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Year Course ID Course
2026-2027 RELS 473

The Theology of Thomas Aquinas & John Paul II

This course takes an in-depth look at the theological vision of the two most influential Catholic theologians of the second Christian millennium: St. Thomas Aquinas and Pope John Paul II. The main features of St. Thomas's synthesis of Christian thought, especially as found in his great Summa Theologiae, is explored. This is followed by an examination of the personalist Thomism of Pope John Paul II, and his program for the renewal of the Catholic Faith, especially as found in selected encyclicals and apostolic letters. The vision and worldview of St. Thomas Aquinas and John Paul II are presented as significant and enduring achievements of Christian thought.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): RELS 105 or 110 or equivalent with instructor's consent
NB: Course taught at Catholic Pacific College, an approved TWU learning centre.
2026-2027 RELS 475

Christianity & Culture

How do Christians past and present relate to culture? Students are invited to examine some important aspects of Christianity's involvement in Western culture. Alternative models and historical examples of this involvement are considered as well as some specific current issues related to Christian cultural activity.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Third-year standing
2026-2027 RELS 476

Theology & Worldview

What is Worldview in relation to Theology? How does it influence us and others? Students are invited to investigate some of the salient moments in the history of Christian worldview thinking and its contemporary expressions as they relate to the discipline of theology. We will inquire into implications of this relationship in various spheres of life, including politics, art, science and the environment. Students will consider responses to the various expressions of Christian theology in contemporary pluralist society with a view understanding how it affects relationships in society and the world.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Third-year standing
2026-2027 RELS 477

New Testament Canon: Development & Theology

Investigates the theological implications of the historical development of the New Testament canon. Stress is laid upon the contextual reading of primary source evidence and its interpretation in important secondary source literature. New Testament canon development is explored as it relates to the Rule of Faith, the early councils, creeds, and the church fathers. These relationships are then investigated with a view toward how they influence our understanding of Scripture in the twenty-first century.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Third-year standing
2026-2027 RELS 480

Directed Study

Independent but guided research in a specialized area of interest to student.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Consent of department chair
NB: Theological/cultural emphases.
2026-2027 RELS 488

Special Topics in Missiology

An examination of special topics or issues in Missiology that are not considered in depth in other courses.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 9 sem. hrs. of RELS including RELS 285, and third- or fourth-year standing, or instructor’s consent
2026-2027 RELS 489

Special Topics in Religious Studies

An examination of special topics or issues in Religious Studies that are not considered in depth in other courses.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 9 sem. hrs. of RELS courses, and third- or fourth-year standing, or instructor’s consent
2026-2027 RELS 500

Principles of Biblical Interpretation

A study of the principles of biblical interpretation used in both the Jewish and Christian traditions, including the application of these methods to the major literary genres of the Bible.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 RELS 511

History of Ancient Israel

A study of the various eras of the history of the Hebrew people in the Old Testament period, including a survey of attempted historical reconstructions. Attention is given to such features as pre-history, nationalism, government, and social institutions.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 RELS 515

Intertestamental Literature

A study of the intertestamental Judaic literature, noting the relationships between this literature and the Old Testament and New Testament and showing how this literature serves as an important background for the study of the New Testament documents.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 RELS 520

Dead Sea Scrolls

A survey of the texts and major critical issues concerning the scrolls: their origin, interpretation of the Old Testament, and background to the New Testament.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 RELS 521

Biblical & Ecclesiastical Latin

An introduction to Latin grammar and the basic vocabulary of medieval ecclesiastical Latin. The one-or two-semester program of study is designed to prepare the student for independent reading in Jerome's Latin Vulgate, the Summa Theologiae of Thomas Aquinas, and other medieval texts of moderate difficulty.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 RELS 522

Biblical & Ecclesiastical Latin

An introduction to Latin grammar and the basic vocabulary of medieval ecclesiastical Latin. The one-or two-semester program of study is designed to prepare the student for independent reading in Jerome's Latin Vulgate, the Summa Theologiae of Thomas Aquinas, and other medieval texts of moderate difficulty.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 RELS 523

Apocalyptic Literature

A study of the origin, form, and function of apocalyptic literature as well as important motifs and themes.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 RELS 525

Pauline Theology

A survey of the general contours of Paul's thinking and a closer examination of one particular aspect of his theology, such as the origins of his gospel, the problem of coherence and contingency, his apostleship, his missionary strategy, his Christology, or the theology of one of his letters.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 RELS 528

Elementary New Testament Greek

This course comprises an introduction to Hellenistic (Koiné) Greek that is designed to prepare the student for reading the Greek New Testament with linguistic aptitude, as well as developing a cultural intelligence pertaining to the ancient people and history that gave rise to the biblical text. Students will explore and investigate linguistic theories and ideas related to the script, grammar, syntax, and vocabulary of the Greek New Testament, as well as evaluate and compare differences and similarities that exist between the Ancient Greco-Roman and Jewish cultures and our own contemporary culture.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 RELS 529

Elementary New Testament Greek

A continuing study of Koine Greek that is designed to prepare the student for reading the Greek New Testament.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 RELS 531

Readings in the Greek New Testament

A reading of selected texts from the New Testament, including a study of Greek syntax and an introduction to exegetical methodology.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 RELS 532

Readings in the Greek New Testament

A reading of selected texts from the New Testament, including a study of Greek syntax and an introduction to exegetical methodology. Students are also introduced to the reading of ancient manuscript.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 RELS 536

Elementary Biblical Hebrew

A continuing study of the grammar and vocabulary of biblical Hebrew, designed to prepare the student for serious reading and study of the Hebrew Bible.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 RELS 537

Readings in the Hebrew Bible

A reading of selected texts from the Hebrew Bible, including a study of Hebrew syntax and an introduction to exegetical methodology.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 RELS 538

Readings in the Hebrew Bible

A reading of selected texts from the Hebrew Bible, including a study of Hebrew syntax and an introduction to exegetical methodology.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 RELS 540

Current Issues in Biblical Theology

An examination of the topics currently being discussed in biblical theology, such as the possibility and methodology of a biblical theology, apocalyptic and eschatology, covenant and election, redemption and freedom, worship, church, the righteousness of God, history, society, law and gospel, faith, canon, life and death, suffering, creation, atonement and reconciliation, sin and guilt, wisdom, and worldview.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 RELS 541

The Pentateuch

A study of the first five books of the Hebrew Bible with special reference to introduction, exegesis, and history. Attention is given to their historical and theological significance for both Judaism and Christianity.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 RELS 542

Psalms & Wisdom Literature

An introduction to the place, function, and form of the Psalms and wisdom literature within the context of other ancient Near Eastern literature, including an analysis of selected examples such as Job, Ecclesiastes, and Proverbs.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 RELS 545

Elementary Biblical Hebrew

An introduction to the grammar and vocabulary of biblical Hebrew, designed to prepare the student for serious study of the Hebrew Bible as an item of both ancient and ongoing cultural, historical, and theological significance.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 RELS 546

Hebrew Prophets

An introduction to the origin, function, and meaning of the Hebrew prophets through a survey of the prophetic writings of the Hebrew Bible, including a discussion of the relationship to the historical periods in which they were composed and their theological significance within Judaism and Christianity..

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 RELS 548

Ancient Near East & the Old Testament

A study of selected ancient Near Eastern texts and their relevance for the exegesis of the Old Testament.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 RELS 549

Old Testament Seminar

This course is a study of selected topics that are currently under examination in the field of Old Testament studies.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 RELS 551

Life & Letters of Paul

A study of the world, life, and mission of Paul, including an analysis of the central message of the Pauline epistles in their historical setting and chronological order.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 RELS 552

Life & Letters of Paul

A reading of selected texts from the New Testament, including a study of Greek syntax and an introduction to exegetical methodology.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 RELS 553

Synoptic Gospels & Acts

A study of the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, focusing on the gospel form and the message of the individual gospels in their historical context. In addition, the Acts of the Apostles is considered with a view to better understanding the Church's birth and expansion.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 RELS 554

Johannine Writings

An introductory study of the major historical and literary problems of the writings traditionally ascribed to John: the Gospel of John, Johannine Epistles, and the Book of Revelation. In addition, attention is given to their thought and symbolism.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 RELS 556

New Testament Seminar

A study of selected topics that are currently under examination in the field of New Testament studies.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 RELS 561

History of Christianity I

A study of the history of the Christian Church from the turn of the first century to the eve of the 16th century Reformation with attention to the persons, events, and issues involved in the major developments of Christianity.

Course Credits: 3
Cross-listed: HIST 561
2026-2027 RELS 562

History of Christianity II

Surveys the development of the Christian Church from the late medieval period through to the early twenty-first century. Key topics include: the Protestant and Catholic Reformations; the Great Awakenings and the rise of modern Evangelicalism, Fundamentalism, and the growth of modern missionary movements, along with a consideration of significant individuals, changes in theology, institutions, devotional practices, gender roles, and attempts to engage and shape culture.

Course Credits: 3
Cross-listed: HIST 562
2026-2027 RELS 565

Influential Thinkers in the Christian Tradition

An introduction to some seminal figures in the Christian tradition. The course investigates their thought and intellectual contributions within their socio-political context and experience.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 RELS 566

The Church Fathers

An introduction to the Fathers of the early Church. The course covers the Fathers from the latter half of the first century CE to the Orthodox writings of St. John of Damascene (ca. 750). Attention is paid to the historical and intellectual contexts within which the Fathers lived and taught, and special attention is given to each one’s unique theological contribution to the development of Christian Orthodoxy—both East and West.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 RELS 567

The Theology of Karl Barth

This course is an examination and deeper understanding of Karl Barth's theology. Primary attention is given to the character, development, and significance of Barth's theology. The student also reads Karl Barth in the context of Christian thought.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 RELS 575

Christianity & Culture

How do Christians past and present relate to culture? Students are invited to examine some important aspects of Christianity's involvement in Western culture. Alternative models and historical examples of this involvement are considered as well as some specific current issues related to Christian cultural activity.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 RELS 576

Christian Worldviews in Historical & Cultural Perspective

What is Worldview in relation to Theology? How does it influence us and others? Students are invited to explore the nature and scope of Christian worldview as we investigate some of the salient moments in the history of Christian worldview thinking and its contemporary expressions. We will inquire into implications of Christ's lordship for various spheres of life, such as politics, art, science and the environment. We investigate and develop personal responses to the challenges for a Christian worldview in today's pluralist society. Students are encouraged to analyze their own worldview in order to critically interact with a view toward understanding how it affects relationships in society and the world.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 RELS 577

New Testament Canon: Development & Theology

Investigates the theological implications of the historical development of the New Testament canon. Stress is laid upon the contextual reading of primary source evidence and its interpretation in important secondary source literature. New Testament canon development is explored as it relates to the Rule of Faith, the early councils, creeds, and the church fathers. These relationships are then investigated with a view toward how they influence our understanding of Scripture in the twenty-first century.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 RELS 611

Advanced Old Testament Exegesis

The principles of Hebrew exegesis are reviewed and applied to several examples of the genres found within the Old Testament.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): A minimum of two years of Hebrew. With the instructor's consent, second-year Hebrew Readings may be taken as a co-requisite.
2026-2027 RELS 612

Advanced Old Testament Seminar

Old Testament Seminar presupposes RELS 611 (or equivalent) and is offered every spring semester. Seminar topics are selected from the following: Old Testament Textual Criticism, Genesis, Exodus, Major Prophets, Minor Prophets, Daniel, Psalms, Chronicles and the Rewritten Bible, Inner-Biblical Exegesis, History of the Hebrew Bible, the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Hebrew Bible, and Old Testament Theology. Among other things, students are asked to research and report on various aspects of the seminar topic. One of the purposes of the course is to acquaint students with current issues in the field and to encourage the development of critical thinking.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 RELS 621

Advanced New Testament Exegesis

The principles of Greek exegesis are reviewed and applied to several examples of the genres found within the New Testament.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): A minimum of two years of Greek. With the instructor's consent, second-year Greek Readings may be taken as a co-requisite.
2026-2027 RELS 622

Advanced New Testament Seminar

New Testament Seminar presupposes RELS 621 (or equivalent) and is offered every spring semester. Seminar topics are selected from the following: Matthew, Luke-Acts, Prison Epistles, Hebrews, Old Testament Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha, Apocryphal Gospels and the New Testament, the Septuagint and the New Testament, the Dead Sea Scrolls and the New Testament, the Targums and the New Testament, Anti-Semitism and the New Testament, and New Testament Theology. Students are asked to research various aspects of the seminar topic and report back to the seminar. One of the purposes of the course is to acquaint students with current issues in the field and to encourage the development of critical thinking.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 RELS 631

The Deuteronomistic History

This course reviews the emergence, aims, and interpretive techniques of the Deuteronomistic history, including the (re)interpretation of Mosaic, conquest and royal traditions. Of special interest is the presentation of the founding and confirming of the Davidic dynasty.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 RELS 632

Historical Jesus

This course reviews several of the most promising recent developments in Jesus research. Sources, the criteria of authenticity, Jesus' contemporaries, and Jesus' understanding of the Kingdom receive emphasis. Special attention is given to the Dead Sea Scrolls and their relevance for Jesus research.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 RELS 633

Themes of the Pentateuch

This course reviews the principal themes of the Pentateuch, emphasizing the presentation of Yahweh as Creator and covenant Maker. Critical interpretation of the Pentateuch, including the classic statement of the Documentary Hypothesis, is assessed.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 RELS 634

Mark

This course reviews recent research in the Gospel of Mark as it pertains to Mark's community and its interpretation of the Jesus tradition, as well as to the question of the historicity of Mark's presentation of the story of Jesus.

Course Credits: 3