Previous Years' Course Catalogues

This course explores the activity of God from creation to new creation, with special emphasis on the Spirit's work in the Church. We also examine the image of God in the human person and the nature of sin.

In this course, students work on constructing their own theologies of salvation (soteriology) in dialogue with questions raised by key historical and contemporary theologians. We will explore soteriology as it relates to theologies of atonement, sin and evil, creation, redemption and eschatology, and the roles played by God and humanity and the person and work of Jesus Christ in processes of redemption. We also explore how key historical movements of social and theological change, as well as pressing, contemporary pastoral questions related to gender-based violence, political and social liberation movements, global Christianity, and inter-faith relations contribute to our own understandings of salvation. Student work will be evaluated based on participation, short figure-based interpretive papers, and a final integrative, constructive theological paper.

An examination of formative and alternative theologies of redemption from Christianity's early years through the twentieth century, focusing on how theologians have variously conceived the problem to which redemption is addressed, the work and person of Jesus Christ, and the roles of God and humanity in effecting redemption. Theologians considered may include Irenaeus, Athanasius, Augustine, Calvin, Bushnell, Maurice, Niebuhr, Cone, Soelle, Heyward, and Ruether. Lectures, reading, discussions, presentation and final paper. Prerequisite: one introductory course in systematic theology.

In this course, students work on constructing their own theologies of salvation (soteriology) in dialogue with questions raised by key historical and contemporary theologians. We will explore soteriology as it relates to theologies of atonement, sin and evil, creation, redemption and eschatology, and the roles played by God and humanity and the person and work of Jesus Christ in processes of redemption. We also explore how key historical movements of social and theological change, as well as pressing, contemporary pastoral questions related to gender-based violence, political and social liberation movements, global Christianity, and inter-faith relations contribute to our own understandings of salvation. Student work will be evaluated based on participation, short figure-based interpretive papers, and a final integrative, constructive theological paper.

In this course, students work on constructing their own theologies of salvation (soteriology) in dialogue with questions raised by key historical and contemporary theologians.  We will explore soteriology as it relates to theologies of atonement, sin and evil, creation, redemption and eschatology, and the roles played by God and humanity and the person and work of Jesus Christ in processes of redemption.  We also explore how key historical movements of social and theological change, as well as pressing, contemporary pastoral questions related to gender-based violence, political and social liberation movements, global Christianity, and inter-faith relations contribute to our own understandings of salvation.  Student work will be evaluated based on participation, short figure-based interpretive papers, and a final integrative, constructive theological paper.  Prerequisite: one introductory course in systematic theology.

Building on introductory worship courses, this course has two primary foci related to worship in the Presbyterian context: 1) to explore worship leadership as a theological practice, 2) to explore the many intersections of worship and music, and develop skills as a worship leader for appropriate and creative use of music in worship settings. With regard to worship leadership as a theological practice, this course will examine a series of topics related to the development of worship leadership skills, nurturing community through worship, and effective worship practices for the contemporary church. How do we as worship leaders understand the realities facing worshipping communities in the twenty-first century? How do we as worship leaders practice evaluation and discernment in a diverse and dynamic twenty-first century context? With regard to worship leadership and music, this course studies the history of Christian worship from its earliest manifestations and notes the development of Christian worship through history. There is a strong emphasis on the purpose of Christian music in the experience of spirituality (both in and out of worship services).

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.

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%).

As follow-up to EMP1101 "Worship I" ( or an equivalent introductory course on worship), a praxis-based study of the 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. Participation, 10%; Resource Review, 10%; Book Reflection, 20%; Group Worship Planning and Celebration, Pass/Fail; Congregational Policy, 10%; Liturgy Project, 50%. Prerequisites: EMP1101 Worship I (or an equivalent introductory worship course) and EMT 1101 Theology I (or an equivalent introductory theology course).  Fulfills requirement for Desginated Elective in "Worship" or "Pastoral" areas of Emmanuel College programs.

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.

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.

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.