A foundational course on biblical interpretation which will provide students with the basic exegetical tools required to interpret and appropriate the biblical text. The student will learn to recognize and work with the different literary genres of the Bible and will gain an overview of various hermeneutical approaches to Scripture. In the process, the student will be introduced to various research tools, methods, resources and practical skills for interpretation in order to appropriate the Bible well in our contemporary context.

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.

A study tour that combines travel with lectures and readings to provide students with a rich, on-site learning experience. Students will spend three full weeks in Israel visiting sites throughout the country that formed the stage on which so many biblical events were played out. The tour will move region by region, spending time in Jerusalem and Judea, Benjamin, the Coastal Plain, the Negeb, the Dead Sea area, the Jordan Valley, the Galilee and the Golan Heights. In each area, students will learn about its geography and archaeology, exploring how the features of each area shaped the history of its people. Attention will also be given to the imagery and symbolism connected with each region in both the Old and New Testaments. Within the Seminary this may count as NEWT or OLDT elective.

Examination of specific topics in biblical studies.

A focused examination of a specific issue, theme, or topic in Biblical Studies. Seminar format. Topic and instructor vary annually. Prerequisites: BIBL 0501, NEWT 0522, OLDT 0511.

Explores biblical interpretation beyond the foundational skills of historical, literary, and grammatical approaches. In addition to reflecting upon our situatedness and bias as interpreters (both individually and communally), we will explore such things as textual and canonical matters, historical-critical approaches, perspectival and ideological readings (e.g. postcolonial readings), and cross-cultural engagement. We will consider how these diverse approaches enhance our engagement with the biblical text in relation to its meaning and significance within the community of faith. Exclusion: INTD 0851, INTD 0900. Prerequisites: BIBL 0501, NEWT 0522, OLDT 0511, THEO 0531.

See the Thesis Handbook for details.

A study of central methods and interpretative principles involved in discerning the meaning of the biblical text. Topics covered include essential steps in interpreting the Bible, the variety of methods and approaches available to the contemporary student of Scripture, historical and theological issues arising out of the interpretative task, the relationship between the testaments, word studies and literary genre. Students learn to use the standard tools of advanced biblical research. Offered in Mandarin.

Examines the methods, principles and practices of interpreting the biblical texts. In addition to deepening one’s understanding and use of standard tools of biblical research, the course will contrast Indigenous epistemologies used in hermeneutics with those of Western traditions.

Explores how the body and soul dualism, out of which much Christian mission operated in the past (i.e. saving souls only), has proved inadequate and damaging to many First Nations, Inuit, and Metis peoples in Canada. In this course, participants will explore and participate in developments in Christian missiology, in order to provide a more robust understanding of the nature of the gospel.

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.