Rising Hope, Inc.
Overview
Rising Hope, Inc., an NCCRS member since November 2016, is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation founded by the late Rev. Dr. George (Bill) W. Webber, President of New York Theological Seminary, and Dr. Marian Bohen, a college educator and Ursuline nun. Rising Hope, Inc. provides one year of college-level courses to people incarcerated in New York state prisons, including Sing Sing, Fishkill, and Woodbourne Correctional Facilities. The courses are taught by volunteers, often distinguished in their fields, who freely give their time and expertise to help this special population find a path to living a positive life through education and service. The courses are offered without cost to the students. The curriculum focuses on studies of the Judeo-Christian tradition from a purely academic perspective. Students of any, or no, faith tradition are welcome and there is no proselytizing.
Students and admissions representatives please note: NCCRS does not provide transcripts. Transcript requests and inquiries should be directed to the organization offering the courses, examinations or apprenticeship. See the Source of Official Student Records in the sidebar near the top right side of this page.
Titles of all evaluated learning experiences
Source of Official Student Records
Descriptions and credit recommendations for all evaluated learning experiences
45 hours (15 weeks).
September 2012 – Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: apply English grammar, spelling, sentence structure, syntax, and verbs (tenses, agreements, etc.); examine the purpose of essays; construct essays as responses to various prompts; evaluate selected readings that inspire personal reflection and write analytical reaction papers; examine the purpose and elements of research and write a six page research paper; and write a movie critique.
Instruction is offered via classroom lectures accompanied by readings, essays, quizzes, homework, vocabulary assignments, a mid-term exam, research paper, film critique and final exam. Major topics include: the writing process, strategies for developing academic paragraphs and essays, and key aspects of grammar, punctuation, and the mechanics of writing. Practice in refining writing skills will be provided. In this course, we will cover three major areas: writing critically and effectively, grammar and mechanics of written English, including the organization and development of paragraphs and essays, and documenting and citing sources.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in General Education, English or College Writing (9/17) (4/22 revalidation).
January 2022 – Present.
45 hours (15 weeks).
Upon successful completion of the learning experience, students will be able to: differentiate between inductive and deductive types of reasoning; identify and ask significant questions that clarify various points of view and lead to better solutions; distinguish algorithms, heuristics and hypotheses; think creatively; use skills such as cause/effect, comparison, classification, sequencing, counterfactuals, analogies, forecasting, planning, hypothesizing, and critiquing; analyze how parts of a whole interact with each other to produce overall outcomes in complex systems; reflect critically on learning experiences and processes; articulate personal, academic and vocational goals; analyze and evaluate evidence, arguments, claims and beliefs; interpret information and draw conclusions; clarify values and identify wants and needs; resolve personal and interpersonal conflicts effectively.
Instruction is offered via a classroom-based approach accompanied by supplemental readings, homework, problem-solving exercises, interaction with instructor, and a collaborative final project. Major topics include: Arguments, claims and supporting evidence; explanations and reasoning; introductory behavioral, biopsychological, cognitive and developmental psychology; assumptions, injections, desirable and undesirable effects; ambitious targets, intermediate objectives and obstacles; critical thinking and systems thinking; Conflict Resolution Clouds; Theory of Constraints and Thinking Process tools.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in General Education, Business, Psychology, Humanities, or Human Services (4/22).
45 hours (15 weeks).
November 2011 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: explain ethical terms and values involved in real-life situations; evaluate and apply multiple ethical theories to dilemmas and contemporary issues posed by assignments, test questions, and real-life situations; analyze the reasons for decisions that influence others in terms of ethical concepts of value; and defend and advocate ethical judgements and decisions.
Instruction is offered via classroom lectures accompanied by readings, quizzes, homework, debate, interactive problem solving, a mid-term exam, and a research paper. Major topics include: moral authority theory; human nature theory; primary values theory; economic justice; equality and discrimination; punishment and the death penalty; violence and war; and sex and abortion. Prerequisite: College Writing I.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Ethics, Philosophy or Religion and Society (11/16) (4/22 revalidation).
45 hours (15 weeks).
September 2012 – Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: critique basic family counseling concepts; assess the fundamental human values that are essential to building healthy family structures and relationships; apply conceptual knowledge by conducting a brief counseling session, and critiquing the counseling skills being used by counselors in role-play counseling sessions; analyze and evaluate why it is important for members of a family to have equal value and for the parent/s or guardian/s to be in charge; analyze the factors that make up a healthy loving relationship, (e.g. respect, independence, intimacy, and a realistic and positive sense of self); apply and relate the concepts being introduced from readings to personal experience; examine the causes and need for individuals to expect change in their lives; and evaluate the importance of speaking, listening, and cooperation skills with respect to how they affect family life and interpersonal health.
Instruction is offered via classroom lectures accompanied by readings, essays, quizzes, homework, debate, role-play, interactive problem solving, a mid-term exam, and a final exam. Major topics include: basic family counseling concepts, how professional counselors view family wellness, and how they bring about positive change within the family. Understanding the balance between individuality and connection is an important aspect of this course. Students examine healthy loving relationships and the importance of human values such as: respect, responsibility, flexibility, equality, independence, interdependence, honesty, and sincerity. Additional topics include the concepts of grace and the evolution of consciousness. Prerequisite: College Writing I.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Counseling (9/17) (4/22 revalidation).
45 hours (15 weeks).
November 2011 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: explain the significant personalities, events and doctrines that have shaped the course of early Christianity up to the Reformation; understand and explain how other religions and cultures have affected the Christian faith; and recognize how Christianity’s internal struggles have impacted the church.
Instruction is offered via a classroom-based approach accompanied by supplemental readings, quizzes, homework, interaction with instructor, and final exams. Topics include: Beginning of Christianity, The Early Church, Christian Apologists, persecution, the Imperial Church, Monasticism, Donatism, the Arian controversy, Pagan reaction, Benedictine Monasticism, the Crusades, Conciliar Movement, Renaissance, and Humanism.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Biblical Studies, Christianity and Social Development, Church and Politics, Religion, Theological Studies, or World History (11/16) (4/22 revalidation).
45 hours (15 weeks).
November 2011 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: explain the significant personalities, events, movements and doctrines that have shaped the course of Christianity from the Reformation to the present; understand and explain how other religions and cultures have affected the Christian faith; and recognize how Christianity’s internal struggles have impacted the church.
Instruction is offered in a classroom-based approach accompanied by supplemental readings, quizzes, homework, interaction with instructor, and final exams. Topics include: the political, social, cultural and economic implications of Christianity in the modern age; Martin Luther and the Reformation; Anabaptists; Catholic Reformation; Puritan Revolution; Orthodoxy; Rationalism; Spiritualism; Pietism; Theology; Protestantism; Fundamentalism; and Liberation Theology.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Biblical Studies, Religion, or Theological Studies (11/16) (4/22 revalidation).
45 hours (15 weeks).
November 2011 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: prepare a complete, well-structured, engaging sermon; speak publicly with confidence, clarity, and effectively use verbal and nonverbal dynamics; analyze and interpret texts; and apply lessons from texts that have been analyzed to everyday life with consideration of their own context and that of the audience.
Instruction is offered via a classroom-based approach accompanied by supplemental readings, quizzes, homework, interaction with instructor, and final exams. Topics include: brief homilies, expository sermons, public speaking, biblical preaching, and the exegesis of biblical passages.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Communication, Homiletical Styles, Public Speaking, Preaching or Religious Studies (11/16) (4/22 revalidation).
45 hours (15 weeks).
September 2012 – Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: explain various aspects of the counseling relationship: roles, functions, and preparation standards of counselors; apply basic counseling skills and therapeutic techniques; examine personal challenges and how one’s background and life experiences can be turned into personal counseling or helping strength; demonstrate conceptual competence in interviewing skills; and apply practical understanding of psychological health as presented in the texts.
Instruction is offered via classroom lectures accompanied by readings, essays, quizzes, homework, debate, role-lay, interactive problem solving, a midterm exam, and a final exam. Major topics include: basic counseling skills, therapeutic techniques necessary to become effective helpers, the conditions that facilitate an effective counseling relationship, and stages in the counseling process. It will familiarize students with the assumptions, theories, strategies, and applications related to development in counseling. Students are introduced to the roles and functions of counselors in various settings. Central to this course is an ongoing self-evaluation of students’ attitudes, values, and interpersonal skills. Individual and interpersonal growth are explored as a vehicle to facilitate healing and transformation. The course is also designed to help students gain basic insight and practical application of psychological knowledge through readings, journal work, group discussions, role-playing, and interviewing, as well as ongoing assessment and integration of overall learning. Prerequisite: College Writing I.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Counseling (9/17) (4/22 revalidation).
45 hours (15 weeks).
November 2011 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: discuss the models and structure of the human service delivery system, the history of the helping profession, including United States legislation, and the purpose of a multidisciplinary team. Students learn about methods to ethically and effectively provide identified basic services to a variety of clients. Students also review and evaluate various case scenarios throughout the course and discuss the cases in class and in their assignments.
Instruction is offered via classroom lectures accompanied by readings, quizzes, homework, debate, interactive problem solving, a midterm exam, and a research paper. Major topics include: the philosophy of various models of service delivery; ethical standards for Human Services; historical U.S. legislation; emerging trends in the field of human services; and expectations of the human service worker. Prerequisite: College Writing I.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Human Services (11/16) (4/22 revalidation).
45 hours (15 weeks).
September 2017 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: analyze social data and formulate arguments, drawing on both observation and sociological theory, to explain why it appears the way it does; critique various perspectives on social inequalities, their causes, and how they are maintained; compare different sociological perspectives on how to analyze data; assess the meaning and role of sociology in understanding societies, institutions, and groups; apply the sociological imagination to things and events around them; evaluate arguments about cultural difference and cultural change; assess the role of socialization in the construction of the self; compare arguments about nature versus nurture; analyze the meaning of power, the structure of a group, and apply an analysis of power to group/institutional situations; assess the difference between positive deviance and negative deviance from various perspectives; critique socio-economic structures from multiple perspectives, and evaluate arguments for how and why society is divided; analyze the roles of structural racism and prejudice in the construction and maintenance of social inequality; compare sex, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity; apply sociological understandings of sex and gender to real-world scenarios and debates; and analyze important social issues, evaluate sociological evidence about them, and construct arguments about them.
Instruction is offered via classroom lectures accompanied by readings, essays, quizzes, homework, debate, role-lay, interactive problem solving, a midterm exam, and a final exam. In this course, students discuss how to become equipped to analyze the construction of self and society through empirical observation and theoretical analysis. Students learn to understand important theoretical perspectives and methods of observation in sociology. Using these theoretical foundations and methods of sociological study, students learn to understand social institutions and important social constructions such as race, ethnicity, class, sex, gender, and religion, and will learn ways of understanding and explaining social inequality from a sociological perspective. Prerequisite: College Writing I.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Sociology (9/17) (4/22 revalidation).
45 hours (15 weeks).
September 2012 – Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: interpret the narrative flow of the Israelite ancestral genealogy, from Abram through the Hebrews in bondage in Egypt, and the role of the three ancestral cycles and their main characters; analyze secondary sources and critique their influence on the interpretation of the Hebrew Bible; and through an on-going process of personal self-reflection and analytical reason, synthesize aspects of the Hebrew Scriptures in order to articulate (in a final writing assignment), a deeper and broader understanding of God, creation, life, and the human purpose; and explain how that is relevant today.
Instruction is offered via classroom lectures accompanied by readings, essays, quizzes, homework, a mid-term exam, and final presentations. Major topics include: introduction to the Hebrew Bible through historical critical analysis and will cover its three main collections: the Torah, the Prophets and the Writings. This approach acknowledges the historically conditioned character of all products of human culture, including the scriptures. Therefore, through textual criticism, students can analyze biblical scriptures and identify the political, cultural, and moral ideologies that existed when the Hebrew Bible was written. This course emphasizes reading the biblical text to understand the story line of the Bible and to learn basic interpretation skills. Prerequisite: College Writing I.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Biblical Studies, Hebrew, or Religion (9/17) (4/22 revalidation).
45 hours (15 weeks).
November 2011 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: name the four gospels and identify the traits of each; describe the major forms of writing in the New Testament (Epistles, Historical/Narrative, Parable and Prophesy) and the characteristics of each; describe the narrative flow of Jesus’ life; discuss the principle teachings of Jesus; explain how the social and temporal location of the writers may have influenced the shape of the written history; compare and contrast selected narratives in the New Testament with their own experience, both individually and as a community; and define key terms in relation to the New Testament.
Instruction is offered via a classroom-based approach accompanied by supplemental readings, quizzes, homework, interaction with instructor, and final exams. Topics include: the New Testament; Greco-Roman world; early Christian literature; Christian traditions; Gospel according to Mark, Matthew, Luke and John, the Book of Acts, the Pauline and Johannine Epistles; Apostolic mission; Deutero-Pauline and Pastoral letters.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Ancient History, Ancient Literature (Greco-Roman), Ancient Literature (Second Temple Judaism), Biblical Studies, Religion, or Theological Studies (11/16) (4/22 revalidation).
45 hours (15 weeks).
September 2012 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: evaluate the religious experience and understanding of ultimate reality or absolute Truth of the major world religions; analyze how each religion addresses questions about the origin, meaning, and purpose of human life and afterlife; interpret the meaning of passages in the essential teachings and message of the key religious figures; examine the way each tradition presents complicated perspectives on common human questions; appraise the commonly held universal human values and beliefs of each religion; evaluate the contribution of each world religion and how they interact with each other in pursuit of peace (within) and in our world; evaluate self-transformational processes offered by each religion, through meditation, prayer, and introspection.
Instruction is offered via classroom lectures accompanied by readings, essays, quizzes, homework, a panel presentation, cooperative learning activities, and a final exam. Each class is opened with a prayer from the religions being explored and meditation. Major topics include: an exploration of the human values, moral codes, and sacred literature, embedded in the world religions. The course aims at extending and deepening the student's awareness of the religious experience, doctrine, and ritual at the heart of each religion and will examine and analyze the way each tradition, through their myths, stories, rituals, and spiritual practices present complicated perspectives on common human questions. Students also explore common themes found in each religion, such as: faith, gratitude, suffering, surrender, and peace. The religions studied include Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Native American Spirituality. This course does not focus on comparative religion, but rather it is taught through the lens of the commonality of the world religions, most especially through the human values they share. Prerequisite: College Writing I.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Biblical Studies, Religion, or Theological Studies (9/17) (04/22 revalidation).
45 hours (15 weeks).
January 2020 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the learning experience, students will be able to: define spirituality and identify characteristics of a spiritual journey; examine various models of spiritual development; evaluate diverse spiritual practices and their intended results; apply what they learned from others’ spiritual journeys and reflect on their own spiritual journey; develop a personal model for their spiritual development.
Instruction is offered via a classroom-based approach accompanied by supplemental readings, homework, interaction with instructor, final paper and final presentation Major topics include: spiritual development; religion including but not limited to Western Christian, Native American, and contemporary Buddhist perspectives; the soul; personal values; joy practices; mindfulness and meditation; self-inquiry.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Philosophy, Theology, or Human Development (4/22).
January 2019 - Present.
45 hours (15 weeks).
Upon successful completion of the learning experience, students will be able to: to communicate effectively in various venues; apply learned listening skills; organize thoughts within a short time frame to address an issue or situation; analyze the communication process; write and organize various kinds of speeches; effectively communicate through learning verbal and non-verbal techniques of communication; develop self-confidence as a speaker; communicate ideas effectively; apply learned skills, such as attention-getting devices, proper sentence construction, eye contact, modulation and effective voice volume.
Instruction is offered via a classroom-based approach accompanied by supplemental readings, quizzes, homework, interaction with instructor, midterm exam, written and oral speeches, final exam Major topics include: sentence structure; attention-getting devices; informative, demonstrative, and persuasive speeches; organization of content; voice control; pacing; affect and eye contact; active listening; citations and bibliographies.
In the lower division baccalaureate / associate degree category, 3 semester hours in English, Communications or Public Speaking (4/22).
45 hours (15 weeks).
November 2011 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: identify and explain key elements of the history and development of the field of sociology of religion, its methods, and key theorists; analyze and interpret the relationships between religion and society, and between religion, politics and economics; analyze the intersection of religion with gender, social class and race; examine and discuss contemporary trends of religion in America in the 21st century; and synthesize different aspects of the sociology of religion.
Instruction is offered in a classroom-based approach using lectures accompanied by supplemental readings, quizzes, homework, oral presentations, interaction with instructor, and final exams. Topics include: origins and definitions of religion; the social functions of religion; the relationship of religion and society; contemporary religious movements; women, race, sex and religion; and the emphasis in the 21st century on the personal, individualistic dimension of religion. Recommended Prerequisite: Introduction to Sociology.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in American Society and Culture, Sociology, or Sociology of Religion (11/16) (4/22 revalidation).
45 hours (15 weeks).
September 2012 – Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: critique theology from various social perspectives; analyze and evaluate fundamental questions about God and God’s work, humanity, will, providence, creation, community, and hope; formulate new ideas as students work towards developing their own “credo"; demonstrate respect for one another's views; apply important theological terms in class discussion, tests, and presentations; and compare and discuss multiple viewpoints on theological concepts including the nature of God, social and ethical implications of theology, atonement, community, creation, hope, and religious pluralism.
Instruction is offered via classroom lectures accompanied by readings, essays, quizzes, homework, a panel presentation, cooperative learning activities, and a final exam. Major topics include: understandings of the nature of God and how God relates to humanity. How can we talk about God and what God is? How can suffering be understood? Where is God in the struggle for justice and liberation? How can understanding of God change during life? What can be said about God’s relationship to the world and to humanity in light of the many different kinds of claims that exist about God? This course examines some of the answers in the traditions of Christian theology and its related religious and philosophical traditions. Prerequisite: College Writing I.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Theology (9/17) (04/22 revalidation).
45 hours (15 weeks).
September 2012 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: analyze how poems, short stories, essays, and memoirs are constructed; appraise how writers shape narrative; explore how writing helps people know themselves and the world more deeply; distinguish sentimental writing from mature, engaged, and complex writing; discriminate propaganda from genuine and truthful reporting; examine writing as an agent of change in oneself and the world; apply journal writing as a tool for sustained self-exploration and self-understanding; write poetry, memoirs, essays, and short stories; and rewrite and revise to improve grammar, syntax, and word usage to convey meaning.
Instruction is offered via classroom lectures and discussions through which the assigned readings, essays, short stories, poetry, and memoir are analyzed and evaluated. Students make daily and weekly entries in a personal journal, which is added to a portfolio, along with their other writing assignments. Writing for Literature introduces literary and discursive texts. It explores the world of personal experience and socio-political events and the relationship between the two. Prerequisite: College Writing I.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in English, Communications or Writing (9/17) (04/22 revalidation).
