The purpose of this Introduction to Online Learning course is to introduce you to the online learning system used by The University of Dubuque Theological Seminary. When you have completed the course, you will be equipped to use our UDTSlearning platform for our lay education / training for lay pastors online courses.

Course Description
This seminar seeks to foster an engagement with the theology and ethos of the Reformed tradition. Our work will center on a study of the formative history of the Reformed movement, along with a survey of The Book of Confessions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). This course is strongly recommended for Presbyterian students preparing to take the standard ordination exams in theology.

Required Texts:

• Book of Confession: Study Edition
• John H. Leith, Introduction to the Reformed Tradition
• Christopher Elwood, Calvin for Armchair Theologians
• James Smylie, A Brief History of the Presbyterians
• M.J. Coalter, J.Mulder, L.Weeks, The Re-Forming Tradition. Presbyterians and Mainstream Protestantism
• Joseph Small, ed., Conversations with the Confessions. Dialogue in the Reformed Tradition

This course introduces students to the history, theology, and practices of congregational worship in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), in order to equip students for sound and effective liturgical planning and worship leadership.

Required Texts

• Peter C. Bower, ed. The Companion to the Book of Common Worship. Louisville: Geneva Press, 2003.
• Old, Hughes Oliphant. Worship Reformed According to Scripture, revised and expanded edition. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2002.
• PC(USA) The Book of Common Worship. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 1993.
• PC(USA) The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Part I, The Book of Confessions [current edition with index].
• PC(USA) The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Part II, The Book of Order [current edition].