MTSO Courses of Interest to UU Students
These courses are also accessible to non-MTSO students who wish to take the courses for credit at MTSO, for the purposes of transferring to another institution, or as auditors.
The Unitarian Universalist House of Studies at MTSO offers all the classes UU students need for ministerial fellowship with the UUA. These classes are available for credit or audit. All of these classes are available online.
To take one or more of these courses for the purposes of transferring the credit back to an ATS-accredited seminary at which you are already admitted, complete our Visiting Student Application.
To take one or more of these courses for credit at MTSO, complete our Occasional Student Application. If you have questions about the application, contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@mtso.edu or 800-333-6876.
To take one or more of these courses as an auditor (without receiving credit, but acceptable for ministerial fellowship), complete our Auditor Application. If you have questions about auditing, contact the registrar at registrar@mtso.edu or 740-362-3126.
UU History is taught every Spring Semester; UU Polity every June during General Assembly; UU Theologies and UU Worship and Rites of Passage every other Fall Semester.
The UU House of Studies at MTSO is committed to radical hospitality for our guests taking intensive classes. Inexpensive accommodations are available on campus.
DS680 Unitarian Universalist History
Offered every Spring term
Taught by Susan Ritchie
This course traces the theological and institutional emergence of Unitarianism out of the Radical Reformation. It will also focus on the universalism of 18th century England, and the state of Unitarianism in Europe and North America through its development through the late 19th and 20th centuries. [3 credit hours. Instructor: Dr. Susan Ritchie. Frequency: Every spring. Prerequisite: CH501.]
DS681 Unitarian Universalist Polity
Offered as an online intensive every Summer term
Taught by Susan Ritchie
Students will explore how changing cultures and theologies of leadership, authority and church shape our governance; how polity helps or hinders commitment to social justice; what historical roots exist for institutional behaviors; and how insights are taken to congregations and communities. When timing and geography allows, the course will include immersion in the UUA General Assembly. [1.5 credit hours. Instructor: Dr. Susan Ritchie. Frequency: Every summer. Prerequisite: None.]
DS682 Unitarian Universalist Special Topics
Offered in the Fall of even-numbered years (e.g. 2024, 2026)
Taught by Susan Ritchie
This course will focus on specific topics in Unitarian Universalist identity as well as topics of Unitarian Universalist expertise of interest to a wider ecumenical population. These courses may include but are not limited to Religious Humanism, Poststructuralist and Post Christian Theologies, Animals and Religion, Faith and Religious Education Theory and Practice. [1.5-3 credit hours. Instructor: Varies. Frequency: Occasional. Prerequisite: None. Note: DS682 may be repeated for credit as topics change.]
DS683 Unitarian Universalist Worship and Rites of Passage
Offered in the Fall of odd-numbered years (e.g. 2025, 2027)
Taught by Susan Ritchie
This course explores the theory, practice, design and delivery of UU worship services and rites of passage. Special attention will be paid to the challenges and opportunities of developing worship outside of a structured liturgical year, the challenges of selecting material in a non-canonical tradition, and the conduct of rites and rituals in a non-sacerdotal context. [3 credit hours. Instructor: Dr. Susan Ritchie. Frequency: Every spring. Prerequisite: None. Note: UU students may substitute this course for WO500 Introduction to Worship.]
Learn more about the Unitarian Universalist House of Studies at MTSO here.