Identity, Power, & Vocation in Community (IPVC)

IPVC is a course requirement for the MDiv, MASJE, and MAPSC programs, and students in these programs must receive a C or better in each quarter of IPVC.  MTS students who wish to take IPVC may take the course as an elective for credit with a passing grade, with the approval of their advisor.

IST 1100, 1101, 1102 - Identity, Power, and Vocation in Community (IPVC): The three course sequence cultivates students’ ability to engage in social and theological analysis about social structures, ideologies, and embodied practices that lead to domination or oppression. It facilitates critical thinking about social locations, power and privilege, and what effect these have on students' vocational paths. The course takes the perspective that this sort of analysis, engaged in community and supported with spiritual practices, is crucial to serving effectively in today’s complex social environment. It encourages students to deepen their commitment to dismantling privilege and oppression at individual, institutional, and societal levels. 6 credits.

Because Identity, Power, and Vocation in Community depends on building an intentional community of learners to reach its learning outcomes, students will stay in the same section with the same instructor throughout the academic year. Students must pass all three consecutive quarters (Fall, Winter, and Spring) within a single academic year with the same instructor and cohort in order to complete the required credits for Identity, Power, and Vocation in Community (with passing at graduate level being a C or above). The full course must be taken within the student's first 40 credit hours.  Exceptions to this policy for students with extenuating life circumstances may be approved by the Dean. Extenuating circumstances typically include a death of a loved one, an unforeseen medical emergency of the student or immediate family member, students with granted ADA accommodations, or other substantive changes.