Biblical and Theological Studies Courses
General Major: Biblical and Theological Studies (12 courses)
Minor: Biblical and Theological Studies (6 courses)
Course Details
From the Word to the World: An Introduction to Theological Study (REL-121)
An introduction to theology acquainting students with the major areas of specialization. While emphasizing that the areas overlap and are inter-related, the course examines the areas of theology according to their distinctive foci, methods, and goals.
Theological Interpretation of the Bible (REL-201)
An introduction to the theological reading and interpretative practices of reading Scripture. This course involves a survey of biblical interpretation and the variety of methodologies that have been used to study Scripture.
Prerequisites:
REL-110
Church History I (REL-216 (HIS-216))
A study of the Christian Church from the first century through the Middle Ages, focusing on the development of doctrine and ecclesiastical institutions.
Church History II (REL-218 (HIS-218))
A study of the Christian Church from the Reformation to the present, focusing on doctrinal development and divergence, the division of Western Christendom, the impact of the Enlightenment, and ecumenical initiatives.
Introduction to Biblical Greek I (REL-222)
An introduction to the basic structures, grammar, and vocabulary of biblical Greek (Koine).
Introduction to Biblical Greek II (REL-223)
A continuation of REL-222.
Prerequisites:
REL-222
Reformed Theology (REL-251)
A study of the central doctrines of Reformed theology, this course will survey the loci of systematic theology, as rooted in the Bible, formulated by key theologians, including John Calvin and Herman Bavinck, and summarized in the ecumenical creeds and Reformed confessions. Students will have an opportunity to study the historical development of these theological doctrines, as well as their contemporary application.
Prerequisites:
REL-110
Foundations of Mission and Ministry I (REL-253)
This course examines biblical and theological foundations for missions and ministry, historical developments in the theory and practice of missions, and issues pertaining to the contextualization of the gospel in the Western and global church.
Spiritual Formation for Ministry (REL-255)
This course seeks to ground students in an understanding of ministry shaped by Trinitarian theology. Furthermore, it offers a variety of tools to enable students to develop spiritual practices drawn from ancient, tested traditions to encourage a balanced spiritual life that can sustain the challenges and joys of ministry.
Reading Scripture with the Global Church (REL-321/421)
A seminar course surveying advanced hermeneutics and readings of Scripture in the church, historically and globally. This course examines some of the classic texts on the practices of interpreting Scripture.
Prerequisites:
REL-201or permission of the instructor
Old Testament Studies: The Pentateuch (REL-324)
An intensive study of the Pentateuch, paying special attention to historical context, critical methodologies, literary structures, and theological themes.
Prerequisites:
REL-201or permission of the instructor
Old Testament Studies: The Writings (REL-325)
An intensive study of literary and theological aspects of the poetic and wisdom literature of the Old Testament.
Prerequisites:
REL-201or permission of the instructor
New Testament Studies: The Gospels and Acts (REL-326)
An intensive study of the gospels and Acts in their historical, cultural, and literary context.
Prerequisites:
REL-201or permission of the instructor
New Testament Studies: The Pauline Epistles (REL-327)
An intensive study of the historical, literary, doctrinal, and ethical aspects of the Pauline Epistles.
Prerequisites:
REL-201or permission of the instructor
Philosophy of Religion (REL-340 (PHL-340))
A treatment of philosophical issues as they arise in religious experience and in theological thought, such as the nature of religious language, the enterprise of proving God’s existence, and the prospect of defining or circumscribing religion..
Prerequisites:
One other philosophy course
Modern and Contemporary Theology (REL-349/449)
A seminar course exploring important trends in modern and contemporary systematic theology. Students will critically engage major theological concepts, including those from within the Reformed tradition, that shape Christian thought and life today.
Prerequisites:
REL-251or permission of the instructor
Evangelism and Discipleship (REL-353)
This course examines the character and practices of evangelism and discipleship in mission and ministry. Students will engage biblical and theological reflection on evangelism and discipleship and learn practical skills for building relationships with people, presenting the gospel in culturally sensitive and appropriate ways, discipling new believers, intergenerational discipleship, and supporting the church in its ongoing care for seasoned disciples. Special emphasis will be given to matters pertaining to youth and urban ministry.
Prerequisites:
REL-253
Teaching Scripture and the Christian Faith (REL-354)
This course is designed to prepare students to teach the Bible (and other foci of the Christian faith) in various ministry contexts. The course examines how different genres of Scripture require different hermeneutical and pedagogical methods. The course maps a path for education for life through a conversation with critical pedagogy as seen through the lens of the Kingdom of God.
Prerequisites:
REL-201,
REL-253
World Religions (REL-356)
A study of the history, belief-systems, and practice of the major non-Christian religions. Special consideration will be given to problems surrounding a missionary encounter and dialogue with these religions.
Prerequisites:
REL-253or permission of the instructor
Gospel, Church, and Culture (REL-357/457)
This course examines the relationship between Church, gospel, and the cultures found in North American cities so that students learn to communicate the gospel contextually and faithfully. Students will engage a Reformed approach to ministry in the context of the church, parachurch ministries, and the challenges, questions, and the opportunities of contemporary culture.
Prerequisites:
REL-253and Year 4 standing. REL-357 is the Capstone Course in the Religion & Theology Department and is required for all majors in the 4th year.
Reformed Ethics (REL-361)
This course examines theological ethics from a Reformed perspective, in conversation with the broader Christian moral tradition. Through lecture, discussion, and the case studies, students will be equipped with theological and ethical tools that they can employ to examine complex moral issues and reflect critically on what it means to live and lead as faithful disciples of Christ.
Prerequisites:
REL-251
Internship I (REL-380)
Students will engage in a field experience in a ministry related area under the guidance of both a site and a department supervisor. Three hours of course credit will be based on 120 hours of on-site activity. See page 45 for information on internships.
Prerequisites:
Permission of the instructor
Internship II (REL-381)
Students will engage in a field experience in a ministry area directly related to their chosen emphasis, under the guidance of both a site and a department supervisor. Three hoours of course credit will be based on 120 hours of on-site activity. See page 45 for information on internships.
Prerequisites:
REL-380and permission of the instructor
Liturgies: Rhythms of Restoration, Hope & Grace (REL-451)
This seminar-based course explores the unique possibilities that liturgies offer to bring restoration, hope and grace in urban communities. Students will explore the biblical and theological principles of liturgy and challenges and opportunities that liturgies offer the church as God’s agent for reconciliation in a fallen world. Students will study and compose a variety of contextualized liturgies using a blend of ancient-future practices that draw from the deep tradition of the Church and the richness of the arts to communicate God’s truth, hope and grace.
Prerequisites:
REL-253,
REL-255
Leadership in Ministry (REL-454)
(Formerly REL-352). This seminar and practicum based course examines leadership from a Reformed perspective by exploring character formation, working with teams, conflict resolution, small group leadership, and mentorship practices. Students will be equipped to provide effective leadership in ministry and missions as they form communities of discipleship and cultivate the insight, discernment, practical skills, and personal practices for the enactment of leadership in one’s own context. Special focus will be given to both youth ministry and urban ministry.
Prerequisites:
REL-253
Youth Culture and Spiritual Formation (REL-455)
(Formerly REL-355). The purpose of this course is to develop an awareness of the leadership dynamics involved in youth ministry that flow from the intersection between four realities: the youth pastor, adolescents, the ministering context, and the cultural context. The ministering context will be used as the “anchoring reality” around which the others will be explored.
Prerequisites:
REL-253
Augustine Honours Seminar (REL-461)
An advanced interdisciplinary honors seminar in the Humanities examining the life, thought, and writings of the ancient church father Augustine of Hippo, with an emphasis on his magisterial work The City of God. Honors-level students from multiple disciplines will grapple with Augustine’s historical, theological, philosophical, and political significance. (PHL-461/HIS-461/POL-461)
Calvin Honours Seminar (REL-463)
An advanced interdisciplinary honors seminar in the Humanities examining the life, thought, and writings of the sixteenth-century reformer John Calvin, with an emphasis on his magisterial work The Institutes of the Christian Religion. Honors-level students from multiple disciplines will grapple with Calvin’s historical, theological, philosophical, and political significance. (HIS-463/POL-463)
Bavinck Honours Seminar (REL-465)
An advanced interdisciplinary honors seminar in the Humanities examining the life, thought, and writings of the modern and orthodox Reformed theologian Herman Bavinck. Honors-level students from multiple disciplines will critically engage Bavinck’s historical, theological, philosophical, and political works, their central ideas, and their ongoing significance.
Prerequisites:
HUM-120
Year 3 or 4 standing in an honours major in HIS, POLIS, REL
