Pastoral Theology Courses for the 2010 Winter Session

Lectionary-based course in the theology and practice of preaching. Lectures, readings, assignments, evaluation and presentation of class sermons/homilies. Prerequisite: Intro course in Bible.

What is educational ministry? How can we reshape Christian Education in our congregation in order to revitalize the church and society? Exploring the structure of educational theory, reflecting one's educational experience in the church, engaging in dialogue with theorists in Christian Education, we will attempt to refashion christian Education for today's church, and create a vision of Christian education in order to revitalize the congregation. Group discussion, a short presentation, short paper, and final paper. Prerequisite: Introductory course in human and faith development. Knox students should have completed Human Growth and Spriitual Journey.

Introduction to theological education and ministry within context of an understanding of nature of the Church and its ministry, and students' own gifts and ministry setting. Public speaking, liturgical introduction, site visits, site research report, readings.

Survey of selected topics from Books I, II, III, and VI of the 1983 Code of Canon Law. Course goals include preparation for jurisdiction exam and ministry. Class attendance and participation (10%), selected readings (10%), final oral exam (80%).

This course deals with the many intersections of music and worship within a Christian context, and more specifically, within a Presbyterian worship service.  While we will study the history of Christian worship from its earliest manifestations, and note the development of Christian worship through historical units, there will be a strong practical element, with emphasis on the purpose of Christain music in the experience of spirituality (both in and out of worship services).  Various music styles will be investigated.  Lectures.  Worship review, short assignment; class presentation. final exam.

Enrol with permission of instructor. This course aims to come to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the roles of both the presider and the assembly in the praise and worship of God. Tutorials, weekly readings, reflection paper, final examination.

An introduction to the art of planning and leading the liturgy, including pastoral offices, in the Anglican Church of Canada. Acquaintance with the current liturgical trends in the Anglican Church of Canada and with general principles of liturgical leadership. Ability to plan Morning Prayer and Holy Communion according to the Book of Common Prayer and the Book of Alternative Services. Tutorial. W 11-12. Class sessions include lectures, discussion and student field reports, class participation, a liturgy planning project, a glossary test, readings, and a multiple choice exam.

This course presents the nature and purpose of the liturgical homily. It will provide instruction on the methods and skills necessary for the development of effective homilies. Emphasis will be given to the interplay between Scripture, preacher and assembly. Students will compose and deliver homilies, which will be critically discussed and evaluated by instructor and students. The first weeks of this course are presented as lecture by the professor. Once the basic textbook has been covered, students will preach a minimum of two times, before classmates (and a video camera). Each student will then have an appointment with the professor to review the homily and the evaluations of the classmates. Grading is based on the professor's evaluation of content and presentation, as well as that of the homilist's classmates.

This course introduces students to the basics of effective, ethically responsible pastoral care. Students will be provided opportunities to improve their interpersonal self-awareness, and to understand the differences between pastoral care and pastoral counseling. The course is offered in seminar format, supported with readings and experiential skills training exercises. Grades are based on a set of written assignments and audio/video taped role-played demonstrations of the basic skills of pastoral care taught through the experiential exercises.

This course will teach students to analyze factors and dynamics in Third Word ministry settings. Lectures and readings will enhance understanding of the new context in which cross-cultural Christian interactions take place. This course also aims to increase empathy for the challenges and differences in cross-cultural communication. In addition to class meetings, students will also visit a) a Sudanese Christian congregation, b) a Chinese evangelical congregation, c)a Brazilian charismatic congregation in Toronto, d) a cross-cultural counseling center, and talk to their leaders. For this reason some weeks will only have an hour of contact time. Students will be evaluated through: a) class presentations b) reflections on cross-cultural visits, and c)a teaching experience in a cross-cultural setting.

A study of the issues involved in contemporary urban ministry: historical Christian roots; maintaining parish cohesion in the city; ministry to the community social needs; the issues facing secular work. One extended paper.

Roman Catholic Church legislation on institution of marriage with special attention to the teaching of Vatican Council II. Class participation, exam.

An exploration of contemporary issues in worship including: the liturgical movement, feminist theology, Church Growth movement, enculturation, pluralism, post-modernity. Readings, lectures, seminars, presentations, book report, major paper/project. Prerequisite: EMP 2101, EMP 1101 or equivalent.

This course is intended to prepare candidates for ordination to preside at the liturgical celebrations of the Roman Rite. Requirements: class attendance, practicums, mid-term and final exam. Prerequisite: one liturgy course.

A critical exploration of religious responses to suffering. Focal issues will include the relation of love and spiritual transformation to suffering, the role of religious models or exemplars of suffering, and religious experience and the problems of theodicy. Readings will include works by Fyodor Dostoevsky, Dorothee Soelle and Simone Weil, as well as other selections drawn from the Christian, Buddhist, and Jewish traditions. Lectures, discussion, critical reflection papers.

Christian spirituality as the root of western culture with an emphasis on the challenge to shape a spiritual and social vision in the post-modern world. Lectures, discussion, reflection papers.

An examination of the vocation, identity and lifestyle of the Catholic priest for the fostering of his holiness, integrity and health in ministry and the spiritual life. Lectures, discussions, reflection papers and final exam.

Exposes students to contemporary forms of critical and cultural analysis, using the analysis to look at spirituality and exposing students to contemporary manifestations of spirituality in a post-modern age. Eight reflection papers; class participation.

This course is an exploration of the mystery of life and of human existence. Students are guided into a descriptive and explanatory, systematic and dynamic, two-fold foundation of an integrated, incarnational spirituality: the anthropological component and the grace component. Central to the course is the study of conversion in its religious, moral, psychic and intellectual forms. Grace, Theological and Moral Virtue will be explored as they emerge and transform the human, along with the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit, Charisms, and the Beatitudes. Contemporary spiritual writers and spiritual disciplines will be researched and evaluated.

A practical, interactive introduction to the particularities of Christian preaching from the Old Testament. Especial emphasis will be placed on biblical exegesis, hermeneutics, and preaching with sensitivity to the varied forms of OT literature - narrative, saga, law, prophetic oracles, wisdom material, etc. Students will exegete passages, prepare sermons (preaching twice in class), learn new skills and ideas and interact with the sermons of others, both peers and role models. Assignments, participation, term project. Cross-listed to Biblical.

This course is designed to help students wrestle with several central issues around prophetic preaching in contemporary Christian churches: the relationships of prophetic preaching to the Bible, to the gospel, to the social-political context, and to pastoral ministry generally. Since the course is designed to be a seminar, students will be expected to wrestle with these issues not only in class but through a sermon. By the end of the course, students should be able to develop their own vision for prophetic preaching in a way that integrates the above concerns.

Explores biblical foundations, selected historical issues, current theological understandings of ministry as leadership in church and society. Considers such themes as discipleship, vocation, lay ecclesial identity, collaboration and responsibility in ministry. Lectures, discussion, seminar, presentation, essay.

What are unique, creative, effective and meaningful ways of teaching Bible in the church today? This course will explore and experience various approaches of teaching Bible in the church, assessing appropriateness to the church, to the world we live in, a variety of social and cultural dynamics, and various age levels. Also, the students will be expected to apply Biblical interpretation skills to actual teaching. Lectures, teaching practice, small papers and final paper. Prerequisite: Introduction to Education course, Intro OT, Intro NT.

Vital to Catholic education are the positive, constructive relationships between the parish, the home, and the school. The course investigates those relationships, progressing through three modules. The first provides an in-depth review of normative pastoral and theological literature on the significance of the collaboration between parish, home, and school for fulfilling the mission of Christian education. A second module examines some of the societal and cultural shifts that contribute to making the triad less effective or even dysfunctional and require a re-thinking of what it means. The final module identifies and explores areas, which serve as promising starting points for revitalization: sacramental preparation and continuing faith formation of teachers. Teaching Method: Lectures Means of Evaluation: Preparation and participation (10%) Interview and analysis (30%) Seminar leadership (30%) Pastoral theological project (30%)

Offered by the CAPPE Supervisors of the Ontario Central Region. A 400-hour unit of Clinical Pastoral Education at the basic level meeting standards of Canadian Association for Pastoral Practice & Education (CAPPE). May take place in general, psychiatric, chronic, geriatric, rehabilitation hospitals, correctional institutions, facilities for mentally/physically challenged, parishes. Prerequisites: TSP3551Y (CPE - Basic 1), TSP3552Y (CPE - Basic 2) and TSP3553Y or TSP6553Y (CPE - Advanced 1)

This course is designed to help the student acquire a level of competency in the celebration of the sacrament of reconciliation. The course is conducted on a seminar basis. Students will review basic tenets of moral theology and canon law, and then practice hearing confessions by inviting different people to play the role of penitent. Grading will be based on the student's attitude and approach to the penitent, as well as the correctness of his/her responses and advice.

This course will explore the nature of the small church and its place within the context of society, the ecclesiastical world, the local community and the lives of individuals. How we determine health in the small church will be considered. Participants will bring their experience and issues as a partial basis for examining the uniqueness of ministry in and through the small church. Consideration will be given to theological, sociological, psychological, cultural and demographic factors which affect the small church. Special emphasis will be placed on issues of leadership for renewal. Teaching will be through lectures, group seminars and student presentations. Evaluation will be through submissions of report, seminar presentation and a final research paper. Prerequisite: Intro to Ministry Course.

At lectures, students will be required to engage in examining the texts and music with religious relevance. They will also be required to attend and critique both recorded and live performances of liturgical music. The resources for the exploration of music will range from Gregorian Chant to Contemporary Christian Song. The Christian Year will frame analysis of the repertoire of hymns, psalms, anthems, organ literature in the European heritage; Global music resources; Iona and Taiz

An exploration of contemporary issues in worship including: the liturgical movement, feminist theology, pluralism, globalization, Church Growth movement, enculturation, pluralism, post-modernity. Readings, lectures, seminars, student presentations, written assignments, major paper.

This advanced seminar will examine religious educational theories found in the spiritual writings of Loa Tzu, Zen Buddihsm, Thomas Merton, Parker Palmer and others. In each work we will look at the understanding of the self as a basis for forming a theory of religious education. Students will be expected to read primary and secondary source material, lead a seminar and write a paper.

This seminar course will study the role that religion plays in psychological well-being, coping and adjustment. The approach will be both developmental and clinical. Religion's relationship to mental disorder, biologically, psychologically and socially, will be discussed. Religion's contribution to general adjustment, and its role in psychological intervention will be explored. Weekly written contributions to the seminar and final essay.

A critical exploration of religious responses to suffering. Focal issues will include the relation of love and spiritual transformation to suffering, the role of religious models or exemplars of suffering, and religious experience and the problems of theodicy. Readings will include works by Fyodor Dostoevsky, Dorothee Soelle and Simone Weil, as well as other selections drawn from the Christian, Buddhist, and Jewish traditions. Lectures, discussion, critical reflection papers.

Study of theory and practice of spiritual direction, and of depth psychological, humanistic, and cognitive behavioural therapeutic practice. Emphasis on Christian tradition. Lectures, discussion, selected readings, paper.

A practical, interactive introduction to the particularities of Christian preaching from the Old Testament. Especial emphasis will be placed on biblical exegesis, hermeneutics, and preaching with sensitivity to the varied forms of OT literature - narrative, saga, law, prophetic oracles, wisdom material, etc. Students will exegete passages, prepare sermons (preaching twice in class), learn new skills and ideas and interact with the sermons of others, both peers and role models. Assignments, participation, term project. Cross-listed to Biblical.

This course focuses on a pastoral interpretation of 1 Corinthians and how this letter may be proclaimed in the life of the church today. Through an investigation of letter structure, a social cultural reading, congregational studies, and homiletical theory this course will seek to elucidate the possibilities of Paul's letter for preaching today. Prerequisites: Introductory courses in both preaching and New Testament.

Offered by the CAPPE Supervisors of the Ontario Central Region. A 400-hour unit of Clinical Pastoral Education at the basic level meeting standards of Canadian Association for Pastoral Practice & Education (CAPPE). May take place in general, psychiatric, chronic, geriatric, rehabilitation hospitals, correctional institutions, facilities for mentally/physically challenged, parishes. Prerequisites: TSP3551Y (CPE - Basic 1), TSP3552Y (CPE - Basic 2) and TSP3553Y or TSP6553Y (CPE - Advanced 1)

This course will explore the nature of the small church and its place within the context of society, the ecclesiastical world, the local community and the lives of individuals. How we determine health in the small church will be considered. Participants will bring their experience and issues as a partial basis for examining the uniqueness of ministry in and through the small church. Consideration will be given to theological, sociological, psychological, cultural and demographic factors which affect the small church. Special emphasis will be placed on issues of leadership for renewal. Teaching will be through lectures, group seminars and student presentations. Evaluation will be through submissions of report, seminar presentation and a final research paper.

This course provides an historical analysis of the evolution of elementary and secondary schools in Ontario, from the 1830's to the present. In addition students will study the development of Catholic colleges and universities and the emergence of catechetical education both in the parishes and in formal educational settings.

Western liturgy and its calendar, physical setting, sources, rites. Ancient and developed mediaeval Roman mass. Divine office. Baptism. Nuptial Blessing. Introduction to use of manuscripts. Some Latin helpful but not required. Class participation, assignments, quizzes, final exam.

The course provides an exploration of how Christianity has understood the relationship among God, creation, humanity and spirituality, and how that understanding has contributed to the ecological challenges we currently face as well as can contribute to a helpful response. The course begins with an overview of our understanding of spirituality and creation during the patristic, medieval and reformation periods, then shifts to contemporary understandings drawing from current discussions of Christology, creation-centred spirituality, eco-feminism, deep ecology, and the healing of nature and the healing of self. Methods: Lectures, discussions. Evaluation: reflection paper, integration paper, class participation, practical integration

This course introduces the major religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam in detail and also others in brief) of the world -- their historical setting, basic principles, significant features, Holy Scriptures, theology, etc -- and a Christian perspective on them with an urgency to enter into interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence.

The course provides an exploration of how Christianity has understood the relationship among God, creation, humanity and spirituality, and how that understanding has contributed to the ecological challenges we currently face as well as can contribute to a helpful response. The course begins with an overview of our understanding of spirituality and creation during the patristic, medieval and reformation periods, then shifts to contemporary understandings drawing from current discussions of Christology, creation-centred spirituality, eco-feminism, deep ecology, and the healing of nature and the healing of self. Methods: Lectures, discussions. Evaluation: reflection paper, integration paper, class participation, practical integration.

The course evaluates the Ignatian contribution to comtemporary ecclesiology. Utilizing key texts it situates Ignatius' sense of "Church" and the Society of Jesus relationship to the Church. Explores key issues and potential problems faced by a twenty-first-century reader of Ignatius. Engagement with contemporary Jesuit theologians, and the writings of Pope John Paul II and Cardinal Ratzinger. Mid-term paper, research paper, oral exam, class participation.