Course Timetable for Tuesday: Winter of 2013

Sacraments of baptism, confirmation, Eucharist, reconciliation, anointing of the sick, orders, and marriage as symbols of the world, challenge to human existence, life functions of the Church and features of Christology and revelation. Lectures, seminars, mid-term papers and final paper.  Short paper on Symbol and Sacrament, total 20%; four short papers on one of the sacraments, 10% each (total 40%); three case study critiques for in-class discussion, total 10%; one final paper, total 30%.

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.

Examination of the historical and ecumenical theological origins and contemporary expressions of Christian engagement with social justice. Topics addressed will include: the 18th -19th century economic, political, philosophical, and religious background in Europe and North America; the Social Gospel and Christian Socialism in Protestantism and papal social teachings in Roman Catholicism; black and feminist theologies and global liberation theologies; and justice-related issues such as wealth and poverty, war and peace, race, gender, sexual orientation, and ecology. Sources examined will include the work of theologians and reports by denominational and ecumenical bodies. Teaching methods will include lectures, class discussion, readings, papers, and in-class presentations; evaluation will be based on class attendance, participation, and papers (for all students); and in-class presentations (for AD students). Pre-requisites: at least one course in Bible, theology and the history of Christianity. Class attendance and participation; one 4-5 page reflection paper; one 10-12 page topic paper; and one 15-18 page research paper (for all students); and in-class presentations (for AD students) 

A study of the tools and methods involved in the process of New Testament interpretation, with special attention to the context and needs of the church. Consideration will be given to contemporary hermeneutical discussion, to a full range of contemporary exegetical methods, and to the nature and function of the NT as scripture, all in conjunction with a thorough and practical examination of a particular NT text. Lectures and seminars, readings, seminar papers and a final paper or project.

Examination of the major writings of Juan Luis Segundo.  His place in the emergence and establishment of Latin American Liberation Theology, relationship between theology and social theory in his work.

Offers an overview of the principles, resources, and central themes of Christian theology - revelation, the doctrines of the Trinity, the person and work of Jesus Christ, and humanity in relation to God. Discussion paper, final exam, class participation.

This seminar examines the ancient and medieval discipline of rhetoric and its practitioners' claim that it represents a properly philosophical discourse. It does so in terms of a selection of texts drawn from the works of Isocrates, Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, Augustine, Abelard and Heloise. In the process, it explores the relationship between affectivity and discursive validity with a view to the effect such a focus has on our understanding of Greek and Latin philosophy, patristic and medieval theology and their intertwined history. The course will run as a seminar in which instructor and students together attend closely to weekly required readings. Students will be required to write weekly papers (400- 600 words) on the weekly readings. In addition, each student will be required to make one formal seminar presentation on a weekly reading that will include written material of between 1200- 1800 words. Finally each student will be required to write a course paper on a topic agreed upon by student and instructor. MA/ ThM level students will be required to write a paper of between 4500 and 7500 words. PhD/ ThD students will be required to write a paper of between 6000 and 9000 words. Each of the three forms of writing mentioned above will be subject to evaluation and the final grade of the course will be calculated as follows: weekly papers (25%), seminar presentation (15%), course essay (60%). 

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.

The course deals with the Muslim communities in the contemporary world. It is primarily concerned with the study of Islamic tradition and its peoples in the last two centuries- the period of Islamic reform in the wake of Western hegemony and the efforts of the community to readjust under the challenges of the liberal and technical age. The course will attempt to answer a basic question: What is happening to the Muslim community in the technical age and how has it responded to the challenges posed by "Westernization" through "modernization" through "secularization? Lectures, readings, class discussions. Two book/ film reviews: 25%, Mid-term :25%, Final exam: 45%, class participation: 5%. 

The new creation in Christ; God's universal salvific will, the mystery of Christian Justification, the new life in Christ within Church for the world. Eschatology. One midterm test, one mini-synthesis and a final oral examination.

The course deals with the Muslim communities in the contemporary world. It is primarily concerned with the study of Islamic tradition and its peoples in the last two centuries- the period of Islamic reform in the wake of Western hegemony and the efforts of the community to readjust under the challenges of the liberal and technical age. The course will attempt to answer a basic question: What is happening to the Muslim community in the technical age and how has it responded to the challenges posed by "Westernization" through "modernization" through "secularization? Lectures, readings, class discussions. Two book/ film reviews: 25%, Mid-term :25%, Final exam: 45%, class participation: 5%. 

As follow-up to EMP1101 "Worship I" ( or an equivalent introductory course on worship), a praxis-based study of history, theology and practice of worship, focusing on the pastoral liturgies of weddings, funerals and pastoral occasions. Particular attention will be given to the Reformed and Methodist liturgical traditions, set in the context of ecumenical developments and influences. Biblical, historical, theological and pastoral dimensions will be explored through lectures, presentations, readings, written assignments, discussion, on-line discussions and resource sharing, a class visit to a funeral home, group worship planning and conduct of actual services. Prerequisite: EMP1101 "Worship I", or an equivalent introductory worship course. Lectures, presentations, readings, written assignments, discussion, on-line discussions and resource sharing, a class visit to a funeral home, group worship planning and conduct of actual services. Requirements: Participation (10%); Resource Review (10%); Book Reflection (20%); Group Worship planning and Celebration (Credit); Congregational Policy (10%); Liturgy Project (50%). 

What does it mean to be human?  How do different theories of what it means to be human affect the way that we think of ourselves, our relationship to the world and our relationship to God?  In this course, we discuss various conceptions of human nature, including dualism, hylomorphism, evolutionary accounts and religious understandings.  The objective of the course is understanding of the various theories of human nature, and to be able to engage in the debate about what it is that we are and how we engage with the world.  The course is evaluated through two shorter papers (worth 15 and 25%), one long paper (worth 45%) and participation (15%).

This seminar (a combination of lecture, discussion, and case analysis format) will introduce principles and perspectives for biomedical ethics. The course is divided into two sections. The first part of the course will examine basic themes, principles, methodologies, and professional responsibilities in healthcare ethics. Special attention will be given to Catholic Church teaching and the Catholic tradition of moral reflection more generally, comparing and contrasting it with the currently dominant secular approach to bioethics. In the second section, we will examine particular ethical issues for healthcare ethics, employing the case analysis method. We will seek to bring to bear our earlier ethics and theological explorations as well as practical wisdom in our evaluations of these cases. Students will present analysis of particular problems, and others will respond to their analysis.

Introduction to Old Testament literature and history, with emphasis on application within the church. Readings, written assignments and final paper or 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.

This course will explore the uneasy relationship between deconstruction and politics. We will begin the course by familiarizing ourselves with Jacques Derrida's deconstuctive method, and continue by reading his work on issues of justice, law, cosmopolitanism, ethics, and the right to philosophy. The rest of the course will be spent engaging with various contemporaries of Derrida for whom his work in deconstruction and political philosophy has been important: Drucilla Cornell, Giorgio Agamben, Ernesto Laclau and Chantal Mouffe, Gilles Deleuze and Felix Guattari.

A seminar examining features of ancient Israelite religion as reflected in the archaeological and literary evidence. Topics include the origins and nature of Yahweh,other deities in ancient Israel, monotheism, the cult of the dead, divergent perspectives of priestly, royal, deuteronomistic, prophetic groups, etc.

This course uses the book of Amos as a means of introducing the covenantal values that lay beneath Israel's approach to social justice. Through a site visit and classroom activities, students will reflect on the Church's call to social justice and the way in which this can be realised in the lives of individuals and congregations. Additional emphasis will be placed on the content and shape of the book of Amos and the task of interpreting it as Scripture of the Church. Lecture. Written assignments, site visit, and final paper. Intro to OT (KNB1006) or equivalent, plus any 2000 level Bible course, plus a year long introductory course in Hebrew.

Critical assessment of the most important and formative theories on the Christian doctrine of reconciliation with particular reference to those that have shaped reformed perspectives. Lectures and group discussion. Evaluation by essay. Prerequisites: A basic introductory theology course plus another theology course. Knox students should have completed Church, Ministry, Sacraments.

At the core of every community developer is a commitment to transformational teaching which unleashes with in people the competencies to change their local community.  Individual and group learning is possible when community members are treated with respect, fell sage to explore new ideas and can readily apply new learning to their present context.  Base on both the theory and practice of adult learning and the biblical principle of discipleship, participants will step closer to peace and well-being.
This course is also valuable for lay and ordained leaders in the church who may be called to lead adult Christian education courses, focus groups or other organizational meetings.

This course is based on the theological conviction that knowing the Triune God is inseparable from participating in a particular community and its practices—a participation which is the work of God's Holy Spirit. We will examine the purpose of congregational life in light of our own discipleship and calls to leadership in ministry. We will examine the purpose of building up congregations, discipleship making, worship, pastoral care and the pastoral offices of baptism (adult & children), weddings, and funerals. Short lectures, class discussion. Grading is based on class participation, short assignments, quizzes and a final paper. Students take this course in conjunction with their field education placement.

Exploration of the content of New Testament writings, especially the canonical gospels and Pauline corpus. Emphasis will be placed upon understanding these writings in their original socio-historical contexts, and on methods of interpretation.

Introduction to theology, including introductory treatment of theological method, creation, God, Christology, Trinity, soteriology, and eschatology. Requirements: lectures, short paper, take-home examination, final research paper. Prequisite: basic course in Bible.

This course will examine how Christianity has both contributed to the
emergence of the modern world and has responded to some of the major
developments that characterize modernity. Topics may include the impact
of new ways of thinking on Christian world views; movements of
religious renewal; Christian responses to new social trends and
development; the geographic expansion of Christianity; developments in
Christian practice and worship; Christianity and public life; new
trends in Christian thought.

The goal of Biblical Hebrew II is to provide both students training for designated ministry and those students who wish to continue in advanced degree studies with a working knowledge of biblical Hebrew.  The acquired skills may be used for the purposes of homiletical exegesis, scholarship pursuit, and the general pleasure of textual theological interpretations.  Classes are twice weekly, and consist of lecture, homework tutorial, quizzes and quiz review, translation work, and theological reflections posted on Twitter.  Evaluation: weekly quizzes; midterm exam; attendance and participation; final exam.

Through the development of the skill of theological reflection, the participants learn to reflect on their personal and ministerial or work experiences to discern the call of transformation and integration in the midst of the Christian tradition and world realities. This group process takes place in a peer faith setting. Regular attendance required. An overnight retreat is scheduled at the end of the course. One integration paper and mission statement. Pass/Fail for BD students; grade given for AD students.

Mystery of God Triune: biblical, liturgical, historical, and contemporary theology on the Trinity. Question of God in human experience, atheism, Trinitarian debates, feminist perspectives, the Trinity in the economy of salvation, implications for prayer. Lectures, discussions, short paper, final exam.

St. Benedict's "Little Rule", written in the fourth century, is the primary source of Anglican spirituality, liturgy and ecclesiology. Since the mid-twentieth century it has had a profound influence on the "New Monasticism", Fresh Expressions, and the Emergence movement. The course will examine the historical roots of Benedictine spirituality in the desert tradition, the spread of the Benedictine tradition across Europe and the British Isles, the clash between the Roman Benedictine tradition and Celtic spirituality, the profound influence of Benedictine liturgy during the English Reformation especially in the shaping of the Book of Common Prayer, and the influence of Benedict's Rule on the development of Anglican and ecumencial religious communities. As we follow the tradition into the 20th and 21st centuries we will examine the increasing interest in Benedictine monastic spirituality among lay people, and the evolution of monastic life into the "mixed economy" of traditional and emerging "new monastic" communities and fresh expressions of monasticism. Slide lectures, small group and plenary discussion. Reflection papers, research paper.

The course introduces the student to the dynamics of grace presented in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, situating the Exercises both in their historical context and within its interpretations in contemporary culture. The goal of this course is 1. to prepare a student to engage in the role of directing the spiritual exercises, 2. to allow the student to understand the dynamics of these exercises, 3. to see the underlying anthropology and theology of these exercises. Pre-requisite: None, though some personal experience of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius - not necessary - would be an asset. For Basic Degree students: short essays; class participation and presentations. For Advanced Degree students: sort essays; major paper; active class participation.

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.

This course seeks to explore, an understanding of the interrelationship of Christian worship, sacrament and ethics. Through lecture, discussion, worship experience and analyses of forms of worship, course participants will explore the implications of worship and sacrament for the formation of Christian self-understanding, character and virtue. The relationship of prayer, belief and theological reflection will be examined. Developments in liturgical theology and their implications for understanding the social mission of the Church will be discussed. Practical issues in contemporary Christian ethics will serve as a focus for reflective conversation. Through the study of Church documents, ecumenical readings, liturgical texts and exploration of constitutive elements of worship students will be encouraged to reflect on a life of prayer for mission. Evaluation will be comprised of class participation, an annotated bibliography, analysis of a liturgical rite through an ethical lens and a final integrative paper.

Basic principles of reformed theology and their significance in current theological debate. Lecture.