Course Catalogue 2026-2027

This course focuses on personal contemplative prayer as essential for our relationship with God and the soil out of which healthy and effective ministry grows. The course covers Biblical teaching on prayer; the contemplative tradition arising from the early desert fathers and mothers; spirituality, theology and psychology of prayer; and various Christian traditions of prayer including lectio divina, Ignatian prayer, other forms of scripture prayer, centering prayer, Christian meditation, and the awareness examen. The course concludes with suggestions for planting and growing a prayer-based parish ministry. The course is offered at the SSJD convent in North York.

This course explores the relationship between religion, health, healing, and community well-being through a decolonial lens. Students examine how Indigenous, African, and Abrahamic traditions understand health not simply as a medical or biological condition, but as an expression of cosmology, relationality, land-based practice, and spiritual continuity. Drawing on public health frameworks, Indigenous health models, place-based epistemologies, and decolonial critique, the course investigates how colonialism in the Americas and Africa reshaped spiritual and medical landscapes—marginalizing traditional healing practices, severing communities from land and ceremony, and creating enduring health inequities. Through the methodological thread of storying, students analyze how communities narrate illness, suffering, resilience, and healing; how religion functions as a social determinant of health; and how the colonial vs. communal gaze shapes health-seeking behaviour, public policy, and collective flourishing. The course equips students to envision what healing and community flourishing looks like beyond empire-building aspirations—rooted in cosmology, community, and the interconnectedness of all life.

This course explores the relationship between religion, health, healing, and community well-being through a decolonial lens. Students examine how Indigenous, African, and Abrahamic traditions understand health not simply as a medical or biological condition, but as an expression of cosmology, relationality, land-based practice, and spiritual continuity. Drawing on public health frameworks, Indigenous health models, place-based epistemologies, and decolonial critique, the course investigates how colonialism in the Americas and Africa reshaped spiritual and medical landscapes—marginalizing traditional healing practices, severing communities from land and ceremony, and creating enduring health inequities. Through the methodological thread of storying, students analyze how communities narrate illness, suffering, resilience, and healing; how religion functions as a social determinant of health; and how the colonial vs. communal gaze shapes health-seeking behaviour, public policy, and collective flourishing. The course equips students to envision what healing and community flourishing looks like beyond empire-building aspirations—rooted in cosmology, community, and the interconnectedness of all life.

The course begins by looking at what the church is from an historical, biblical and functional perspective with special attention being given to the context in which it exists and to the epochs of Christianity as laid down by David Bosch. Then an examination of evangelism is given which defines it and looks at its history. Afterwards a theology of evangelism is explored with a focus on missio Dei. Then the practice of evangelism, as it is practiced in the church today, Is examined. The course closes by looking at both challenges and opportunities going forward. This is done with an in-depth look at the Missional Church Movement, Demographics and Marketing, Bernard Lonergan's concept of mutual self-mediation and giving some practical tools.

The course begins by looking at what the church is from an historical, biblical and functional perspective with special attention being given to the context in which it exists and to the epochs of Christianity as laid down by David Bosch. Then an examination of evangelism is given which defines it and looks at its history. Afterwards a theology of evangelism is explored with a focus on missio Dei. Then the practice of evangelism, as it is practiced in the church today, Is examined. The course closes by looking at both challenges and opportunities going forward. This is done with an in-depth look at the Missional Church Movement, Demographics and Marketing, Bernard Lonergan's concept of mutual self-mediation and giving some practical tools.

Using various methods of interpretation, this course offers a more focused approach to the Synoptic Gospels, and the Book of Acts. Special attention will be paid to the themes and theology of each book, including an examination of authorship, date, and context. An exegetical study of select texts will guide some of the discussion.

Using various methods of interpretation, this course offers a more focused approach to the Synoptic Gospels, and the Book of Acts. Special attention will be paid to the themes and theology of each book, including an examination of authorship, date, and context. An exegetical study of select texts will guide some of the discussion.

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.

Chan, popularly known as "Zen" in Japanese, is a major Chinese school of Mahayana Buddhism whose influence extends well beyond religious traditions into philosophy, culture, and aesthetics. This introductory course provides students with a solid foundation in Chan Buddhism, its historical development, and its central philosophical concerns. Designed primarily for students in theology, philosophy, and religious studies, the course is also open to students from other disciplines interested in Buddhist thought in its Chinese context. A central focus is the Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch, one of the most important Chan texts. Through lectures, readings, and discussion, students will examine key issues in Chan studies, including textual history, interpretation, and philosophical significance. No prior background in Buddhism or Classical Chinese is required, though engagement with selected original Chinese passages is encouraged.

A survey of the Pauline literature from the Thessalonian correspondence to the Pastoral Letters. A critical study of primary and secondary sources for understanding Paul's life and ministry, followed by a detailed exegesis of selected texts. Key concepts in 'Pauline theology'.

This course offers an introduction to anthropology as a philosophical discipline. We will look at its fundamental questions, the principal steps of its historical development, and its major proponents, including Philosophische Anthropologie as it emerged in 20thcentury Germany. We will examine the current relevance of anthropology within philosophy and for wider public debates, including those on current ecological, technological, theological, and other ethical issues.

This course offers an introduction to anthropology as a philosophical discipline. We will look at its fundamental questions, the principal steps of its historical development, and its major proponents, including Philosophische Anthropologie as it emerged in 20thcentury Germany. We will examine the current relevance of anthropology within philosophy and for wider public debates, including those on current ecological, technological, theological, and other ethical issues.