Course Catalogue 2025-2026

This course in social and political theology explores the tension between the theological concepts of forgiveness, reconciliation, and justice. How does one, or should one, forgive those who have committed unjust and terrible crimes? To what extent must justice be retributive? This analysis of the difficult work of reconciliation gives particular attention to how the churches in Rwanda, Northern Ireland, and South Africa have wrestled with this issue in their own social and political contexts. Attention is also given to Canada's TRC process with indigenous peoples and the concept of "Restorative Justice." The course will explore the complexity involved in the relationship between violence and forgiveness, particularly as this relates to the concept of Justice in Christian ethics, an understanding of community, and the formation of the moral subject. Some attention will be given to the emotional and spiritual tensions that individuals face when confronted with the complexities involved in living through periods of conflict and reconciliation.

This course introduces students to the practice of theological research and its communication. It explores the distinctive contents, methods, and interests of theological disciplines (biblical studies, church history, pastoral and systematic theology and ethics) as well as their interrelationships. Students will explore the task of theological research and writing through all its steps.

This course focuses on the theological reflection and socio-cultural analysis of the students' respective contests of ministry and research.

This course focuses on the theological reflection and socio-cultural analysis of the students' respective contests of ministry and research.

This required first-year course for doctoral students deals with fundamental aspects of advanced research and scholarship. Students will (1) formulate their research problem for SSHRC or another granting agency in relation to relevant interdisciplinary scholarly approaches and theological sub-disciplines; (2) discuss how to identify relevant evidence and engage with relevant research methods; (3) communicate knowledge effectively in an academic, ecumenical, and multireligious context through class presentations; and (4) demonstrate an openness to dialoguing with, and learning from, people from communities, whose beliefs and practices are different from their own in their first-year cohort and with guest presenters from across the TST.

This course aims at a critical understanding of the theoretical base that informs the current practice of ministry. Theories of ministry and their practical consequences in the contemporary church are discussed.

This course aims at a critical understanding of the theoretical base that informs the current practice of ministry. Theories of ministry and their practical consequences in the contemporary church are discussed.

We all leave doctoral studies as experts in our fields and walk into classrooms full of non-expert students. What now? This course addresses the relationship between subject knowledge and teaching. Topics include issues related to course design and delivery (e.g., syllabus construction, assignments, development of outcomes; objectives) as well as to broader pedagogical issues (e.g., education for [trans]formation, relationships between classroom and context, professional identity).

This course gives an overview of qualitative research methods in light of the students' respective research theology and design. It is focused on the elaboration of the DMin thesis proposal.

This course gives an overview of qualitative research methods in light of the students' respective research theology and design. It is focused on the elaboration of the DMin thesis proposal.

The prophetic book of Isaiah has been enormously influential in shaping Judaism and Christianity. The course considers the various ways in which the role of prophecy evolved in the post-exilic period, with Isaiah as a test case. The course will focus on the exilic and post-exilic expansion of the book of Isaiah and the deployment of Isaiah traditions in the Dead Sea Scrolls and the New Testament. Several questions will provide a central focus: How is authorship, whether written or oral, related to prophecy during the Persian and Greco-Roman eras? How do understandings of the figure of Isaiah change over time? What difference does it make whether Isaianic discourse is cited explicitly as opposed to alluded to implicitly? Which aspects of Isaiah made it particularly popular at Qumran and in the New Testament?

Explores Christian Kenosis as an expression of the unconditional love of God made known in Christ. Here the mutual relations of self-giving in the Trinity may be reflected in the lives of human persons. Of key significance is Hans Urs von Balthasar's appreciation of the paschal mystery. Also in dialogue are: Sarah Coakley, John Paul II and Thomas Merton.