Course Catalogue 2026-2027

Modern biblical exegesis and analysis of patristic texts privilege almost exclusively the written word. There is a growing appreciation for another dinemsion to biblical exegesis - the vuisual. Early Christian iconography and visual presentations were more than art. They played a vital role in forming theology, group identity and the consciousness of the community. Using examples from early Christian frescoes, mosaics, and illuminations, the course will demonstrate the reciprocal relationship between text, community, worship and theology. There are zeveral analytical tools to aid in the study of early Christian visuals. Careful attention will be paid to the following: 1) The passages or allusions that are used, or equally important, neglected 2) Where the visual is found also plays a role in determining its role, i.e., whether it is funerary or liturgical 3) The characters or themes depicted in their spatial relationship to each other 4) The influence of Greco-Roman iconography and symbolism 5) The diversw ways in which divinity is depicted 6) The influence of apocryphal or heterodox Christian texts 7) Historical and ecclesiastical pressures confronting the community.

This course is a brief introduction to the foundations - and some of the riches - of spirituality in the Catholic Church. It examines the nature of virtue (acquired and infused) and the gifts and fruits of the Spirit. It also considers the distinguishing features of Catholic education (elementary and high school) in the contemporary cultural context. It then invites reflection on the spirituality and vocation of the Catholic educator in this era of a new evangelization.

This course is a brief introduction to the foundations - and some of the riches - of spirituality in the Catholic Church. It examines the nature of virtue (acquired and infused) and the gifts and fruits of the Spirit. It also considers the distinguishing features of Catholic education (elementary and high school) in the contemporary cultural context. It then invites reflection on the spirituality and vocation of the Catholic educator in this era of a new evangelization.

This course is a brief introduction to the foundations - and some of the riches - of spirituality in the Catholic Church. It examines the nature of virtue (acquired and infused) and the gifts and fruits of the Spirit. It also considers the distinguishing features of Catholic education (elementary and high school) in the contemporary cultural context. It then invites reflection on the spirituality and vocation of the Catholic educator in this era of a new evangelization.

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.

Throughout the biblical story, land, economic justice, and food justice are intimately linked. These themes, in turn, are rooted in a vibrant relationship between creation and the Creator, not to mention creation and humanity. This course will explore such biblical themes in light of competing views of land, economics and justice both in biblical times and in our own context, locally and internationally. Interactions with indigenous views of land, land justice and food security for immigrants and the poor in our city, the transition movement, bioregionalism and watershed discipleship, will all contribute to a biblical vision for a sustainable creation locally and on a global level. This course will include two or three site visits within the city of Toronto (to a community garden, a food co-op and the Native Canadian Centre), as well as an optional site visit outside of the city.

This textually-focused seminar course explores the multi-faceted role of creation (land, seas, animals) in the biblical story, including the character of humanity's calling in relation to creation. The way in which idolatry and imperial powers control the land and their inhabitants as the story unfolds, and sabbath and jubilee as a faithful response to such powers, will provide a biblical basis for reflecting on our current ecological context. Participation in all seminars required; three short papers; major research paper. Off-campus site.

The idea of this course is to see how the relationship of pre-modern spiritual writing and some more technical treatments of Christology was one of mutual influence. While Pelikan has tried to join these in his book, it might be better to be aware of the range of genres of spiritual works, including ones where Christ seems to be more 'implicit'. The thorny issue of whether Christology went astray after the High Middle Ages will be considered, as well as Jesus in the Reformation and Post-Reformation period (Catholic and Protestant).

The idea of this course is to see how the relationship of pre-modern spiritual writing and some more technical treatments of Christology was one of mutual influence. While Pelikan has tried to join these in his book, it might be better to be aware of the range of genres of spiritual works, including ones where Christ seems to be more 'implicit'. The thorny issue of whether Christology went astray after the High Middle Ages will be considered, as well as Jesus in the Reformation and Post-Reformation period (Catholic and Protestant).

The idea of this course is to see how the relationship of pre-modern spiritual writing and some more technical treatments of Christology was one of mutual influence. While Pelikan has tried to join these in his book, it might be better to be aware of the range of genres of spiritual works, including ones where Christ seems to be more 'implicit'. The thorny issue of whether Christology went astray after the High Middle Ages will be considered, as well as Jesus in the Reformation and Post-Reformation period (Catholic and Protestant).

The idea of this course is to see how the relationship of pre-modern spiritual writing and some more technical treatments of Christology was one of mutual influence. While Pelikan has tried to join these in his book, it might be better to be aware of the range of genres of spiritual works, including ones where Christ seems to be more 'implicit'. The thorny issue of whether Christology went astray after the High Middle Ages will be considered, as well as Jesus in the Reformation and Post-Reformation period (Catholic and Protestant).

This course will examine the key theological, mystical and philosophical notions of music that are of essential significance in relation to the history of Christian music from ancient to modern. Topics covered will include the relations of music and language, music and morality, music and monasticism, music and magic, the connection of music, body and spirit, and the musical syncretism of the so-called secular and the sacred.