Courses

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.

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.

Topics vary from year to year.

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

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

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.

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.

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 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.