Course Catalogue 2025-2026

This course examines the first five books of sacred scripture, known as the Pentateuch, and the Historical books from a structural, literary, cultural, and historical perspective. Using the synchronic method in the first part of the course, the emphasis will be on the structure of the first five books, showing how they are connected and reveal an identification code for the postexilic community. The second half of the course, using the diachronic method, will explore the Historical books, showing how they are grouped as Deuteronomist History, Chroniclers’ History, and Maccabean History.

This course examines the first five books of sacred scripture, known as the Pentateuch, and the Historical books from a structural, literary, cultural, and historical perspective. Using the synchronic method in the first part of the course, the emphasis will be on the structure of the first five books, showing how they are connected and reveal an identification code for the postexilic community. The second half of the course, using the diachronic method, will explore the Historical books, showing how they are grouped as Deuteronomist History, Chroniclers' History, and Maccabean History.

This course is a historical and topical survey of the origins and development of Islam. The course is primarily concerned with the life and career of Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam, the development of the Muslim community and its principal institutions, schools of thought, law, theology, cultural life and spiritual/mystical tradition (Sufism), to about 1300 CE. This course is cross-listed and counts as a theology course, as well as a history course, at Emmanuel College.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This course is designed to provide a survey of the New Testament world, authors, and theologies, and to introduce stu-dents to the historical, geographical, and archeological coordinates of that “most beautiful” (Ezek 20:6, 15) and “good land” (Deut 1:25; cf. 8:7-9), where the Word-Made-Flesh pitched its tent and salvation sprouted (cf. Isa 45:8; 55:10-11; John 1:14). Attention will be given also to hermeneutics, considered especially from the Catholic standpoint of Sacred Tradition and Magisterium. Topics will include inspiration, inerrancy, authorship, senses of Scripture, geography of salvation, 1st c. AD Ancient Near-East, key findings, sites, roads, artifacts, texts, and structures.

This course is designed to provide a survey of the New Testament world, authors, and theologies, and to introduce stu-dents to the historical, geographical, and archeological coordinates of that “most beautiful” (Ezek 20:6, 15) and “good land” (Deut 1:25; cf. 8:7-9), where the Word-Made-Flesh pitched its tent and salvation sprouted (cf. Isa 45:8; 55:10-11; John 1:14). Attention will be given also to hermeneutics, considered especially from the Catholic standpoint of Sacred Tradition and Magisterium. Topics will include inspiration, inerrancy, authorship, senses of Scripture, geography of salvation, 1st c. AD Ancient Near-East, key findings, sites, roads, artifacts, texts, and structures.

Through the experience of reading and reflecting on the entire text of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament as well as key select passages, participants will have an opportunity to learn more about the sources, history, and development of the canonical books of the Latter Prophets and Writings in critical relation to their place in ancient Near Eastern culture and history. Attention will be given to issues such prophetic movements, reform movements, exile/deportation and return, wisdom and apocalyptic as shaping forces in biblical identity. Lectures and exegetical sessions will seek to assist participants with methodologies that will build their confidence and competence in engaging the texts in the context of the pastoral life of the church and in relation to contemporary culture and discourse.

Through the experience of reading and reflecting on the entire text of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament as well as key select passages, participants will have an opportunity to learn more about the sources, history, and development of the canonical books of the Latter Prophets and Writings in critical relation to their place in ancient Near Eastern culture and history. Attention will be given to issues such prophetic movements, reform movements, exile/deportation and return, wisdom and apocalyptic as shaping forces in biblical identity. Lectures and exegetical sessions will seek to assist participants with methodologies that will build their confidence and competence in engaging the texts in the context of the pastoral life of the church and in relation to contemporary culture and discourse.

An introduction to the main themes in theology, with attention to the nature of theological argumentation. Trinity, creation, theological anthropology, Jesus Christ, ecclesiology, other religions, eschatology, Anabaptist-Mennonite theology, political theology, modernity/ postmodernity, the vocation of the theologian.