Mishnaic and Qumranic Hebrew

This course, which presupposes a minimum of 6 sem. hrs. of Hebrew, offers students an introduction to Mishnaic and Qumranic Hebrew and guides students through selected readings.

Biblical Interpretation in the Sixteenth Century

This course introduces students to the principles and practice of Biblical interpretation during the Reformation period. Of special interest are the commentaries and scriptural arguments in support of important doctrines.

Biblical Interpretation in the Sixteenth Century

This course introduces students to the principles and practice of Biblical interpretation during the Reformation period. Of special interest are the commentaries and scriptural arguments in support of important doctrines.

History of Christian Doctrine

An exploration of the interactions between Christian thought, practice, and culture. While not exhaustive in nature, the course seeks to familiarize students with major doctrines and thinkers in the history of Christian thought through an engagement with primary and secondary source material.

History of Christian Doctrine

An exploration of the interactions between Christian thought, practice, and culture. While not exhaustive in nature, the course seeks to familiarize students with major doctrines and thinkers in the history of Christian thought through an engagement with primary and secondary source material.

Early & Medieval Christian Thought

An examination of the emergence and development of Christian thought from the Apostolic Fathers through to St. Thomas Aquinas. Building on the foundation laid by RELS 661 (History of Christian Doctrine), this course invites students into a deeper understanding of the complexities of early and medieval Christian thought through close readings of primary source material from significant individuals and councils

Early and Medieval Christian Thought

An examination of the emergence and development of Christian thought from the Apostolic Fathers through to St. Thomas Aquinas. Building on the foundation laid by RELS 661 (History of Christian Doctrine), this course invites students into a deeper understanding of the complexities of early and medieval Christian thought through close readings of primary source material from significant individuals and councils

Reformation Thought

An examination of the emergence and development of Christian thought of the Magisterial and Anabaptist wings of 16th century Reformation. This course invites students into a deeper understanding of the complexities of Reformation thought through close readings of primary source material from significant individuals, movements and councils

Reformation Thought

An examination of the emergence and development of Christian thought of the Magisterial and Anabaptist wings of 16th century Reformation. This course invites students into a deeper understanding of the complexities of Reformation thought through close readings of primary source material from significant individuals, movements and councils

Modern Christian Thought

An examination of the emergence and development of Christian thought of the nineteenth, twentieth, & twenty-first centuries. This course invites students into a deeper understanding of the complexities of modern Christian thought through close readings of primary source material from significant theologies and theologians of the period with a view to how they influence Christianity today. The approach is both inter-confessional and international in scope and seeks to allow students to grapple with important theological issues in local, national, and global contexts.

Modern Christian Thought

An examination of the emergence and development of Christian thought of the nineteenth, twentieth, & twenty-first centuries. This course invites students into a deeper understanding of the complexities of modern Christian thought through close readings of primary source material from significant theologies and theologians of the period with a view to how they influence Christianity today. The approach is both inter-confessional and international in scope and seeks to allow students to grapple with important theological issues in local, national, and global contexts.

Pre-Nicene Christianity

A detailed examination of the background and development of Christian thought and life in the period spanning the Apostolic Fathers through to the Council of Nicaea (325). The course analyzes the complex formulation of Pre-Nicene Christianity through the writings of some of its most influential thinkers, leaders, and movements (both orthodox and heretical) with an eye toward identifying major developments in early Christian theology and practice. An attempt is also made to understand the variety of Christianities which contended for dominance as the church strove to define itself and to establish its place in the world.

Pre-Nicene Christianity

A detailed examination of the background and development of Christian thought and life in the period spanning the Apostolic Fathers through to the Council of Nicaea (325). The course analyzes the complex formulation of Pre-Nicene Christianity through the writings of some of its most influential thinkers, leaders, and movements (both orthodox and heretical) with an eye toward identifying major developments in early Christian theology and practice. An attempt is also made to understand the variety of Christianities which contended for dominance as the church strove to define itself and to establish its place in the world.

Development of Christian Doctrine

Does Christian doctrine necessarily develop or is it delivered once and for all in the Bible? This question forms the main concern of this course as it exposes students to the idea of doctrinal development in Christian theology. Through a selection of ideas, persons, issues, and institutions that have contributed to the idea of doctrinal development it encourages students to grapple with the inevitable change of history as it relates to Christian doctrine.

Development of Christian Doctrine

Does Christian doctrine necessarily develop or is it delivered once and for all in the Bible? This question forms the main concern of this course as it exposes students to the idea of doctrinal development in Christian theology. Through a selection of ideas, persons, issues, and institutions that have contributed to the idea of doctrinal development it encourages students to grapple with the inevitable change of history as it relates to Christian doctrine.

Theology & Method

An examination of the methodological approaches to the study of theology. Methods such as historical/systematic/dogmatic theology, dialectical theology, constructive theology, analytical theology, postmodern/deconstructive theology and existential theology will be covered in terms of the historical roots, main proponents and fundamental principles of each of these methods.

Theology and Method

An examination of the methodological approaches to the study of theology. Methods such as historical/systematic/dogmatic theology, dialectical theology, constructive theology, analytical theology, postmodern/deconstructive theology and existential theology will be covered in terms of the historical roots, main proponents and fundamental principles of each of these methods.

Theologies of Liberation

Since the 1960’s Christian theology has undergone a sea change in Western thought, having shifted from theoretical concerns of dogma to matters of praxis and social justice. At the forefront of these changes there arose a theological movement broadly known as “Liberation Theology.” Though the basic form of this movement was born in the socially repressed regions of Latin America, under the leadership of Catholic theologians like Gustavo Gutierrez, the main tenants of its approach to theology have been adopted and adapted by many other groups who feel a kinship with the oppressed peoples of the developing world. This course explores the main lines of this approach to theology through a sampling and analysis of offerings from these various groups, including, Latin American theology, Black theology, Feminist/Womanist theology, and Gay/LGBTQ theologies.

Theologies of Liberation

Since the 1960’s Christian theology has undergone a sea change in Western thought, having shifted from theoretical concerns of dogma to matters of praxis and social justice. At the forefront of these changes there arose a theological movement broadly known as “Liberation Theology.” Though the basic form of this movement was born in the socially repressed regions of Latin America, under the leadership of Catholic theologians like Gustavo Gutierrez, the main tenets of its approach to theology have been adopted and adapted by many other groups who feel a kinship with the oppressed peoples of the developing world. This course explores the main lines of this approach to theology through a sampling and analysis of offerings from these various groups, including, Latin American theology, Black theology, Feminist/Womanist theology, and Gay/LGBTQ theologies.

Additional Topics

Additional Topics

Topics vary from year to year.

Special Topics in Christian Thought

An in-depth examination of special topics or issues in Christian Thought.

Special Topics in Christian Thought

An in-depth examination of special topics or issues in Christian Thought.

Special Topics in Christian Thought

An in-depth examination of special topics or issues in Christian Thought.

Special Topics in Christian Thought

An in-depth examination of special topics or issues in Christian Thought.

Research Design

Research Design introduces students to the principles of topic selection and thesis development. Special instructions regarding either Old Testament or New Testament thesis development are provided.

Research Design

Research Design introduces students to the principles of topic selection and thesis development. Special instructions regarding either Old Testament or New Testament thesis development are provided.

Thesis I

In Thesis I, which presupposes RELS 690, the student, in frequent consultation with his/her advisor, selects a thesis topic and begins research. The completion of an annotated bibliography, a summary of relevant scholarly views, and original translation(s) of relevant primary texts are required.

Thesis I

In Thesis I, which presupposes RELS 690, the student, in frequent consultation with his/her advisor, selects a thesis topic and begins research. The completion of an annotated bibliography, a summary of relevant scholarly views, and original translation(s) of relevant primary texts are required.

Thesis II

In Thesis II, which presupposes RELS 691, students work toward the completion of their thesis. Minimally, a first draft should be completed. No grade is assigned for RELS 692 until the thesis is finished, accepted, and successfully defended. If the thesis is not completed and defended in the spring semester or the following summer, the student is to continue in the program by registering for RELS 695.

Thesis II

In Thesis II, which presupposes RELS 691, students work toward the completion of their thesis. Minimally, a first draft should be completed. No grade is assigned for RELS 692 until the thesis is finished, accepted, and successfully defended. If the thesis is not completed and defended in the spring semester or the following summer, the student is to continue in the program by registering for RELS 695.

Continuous Registration

Continuous Registration maintains the student’s enrolment in the program and is taken only when all required courses are completed and only as a continuation of the incomplete RELS 692. Although no credit is given for RELS 695 there is a fee charged for each semester, including the summer semester, of Continuous Registration.

Continuous Registration

Continuous Registration maintains the student’s enrolment in the program and is taken only when all required courses are completed and only as a continuation of the incomplete RELS 692. Although no credit is given for RELS 695 there is a fee charged for each semester, including the summer semester, of Continuous Registration.

Introduction to Russian

An introduction to the Russian language and culture. Basic skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking are taught, as well as various aspects of life and culture in countries where Russian is spoken.

Introduction to Russian

An introduction to the Russian language and culture. Basic skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking are taught, as well as various aspects of life and culture in countries where Russian is spoken.

Introduction to Russian

An introduction to the Russian language and culture. Basic skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking are taught, as well as various aspects of life and culture in countries where Russian is spoken.

Introduction to Russian

An introduction to the Russian language and culture. Basic skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking are taught, as well as various aspects of life and culture in countries where Russian is spoken.

Intermediate Russian I

This course cover the fundamentals of Russian language and grammar at an intermediate level. Special emphasis is placed on the development of oral communication skills, as well as translation and interpretation. Courses also include a survey of several prominent Russian authors and their works.

Intermediate Russian I

This course cover the fundamentals of Russian language and grammar at an intermediate level. Special emphasis is placed on the development of oral communication skills, as well as translation and interpretation. Courses also include a survey of several prominent Russian authors and their works.

Intermediate Russian II

This course cover the fundamentals of Russian language and grammar at an intermediate level. Special emphasis is placed on the development of oral communication skills, as well as translation and interpretation. Courses also include a survey of several prominent Russian authors and their works.

Intermediate Russian II

This course cover the fundamentals of Russian language and grammar at an intermediate level. Special emphasis is placed on the development of oral communication skills, as well as translation and interpretation. Courses also include a survey of several prominent Russian authors and their works.

Critical Issues in the Arts

This foundational interdisciplinary course introduces the arts as a way of knowing, especially through some of the complex issues in the arts, such as: arts and interpretation, arts and technology, arts and justice, arts and gender, and arts and faith. Students will explore these issues through the engagement of representative works of both artists and scholars from varying viewpoints and historical periods. Students will be expected to participate fully in individual and collaborative research projects applying both developing skills and critical evaluation. The format of the course includes lectures supplemented by assigned readings for discussion and debate. The course will be delivered by an interdisciplinary teaching team. Students attend weekly lectures, and participate in one of three discussion groups.

Critical Issues in the Arts

This foundational interdisciplinary course introduces the arts as a way of knowing, especially through some of the complex issues in the arts, such as: arts and interpretation, arts and technology, arts and justice, arts and gender, and arts and faith. Students will explore these issues through the engagement of representative works of both artists and scholars from varying viewpoints and historical periods. Students will be expected to participate fully in individual and collaborative research projects applying both developing skills and critical evaluation. The format of the course includes lectures supplemented by assigned readings for discussion and debate. The course will be delivered by an interdisciplinary teaching team. Students attend weekly lectures, and participate in one of three discussion groups.

Interdisciplinary History of Western Arts

A foundational interdisciplinary introduction to key historical developments in Western artistic practice and concepts from ancient times to present. Students critically engage artistic materials (paintings, music, theatrical scripts, etc) and writings of the various style periods, developing their ability to meaningfully experience, interpret, and articulate different approaches to the arts in relation to the changing ideas of Western culture. Students are encouraged to think critically, charitably, and divergently, exploring and evaluating how the arts were understood and written about in different periods, and investigating the relationship of past artistic ideas to contemporary ideas and practices. The format of the course includes lectures, readings, discussion, and individual investigative assignments and research projects. The course is delivered by an interdisciplinary teaching team. Students attend weekly lectures, and participate in one of four discussion groups.

Interdisciplinary History of Western Arts

A foundational interdisciplinary introduction to key historical developments in Western artistic practice and concepts from ancient times to present. Students critically engage artistic materials (paintings, music, theatrical scripts, etc) and writings of the various style periods, developing their ability to meaningfully experience, interpret, and articulate different approaches to the arts in relation to the changing ideas of Western culture. Students are encouraged to think critically, charitably, and divergently, exploring and evaluating how the arts were understood and written about in different periods, and investigating the relationship of past artistic ideas to contemporary ideas and practices. The format of the course includes lectures, readings, discussion, and individual investigative assignments and research projects. The course is delivered by an interdisciplinary teaching team. Students attend weekly lectures, and participate in one of four discussion groups.

Arts Entrepreneurship

This interdisciplinary course is designed for early and mid-career artists interested in developing practical skills for effective and influential arts entrepreneurship. Students will expand their leadership, collaboration, and business skills by learning from industry professionals and exploring various topics such as project management, arts fundraising and grant writing, financial management, and ethical arts practices.

Professional Practices

An overview of professional practices in art and design, with a focus on developing the practical skills and materials necessary for sustainable and healthy art and design careers. Students will engage in professional writing, portfolio development, networking, and career planning.

Arts, Media & Culture Field Placement

Designed for any student seeking arts leadership skills through experience-based learning. Students work with systems and strategies applying to self promotion and production, interdisciplinary and collaborative work, and arts organizations. Working under the direction of fine arts faculty, students focus on utilizing resources for development and implementation of special projects.

Arts, Media and Culture Field Placement

Designed for any student seeking arts leadership skills through experience-based learning. Students work with systems and strategies applying to self promotion and production, interdisciplinary and collaborative work, and arts organizations. Working under the direction of fine arts faculty, students focus on utilizing resources for development and implementation of special projects.

Arts, Media & Culture Field Placement

Designed for any student seeking arts leadership skills through experience-based learning. Students work with systems and strategies applying to self promotion and production, interdisciplinary and collaborative work, and arts organizations. Working under the direction of fine arts faculty, students focus on utilizing resources for development and implementation of special projects.