Leadership Theories and Models
  • Lecture: Different Models of Leadership

    • Comparison of transformational leadership with other leadership models.

  • Assignment: Reflective Essay

    • Personal leadership style assessment and development plan.

Module 2: Advocacy Skills and Techniques

Week 5-6: Fundamentals of Advocacy
  • Lecture: What is Advocacy?

    • Definitions, importance, and impact of advocacy.

  • Workshop: Advocacy Techniques

    • Practical exercises in communication, persuasion, and lobbying.

Week 7-8: Advocacy in Action
  • Lecture: Case Studies in Effective Advocacy

    • Analysis of successful advocacy campaigns.

  • Assignment: Develop an Advocacy Plan

    • Create a plan for an advocacy campaign on a chosen issue.

Module 3: Divine Purpose in Leadership

Week 9-10: Understanding Divine Purpose
  • Lecture: Theological Perspectives on Divine Purpose

    • Exploration of divine purpose across different religious traditions.

  • Reading: Sacred Texts and Commentaries

    • Study of relevant religious texts and their interpretations.

Week 11-12: Integrating Divine Purpose with Leadership
  • Lecture: Aligning Leadership with Divine Purpose

    • Practical strategies for integrating spiritual calling with leadership roles.

  • Assignment: Reflective Essay

    • Personal reflection on aligning career and life goals with divine purpose.

Module 4: Ethical Principles in Leadership and Advocacy

Week 13-14: Ethics and Morality in Leadership
  • Lecture: Foundations of Ethical Leadership

    • Study of ethical theories and their application to leadership.

  • Reading: "Ethics: The Heart of Leadership" by Joanne B. Ciulla

    • Key readings on ethics in leadership.

Week 15-16: Ethical Dilemmas and Decision Making
  • Lecture: Navigating Ethical Dilemmas

    • Frameworks for ethical decision-making in leadership and advocacy.

  • Assignment: Case Study Analysis

    • Analysis of ethical dilemmas in leadership scenarios.

Module 5: Practical Applications and Capstone Project

Week 17-18: Practical Leadership and Advocacy Exercises
  • Workshop: Leadership Simulations

    • Practical exercises and role-playing to develop leadership and advocacy skills.

  • Debrief: Lessons Learned

    • Reflection and discussion on workshop experiences.

Week 19-20: Capstone Project Development
  • Project: Integrative Leadership and Advocacy Plan

    • Develop a comprehensive project that integrates transformational leadership, advocacy, and divine purpose.

  • Presentation: Capstone Project

    • Present the project to peers and receive feedback.

Assessment Methods

  1. Reflective Essays:

    • Essays on personal leadership development and integration of divine purpose.

    • Analysis of ethical dilemmas and personal reflections.

  2. Advocacy Plans:

    • Development and presentation of advocacy campaigns.

    • Evaluation based on feasibility, impact, and alignment with ethical principles.

  3. Case Study Analyses:

    • In-depth analysis of real-world leadership and advocacy scenarios.

    • Application of course concepts to these case studies.

  4. Capstone Project:

    • Comprehensive project that demonstrates the integration of transformational leadership, advocacy, and divine purpose.

    • Presentation and defense of the project before a panel.

Resources and References

  • Books:

    • "Leadership" by James MacGregor Burns.

    • "Ethics: The Heart of Leadership" by Joanne B. Ciulla.

    • "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren.

    • "Advocacy and Social Change" by Herbert J. Rubin and Irene S. Rubin.

  • Articles and Journals:

    • Articles on transformational leadership, advocacy techniques, and ethical leadership.

    • Journals focusing on leadership studies, ethics, and religious studies.

  • Online Resources:

    • Webinars and online courses on leadership, advocacy, and integrating spirituality with professional life.

    • Lectures and talks by prominent leaders in the fields of transformational leadership and advocacy.

Weekly Breakdown (First Semester Example)

  1. Weeks 1-2: Introduction to Transformational Leadership

    • Lecture: Principles of Transformational Leadership.

    • Reading: Selected chapters from "Leadership."

    • Assignment: Reflective essay on leadership style.

  2. Weeks 3-4: Leadership Theories and Models

    • Lecture: Comparison of leadership models.

    • Reading: Supplementary articles on leadership theories.

    • Assignment: Leadership development plan.

  3. Weeks 5-6: Fundamentals of Advocacy

    • Lecture: Introduction to advocacy.

    • Workshop: Practical advocacy techniques.

    • Assignment: Develop an advocacy plan.

  4. Weeks 7-8: Advocacy in Action

    • Lecture: Case studies in advocacy.

    • Reading: Articles on successful advocacy campaigns.

    • Assignment: Present an advocacy campaign plan.

  5. Weeks 9-10: Understanding Divine Purpose

    • Lecture: Theological perspectives on divine purpose.

    • Reading: Selected sacred texts.

    • Assignment: Reflective essay on personal divine purpose.

  6. Weeks 11-12: Integrating Divine Purpose with Leadership

    • Lecture: Aligning leadership with divine purpose.

    • Reading: Articles on spiritual leadership.

    • Assignment: Personal reflection essay.

  7. Weeks 13-14: Ethics and Morality in Leadership

    • Lecture: Foundations of ethical leadership.

    • Reading: Chapters from "Ethics: The Heart of Leadership."

    • Assignment: Ethical dilemma analysis.

  8. Weeks 15-16: Ethical Dilemmas and Decision Making

    • Lecture: Navigating ethical dilemmas.

    • Reading: Case studies on ethical leadership.

    • Assignment: Case study analysis.

  9. Weeks 17-18: Practical Leadership and Advocacy Exercises

    • Workshop: Leadership simulations.

    • Debrief: Reflection and discussion.

    • Assignment: Leadership simulation report.

  10. Weeks 19-20: Capstone Project Development

    • Project: Integrative leadership and advocacy plan.

    • Presentation: Capstone project defense.

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of transformational leadership, advocacy, and divine purpose, equipping students with the skills and ethical foundation needed to lead and advocate effectively in various contexts.

Contact

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