Course Catalogue 2026-2027

This course introduces the discipline of systematic theology as a holistic and inter-related account of Christian confession. It gives an account of theology's method, sources, and goals, with a particular emphasis on the Holy Scriptures as the church's normative witness to revelation. As the first in a two course sequence, this course addresses the contents of the first article of the Apostles Creed, having to do with the doctrines of God (including God's triunity), creation, and providence. The goal of the course is to orient students to the church's ongoing reflection on God and God's works so that their own ministry of witness in the church and the world might reflect more faithfully the glory of God and God's great love for creation.

Study of Hebrew grammar, providing a continuation of NML250Y /SMB1101Y (Introduction to Biblical Hebrew). Through extensive reading of ancient (biblical and non-biblical) Hebrew texts, grammar is reviewed and consolidated, and vocabulary expanded.

This course aims to provide an introduction to key points of intersection between theology, spirituality and the-arts across two millennia. Employing a broad-definition of the arts, it will include visual arts, music, liturgy, literature, -film and media. It will explore theological, historical, and pastoral applications of the arts viewed as primary source material, forms of spiritual expression, and sources of inspiration, healing and social critique. It will also address both the theoretical and practical aspects of the ongoing relationship between theology and the arts. Select topics are discussed weekly with the participation of faculty guests from across TST.

This course aims to provide an introduction to key points of intersection between theology, spirituality and the-arts across two millennia. Employing a broad-definition of the arts, it will include visual arts, music, liturgy, literature, -film and media. It will explore theological, historical, and pastoral applications of the arts viewed as primary source material, forms of spiritual expression, and sources of inspiration, healing and social critique. It will also address both the theoretical and practical aspects of the ongoing relationship between theology and the arts. Select topics are discussed weekly with the participation of faculty guests from across TST.

This course is designed to provide students with a solid foundation for biblical preaching by exploring the implications of preaching a text and preaching the gospel. Preaching the gospel is considered from historical, biblical, theological, pastoral and creative perspectives with a view to producing sermons that engage the world and offer hope. A four-step methodology is taught that can be adapted to various sermon forms.

This course explores the faith and beliefs of the Coptic, Syriac, Indian, Ethiopian, Eritrean, and Armenian Churches collectively known as the Ancient Oriental Orthodox Churches or the pre-Chalcedonian Churches. Hidden behind ancient languages and in mostly Christian minorities, the Oriental family of Orthodox Christianity often goes unnoticed. This course aims to unveil the basic dogmas of Oriental Orthodoxy and the historical development of each communion. Dogmas in Oriental Orthodoxy are drawn from its Tradition encompassing scripture, liturgical texts, patristic writings, and iconography. The course explores the Trinity, Christology, pneumatology, soteriology, ecclesiology, sacramental theology, cosmology, ecumenism and Christian life through the lens of Oriental Orthodox Tradition. Elements of convergence and divergence between the six Churches making up the Oriental Orthodox communion will be considered in terms of historical circumstances, liturgical practices, and iconographic canons.

This course explores the faith and beliefs of the Coptic, Syriac, Indian, Ethiopian, Eritrean, and Armenian Churches collectively known as the Ancient Oriental Orthodox Churches or the pre-Chalcedonian Churches. Hidden behind ancient languages and in mostly Christian minorities, the Oriental family of Orthodox Christianity often goes unnoticed. This course aims to unveil the basic dogmas of Oriental Orthodoxy and the historical development of each communion. Dogmas in Oriental Orthodoxy are drawn from its Tradition encompassing scripture, liturgical texts, patristic writings, and iconography. The course explores the Trinity, Christology, pneumatology, soteriology, ecclesiology, sacramental theology, cosmology, ecumenism and Christian life through the lens of Oriental Orthodox Tradition. Elements of convergence and divergence between the six Churches making up the Oriental Orthodox communion will be considered in terms of historical circumstances, liturgical practices, and iconographic canons.

This course explores the faith and beliefs of the Coptic, Syriac, Indian, Ethiopian, Eritrean, and Armenian Churches collectively known as the Ancient Oriental Orthodox Churches or the pre-Chalcedonian Churches. Hidden behind ancient languages and in mostly Christian minorities, the Oriental family of Orthodox Christianity often goes unnoticed. This course aims to unveil the basic dogmas of Oriental Orthodoxy and the historical development of each communion. Dogmas in Oriental Orthodoxy are drawn from its Tradition encompassing scripture, liturgical texts, patristic writings, and iconography. The course explores the Trinity, Christology, pneumatology, soteriology, ecclesiology, sacramental theology, cosmology, ecumenism and Christian life through the lens of Oriental Orthodox Tradition. Elements of convergence and divergence between the six Churches making up the Oriental Orthodox communion will be considered in terms of historical circumstances, liturgical practices, and iconographic canons.

Introduction to the art and science of preaching. Topics: exegesis and hermeneutics for the purpose of preaching, techniques of sermon preparation, structure and delivery.

This course offers a historical survey of the development of Humanistic Buddhism in China and Taiwan. The material is organized into four thematic phases: (1) the formulation of modern Buddhist reform ideals from the late nineteenth to the mid-twentieth century; (2) the institutional consolidation of Humanistic Buddhism in postwar Taiwan, from the late 1940s to the 1980s; (3) divergent trajectories after 1980, including the rise of large transnational Buddhist organizations in Taiwan and the revival of Humanistic Buddhist discourse in contemporary China; and (4) emerging directions in the twenty-first century as Humanistic Buddhism adapts to global, social, economic, environmental, and cultural conditions. Students will examine the multiple figures, communities, and lineages that shaped these developments, recognizing that Humanistic Buddhism has never been a monolithic or static project. A central aim is to develop a critical understanding of what constitutes "Humanistic Buddhism," and to explore how this conceptual category encompasses diverse narratives responding to shifting intellectual, political, and institutional environments. The course also provides foundational grounding for the study of socially engaged Buddhism and broader pathways toward modern Buddhist practice.

This course will engage students in the educational ministry theories and practices in relation to intercultural leadership both within and beyond the United Church of Canada (UCC). Perspectives from intercultural, critical race, decolonial, and postcolonial theories will be studied. Students will develop strategies for anti-oppressive forms of education and practice, in terms of scriptural interpretation, contextual analysis, and leadership for community empowerment.

This course will explore various theories of human development, stages of human growth, and lifespan spiritual journey in correlation to human growth, and will discuss implications for Christian Ministry. We will reflect on our own growth and journey along with theories of human growth and spiritual journey.