Provides an overview of the history of education from the classical Greek and Roman periods to postcolonial times. While the focus is on educational developments within western civilization, prominent educators from the East (India and China) as well as Latin America (Brazil) will be studied. Students will be introduced to significant figures and some of their important ideas (and writings) that influenced the field of education. In addition, students will reflect upon selected biblical texts to establish a strong theological foundation for education. A major aim of this course is to develop a personal “pedagogical creed,” a Christian philosophy of education that will serve as a framework for teaching and a seedbed for ongoing reflective praxis.

Provides a vision for Christian education (CE) in the life and mission of the church. Drawing from key passages in the Bible and the wider field of education, learners will develop a biblical theology of CE and discipleship, be familiar with some learning theories (especially Jesus’ model), reflect on one’s growth as disciple and teacher, and develop a working framework for teaching. The major goal is to build strong theological and educational foundations for effective teaching and discipleship in personal life, church and mission.

Builds a biblical foundation, explores faith development issues and formulates a rationale for ministry to children. Practical approaches that respond to the spiritual needs of children and nurture their growth as whole persons are included.

Same as PAST 0563 and SPIR 0563.

Directed Reading and Research (DRR) courses allow students to study in a specific area of interest not addressed by the scheduled course offerings. Permission required.

Builds a biblical and theological foundation, explores faith development issues, and formulates a rationale for ministry to and with children, youth and families. Special emphases will be given to issues of children, adolescents and their families, theological principles and models of children, youth and family ministry, and developing a strategy for a family-friendly ministry. The changing realities of the family in Canadian society today will also be addressed. Same as PAST 0596 and YMIN 0596.

Churches often emphasize evangelism and church planting strategies without giving sufficient attention to discipleship and faith formation. Yet, strong churches are the result of discipleship education through purposeful educational strategies and curriculum design. Topics considered are curriculum design theory, learning needs, frame objectives, relevant subject matter, structure appropriate learning events, assessment, and program effectiveness. Also included are curriculum evaluation, implementing curricular change, the role of the teacher, relating curriculum theory to traditional forms of church life and equipping educational leaders to deal with complex curricular issues in discipleship and faith formation in the church.

Ethnographic research aims to equip students to “read” people in their contexts reliably and accurately. If contextualized ministry is being accountable to the hermeneutical obligations of the gospel, contextual analysis is fundamental to all Christian work. Skills of observation, in-depth interviewing, data analysis and the preparation of instruments for testing generalizations in larger or contrasting settings will be developed. Facilitates the ability to carry out field research in the style, form and discipline of anthropological inquiry. Same as PAST 0662.

Same as PAST 0644 and SPIR 0644.

Examination of specific topics in Christian education and discipleship.

Same as PAST 0693 and YMIN 0693.

Explores and evaluates developmental psychology and analysis of its contributions to the practices of Christian nurture. Students will study some major developmental theorists and their impact upon human development, teaching, learning and Christian faith (Christian Vocation at each life stage). Students will apply these psychological theories within a theological framework, and where possible, integrate them into a more holistic approach in Christian nurture. Offered in Mandarin.

Studies the various factors that affect how we help others to become disciples of Jesus Christ. Biblical, theological, historical, and sociological research will be utilized in identifying significant factors related to the nurturing of disciples of Jesus Christ. The goal of the course is to equip students to develop their own strategy of discipleship based upon identifiable contextual variables. Offered in Mandarin.

Provides opportunity for learners to understand the learning requirements of people in churches/institutions. It is designed for students to examine a variety of teaching and learning theories and principles relevant to teaching ministries, and explore how teachers/pastors can design and implement effective learning experiences in and for churches in order to make disciples. Students will explore foundational principles and theories of teaching, learning and curriculum planning, in order to best design and implement effective learning experiences in churches/institutions. Offered in Mandarin.

Explores the theory and practice of age-specific generational and intergenerational educational ministry in the church. Attention will be given to the strength and limitation of such learning, and attempt to find the balance between the two to strengthen the bonding of different age-groups in the church as a whole. Offered in Mandarin.

In this course, students will confirm the Mission, Vision and Passion (MVP) in nurturing children’s faith and identify creative ways to build an effective Children’s Ministry. Based on Biblical teaching and child development theories, students can relate principles to practical application for responding to the spiritual needs of children and leading them to follow Bible’s teaching. Through hands-on activities and small group projects, students will examine different models of delivering Children Sunday School. They will design a curriculum that is age-appropriate, interesting, and strong in faith nurturing. Students learn practically how to foster children’s potential in experiencing God and lead them to Christ. Offered in Mandarin.

Seeks to understand the basic principles underlying the operation of small groups and how small groups can promote healthy church growth. We will examine the biblical basis of the small group structure and function in today’s church. Discussion will be focused on group dynamics, friendship evangelism, spiritual direction, and small group leader’s training. Offered in Mandarin.

Analyze the current context and developmental dynamics of today’s youths, so as to realize challenges young people are facing and their multi-dimensional needs. This study acquaints students with the physical, emotional and spiritual components of adolescents’ development which are constantly under the impact of the external world, family and faith community. It covers particularly young people’s struggles in spiritual faith realm. Based on this understanding and Biblical teaching, this course relates principles to practical application for equipping church leaders and parents in providing a better support to the holistic development (body, mind and soul) of today’s young people so as to prepare a nurturing spiritual soil for their faith and overall development. Offered in Mandarin.

An overview of the educational ministry within the Chinese church context. The principles of Christian education ministry, and the application of those principles within the Chinese church context will be examined. The course focuses on biblical, theological, philosophical, historical, psychological and methodological aspects of educational ministry in the Chinese church. Issues and common problems related to today’s Chinese church educational ministry will also be discussed. Offered in Mandarin.

Provides an understanding of adult development and learning. The principles of adult teaching and learning, and the application of those principles within the Christian context will be examined. The course focuses on biblical, theological, philosophical, historical, psychological and methodological foundations of adult development and learning. Issues and common problems relate to today’s adult ministry will also be discussed. Offered in Mandarin.

Andragogy is the study of methods, epistemologies, philosophies and contextual understandings of education that pertain to and enhance an adult-focused learning environment. This course will introduce the student to andragogical methods as a theological framework and a contextual teaching practice, exploring the theological, philosophical, and pragmatic underpinnings of teaching. The course will also introduce the student to a variety of strategies to advance their development as a teacher.