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.

The Bible has been used to support all kinds of perspectives with varying degrees of responsibility. This course looks at the  use of the Bible in theological arguments. It will examine how the  Bible is APPLIED in conciliar and other church documents, as well as in  statements by ecumenical groups, sermons, and film. Some attention will be given to the variety of interpretive  methods in the history of the Church, but the main focus is the use (and abuse) of the Bible in contemporary theological argumentation. Topics include, e.g., Eucharistic debates, Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ, the role of women in the Church, and responses to war. Drawing on the rich variety of contemporary hermeneutical options, the  course aims to enrich students' exegetical skills and critical ability when making theological arguments and using church documents. The course is team-taught by a Lutheran professor of New Testament and a Catholic professor of theology. Lectures, discussions, short papers, final take-home exam.

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.

Answering Jesus' question: "Who do people say I am?", course uses Old Testament expectations, New Testament data, Conciliar definitions and contemporary issues. Lectures, mid-term test, final exam.

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. Prerequisite: TSP3551Y (CPE - Basic 1) and TSP3552Y (CPE - Basic 2)

This course builds on students knowledge of introductory Hebrew grammar to engage them in the reading and interpretation of Hebrew narrative (selections from Jonah, Ruth, and other books). Emphasis is on building Hebrew vocabulary and confidence in reading and on developing exegetical skill. Quizzes, presentation, mid-term and final exams. Prerequisite: Introductory course in Hebrew.

Survey of New Testament world, authors, theologies. Introduction to the historical-critical and other methods of exegesis. Focus on the relation of hermeneutic to Christian Theological traditions; determining the senses of Scripture, the intent of the author, the structures in the texts; stance of the reader. Lecture/Discussion; paper; mid-term and final exam.

An approved field placement with appropriate supervision and theological reflection seminar.

Alongside with Greek and Latin, Syriac Christianity was a crucial factor in the development of Christian theology, worship, and spirituality in the first centuries. A unique witness to the original Semitic character of the Church, Syriac Christianity provides deep insights into the symbolic and poetic approach to the mystery of God. This attains its summit in the theology and spirituality of Ephrem the Syrian. In the present course, reading and discussion of his works will be undertaken against the background of the development of Syriac Christianity from the 2nd up to the 8th century. Discussions, presentations. One essay.

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.