Course Timetable for Monday: Fall of 2012

This course offers an opportunity to explore the history of the Christian Church from its origins in Judaism through to its monastic expansion beyond the boundaries of the Western Roman Empire in the sixth and seventh centuries.  It will examine the conflicts, individuals, social movements and theologies that shaped Christianity during this formative period.  Two Document Analyses, Seminar Presentation, Seminar Paper, Final Examination.

A critical survey of papal thought from Leo XIII's emphasis on workers' rights to John Paul II's focus on the broader theme of human rights. Reflection papers and book report, or major paper, exam. Prerequisite: Introductory course in moral theology.

Several issues in Johannine scholarship will be explored in depth, among them the following: (1) the Fourth Gospel and the Synoptics; (2) historicity of the Fourth Gospel; (3) the Johannine community and its historical situation; (4) the Fourth Gospel and other Christian traditions; (5) Johannine language and symbolism; (6) post-modern interpretations of the FG; (7) the FG and "the Jews"; (8) the FG and the Dead Sea Scrolls. Lectures, discussions and class participation; final paper. Requirements: Reading knowledge of koine Greek.

Philosophical method for a theology of beauty. This course takes Balthasar's assessment of the loss of beauty as a context to survey the implications for the loss of beauty and the conditions for its recovery. Philosophical issues such as the nature of beauty, aesthetic experience/ perception, aesthetic judgements, the beauty of God/ Christ, and other cultural notions of beauty will be considered. Investigate Lonergan's philosophy as basis for theological aesthetics. 

This course is the first of two courses designed to introduce the student to the basics of biblical Hebrew grammar and syntax. It is intended for both those who wish to acquire Hebrew for use in ministry and for those who intend to go on to advanced academic degrees. Lecture. Evaluation will include quizzes, workbook exercises, mid-term and final exams.

A study of the basis of sexuality and marriage and select related issues in light of the Catholic moral tradition. Readings, lectures, discussions, paper, mid-term test, final exam; the course will also include a limited online component. (Prerequisite: Fundamental Christian Ethics I and II or Permission of Instructor)

Philosophical method for a theology of beauty. This course takes Balthasar's assessment of the loss of beauty as a context to survey the implications for the loss of beauty and the conditions for its recovery. Philosophical issues such as the nature of beauty, aesthetic experience/ perception, aesthetic judgements, the beauty of God/ Christ, and other cultural notions of beauty will be considered. Investigate Lonergan's philosophy as basis for theological aesthetics. 

This course provides an in-depth exploration of two central Christian doctrines - the Trinity and the person of Christ - as well as reflection on the role of Holy Scripture and the nature of theology. This is the first part of a two-part sequence in basic Christian doctrine. Lectures, tutorial discussions generated by students' questions, question and answer periods. Short papers, final take-home exam. Tutorial 10-11 am.

Introduction to Judaism through study of the Sabbath and festivals of the Jewish year. Designed for Christians, enables students to teach and to preach from an understanding of our Jewish roots. Readings, term project, written or oral exam.

Luke's themes of universality and of Christ as savior of the disadvantaged demonstrate God's openness in Christianity to everyone and form the core of Luke's personal portrayal of God's saving action in history and in the world. According to Luke, disciples and "eye-witnesses" of Jesus of Nazareth are characterized by their receptivity towards God's saving activity and their responses and reactions of joy, wonder, praise and blessing to that activity. Special attention will be paid to Luke's presentation of Jesus' proclamation of a liberation which is not limited by ethnic, national, economic or gender concerns. This course will consider Luke's Gospel as a blueprint for contemporary ministry. Weekly assignments, final paper, class preparation and participation. Prerequisite: TSB 1501 (or equivalent).

As responsible citizens of the world, ecclesial ministers, religious educators and theologians need to understand religious viewpoints since religious faith is a source of most worldviews, which both shape and are shaped by culture. This course is designed to explore the dialogue between Christianity and other world religions. Given the urgency and universality of threats to environmental well-being, this course will explore dialogue through the relation of religion and ecology. Emphasis will be placed on how the adherents of religious traditions understand themselves and address issues related to ecology and environmental responsibility in our contemporary world.

This course will engage in theological/biblical reflection on the nature of political economy by attending to themes of covenant, property, stewardship, justice and Kingdom. And we will bring that biblical reflection into dialogue with the work of Christian political economist Bob Goudzwaard. Professor Emeritus of the Free University of Amsterdam, former member of parliament, advisor to political parties, think tanks and NGOs around the world, Goudzwaard has had a profound influence in shaping a Christian political-economic imagination. In this course we will read Goudzwaard's most important books (in translation) and have the opportunity to spend four seminars in conversation with him early in the semester.

Challenges of religious pluralism to Christianity appearing from outside Christianity, and responses to it. How do other world religious traditions think about Christianity or religions for that matter? What are the theoretical problems of religious pluralism and the response to them from within Christianity? Discussions of selected readings and occasional lectures as appropriate.

This course examines various theoretical and practical ethical issues that Christians face in today's changing society, with special emphases on multicultural reality in Canada and the global ecological crisis today. The course consists of four parts: the theoretical foundation for Christian ethical thinking (part 1), social justice issues in Canadian multi-cultural multi-ethnic, and multi-religious society (part 2), ecological crisis and the church's response (part 3), integration (part 4). Lecture and seminar. Minor and major papers, short weekly reading report and group discussion report, and one seminar presentation.

This course will engage in theological/biblical reflection on the nature of political economy by attending to themes of covenant, property, stewardship, justice and Kingdom. And we will bring that biblical reflection into dialogue with the work of Christian political economist Bob Goudzwaard. Professor Emeritus of the Free University of Amsterdam, former member of parliament, advisor to political parties, think tanks and NGOs around the world, Goudzwaard has had a profound influence in shaping a Christian political-economic imagination. In this course we will read Goudzwaard's most important books (in translation) and have the opportunity to spend four seminars in conversation with him early in the semester.

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 and class discussions.  GRADING PROCEDURES:  In-class discussions, short essay, long essay.

This course explores issues in the philosophy of religion, with special reference to The Brothers Karamazov. Major themes include: the existence and nature of God, religious language, religious experience, faith and reason, the problem of evil, religion and morality, and afterlife beliefs. Readings include Fyodor Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov and selections from theologians and philosophers of religion. Lectures, discussion, participation, and critical reflection papers.

This foundational practicum is designed for persons desiring formation in pastoral presence and communication skills. Focus is placed on the development of a contemplative stance, compassionate listening and evocative presence for pastoral service in roles such as spiritual director, chaplain, parish minister, and for those in service within the context of everyday work life. This transformative process integrates topics of Ignatian discernment, prayer, spiritual growth, spirituality, justice, theological assumptions and images of God. This is a two-term, supervised, peer based practicum. Requirements and prerequisites: two year's previous experience receiving spiritual direction, permission of the instructor, regular attendance essential; 3 integration papers; pass/fail. For students considering the 12 credit Diploma in Spiritual Direction, this course is the first of a four-phase Practicum, which facilitates ongoing discernment and formation for the ministry of spiritual direction.

Trends and patterns in 20th Century Catholic educational documents. Pedagogical, theological, cultural, social, and foundational issues. Faith development, catechesis and implications for religious education. Adaptation of documents to Canadian context. Lecture, seminar, participation, critical review of one document, and paper.

A study of the basis of sexuality and marriage and select related issues in light of the Catholic moral tradition. Readings, lectures, discussions, paper, mid-term test, final exam; the course will also include a limited online component. (Prerequisite: Fundamental Christian Ethics I and II or Permission of Instructor)

Exploration of Identity, Church, and Society in the context of professional ministry. Elements include: prayer, story, church as a community and institution, the person in society and society in the person. Two short essays, an autobiographical exercise, examination.