Online courses with Rev. Nikia S. Robert, PhD
Teaching to Liberate Theology. Social Ethics. public Policy. Critical Race Theory. Womanisms. Black Feminisms.
Core Courses
Course 1
Religion and Abolition
This course focuses on the role of religion in reinforcing and abolishing the U.S. carceral state. We will map religious values to abolitionist principles, and explore Black churches' religious teachings and practices in connection to punitive philosophies that perpetuate mass incarceration.
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Course 2
Unlawful Salvation
This course looks at the perennial tensions between law and morality in the context of poor Black mothers' practical wisdom when breaking the law to survive and secure quality of life for themselves and their families against unjust social conditions. A relevant question asks, “Is it ever moral to lie, steal, or cheat when survival is at stake?” Students will critically ponder whether lawbreaking could ever constitute a source of salvation and moral integrity for individuals with their backs against the wall.
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Course 3
Liberation Theology for Lockdown America
This course explores the theological underpinnings of mass incarceration and introduces a liberation theology that is grounded in the experiences of individuals who are impacted by the carceral state. This course is based on Dr. Robert's peer-review article published in the Harvard Graduate Journal.
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Course 4
Womanist Theology and Social Ethics
This course is an introduction to womanist theology and social ethics. We will examine the works of founding thinkers and synthesize the meaning of faith and Black womanhood for contemporary contexts.
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Course 5
Building Sanctuary: Public Policy and Transformative Justice for Churches
This course exploresthe ways in which churches can build sanctuary and increase civic engagement by connecting emancipatory religious values to public policies and transformative justice strategies that advance the goals of abolition. We will learn about the policy process, agenda-setting and organizing at the local and national levels.
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Course 6
Capstone: Abolitionist Sanctuary
This capstone is course is required to become certified as an Abolitionist Sanctuary. Students must have successfully completed the five courses (1-5) prior to enrollment.
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Elective Courses
Course 1E
Intro to Personal Finances and Budgeting
With twenty years of combined experience of ordained ministry and working in the financial sector with the largest investment bank on Wall Street, this course is situated at the intersection of faith and personal finances. Highlighted topics include: basic concepts and definitions, creating a budget, bookkeeping and software, debt management and repair, goal-setting and saving for life events, and wealth building.
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Course 2e
U.S. Taxation 101
This course draws from Dr. Robert's experience working with Big Four Public Accounting firms . Highlighted topics include: basic concepts and definitions, 1040 and select schedules, itemized deductions, credits and exemptions, estimated tax, business income and expenses, real estate, depreciation, capital gains/losses, clergy, students, educators, and documentation and reporting.
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Course 3E
Building Blocks to Boost Business & Become a Boss
With decades of experience as a serial-entrepreneur, from music management to building a tax consulting business and starting a DEI firm and nonprofit organization, this course draws from business school education and practical learning and covers key components from idea to implementation including: writing a business/strategic plan, SWOT analysis, marketing, social media, fund development and networking.
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Course 4E
It's Complicated: Intimate Relationships and Covenant Partnerships
This class uses theological teachings in love and covenant to provide spiritual counseling through every aspect of relationships from dating to partnership, marriage, separation, divorce and starting over again. Highlighted topics include: communication, conflict, family, money and intimacy. Important: this course is not a substitute for therapy.
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Course 5E
Spiritual Direction & Grief Support
As a clinically trained chaplain with four-units of Clinical Pastoral Education, this course provides spiritual direction and emotional support for individuals in crisis, discernment and other life-events, including grief support.
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Course 6E
Academic Coaching
Dr. Robert provides academic coaching for students from K to 12, college and graduate school (master's and doctoral degrees). Dr. Robert works with students to strengthen time management and organization, academic aptitude, applications, coursework/exams/dissertation/committees/defense/graduation, troubleshoot and surpass goals with excellence.
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Course 5E
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
As a subject-area expert in the intersection of race, gender and class, Dr. Robert teaches parents, individuals, educational institutions, school districts and organizations how to strengthen core values, surpass goals, and invest in people with a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
Course 6E
Multitasking: Motherhood, Marriage, Mission and Me
Dr. Robert has juggled her responsibilities as a mother, wife, student, minister, employee, community activist, entrepreneur, daughter, sister, friend and more! Schedule a session to learn about time management, boundaries, self-care, and centering practices to increase intentionality and secure wholeness and wellness.
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Hey!
I Am Rev. Dr. Nikia S. Robert
With decades of experience across multiple industries and careers, I am an expert in transferring skills from corporations to churches, nonprofits and entrepreneurialism to pursue passion and purpose. I know how to adapt, network and innovate successful strategies to win. In the constantly changing market, it is my mission to provide individuals with the tools and coaching to find the sweet spot between success and significance. I want to help you to find independence and deeper meaning that serves you and your loved ones holistically, and makes a social impact in the larger world.
Why My Courses
Grow your knowledge and liberate
Relevant
We design course content and learning goals that are relevant for everyday contexts and urgent problems confronting Church and society, domestically and globally.
Trusted Knowledge
We are industry-experts and scholars with a proven track record of using pedagogies that are research-based and grounded in lived experiences.
Anytime, Anywhere
We use asynchronous learning to ensure the flexibility, accessibility and availability of course content for students with varying scheduling needs and life-demands.
Some Feedback
What people are saying
Dr. Nikia Smith Robert’s research on the carceral state in the United States raises questions that are of significance to Black institutions across multiple industries. Her research advances an interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and has the potential to further an understanding of the evolving role of Black institutions in the lives of everyday Black women."
Dr. Robert is a leader committed to the study and practice of religion and abolition, which informs her approach to equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace, both within religious and secular settings.
"The Rev. Dr. Nikia Robert is speaking with a fresh theological voice to the Black church and the world on one of the most important social justice issues facing the nation today: mass incarceration. Dr. Robert is a meticulous scholar with the heart of a pastor, and a strong and abiding love for the oppressed.
The Rev. Dr. Nikia Smith Robert is a change-maker. Her theological work on sin and redemption is some of the best I have ever encountered! She brings Christian tradition into conversation with the most important civil rights issue of our time by centering the experiences of those impacted by mass incarceration. Her work is truly inspiring.
Abolitionist Sanctuary is the perfect way to share Dr. Robert’s passion and knowledge.
