St. Stephen's University Course List
THEOLOGY & CULTURE COURSES
BIB/THEO 5120
INTERPRETATION OF SACRED TEXTS
DR. BRADLEY JERSAK
3 c/h
SEMESTER 1
This course searches for wise methodologies that confer dignity without demanding an oppressive sense of literalism.
BIB/THEO 5221
PAULINE THEMES THROUGH THE EYES OF THE EARLY CHURCH
DR. BRADLEY JERSAK
3 c/h
SEMESTER 2
This course introduces students to some major themes in the teaching of St. Paul the Apostle, reading them in the historical and literary context of his NT Epistles. We will then examine how the early church understood Paul through reflections of the church fathers on key passages in their commentaries and homilies. Finally, we will consider the meaning of these themes, reading Paul by applying the interpretive practices of the early church. Class-time will include lecture and interaction.
BIB/THEO 5320
JESUS AND A MORE CHRISTLIKE GOD
DR. BRADLEY JERSAK
3 c/h
SEMESTER 3
This course engages students on what Jesus of Nazareth revealed about the nature of God and the kingdom of God. We will approach the self-revelation of God in Christ from below (biblical studies – Simply Jesus) and above (systematic theology – A More Christlike God), using the core texts and Bible as our guide. We will integrate these findings to reconsider God’s nature and kingdom as kenotic and cruciform, ruled by divine and human consent and participation. We will apply these themes to the practical ministry, such as healing people’s image of God and how we share a ‘more beautiful gospel.
CUL/PHIL 5170
BEYOND SPECTRUM IDEOLOGY AND THE CULTURE WARS
DR. LAURENS VAN ESCH
1 c/h
SEMESTER 1
This course helps students learn to appreciate diversity, hold difference and create social change.
CUL/PHIL 5172
JUSTICE FOR ALL: RACE AND GENDER ISSUES TODAY
DR. MOORE/DR. L.A. HENRY
2 c/h
SEMESTER 1
This course examines racial and gender issues in the 21st century.
CUL/PHIL 5270
IN QUEST OF 'THE GOOD': CHARLES TAYLOR & HANNAH ARENDT
DR. LAURENS VAN ESCH
1 c/h
SEMESTER 2
This course includes explorations in philosophy on the Good God, just society and the just person.
CUL/PHIL 5370
IN QUEST OF 'THE GOOD': READINGS IN EXISTENTIALISM
DR. BRADLEY JERSAK
1 c/h
SEMESTER 3
Discovering truth through fiction in the writings of the Existentialists.
HIST/MIN 5141
ANCIENT INSIGHTS FOR TODAY I: CHURCH HISTORY (1st–6th c.)
DR. PETER FITCH
4 c/h
SEMESTER 1
This course includes reading and discussion of the Apostolic Fathers, Athanasius’ 'Life of Antony', Eusebius, St. Augustine, Benedict’s Rule, as well as other primary and secondary sources, with a particular focus on the interpretation of Scripture and the development of an “ancient-future paradigm”.
HIST/MIN 5241
ANCIENT INSIGHTS FOR TODAY II: CHURCH HISTORY (7th–15th c.)
DR. PETER FITCH
4 c/h
SEMESTER 2
This course includes reading and discussion of Gregory the Great’s Pastoral Care, Bernard of Clairvaux, Francis and Clare, Thomas à Kempis, as well as other primary and secondary sources, with a particular focus on caring for those who suffer.
HIST/MIN 5341
ANCIENT INSIGHTS FOR TODAY III: CHURCH HISTORY (16th–21st c.)
DR. PETER FITCH
4 c/h
SEMESTER 3
This course includes reading and discussion of Luther, Calvin, Teresa of Avila, Pascal, Herbert, Baxter, Wesley, Thérèse de Lisieux, Bonhoeffer and C. S. Lewis, as well as other primary and secondary sources, with a particular focus on justice issues and questions raised by the emerging church.
COUN 5230
SELF-AWARENESS AND COUNSELLING
DR. WALTER THIESSEN
2 c/h
SEMESTER 2
This course focuses on enabling students from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences to become safe listeners and helpers. On a foundation of a basic counselling model, this week aims at increasing self-awareness of the ways that we can unintentionally hurt rather than help people. Some basic understandings of mental illness and counselling ethics are introduced.
COUN 5330
HEALING THROUGH SYMBOL AND STORY
DR. WALTER THIESSEN
2 c/h
SEMESTER 3
This course explores why "whole-brained" approaches are needed for change when we are really stuck. We explore this through "contemplative healing" and experiential approaches to therapy like narrative therapy, "focusing" and dream play as well as the general value of metaphors and symbols in all aspects of our growth.
SF 5150
CONTEMPLATIVE SPIRITUAL FORMATION I
RACHAEL BARHAM
1 c/h
SEMESTER 1
Contemplative Spiritual Formation offers experiential exploration of contemplative practices, which invite us to transformative connection in community, and to deeper co-operation and co-creation with God.
SF 5250
CONTEMPLATIVE SPIRITUAL FORMATION II
RACHAEL BARHAM
1 c/h
SEMESTER 2
Contemplative Spiritual Formation offers experiential exploration of contemplative practices, which invite us to transformative connection in community, and to deeper co-operation and co-creation with God.
SF 5350
CONTEMPLATIVE SPIRITUAL FORMATION III
RACHAEL BARHAM
1 c/h
SEMESTER 3
Contemplative Spiritual Formation offers experiential exploration of contemplative practices, which invite us to transformative connection in community, and to deeper co-operation and co-creation with God.
THEOLOGY & CULTURE TRAVEL-STUDY AND THESIS
THEO/PJST 6400
STUDY ABROAD TRIP
DR. ANDREW KLAGER
6 c/h
TRAVEL
The study abroad trip is to the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland and is an opportunity to journey along side theologians and peacemakers and learn from reputable scholars and practitioners of peacebuilding and reconciliation, ex-combatants and victims of violent conflict during The Troubles in Northern Ireland, theologians and mediators, and other fascinating and invested people who are directly involved in grassroots, community-based peacebuilding, conflict transformation, and reconciliation from the ground up.
THEO/CUL 6300
THEOLOGY & CULTURE GUIDED THESIS RESEARCH
DR. BRADLEY JERSAK
3 c/h
ONLINE
This research course is a prerequisite that will prepare students to write their M.A. in Theology & Culture academic thesis.
THEO/CUL 6600
THEOLOGY & CULTURE THESIS
DR. BRADLEY JERSAK
3 c/h
DISTANCE
The Research-based thesis is a 3-hour credit research paper (approximately 20,000 words) based on the thesis proposal approved upon completion of THEO/CUL 6300. This marks the completion of the M.A. in Theology & Culture.
THEOLOGY & CULTURE OPEN TABLE ONLINE COURSES
BIB 5726
JOHN'S APOCALYPSE
TEAM TAUGHT
3 c/h
ONLINE
Regardless of what religious persuasion a person identifies with, the idea of looking into a crystal ball to see the future or "end times" has sparked the curiosity of just about every person on the planet. (Have you heard of the "Left Behind" Series?) Not surprisingly, Apocalypse (or the book of Revelation) has fascinated students of the Bible for centuries. Yet, because of the unique way it was written (riddled with symbolism and metaphor wrapped in visions and dreams) it has also stimulated more controversy and debate than probably any other book in the Bible. There is no shortage of opinions about the meaning of this book. But what if Revelation was meant to be read as a companion to John's Gospel, similar to Luke-Acts? We are excited to take a deep dive and explore this question, along with a plethora of other questions that this provocative book offers.
Instructors: V. Rev. Dr John Behr; Dr. Bradley Jersak; Wm. Paul Young; Dr. Cherith Nordling Fee; Kenneth Tanner; John MacMurray
Guest Panellists: Brian Zahnd; Julie Canlis; Dr. Chris E.W. Green
Visit opentableconference.com/revelation-class for more info.
BIB 5727
JESUS IN MATTHEW'S GOSPEL
TEAM TAUGHT
3 c/h
ONLINE
This course focuses on the Life, Ministry, and Message of Jesus Christ. Matthew's Gospel will be our text. We will explore the Sermon on the Mount, the Kingdom of Heaven, Peter's confession, Jesus use of parables, the Olivet Discourse and many, many other unique features in Matthew's narrative.
Instructors: V. Rev. Dr John Behr; Dr. Bradley Jersak; Wm. Paul Young; Dr. Cherith Nordling Fee; Kenneth Tanner; John MacMurray; Julie Canlis; Brian Zahnd
Visit opentableconference.com/matthew-class for more info.
BIB 5728
HEBREWS
TEAM TAUGHT
3 c/h
ONLINE
The book of Hebrews is structured very much like a letter but it reads like a sermon. It contains some of the most sophisticated writing in the NT, yet for all the glory of its’ prose it remains an enigma to many and is ignored by most. Like a textual bridge linking the Old and the New, this brilliant piece of ancient literature connects all of scripture as the revelation of Jesus Christ. We invite you to walk with our panel as we discuss how and why the writer of Hebrews believes that Jesus is superior to all that we have ever known or ever will know. This promises to be another thought provoking and delightfully encouraging adventure in discovering how good God really is. This event will be a unique experience offering a panel of six highly qualified biblical scholars and theologians contributing insights and perspective in our discussions of Hebrews.
Instructors: V. Rev. Dr John Behr; Dr. Bradley Jersak; Dr. Chris E.W. Green; Dr. Cherith Nordling Fee; Kenneth Tanner; John MacMurray
Guest Panellists: Brian Zahnd; Julie Canlis; Wm. Paul Young
Visit opentableconference.com/hebrews-class for more info.
BIB 5729
JOHN'S PASCHAL GOSPEL
TEAM TAUGHT
3 c/h
ONLINE
For two thousand years the Gospel of John has been one of the most essential texts in shaping the theological landscape of the Jesus Way. The profound impact of John continues for his ancient narrative has captured the imagination and love of every one of our panelists and continues to ground and shape their lives.
Instructors: V. Rev. Dr John Behr; Dr. Bradley Jersak; Wm. Paul Young; Dr. Cherith Nordling Fee; Kenneth Tanner; John MacMurray
Visit opentableconference.com/john-class for more info.
LANGUAGE COURSES
GREE 5801
KOINE GREEK I
DR. PETER FITCH
3 c/h
IND. ST.
This course will instruct students in the first half of an elementary knowledge of Koine Greek. There are only 313 words that are used more than 50 times in the NT, and together these comprise about 80% of the total text. In this first course more than half will be used in exercises and in translation, along with a focus on the way that nouns are used. By the time this course has been completed students will have more than enough understanding to use lexical resources as an aid to their reading and research.
GREE 5802
KOINE GREEK II
DR. PETER FITCH
3 c/h
IND. ST.
This second course will complete the study of the 313 popular words and will focus on the way that verbs are used. There will continue to be a focus on translation of the NT, and students will learn more about differences between English and Greek, allowing better questions to arise about the meaning of individual passages in Scripture. By the time this course has been completed students will feel quite comfortable reading the NT in Greek with occasional help from linguistic resources.
PEACE & JUSTICE ONLINE COURSES
PJST/SF 5482
THE INNER TRANSFORMATION OF A PEACEMAKER
DR. ANDREW KLAGER
3 c/h
FA-ONLINE
The inner transformation of a peacemaker gives the interior foundation for being a genuine rather than contrived and inauthentic agent of peace. This course will explore issues of ego, pride, anger, a sense of failure, and other impulses that can be transformed into patience, self-control, compassion, and other virtues—especially humility to overcome 'epistemological hubris'—in circumstances ranging from violent forms of communication to the chaos and trauma of violent conflict. We will therefore explore historical ascetic, spiritual, and contemplative disciplines and exercises that induce our transformation as peacemakers and are directly transferable into real-life situations.
PJST/THEO 5380
THEOLOGY OF PEACE AND JUSTICE
DR. ANDREW KLAGER
3 c/h
FA-ONLINE
This course will explore a variety of perspectives on peace theology and justice by drawing on examples and lessons from the Scriptures, Christian history, and real life circumstances. We will explore themes such as pacifism and nonviolence, ‘just’ peacemaking vs. just war, love of enemies, reconciliation, and inner peace, among others as they appear in various theological categories. We will also look at peace through the lens of restorative rather than retributive justice, how peace and justice relate to one another, and its application in issues involving ethnicity, indigeneity, gender, sexual orientation, class, poverty, ecology, and food justice.
PJST/BIB 5180
PEACE AND VIOLENCE IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
DR. BRADLEY JERSAK
3 c/h
FA-ONLINE
This course will focus on peace as a major New Testament theme by examining the life, teachings, and cruciform enthronement of Christ as the Prince of Peace; exploring the content and implications of the gospel of peace (vis-à-vis atonement and reconciliation); and interpreting the Book of Revelation through a Lamb-centered cipher. While the gospels will figure prominently, the scope of this course includes the entire New Testament canon, including Acts of the Apostles, Pauline epistles, pastoral epistles, and the Book of Revelation.
PJST 5583
PRACTICAL NONVIOLENCE AND PEACEBUILDING
DR. ANDREW KLAGER
3 c/h
SP-ONLINE
This course introduces students to the field of peace and conflict studies by exploring the prevention, analysis, and resolution of conflict and the many innovative and creative ways to build peace in fragmented societies. The course focuses on the components, theoretical paradigms, and methods of peacebuilding “from the ground up,” although attention will also be given to official high-level peace processes and negotiations, with an emphasis on how ground-level and high-level activities complement or otherwise impact each other.
PJST/THEO 5882
RELIGION, PEACE AND CONFLICT
DR. ANDREW KLAGER
3 c/h
SP-ONLINE
By drawing on sacred texts and experiences of the major world religions and the available studies on religious violence and peace, this course examines how religion can intersect with other political, economic, social and cultural forces to justify violent conflict and explores the many ways in which interfaith peacebuilders may appeal to religious values, teachings, rituals, and myths as resources for interreligious peacebuilding. This course also explores components and strategies of peacebuilding that are best suited to transforming sectarian conflict.
PJST/BIB 5182
PEACE AND VIOLENCE IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
DR. BRADLEY JERSAK
3 c/h
SP-ONLINE
This course will focus on peace and violence as Old Testament themes. It will examine and try to make sense of the apparent violence of God as recorded in the text, as well as the supposedly divine commands for human violence. We will further unpack the prophetic response to this violence, including the prophecies of the Prince of Peace and kingdom of peace. And we will examine how Christ, the apostles, and the early church responded to these Old Testament texts in a way that's more sophisticated and mature than some of the rigid literalist approaches.
PJST 6581
PEACEMAKING AND JUSTICE IN THE PALESTINIAN CONTEXT I
TEAM TAUGHT
3 c/h
FA-ONLINE
This course explores fundamental concepts in peacemaking and justice, the history of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict and present realities on the ground; Biblical theologies of peace; reflections on peace and justice from the perspective of Judaism and Islam; non-violence and peacemaking; the practice of sulha in Arab societies and how it relates to other models of reconciliation; conflict and identity in the Palestinian context; the importance of indigenous narrative; the pursuit of social justice for minority peoples in Myanmar; and the possibilities for peace and justice for all the people of Palestine and Israel.
Palestinian Instructors: Dr. Rula Mansour; Dr. Salim Munayer; Shireen Awwad Hilal; Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac; Dr. Hanna Katanacho; Atty. Jonathan Kuttab
International Instructors: Dr. Martin Accad; Rev. Dr. Andrew F. Bush; Rev. Dr. Mae Cannon; Rev. Frank Chikane; Rev. Dr. LaSeng; Dr. David Elcott; Lisa Loden; Rev. Vincent Manoharan
PJST 6582
PEACEMAKING AND JUSTICE IN THE PALESTINIAN CONTEXT II
TEAM TAUGHT
3 c/h
SP-ONLINE
This course builds on Peacemaking and Justice in the Palestinian Context I but also may be taken as a stand-alone course. This course will continue the introduction to essential tools for peacemakers in contexts of conflict throughout the world. It will explore the importance of culture in peacemaking, steps in reconciliation, the pursuit of justice for Dalits (untouchables) in India, and racial justice in South Africa; the importance of Christian and Muslim dialogue in the Middle East; Western Christian and Palestinian Christian perspectives on the Palestinian/Israeli conflict and prospects for peace; international law, human rights, and peace and justice; women in peacemaking in Israel and Palestine; spirituality and the peacemaker; and current grassroots peace initiatives in Israel and Palestine.
Palestinian Instructors: Dr. Rula Mansour; Dr. Salim Munayer; Shireen Awwad Hilal; Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac; Dr. Hanna Katanacho; Atty. Jonathan Kuttab
International Instructors: Dr. Martin Accad; Rev. Dr. Andrew F. Bush; Rev. Dr. Mae Cannon; Rev. Frank Chikane; Rev. Dr. LaSeng; Dr. David Elcott; Lisa Loden; Rev. Vincent Manoharan
PEACE & JUSTICE 9-DAY RESIDENCY COURSES
PJST 6584
PROGRAM PLANNING FOR PEACEBUILDING WORKSHOP
DR. WENDY KROEKER
3 c/h
RESIDENCY
Course description coming soon.
PJST/COUN 6647
TRAUMA HEALING & THE INNER TRANSFORMATION OF A PEACEMAKER
DR. WALTER THIESSEN
2 c/h
RESIDENCY
Course description coming soon. ​
PJST/PHIL 6670
POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE
DR. LAURENS VAN ESCH
2 c/h
RESIDENCY
Course description coming soon. ​
PJST/THEO 6387
<< COURSE TBD >>
<< INSTRUCTOR TBD >>
2 c/h
RESIDENCY
Course description coming soon. ​
PEACE & JUSTICE TRAVEL-STUDY & THESIS
THEO/PJST 6400
STUDY ABROAD TRIP
DR. ANDREW KLAGER
6 c/h
TRAVEL
The study abroad trip is to the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland and is an opportunity to journey along side theologians and peacemakers and learn from reputable scholars and practitioners of peacebuilding and reconciliation, ex-combatants and victims of violent conflict during The Troubles in Northern Ireland, theologians and mediators, and other fascinating and invested people who are directly involved in grassroots, community-based peacebuilding, conflict transformation, and reconciliation from the ground up.
PJST 6900
BETHLEHEM RESIDENCY
TEAM TAUGHT
6 c/h
TRAVEL
The purpose of the two-week residential Summer (May) Intensive in Bethlehem is to provide students a first-hand experience of the challenges of peacemaking and of pursuing justice in the context of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. The intensive will help students bridge the divide between the theory they have learned in the semester-length courses and actual peacemaking on the ground. Most of the ten days of the intensive are structured around a morning time for spiritual reflection, several hours of lecture and/or field trip, followed by a debriefing about the field trip. Students will have scheduled conversations with Christian, Muslim, and Jewish leaders, peacemakers, and organizations. Students are free to explore on the weekend.
PJST 6090
PEACE & JUSTICE PRACTICUM
DR. ANDREW KLAGER
3 c/h
DISTANCE
This practicum course gives peace & justice students an opportunity to participate in efforts directed at addressing issues related to peace and justice from a variety of angles. Students will identify and coordinate work, co-op, internship, or volunteer opportunities with organizations that are working to address peace and justice issues that may be local and/or global in scope. Students will also read about the situation they are engaging themselves in, record reflections during their experience, and submit a final report on key areas of the experience. The practicum experience should normally be approximately 80 hours in length to receive 3 credits, with the amount of supplementary coursework adjusted commensurate with the number of hours below or above 80 hours.
PJST 6300
PEACE & JUSTICE GUIDED THESIS RESEARCH
DR. ANDREW KLAGER
3 c/h
ONLINE
This research course is a prerequisite that will prepare students to write their M.A. in Peace & Justice academic thesis.
PJST 6600
PEACE & JUSTICE THESIS
DR. ANDREW KLAGER
3 c/h
ONLINE
The Research-based thesis is a 3-hour credit research paper (approximately 20,000 words) based on the thesis proposal approved upon completion of PJST 6300. This marks the completion of the M.A. in Peace & Justice.
RECONCILIATION STUDIES COURSES
RST/HIST 5445
INDIGENOUS SOVEREIGNTY AND THE COLONIAL LEGACY
DR. LAURENS VAN ESCH
3 c/h
HYBRID
This course will explore historical framework including topics such as pre-contact context, concepts of sovereignty, nation to nation engagement and treaties, traditional worldviews and shifting cultural understandings, types/phases of colonialism, residential schools, and the importance of differing languages/ interpretations. Indigenous knowledge-keepers and storytellers will be invited to share much of the content of the in-person module.
RST 5145
WABANAKI NATIONS, DECOLONIZATION, RECONCILIATION
DRS. IMELDA/DAVID PERLEY
3 c/h
RESIDENCY
This land-based gathering/course will analyze the contemporary situation of Wabanaki people within Atlantic Canada in the context of their cultural traditions and the historical interactions between Wabanaki people and European settlers. The analysis will include Wabanaki perspectives relating to reconciliation within the New Brunswick context.
RST 5645
FROM TRC TO RECONCILI-ACTION
DR. THIESSEN/ANDY WOOD
3 c/h
HYBRID
This course will explore how we “look back to move forward.” It will include topics such as the TRC and Calls to Action, intergenerational trauma and healing, Indigenous art and literature, Indigenous ways of knowing, economic understandings and sustainability, Indigenous & Canadian law, and connecting on social and systemic challenges (water, poverty, etc.).
RST 5190
JAMES BAY LEARNING TOUR
DR. CHABOT/ANDY WOOD
6 c/h
TRAVEL
This course will be anchored in a learning tour to Moosonee and Moose Factory, on the coast of James Bay, in the homeland of the Moose Cree. Students will participate in the Šawelihcikewin International Knowledge Keepers Gathering, one of the main events in a year-long commemoration of “More Than 350 in the Making: Moose Factory in Omushkego Aski, from Time Immemorial to 1673 to 2023.” Through a variety of learning opportunities including lectures, storytelling, historical tours, film, sharing circles, cultural events and more, students will explore Cree and intercultural concepts of reciprocity, hospitality, kinship, climate, land-based knowledge and more.
This learning tour to subarctic North America’s oldest continuous site of Indigenous-European relations and intermarriage will explore reconciliation through a Cree and intercultural lens. Šawelihcikewin is a Cree concept which means “receiving with gratitude and a desire to give back.” This idea and the experiences on this learning tour will help students learn from the past and map a hopeful future in their pursuit of reconciliation. This course will include online components prior to and after the learning tour.
RST 5090
RECONCILIATION STUDIES PRACTICUM
VARIOUS SUPERVISORS
3 c/h
DISTANCE
This practicum course gives students an opportunity to participate in efforts directed at addressing issues related to reconciling with Indigenous Peoples in one's local context. Students will identify and coordinate work, co-op, internship, or volunteer opportunities with organizations that are working in truth and reconciliation. Students will also read about the situation they are engaging themselves in, record reflections during their experience, and submit a final report on key areas of the experience. The practicum experience should normally be approximately 80 hours in length to receive 3 credits, with the amount of supplementary coursework adjusted commensurate with the number of hours below or above 80 hours.