Course Catalogue 2026-2027

MTS Synthesis Paper

This course will examine how modern Muslim and Christian thinkers have attempted to grapple with how religious belonging and faith can exist in increasingly pluralist and secular societies. Course lectures will explore themes such as religious cultural imaginaries, human dignity, peace-building, spirituality and advancements in modern science and technology.

Queer theory challenges feminist theory’s and gay and lesbian studies’ focus on tolerance and inclusion with radical deconstructive critiques of the institutions and practices that produce gender and sexuality norms to begin with. Theologies in dialogue with queer theory thus presuppose the full inclusion of LGTBQIA2+ people in the life and leadership of churches – rather than argue for it – to articulate constructive theological projects out of queer practices. In this course, students engage foundational texts in queer theology to begin constructing their own theological positions in a context that disrupts binary understandings of gender and heteronormative views of sexuality. This course is focused through a Christian lens because this is where queer (rather than ‘affirming’ or ‘apologetic’ approaches) have primarily been developed. Students in non-Christian streams are still encouraged to enroll, however; please meet with the instructor prior to the course to ensure you are able to receive the support you need to pursue your goals in relation to course parameters. This course fulfills the Emmanuel College designated elective in Theology or Pastoral Studies.

Working from the perspective of Islamic theology, this course will explore questions such as religious belief and atheism; theodicy; political theology; war and peacebuilding; the ecological crisis and artificial intelligence. These questions will be situated in historical discussions of Islamic theology in dialogue with contemporary Islamic thought. It will explore a variety of writings by prominent contemporary Muslim thinkers who grapple with such theological questions and their implications for how human beings understand themselves and their place in the universe.

This course will explore the purposes and distinguishing features of Catholic education. This exploration will be primarily by way of engagement with the several notable authors in the area of the philosophy of Catholic education. The course will also invite reflection on the vocation of the Catholic educator in the contemporary cultural context, considering also how transformation in virtue might be reflected in the work of the Catholic educator.

This is a seminar-type course. Students are expected to demonstrate a high level of engagement in the course. Attention will be given to leadership and administration of the pastoral music ministry practice in a faith community setting.

This course explores creativity and its theological significance, drawing from interdisciplinary sources to consider the imagination, creative process and the arts in relation to the life of faith and spiritual practice. Even though creativity is often associated with intentional artistic endeavours, the capacity to imagine, improvise, innovate, and make/construct is intrinsic to human life e.g., in daily routines and relationships, rituals, stories, spiritual identity, personal resilience, empathy, community building, and peace and justice building. By paying attention to various dimensions of creativity, human and divine, the course investigates the making and perceiving of beauty in the world as an orientation toward value and personal and communal transformation. It thus seeks move beyond cognitive and entrepreneur models of creativity as well as dichotomies of action vs. reflection in theology. Particular consideration is given to visual arts and music.

This course traces the history of the interpretation of the Bible from pre-rabbinic Jewish interpretation and the New Testament to the present. We will examine major figures and major forms of biblical interpretation and also give attention to a consideration of popular and forgotten voices.

This course traces the history of the interpretation of the Bible from pre-rabbinic Jewish interpretation and the New Testament to the present. We will examine major figures and major forms of biblical interpretation and also give attention to a consideration of popular and forgotten voices.

The work of Ludwig Wittgenstein has been highly influential on many of the most important theologians of the last two generations. His work has also been influential on moral philosophers and moral theologians. This course in theological ethics will examine both the work of Wittgenstein himself, and those he has influenced, on a variety of the central questions for contemporary theological ethics. Key authors to be studied include Elizabeth Anscombe, Herbert McCabe, Fergus Kerr, Rowan Williams, Cora Diamond, and Stephen Mulhall. Topics to be discussed will include questions of intention and the problem of act-description, the nature of human flourishing, questions of analogy, and the nature of theological claims in relation to the moral life.

A study of human sexuality, love, marriage and select related issues in light of Catholic anthropology and the Catholic moral tradition.

A study of human sexuality, love, marriage and select related issues in light of Catholic anthropology and the Catholic moral tradition.