Exploration of various theories of human development, stages of human growth, lifespan spiritual journey in correlation to human growth, implications for Christian ministry, and reflections of one's own lifespan on theories of human growth and spiritual journey. Basic course for education and ministry. Lectures. Group presentation, discussion, class participation, critical reflection paper, final paper.

This course deals with the many intersections of music and worship within a Christian context, and more specifically, within a Presbyterian worship service.   First class is on Tuesday, May 31st.

This course examines differing models of music’s role in worship and the implications of changing musical practices in the church. We will explore timely questions for those preparing to enter parish ministry, including: what do debates over “traditional” vs. “contemporary” music styles in worship mean? How should we choose from the plethora of current options when selecting songs for worship? What models can help us approach congregational music from theological and cultural perspectives? The goals of this course are to encourage a thorough understanding, grounded in theological and anthropological analysis, of music in worship; to provide students with resources to think through the theological and pastoral implications of musical choices made during worship; and to equip them with practical resources for finding edifying traditional and contemporary congregational worship songs. Evaluation will be based on class participation, short reflection papers, a group presentation, and a final paper based on interviews with music ministers and congregants. Lecture/discussion format with group presentations. Class participation (20%), short reflection papers (30%), a group presentation (10%), and a final paper or project (40%).

A reflection upon the role of psychology in religious education as a way to understand faith development (James W. Fowler) and/or human transcendence (Bernard J.F. Lonergan). Some time will be given to Ignatian and Carmelite spirituality as samples of structuring spirituality. Readings, two short papers, integrative paper.

Reviews the challenges faced by urban development facilitators today.  Engages urbanisation and migration across the planet (especially the global South), the data on urban poverty, and today’s blurring of rural and urban into a continuous, dynamic rural-urban continuum.  Looks at the role of NGOs, churches and other partners in working with the urban poor, and reviews a range of urban community-based development approaches.   Also considers the five types of urban communities, the “new physics” of urban engagement, local partnering and multi-stakeholder processes.  Students will engage in an overview of possible approaches to urban theology and mission. Course methodology includes a range of participatory activities, multi-media, mini-projects, reading, lectures, a street outing.  Evaluation includes papers, projects, participation. Prerequisite: WYP1615H & WYP1616H or equivalent academic or professional experience. For more information contact Marion Taylor at m.taylor@utoronto.ca.

We will imagine the book of Numbers as a ‘dream’ (nightmare?) experience that can teach us about the kinds of skills communities and their leaders require to cope with life and death in a risk-filled environment. At its promptings we will explore specific congregational leadership issues including, planning, assessing resources, drawing forth, developing and changing volunteer leadership, mission, building vision and making change, recognizing and nurturing what gives a community life, coping with the reality of communal death, and above all, the life and death risk of traveling with the living God. Requirements: Lectures, readings, group discussions, practical skill-building projects, and short papers.

Improvisation, theatre games, mask, mime and voice work as a basis for acting and story telling in faith communities; brief histories of liturgical drama; telling and exegesis of the Story in a society that is becoming biblically illiterate; finding creative ways to present individual gospels. Evaluation: Presentation of 10-minute performance piece; written report. (Academic mentor: David Neelands)

An experiential engagement with the history, theology and practices of worship in the Celtic tradition, with a focus on the Iona Community and its integration of worship and social justice, spirituality and ethics, prayer and politics.  Includes one week spent with the Iona Community, Scotland (Saturday, June 18 - Friday, June 24, (expenses and travel to be covered by the student), a compulsory Preparation Seminar (Saturday May 14, 9 am - 5 pm at Emmanuel College), and a Reflection Seminar (Saturday, July 9, 9 am - 5 pm). Prerequisite: Worship I or equivalent introductory course on worship and liturgy.  Teaching methods: Lectures, seminars, readings, worship, living in intentional Christian community.  Evaluation: Preparation Paper, 30%; Pilgrimage Journal, 20%; Liturgy Project, 50%. (For information on the Iona Community see www.iona.org.uk)

Secondary Practicum in Spiritual Direction: A two-week intensive course consisting of integration of theory and practice of spiritual direction. A model of non-residential Retreat in Everyday Life is used for this practicum. The course is the second phase of the Regis College Spiritual Direction Program. Discernment paper. Pass/Fail course. Prerequisites: RGP3661HY; 8-day directed retreat, RGP3687H, and RGP3688H. Restricted to students enrolled in Diploma in Spiritual Direction at Regis College.

Importance for the Catholic educator of attentiveness to the spiritual in oneself and others. Historical and contemporary understandings and expressions of spirituality as lived reality. Spiritual formation in a global, technological world. Contribution of the modern theologian, including Rahner and Lonergan. Seminar: 40%; One synthesis paper or two shorter papers: 60%

Examination of contemporary theories of human growth and development, and the contribution that such theories offer to the understanding of religious development and the praxis of religious education. Particular attention is paid to the impact of post-modern culture on the possibility of faith today. Lectures, readings, seminar presentation (20%), two reflections (2 x 20%), final paper (40%).

A scientific approach to the evangelization of adolescents in the contemporary context enables participants to understand their pastoral role and to develop and execute an effective ministry with youth.

The course is designed to increase awareness and skill for clergy personnel or ministers of music in the following areas: use of the human voice in worship; the phenomenon of congregational song; the influence of architecture and acoustics in the worship space; use of piano and organ accompaniment for voices; the vocation of the minister of music; current issues in executing varied music programming. Evaluation will be based on book reports, class presentations; field based research; journaling; final reflection paper.

Prerequisite: Basic course in Bible, worship or theology, or permission of instructor.

Secondary Practicum in Spiritual Direction: A two-week intensive course consisting of integration of theory and practice of spiritual direction. A model of non-residential Retreat in Everyday Life is used for this practicum. The course is the second phase of the Regis College Spiritual Direction Program. Discernment paper. Graded paper. Prerequisites: RGP3661HY; 8-day directed retreat, RGP3687H, and RGP3688H. Restricted to students enrolled in Diploma in Spiritual Direction at Regis College.

The course is designed to increase awareness and skill for clergy personnel or ministers of music in the following areas: use of the human voice in worship; the phenomenon of congregational song; the influence of architecture and acoustics in the worship space; use of piano and organ accompaniment for voices; the vocation of the minister of music; current issues in executing varied music programming. Evaluation will be based on book reports, class presentations; field based research; journaling; final reflection paper.

This course explores Orthodox spiritual and pastoral guidance, from the 2nd C. to the 14th, from both thematic and historical perspectives, beginning with consideration of the goal of Orthodox spirituality as union with God (theosis). The course will then examine the contributions of the early Church, monasticism, ancient philosophy, liturgical poetry, mysticism, patristic theology, and the major themes of ascetic theology. As well, it will consider preaching, catechesis, hagiography, and extra-liturgical devotions (e.g. pilgrimage, etc). The course will emphasize readings of the great classic texts to the 14th century.

The course will survey ethical issues encountered by both Christian leaders and leaders in Christian institutions as well as the styles and theories of leadership and models for effective decision-making that might be employed. The course will use a combination of lectures, discussions and student led seminars. Evaluation: participation, seminar presentation, case analysis, integration paper.