Course Syllabi
History Courses
Historical Theology Courses
Systematic Theology Courses
History Courses
HA/HL 111 Church History: Part 2: Medieval Era
The thousand years (A. D. 500 1500) of the story of Christianity that are covered in these four and a half weeks have often been passed over in silence or treated rather negatively in Protestant histories and seminaries. Yet in these years the foundations were laid for European Christianity which has decisively shaped our Western culture, the faith communities of which most of us are a part, and the personal faith of most of us. In the short time available to us, we will aim to develop some understanding of and appreciation for this significant portion of our “family history” and some ability to reflect on what this period of history can teach us for the life of faith in today’s world. (Part 1, The Early Church Era, is taught by Dr Sandra Beardsall)
For a complete syllabus of the course in pdf format, click here
HA/HL 112 Church History: Part 1: The Reformation Era
This course picks up the story of Christianity in the late medieval period and carries it through to the end of the second millennium. This course has as its focus two main components. The first part will deal with the Reformation movements of the 16th century. The second part deals with the story of Christianity in the modern world. The sixteenth century represents a major watershed in the story of Christianity in the West. We speak of “the Reformation” of the sixteenth century, but what that term means is understood in a variety of ways. Some have seen the Reformation as the triumph of light after centuries of darkness; for others it is the tearing apart of Christ’s body, the church, into many fragments.
This course will first seek to address the questions that swirl around the sixteenth century. It will look at backgrounds and try to put the Reformation movements into the context of their time and place. These movements will be seen ultimately in religious terms, but religion itself will be understood as very much a part of the social, economic and political realities of the day. By examining the major developments, personalities and writings of various kinds, we will attempt to shed some light on this period and to lay some more of the basic foundation stones for Christianity in the modern world. (Part 2: The Modern Era, is taught by Dr Sandra Beardsall)
For a complete syllabus of the course in pdf format, click here
HL 248 Ecumenism – Shaped by our Lutheran History
This course explores ecumenical relations and issues in Canada, from the perspective of the denominational histories of the Anglican, Lutheran, and United Churches. Students will choose one of these denominations to study in more depth, and will join with the entire class to explore ecumenical and interfaith dialogues and documents, and new opportunities in ecumenical cooperation, such as shared ministry parishes. Assignments will include an oral history project, class presentations, and final paper.
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HL/SL 284 The Devotional Writings of Martin Luther
The emphasis on Luther as the reformer, theologian and academic sometimes overshadows his cherished role as pastor. This course will explore this pastoral side of Luther, from the perspective of his devotional writings. In these writings, remarkably free from polemic that frequents his other works, Luther offers pastoral words and easy to understand expressions of evangelical piety. His reflections deal with prayer, the consolation of those who suffer — including women who suffer miscarriages, the reception of the Sacrament of the Altar, how to prepare for death, how to deal with temptations, and even what the role of a pastor is in times of crises in a community. This course will look at the practical advice and the theological underpinnings of Luther’s advice, and then evaluate the appropriateness of his devotional writings for today.
For a complete syllabus of the course in pdf format, click here
HL/PL 429 Preaching the Catechisms
In Luther’s Preface to the 1526 “The German Mass” he proposed that the Monday and Tuesday morning worship services have as their focus for preaching and teaching, the catechisms. The purpose of these services was to acquaint people with the basics of the Christian Faith, and to develop in the participants a “Lutheran hermeneutic” by which to approach both scripture and daily life.
This course, which can be taken for credit as a history or pastoral course, will begin with an overview of the practice of preaching on Lutheran and other reformer catechisms, and then look at their theology. Participants will gain experience in incorporating their discoveries about the catechisms through the preaching of sermons based on common lectionary texts. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the theological themes and communicating them effectively in their preaching. Co-taught with Dr Jann Boyd.
For a complete syllabus of the course in pdf format, click here
Historical Theology Courses
SL 120 The Lutheran Confessions
When a pastor is ordained into a ministry of Word and Sacrament or a diaconal minister is consecrated and called to a Lutheran congregation, she or he is asked if they will teach and preach in accordance with the scriptures, the creeds, and the Lutheran Confessions. What are these Lutheran Confessions and what does it mean to be a “confessional” church? This course will begin with a discussion on the place and authority of confessions for a church, and then include a survey of the documents of the Book of Concord, looking at them in their historical context, along with some of their important theological statements. The last half of the class will focus on the historical development and the theology of the Augsburg Confession (Confessio Augustana). Students will also have the opportunity to discuss the relevance of Confessions for the church today, and how they are an integral part of the gifts which the Lutherans bring to the table of ecumenical dialogues.
For a complete syllabus of the course in pdf format, click here
SL 340 The Theology of Martin Luther
This class is an introduction to the theology of Martin Luther. As an introduction to his theology, we can cover only some of the major aspects and emphases of his thought. The focus of this course is to examine his theology in its historical context, giving the student a sound working introduction to Luther in the process.
We will examine the central themes of Luther's theology. We will also look extensively at some of the occasional writings which set forth his views on church, society and the state. The class requires considerable reading, with an emphasis on primary rather than secondary sources. Because of Luther's style and diverse interests, the readings will range over a wide selection of his writings.
For a complete syllabus of the course in pdf format, click here
SL 400 16th Century Christian Thinkers
Western thought as we know it today has been profoundly shaped by thinkers in the 16th century It was a time of the renaissance, the reformation, and the rise of nationalism. Most of the major thinkers of this period had strong ties or connections with the church. It was a period of turmoil and change, however, and what arose out of this century when the dust had settled were new realities and perceptions of God, church, society, state and self. This course is intended to provide a solid introduction to significant thinkers of the 16th century, through reading and discussion of original texts. The thinkers examined will vary.
For a complete syllabus of the course in pdf format, click here
Systematic Theology Courses
SL 211 Theology II
This course is designed to provide a systematic study of theology, dealing primarily with the topics of pneumatology, ecclesiology, sacraments, ministry and mission, and eschatology. While the primary focus of this course will be the exploration of the classical patristic and Lutheran understanding of these loci, an engagement of contemporary theological and pragmatic issues arising from these issues will also be addressed. Pre-requisite: SL 210.
For a complete syllabus of the course in pdf format, click here.
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Dr. Gordon A. Jensen.
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