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Amen-Ra Theological Seminary
Amen-Ra Theological Seminary
P.O. Box 24194
Los Angeles, California 90024-0194 USA
WELCOME
Amen-Ra Theological Seminary is a non-profit 501(c)(3) online (as of June 2007) self accredited graduate institute owned and operated by Amen-Ra Community Assembly of California, Inc., a religious corporation founded and incorporated in California in 1996.
The primary mission of Amen-Ra Theological Seminary is to provide an education of distinction that leads to the pursuit of new knowledge and understanding in the area of African world religion, philosophy and spirituality. Our curriculum provides an opportunity for students to obtain a master or doctoral degree in African world religion and spirituality that encourages innovative discourse and originality in a non-authoritative learning environment in preparation for the ministry, and in careers involving religious education, teaching, research and writing.
Since our founding, we have awarded three honorary degrees (D.D.), and sponsored several national and international events and enterprises (e.g., Amen-Ra Theological Seminary Press, Building Libraries for Africa, The Journal of Pan African Studies, The Los Angeles Black Book Expo). Thus, this site provides an introduction to the dynamics of constructing an affirmative African centered seminary focused upon African world community religion, philosophy, and spirituality online.
To gain admission to Amen-Ra Theological Seminary, submit: (1) an official transcript showing the award of a bachelor's degree, (2) an essay addressing your goals and interests, (3) a current resume, (4) and, three letters of recommendation. Applicants of exceptional ability over age thirty-five who lack a bachelor's degree may be granted special admission status, write to the provost for details.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Admission to Amen-Ra Theological Seminary is based upon: (1) a bachelor's degree from an accredited college, university or seminary, (2) a written statement of intent addressing educational goals and interest, (3) a current resume, (4) three letters of recommendation, and (5) an official college, university or seminary transcript (the seminary will accept graduate transfer units/credits).
DEGREE PROGRAMS
[ ] Master of Divinity: M.Div.
[ ] Master of Religious Education: M.R.E.
[ ] Master of Theology: Th.M.
[ ] Doctor of Divinity: D.D.
[ ] Doctor of Theology: Th.D.
STUDENT LIFE
Amen-Ra Theological Seminary students are a select group of adults who desire a graduate education to enhance their personal or professional goals. Most hold responsible positions within their community upon enrollment, and welcome the intellectual challenge. Furthermore, students are encouraged to participate in local, regional, national, and international African centered activity relevant to their education.
NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY
Amen-Ra Theological Seminary admits students and employ persons of any race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, gender, martial status, citizenship, ancestry, religion, age, disability, or medical condition to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to all at the seminary.
ACADEMIC YEAR
The Amen-Ra Theological Seminary academic year is divided into four academic quarters, Fall (October to December), Winter (January to March), Spring (April to June), and Summer (July to September).
TUITION AND FEES
Application [$25.00]
Tuition (per unit) [$60.00]
Late enrollment [$20.00]
Returned bank check [$50.00]
Thesis/Dissertation binding [$70.00]
Transcript [$10.00]
COURSE OF STUDY
Classical African Religions
An examination of religion, values, and spirituality in Africa concerning ancient theocentric experience in Egypt, Ethiopia, Mali, and Nigeria.
Ancient Kemetic Religion
An affirmative examination of ancient Kemetic (Egyptian) religion focused upon wisdom literature, spiritual initiation, and its contribution to world religion, and spirituality.
Principles of Maat: Ancient Kemetic (Egyptian) Ethics
An introduction to the ancient Kemetic (Egyptian) theocentric principles and attributes of order, truth, justice, balance, harmony, reciprocity, and righteousness.
Theocentric Knowledge
A critical examination of perplexing questions concerning the source of theocentric knowledge, and how it informs and constructs theological paradigms throughout the world.
World Religion and Theology
A survey of major world religions, theosophies and texts from ancient times to the present that complement African beliefs, values and ethical traditions.
African World Religion and Theology
An introduction to African world community belief systems and theocentric paradigms juxtaposing a progressive critique and analysis.
African Religions in the West
An examination of the manifestations of African religion outside the continent of Africa focused upon Rastafari, and Yoruba centered traditions in Europe, and the Western Hemisphere.
Afrocentricity and Religion
An examination of the historical and contemporary intersection of religion, theology, and African centered spirituality.
Sankofa: Ancestors and Epic Memory
A theocentric examination of the African experience of enslavement and response to the destruction of African civilization via ancient and modern sacred text and ecclesiastical images.
Divination: African Systems and Ways of Knowing
An examination of how truth and knowledge is generated in Africa and throughout the African world community via the process of divination.
Womenist Theology
An examination of the identity, image and representation of women in theocentric systems of belief, and the construction of women centered theological paradigms.
Theocentric Aestheticism
A theocentric examination of the question of aesthetic value and reality in ancient and modern African religious and spiritual traditions.
Ecclesiastical Ministry
An examination of the principles and methods of ecclesiastical ministry, effective communication, conflict resolution, and related topics.
Homiletics
A theoretical and practical examination of the art of speech, conversation, public speaking, and preaching in the African tradition in relationship to language, thought and action.
Theocentric Guidance
An introduction to theocentric guidance and communication techniques that seek alternatives, or solutions to family and individual challenges.
Congregational Life
An examination of formal and informal relationships in the African religious and spiritual community.
Congregational Challenge and Solution
An examination of how religious/spiritual congregations organize, sustain themselves, and thrive in challenging environments.
Theocentric Methodology
An investigation of discovery methodology and paradigms relevant to scholastic theocentric inquiry.
Hermeneutics: A
A seminar in the genres of hermeneutic study and communication for M.Div. and M.R.E. students preparing for the thesis or comprehensive examination.
Hermeneutics: B
A seminar in the genres of hermeneutic study and communication for Th.M. and doctoral students.
African Theology: Paradigm and Synthesis
An examination of key ideas, concepts and theoretical formations in African world community religious, spiritual and ethical studies.
Selected Questions in Theocentric Studies
An opportunity for students to pursue an in-depth study of a particular theological questions or subjects with faculty guidance.
Prophets and Prophetess
An examination of the ideas and concepts of ancient and modern master teachers (prophets and prophetess) who have influenced human thought concerning the origin of the universe, reality and experience.
Religious and Theological Practice
A supervised theocentric experience designed to evaluate student ability to: (1) discuss, appropriate and explicate theoretical ideas, (2) communicate in speech and print, (3) function in a professional manner, (4) teach, (5) and implement programs/paradigms related to the theological experience of the African world community.
Theocentric Issues Seminar
A forum for doctoral and pre-doctoral (Th.M) students to present, analyze and discuss current theocentric issues, research questions, and projects with faculty guidance.
FACULTY
R. I. MUTOPE A-ALKEBU-LAN
Vice Provost, Research, Development and Instruction.
Th.D. (1999) Amen-Ra Theological Seminary; Graduate Certificate: Economic Development (1996), M.L.I.S. (1993), Graduate Certificate: Archival Administration (1992), B.A. (1977), Wayne State University, Detroit.
MOLEFI KETE ASANTE
Distinguished Professor of Africology.
L.H.D. (1991), Sojourner-Douglass College; L.H.D. (1976), University of New Haven; Ph.D. (1968), University of California, Los Angeles; M.A. (1965) Pepperdine University, Los Angeles; B.A. (1964), Oklahoma Christian College.
THERESA TAIWO ASOJO
Professor, Philosophy of Religion.
Ph.D. (1995), M.Phil. (1990), M.A. (1986), B.A. (1983), Diploma (1976), University of Ibadan (Nigeria); Teachers Grade II Certificate (1966), Mary Immaculate Teacher's College (Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria).
FIRPO W. CARR
Professor, Etymology and World Religion.
Ph.D. (1991), Pacific Western University; M.A. (1989), University of Redlands; B.S. (1984), University of San Francisco.
IBRAHIM ABDURRAHMAN FARAJAJE
Professor, Cultural Studies, Islamic Studies: Cultural and Historical Studies of Religion.
Th.D., University of Bern (Switzerland); M.Div., St. Vladimir's Orthodox Seminary; B.A., Williams College; B.A., Vassar College.
SALIM FARAJI
Vice Provost and Professor, African Religions, Ancient and Modern Christianity.
Ph.D. (2005), M.Div. (1997), Claremont Graduate University; B.S.S. (1993), Pennsylvania State University.
ARTHUR J. GRAHAM
Professor, Language Arts and Literature.
Ph.D. (1980), University of California, San Diego; B.Sc. (1967) San Diego State University.
EARL GRANT
Professor, Ancient Egypt: Mathematics and Astronomy.
Ed.M. (1978), Harvard University.
EREBKA L. HENRY
Professor, Law and Social Ecology.
J.D. (1993), University of California, Los Angeles; B.A. (1989), University of California, Irvine.
SABINE JELL-BAHLSEN
Professor, Anthropology, Aesthetics and Cosmology.
Ph.D. (1980), The New School for Social Research; M.A. (1974), Freie University Berlin (West Germany).
E.J. JOSEY
Emeritus Distinguished Professor of Library Science.
L.H.D. (2001), Clarion University of Pennsylvania; Litt.D. (1995), Clark Atlanta University; H.H.D. (1989), North Carolina Central University; D.P.S. (1987), University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee; L.H.D. (1973), Shaw University; M.S.L.S. (1953), The State University of New York, Albany; M.A. (1950), Columbia University; A.B. (1949), Howard University.
KOFI LOMOTEY
Executive Vice Provost, Administrative and Academic Affairs.
Ph.D. (1985), MA (1981), Stanford University; Ed.M. (1978), Cleveland State University; B.A. (1974) Oberlin College.
PHILLIP McABEE
Professor, Dance and Technology.
M.A. (1995), University of California, Los Angeles; Diploma (1990), New York University; B.A. (1979), University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
MAUREEN SILOS
Associate Professor, Comparative Education and Caribbean Studies.
Ph.D. (1997), University of California, Los Angeles; Doctoral (1983), Erasmus University, Rotterdam (Holland).
DELANEY E. SMITH, JR.
Professor, Ancient Biblical and Ecclesiastical History.
M.D. (1978), Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine; Pharm.D. (1974), University of Southern California; B.S. (1971), Xavier University of Louisiana.
FABUNMI WEBB-MSEMAJI
Professor, African Traditional Systems and Psychology.
Ph.D. (1996), California School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles; M.A. (1984), B.A. (1979), California State University, Los Angeles; A.A., Los Angeles City College.
CLYDE A. WOODS
Visiting Professor, Thesis and Dissertation Construction.
Ph.D. (1993), University of California, Los Angeles; M.C.R.P. (1986), Morgan State University; B.A. (1979), Oberlin College.
ITIBARI M. ZULU
Provost, Administrative and Academic Affairs.
Ph.D. candidate (2007-), Union Institute & University; Th.D. (1999), Amen-Ra Theological Seminary; M.L.S. (1989), San Jose State University; B.A. (1976), California State University, East Bay; A.A. (1974), Merritt College.
Los Angeles Black Book Expo
Official Kwanzaa Website
ARTS Press
The African Diaspora Foundation
Journal of Pan African Studies
Send E-Mail to: imzsr@yahoo.com
Copyright © 2009 Itibari M. Zulu. All Rights Reserved