Course Catalogue 2025-2026

Classic Buddhist scriptures have been traditionally classified in three major Categories: Sotra texts that record the teachings of the historical Buddha, Vrnaya texts that narrate disciplinary rules for the Buddhist monastic community, and Sastra texts that function as commentarial treatises on the Buddha's teachings; This course introduces students to classic Buddhist texts in each of these three categories to lielp students become familiar with literary discourse on foundational Buddhist doctrines, ethics, and thought. In this class, students will learn the history of the formation and the reception of a list of carefully selected canonical texts in each category, read English translations of the original text. When available, original editions of these texts in Sanskrit, Pali, Chinese, or Tibetan will also be provided for those who are interested in exploring further.

Built upon the foundations established from the Fundamental Tenets and Practices of Buddhism course, this course provides students with further understanding of how the Buddhist traditions make use of various meditative techniques as the means to help practitioners realize the transcendental experiences explicated in the Buddhist doctrines. Five major Buddhist meditative traditions will be explored, namely, the fundamental meditative techniques found in the Theravada tradition, the two forms of Chan/Zen meditation in China and Japan, the Pure Land tradition in China, the unique system of meditation developed in the Tiantai school in China, and the visualization practices in the Tibetan tantric style of cultivation. Students will develop an in-depth understanding of the Buddha's teachings in association with the principles behind the meditative practices, the modern adaptations of these practices, as well as the relationship with the Buddhist teachings on well-being and spiritual happiness. Students are encouraged to adapt these meditative techniques and integrate the insights on spiritual development of self and others into their psychotherapy practices.

Introductory study of the Anglican communion as a worldwide form of Christianity; its history, key theological issues, worship, schools of thought, approaches to spirituality.

Introductory study of the Anglican communion as a worldwide form of Christianity; its history, key theological issues, worship, schools of thought, approaches to spirituality.

An introduction to the content of a portion of the New Testament: 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 Corinthians, Galatians, Romans, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Peter, Hebrews and Revelation. The guiding question of the course is "Who is Jesus?".

This course examines key issues and themes that underscore and are shaping contemporary discourses in the field of world (global) Christianity. Examples of themes explored are the tectonic shifts that characterize the phenomenon of world Christianity, the translatability of the Christian faith, gospel-culture relations, diasporic forms of Christianity, interaction between the Christian faith and other religious traditions, and ideas of a global Christian theological identity. The course encourages reflection on the role that indigenous Christianity has played in the discourse on world Christianity. Focusing on specific case studies and using primarily theological method of inquiry, the course exposes students to the challenges and values for doing theology and Christian ministry in indigenous and multicultural contexts.

This course examines key issues and themes that underscore and are shaping contemporary discourses in the field of world (global) Christianity. Examples of themes explored are the tectonic shifts that characterize the phenomenon of world Christianity, the translatability of the Christian faith, gospel-culture relations, diasporic forms of Christianity, interaction between the Christian faith and other religious traditions, and ideas of a global Christian theological identity. The course encourages reflection on the role that indigenous Christianity has played in the discourse on world Christianity. Focusing on specific case studies and using primarily theological method of inquiry, the course exposes students to the challenges and values for doing theology and Christian ministry in indigenous and multicultural contexts.

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.

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.

An introduction to the theology and practice of evangelism in contemporary society. We will look critically at different evangelistic practices in light of scripture and culture, and consider how healthy evangelism might affect leadership, parish life, worship, preaching, lay ministry, outreach programs and personal relationships.

An introduction to the theology and practice of evangelism in contemporary society. We will look critically at different evangelistic practices in light of scripture and culture, and consider how healthy evangelism might affect leadership, parish life, worship, preaching, lay ministry, outreach programs and personal relationships.

Introduction to the gospel and letters of John concerning authorship, unity, historicity and the situation of the Johannine church. Exploration of basic themes in this tradition and what they reveal about the life of Jesus and believing in him. Exegesis of selected passages from the Gospel and 1 John.