Audit Opportunities

Auditing a course enables you to listen in on the theological conversations happening at WSC. For select courses, we offer a Listener’s Pass, which allows you to enjoy the benefits of auditing, at a reduced rate. If you are interested in auditing a class that you do not see listed below, please contact the registrar to determine if that particular class is available to audit. For a list of all the courses taught in a particular semester or term, along with their times and locations, please consult the appropriate course schedule.

Upcoming Term

Fall 2025

Reformed Spirituality (PT522)

Craig Troxel, PhD, Robert G. Den Dulk Professor of Practical Theology, WSC; Associate Pastor, Harvest Orthodox Presbyterian Church, San Marcos, CA

Tuesdays, 6:00–6:55 pm | Sep 9–Dec 2 | 1 credit | In-person | Room 4

The purpose of this course is to acquaint you with the distinctive aspects of Reformed spirituality and to appreciate its relationship with the piety that dominates much of contemporary evangelicalism and post-modern spirituality. Ultimately, the goal of the course is to encourage you toward greater communion with the triune God in faith and life.

Marriage and Family Counseling (PT700)

Jason Barrie, PhD, Associate Professor of Practical Theology, WSC; Director of the New Life Presbyterian Church Counseling Center, Escondido, CA

Thursdays, 6:00–7:55 pm | Sep 11, 18, 25; Oct 2, 9, 16 | 1 credit | In-person | Room 5

An overview of the pastor’s role as a counselor of God’s Word in marriage and families. This course will provide the Biblical foundation and understanding of marriage and family as well as introduce a methodology for Christ-centered counseling of singles, couples and families. Topics covered include common marriage “flashpoint” case studies (communication, sex, in-laws), pre-marital counseling, and issues of divorce and remarriage.

Current Term

Spring 2025

English Bible Survey (OT520)

Rev. Zach Keele, Visiting Lecturer in Practical Theology, Pastor of Escondido OPC

Tuesdays, 6:00–7:55 pm | Feb 11 – May 13 | 2 credits | In-person | Room 4

An overview of Scripture in English translation, designed for students desiring to increase their knowledge of the chronology of redemptive history as well as the structure and content of the Old and New Testament writings.

Introduction to Pastoral Counseling (PT607)

Jason Barrie, PhD, Associate Professor of Practical Theology, Westminster Seminary California

Wednesdays, 6:00–7:55 pm | Feb 12 – May 14 | 2 credits | In-person | Room 5

An introduction to the pastor’s unique role as a counselor of God’s Word. This course covers a brief history of pastoral counseling, the necessity of equipping the laity of the local church for effective change, the dynamics of biblical change, issues concerning the relationship between body and soul, counseling methodology, and the application of biblical and theological truth to people’s common problems in living, such as guilt, fear/worry, anger, depression, and habitual sin.

Doctrine of Creation (ST570)

Jason Pickard, PhD, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology

Thursdays, 1:45–3:40 pm | Feb 13 – May 15 | 2 credits | In-person | Room 1

In this course we will consider the Christian doctrine of creation, focusing on the metaphysics of creation (not the days). We will examine the meaning of creation ex nihilo and its importance for other Christian doctrines, especially the resurrection and soteriology. In addition, we will explore how the doctrine of creation informs our understanding of humanity, the natural world, gender and sexuality, as well as ecology. The course will consist of lectures, discussion of assigned texts, and a research paper on some aspect of the doctrine of creation. A Christian doctrine of creation is essential for thinking, living, and loving rightly, and that is what we seek to do in this course.

Previous Terms

Winter 2025

Understanding Commerce, Culture, & Congregations (AP623)

James Gilmore, Visiting Lecturer of Apologetics and co-founder of Strategic Horizons LLP

Jan 7–10, 2025 | Tues–Fri, 9:00 am–12:15 pm | 1 credit hour | In-person | Room 5

This course introduces “cultural hermeneutics” and methods of interpreting the patterns of everyday life in which congregants dwell. The instruction aims to equip future pastors with various principles and approaches for maintaining a rich, ongoing, and multi-dimensional perspective concerning the cultural context in which their congregations are situated. In addition to examining the role of commerce and consumer behavior in shaping culture, we will focus on how the structure of designed spaces (via the practice of architecture), the drama of daily living (using models of theatre), and the substance of experiences (as expressions of value) shape the patterns of everyday existence. In addition, students will be introduced to a number of (leading edge) group-dynamic techniques for fostering healthy communication, facilitating engaging meetings, and staging compelling (non-worship) events within a local church body. This course can be used to fulfill the 1-credit Missions elective requirement for PT511. 

Ministry in the Korean American Context (PT516)

Steve Park, PhD, Senior Pastor at Jubilee Presbyterian Church (KAPC) in West Norriton, PA

Jan 28–31, 2025 | Tues–Fri, 1:15–4:30 pm | 1 credit hour | In-person | Room 4

The purpose of this course is to understand the context of Korean immigrants in North America and the historical process and formation of Christianity (with emphasis on Presbyterians) in Korea, with the resulting features distinct to Korean Christianity (and Korean Presbyterianism in particular). This course will also explore various models of ministry for Korean Americans presented in the last few decades, marked by large migration of Koreans into North America, and evaluate them in light of Reformed ecclesiology and concern for contextualization. This course can be used to fulfill the 1-credit Missions elective requirement for PT511.

The Christian Virtues in Reformed Moral Theology (ST542)

David VanDrunen, PhD, Robert B. Strimple Professor of Systematic Theology and Christian Ethics

Jan 21–24, 2025 | Tues–Fri, 1:00–4:15 pm | 1 credit hour | In-person and Online | Room 4

This course explores the importance of virtue in light of the broader Christian tradition, the early Reformed tradition, and recent scholarship. The focus of the course is on examining particular Christian virtues and their place in a godly moral life. Students are expected to complete modest reading assignments, participate in class sessions, and write several short essays that engage the readings.

Fall 2024

Ministry of Discipleship in the Church (PT600)

A. Craig Troxel, Robert G. den Dulk Professor of Practical Theology, Westminster Seminary California

Fridays, 10:45–12:40 | Sep 6–Dec 6, 2024 | 2 credit hours | In-person | Room 5

This course offers biblical theology of the spiritual nurture of God’s covenant people, leading to their growing maturity in faith and life. Principles and practices of Christian education from children through adults, including the training of ordained leaders (elders, deacons) and other members for diverse ministries in the Body of Christ are also covered.

Marriage & Family Counseling (PT700)

Jason Barrie, PhD, Associate Professor of Practical Theology, Westminster Seminary California

Tuesdays, 6:00-8:10 pm | Sept. 10, 17, 24 | Oct. 1, 8, 15 | 1 credit hour | In-person

An overview of the pastor’s role as a counselor of God’s Word in marriage and families. This course will provide the biblical foundation and understanding of marriage and family as well as introduce a methodology for Christ-centered counseling of singles, couples, and families. Topics covered include common marriage “flashpoint” case studies (communication, sex, in-laws), premarital counseling, and issues of divorce and remarriage.

Summer 2024

J. Gresham Machen and the Crisis of Modernism (CH565)

D.G. Hart, PhD, Associate Professor of History, Hillsdale College

August 13–16, 2024 | 1:15-4:30 pm | 1 credit hour | In-person | Room 5

J. Gresham Machen, the founder of Westminster Seminary and the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, was an unlikely figure to be defined by theology and church affairs. The son of an elite Baltimore family, Machen received a first-rate education and was blasé about religion at the beginning of his professional career. But his work as a New Testament scholar led to his critique of theological modernism which in turn produced ecclesiastical controversies that forced Machen to form new Presbyterian institutions.

This course examines Machen’s life, where he fit in American Presbyterianism, and his understanding of Christ and culture, and the church’s role in modern society. Machen’s career and thought are important topics for understanding two-kingdom theology in the twentieth century.

Spring 2024

English Bible Survey (OT520)

Rev. Zach Keele, Pastor of Escondido OPC
Wednesdays, 6:00–7:55 pm | Feb 14–May 15 | 2 credit hours | In-Person

An introductory overview of the content of the Scriptures in English translation, especially for students desiring to increase their knowledge of the chronology of redemptive history and the structure and contents of the Old Testament and New Testament writings.

NOTE: Minors (persons under 17 years old) are permitted to audit or listen to a course only when they have either graduated from high school or passed the GED exam, or the instructor in charge has given permission. Please contact the Registrar (registrar@wscal.edu) if you would like to obtain a listener’s pass for your dependent.