Historical Courses for the Fall and Winter Sessions of 2010-2011

Geographical expansion of the Church; its relation to surrounding culture; its development of doctrinal and ethical positions; its various forms of life and worship. Lectures, discussions, minor paper, mid-term paper, final exam.

From the subapostolic age to the 'Triumph of Orthodoxy' in the East and the Carolingian revival and Treaty of Verdun in the West. Geographical expansion of the church; the relation of Christian faith to cultural settings and other religions; the development of doctrinal and ethical positions; forms of Christian life and worship; the rise of Islam. This course will consist of lectures, small group discussions, and oral reports that summarize small group discussions. Short assignments; choice of final exam or research paper.

From the subapostolic age to the "Triumph of Orthodoxy" in the East and the Carolingian revival and Treaty of Verdun in the West. Geographical expansion of the church; the relation of Christian faith to cultural settings and other religions; the development of doctrinal and ethical positions; forms of Christian life and worship; the rise of Islam. Online participation, one short essay, and two other academic exercises (choice of reading notes, short papers, weekly quizzes, final exam, etc.).

A survey of the history of Christianity and an introduction to the study of Christian history. Lecture. Book review, seminar participation, mid-term exam, final exam. Mandatory seminar.

The course aims to provide a general knowledge of mediaeval church  history (600 - 1500) presented in a text and by exercising critical reasoning through analysing 3 primary texts chosen by the student. The reality of the church's life shown by the clergy, laity and in its worship is made tangible through manuscript, artistic and architectural material from videos and Power Point presentations.
Teaching methods: seminars, audiovisuals, lectures.

Development of thought and piety; monasticism and mendicants; crusades, parish life; papacy, princes and church councils; Byzantium; East-West relations; relations with Jews and Muslims; Renaissance and reformations; reformers; missionary expansion; confessionalism.

Development of thought and piety; monasticism and mendicants; crusades, parish life; papacy, princes and church councils; Byzantium; East-West relations; relations with Jews and Muslims; Renaissance and reformations; reformers; missionary expansion; confessionalism. The course will consist of lectures, small group discussions, and oral reports that summarize small group discussions. Mid-term assignments; choice of final exam or research papers. NOTE: Students who have taken --H2002H Medieval Christianity (600-1500) and/or --H2003H Reformation & Early Modern Christianity may not take Christianity II (843-1648). Prequisite: History of Christianity I or permission of the instructor.

An introduction to Patristic thought to 451 AD, surveying principal writers East and West. Detailed study of Athanasius On the Incarnation and The Tome of Leo. Lectures, readings, four short reports and a final oral examination.

A survey of Medieval and Reformation Theologies, from 843 to 1648. The Carolingian Revival and Monastic Schools; Anselm and Cur Deus Homo; Peter Lombard and the Cathedral Schools; Abailard and the Universities; the rediscovery of Aristotle; the Friars: Albert the Great, Thomas Aquinas, Duns Scotus, William of Occam; Gregory Palamas; the Reformation: Martin Luther, Ulrich Zwingli, John Calvin, Thomas Cranmer; the Synod of Dort; Richard Hooker; Second Scholasticism.

An examination of the concept of martyrdom and its literature during the early modern period, its political and theological causes, and its inspirational and polemical role in the consolidation of early modern religious traditions. The course will also discuss methods of approaching martyrology across various denominations and regional settings including England, Reformation Europe, the Americas and the Orthodox Church in various countries. Evaluation: short assignments, participation, short presentation and final exam or research paper.

A study of Anabaptism and its place in the history of the Christian Church and of the reformation period.

Surveys the spirituality of evangelicalism primarily in the Anglican tradition in England in its formative period between c. 1730 and 1833. Lectures and workshop. Short papers (including biographical study), and research paper.

Outlines the history of Christian missions from its beginnings in Pentecost to the end of the 20th century, followed by area studies of Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and Europe, and concluding with a consideration of the transition from missions to development to post-development. Short papers and collaborative internet project.

Exploration of Amerindian and French interface, baroque spirituality, arrival of the Irish and Scots, ultramontane spirituality, Confederation and Catholic education, messianic language groups, Canadians cope with the Depression, church unity and the CCCB, the Asbestos Strike, Quiet Revolution, Vatican II, women, and Aboriginal People. Presentation, paper, and open exam.

Byzantine liturgical texts for the totality of life – birth and baptism, marriage, ordination, penance, death. Introduction of the variety of “Oriental” liturgies and comparison with “Byzantine”. Advanced liturgical theology. Short essay, class discussion, longer essay. Recommended preparation: TRH2453H 

This course is primarily for students from the holiness tradition. Students will be encouraged to study thoroughly the roots and developments of Korea Evangelical Holiness Church in Korea and abroad as well. Due to lack of text books available in English, only two books will be used as text books. Students will be required to read chapter by chapter of the books to understand the historical background and polity of the denomination. The course will be in seminar format with lecture input, analysis of readings, student presentation and class discussion. Evaluation: Short Reflection Papers 10%), Class Presentation, Final Reflection Paper (70%).

“One of the Trinity was crucified.” This theological statement of the sixth century reflects the core of Christian Faith. The present course explores the progressive comprehension of the mystery of Jesus the Christ and the Holy Trinity by analyzing early confessions -within or outside the canonical writings-, liturgical sources, acts of the martyrs, ascetical and mystical writings, synodal decisions, and theological reflection from the first six centuries. Lectures. Discussions, one essay.   

An exploration of the parallel development of Biblical interpretation and Canon in the Early Church, from the first to the 4th centuries. A high point in this process was the development of systematic Christian commentaries on the Old and New Testaments. In this course students will look at excerpts from commentaries ranging from the Dead Sea Scrolls through the late 4th century and read selections from Christian authors, both orthodox and heterodox, with an eye to understanding how the boundaries and interpretation of Scripture changed over time. The systematic commentary marked a significant change in the way Christians "did" theology which provides an opportunity to explore of the meaning of exegesis in our own as well as earlier times. Lectures, reading of original sources in translation, group discussion, 1 reflection paper, research essay.

In the period between 200 AD and the end of the sixth century, Christian art emerged and evolved as a particular manifestation of the mystery of Christian faith. Sacred (but also secular) architecture witnesses this new cultural phenomenon. Churches following various patterns, baptisteries, and monasteries alongside wall paintings and mosaics, sarcophagi and small-scale pieces of art reveal and interact with a particular comprehension of the mystery of Christ and the Church. In this course, early Christian art is set against its theological, cultural, socio-economical, and political background. Discussions, presentations. One essay.  One research essay (60%) and participation in class (40%).

The development of Christology, pneumatology and Trinitarian theology in both Christian East and West to 1054 AD. Triadology's relationship to ecclesiology. Lectures, tutorials, reflection papers, research paper.

A textual and contextual study of representative writings on topics such as violence and the state, pacifism, whether a Christian is allowed to be a judge, soldier, etc., during the Reformation in German and Dutch regions of continental Europe. Chronologically the study will begin with writings from the pre-Reformation period and will end around the year 1540. The course uses lectures and seminar discussions to approach figures and texts of a wide-spread debate concerning the use of the sword in matters of religion that occurred throughout all Christian traditions in Europe as well as within those traditions. It will also examine how the arguments and positions of each document are related to others, alongside a study of the documents

This course provides an historical analysis of the evolution of Catholic elementary and secondary schools in Ontario, from the 1830's to the present. In addition students will study the development separate school boards and legislation.

Growth and development of the Presbyterian tradition within Canada with particular note of themes which continue to affect the church today. Lecture and class participation. Prerequisite: 1000 and 2000 level history course. Major assignment and book review.

The scope of what was understood as “liturgy” in the middle ages went far beyond the bare words used in the Mass, daily prayer and baptism and descriptions of how the services were performed. It included knowing the names and functions of the grades of ordained clergy (which varied from place to place) and their dress, the design of churches, their furnishing and consecration, the calendar of the liturgical year and of course the nature of the music which accompanied the liturgy.
Teaching methods: lectures, DVDs of manuscripts, video, musical recordings.

Is beauty simply “in the eye of the beholder” or is it something more? Is it a way to God, a moral precept, or the specific locus for a unique kind of pleasure? This course examines a variety of subjective and objective views of beauty in the history of Western philosophy and theology from antiquity to the present (e.g. in the thought of Plato, Augustine, Aquinas, Kant, Weil, Barth, and Balthasar). It will also consider the implications of these views of beauty for the production of the visual arts, music, and literary culture in Western religion and society.

Canada is a nation of immigrants, and the Canadian religions are the religions of immigrants. The waves of religious immigrants will be studied including 17C French, 18C Irish and Scottish, 19C German, Polish, Jewish, and Ukrainian immigrants; 20C English, Italian, and Portuguese to the more recent Caribbean, Filipino, Chinese, Tamils, Vietnamese, and Korean religionists. The attitudes of Euro-Canadians will be examined as they progress from Anglo-Celtic Calvinism to Canadian secular multiculturalism. The techniques of archival research, historical analysis, and historiography will be explored. Seminar presentation and research paper. Class Presentation 30%; Research Essay 40%; Collaborative Recapitulation (open book exam) 30%.

Studies in the theory of history and methods of historical study and writing, related mainly to Christianity. Required of all AD students in the History Dept. Discussions in class (10%) and on-line (30%) of select historical works representing diverse approaches and interests; two short class presentations; two mid-length papers (30% each).

Historical development of monasticism to John Climacus. Types of monasticism. Monastic rules. Ascetic writings. Lectures, seminars and discussion of texts. Class participation 30%; research essay 70%.

In the dramatic half century that followed the council of Nicaea in the fourth century, Athanasius rallied the theologians that sought a creative adhesion to the Nicene Creed. In doing this, he delved into the mystery of the Incarnation of the Lord and later on of the divinity of the Holy Spirit. In addition to this, he was instrumental in canalizing the momentum of monastic emergence into the Church, mainly through his "Life of Anthony." The course will engage in a detailed and contextualized reading of his main works and their relevance for the theological enterprise. Discussions, presentations. One essay.

This seminar will explore the special relationship of the arts to the concept of the imagination in the history of Western thought. It will also consider the implications this relationship was had for art's role iin the areas of theology and ethics, areas in which reason has been thought to fail in providing adequate knowledge. Class participation; seminar presentations; and research paper.
 

“One of the Trinity was crucified.” This theological statement of the sixth century reflects the core of Christian Faith. The present course explores the progressive comprehension of the mystery of Jesus the Christ and the Holy Trinity by analyzing early confessions -within or outside the canonical writings-, liturgical sources, acts of the martyrs, ascetical and mystical writings, synodal decisions, and theological reflection from the first six centuries. Lectures. Discussions, one essay.   

An exploration of the parallel development of Biblical interpretation and Canon in the Early Church, from the first to the 4th centuries. A high point in this process was the development of systematic Christian commentaries on the Old and New Testaments. In this course students will look at excerpts from commentaries ranging from the Dead Sea Scrolls through the late 4th century and read selections from Christian authors, both orthodox and heterodox, with an eye to understanding how the boundaries and interpretation of Scripture changed over time. The systematic commentary marked a significant change in the way Christians "did" theology which provides an opportunity to explore of the meaning of exegesis in our own as well as earlier times. Lectures, reading of original sources in translation, group discussion, 1 reflection paper, research essay.

In the period between 200 AD and the end of the sixth century, Christian art emerged and evolved as a particular manifestation of the mystery of Christian faith. Sacred (but also secular) architecture witnesses this new cultural phenomenon. Churches following various patterns, baptisteries, and monasteries alongside wall paintings and mosaics, sarcophagi and small-scale pieces of art reveal and interact with a particular comprehension of the mystery of Christ and the Church. In this course, early Christian art is set against its theological, cultural, socio-economical, and political background. Discussions, presentations. One essay.  One research essay (60%) and participation in class (40%).

The development of Christology, pneumatology and Trinitarian theology in both Christian East and West to 1054 AD. Triadology's relationship to ecclesiology. Lectures, tutorials, reflection papers, research paper.

A textual and contextual study of representative writings on topics such as violence and the state, pacifism, whether a Christian is allowed to be a judge, soldier, etc., during the Reformation in German and Dutch regions of continental Europe. Chronologically the study will begin with writings from the pre-Reformation period and will end around the year 1540. The course uses lectures and seminar discussions to approach figures and texts of a wide-spread debate concerning the use of the sword in matters of religion that occurred throughout all Christian traditions in Europe as well as within those traditions. It will also examine how the arguments and positions of each document are related to others, alongside a study of the documents’ contexts, using presentations and two papers. The first paper will be a comparison of Luther and Erasmus, the second a research paper to be determined in consultation with the instructor.

Jerusalem is a city where all through history many conflicts occurred.  Most of the conflicts have a religious background. The course will show how the sanctity of the city was achieved by all the three monotheistic religions. Therefore a survey of the history of each of these religions connected to the city will be taught in the course.  Taching Methods: The course will consist of lectures and participation of the students in the class.  Evaluation: One essay  (70 %), Participation in Class (30%).

Emphasis on the history of the iconoclastic controversy and ecumenical councils, especially for the development of Christology. Readings from Nicaea II, Theodore the Studite, John of Damascus and Theodore Abu Qurrah. Iconography and spirituality. Church visit. Lectures-seminar, reflection papers, major paper. Prerequisite: Three courses from the Theological or Historical departments.

This course will examinne the history of Christianity in the United States, within the context of how Christianity, the development of its theology, leadership, practice and expressions, have related to the cultural and public life of the nation. Lectures and discussions. Evaluation: informed participation in group discussions, both in-class and on-line, and a couple of writing assigments.

Development of teaching ministry of the Church from New Testament times to present. Special attention to various forms of teaching as they emerged in particular historical contexts and to their relationship with other ministries of the church for perspective on current situation.  Lectures, readings, reflection paper (20%), seminar leadership (30%),  final project or essay (50%).

This course will study the documents of the Second Vatican Council with a view to understanding their theological foundations, their histroical context and development, and their pastoral implications for today's church. One book report, total 20%;  one discussion facilitation, total 10%;  one document analysis paper, total 30%;  one disputed issue paper, total 40%.

A careful study of a book of the Summa contra Gentiles, where Aquinas explores Christian doctrines as an exercise in personally appropriating divine wisdom. The course teaches a method of close textual reading, and will interest students seeking an accessible introduction to Aquinas, those seeking an overall view of his methodology, and those preparing comprehensive exams in theology. Lectures and seminars. Assignments for 3551: 2 short papers, 2 learning reports, final take home exam. Assignments for 6551: 2 short papers, preparing and giving a 1 hour lecture, final exegetical essay.

A comprehensive synthesis of primarily the Byzantine Orthodox doctrinal tradition. Themes include: the sources of Tradition, creation, eschatology, anthropology, soteriology, Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Trinity, liturgy and sacraments, ecclesiology and East-West ecumenism. Lectures, seminars, short papers, research paper. Prerequisite: Three courses from the Theological or Historical departments.

Studies the documents and teachings of Vatican II. Brief overview of the historical background to the Council and to Councils in the life of the church. Seminars guide discussions based on close readings of the 16 documents with emphasis on the historical context and ecclesiological significance of each document. Seminar presentations; participation in analysis of the documents; integration paper.

A careful study of a book of the Summa contra Gentiles, where Aquinas explores Christian doctrines as an exercise in personally appropriating divine wisdom. The course teaches a method of close textual reading, and will interest students seeking an accessible introduction to Aquinas, those seeking an overall view of his methodology, and those preparing comprehensive exams in theology. Lectures and seminars. Assignments for 3551: 2 short papers, 2 learning reports, final take home exam. Assignments for 6551: 2 short papers, preparing and giving a 1 hour lecture, final exegetical essay.

A comprehensive synthesis of primarily the Byzantine Orthodox doctrinal tradition. Themes include: the sources of Tradition, creation, eschatology, anthropology, soteriology, Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Trinity, liturgy and sacraments, ecclesiology and East-West ecumenism. Lectures, seminars, short papers, research paper. Prerequisite: Three courses from the Theological or Historical departments.