My Experience at University of Chicago
One of the great features of Wheaton's program is the external course you get to take. It seems helpful to start a discussion about these opportunities. I looked seriously at two options. One with Kevin Hector at University of Chicago (quarter course) and one at Princeton with Darrell Guder (January Intensive). I emailed both of them my first year in the program, and they each emailed me their planned course offerings for the next couple of years. This information was helpful in making a decision on when and where to take my external course. Both instructors sent me copies of their syllabus for the course I was interested in, which was also helpful in making a decision.
Since I ultimately decided on the University of Chicago course, here is a brief review of my course on Karl Barth's Church Dogmatics with Kevin Hector.
***** (5 Stars)
1) The Application process at U of C is a bit of a hassle. You have to fill out a fairly long application, and send transcripts from all schools you have attended. You also have to drive to campus for an interview and submit immunization records. The interview is actually an orientation, and painless. Apply to the Graham School’s Graduate Student at Large program. Wheaton will cover application fees and all tuition fees. I found Randi (rrosenbluth@uchicago.edu) to be very helpful with answering questions. She and Mary Daniels (danielsm@uchicago.edu) answered all of my questions promptly.
Randi Rosenbluth, Admissions Coordinator
Graduate-Student-at-Large (GSAL) and Returning Scholar (RS)
The University of Chicago Graham School of Continuing Liberal and Professional Studies
1427 East 60th Street, Chicago, IL 60637
2) General Feedback. I have heard good things overall from the other PhD students who have done courses at University of Chicago (Steve Pardue, Jeremy Treat, Steph Lowery), but there has been some variety in the overall experience. Overall though, I think most have enjoyed their experience. The students at the Div school are sharp. I enjoyed connecting with the university of Chicago students before and after class, and was challenged by their perspectives on a number of issues. There were about 15 in the class, half phd students, half MA or MDiv. The ethnic breakdown of the group was diverse, as were the ecclesial backgrounds.
3) A Theology Class with Kevin Hector. I had an outstanding experience with Hector. I know James Gorden also had an excellent experience. Both of us took Hector's Barth class and describe the experience as one of the best classes we have taken. Hector taught in a public high school for six years before doing his MA at Wheaton, and his pedagogical skills are solid. I learned a ton on Barth. Hector was also available. He met with me outside of class, and spent an hour after the quarter was over giving me some feedback on the paper I had written. So, bottom line, if you are looking for a solid external experience, I don't think you will regret a class with Hector. He mentioned to me that he would welcome more Wheaton students in his classes.
In sum, while the application process was a bit of a hassle, it was well worth it. I give my experience 5 stars.