Course Offerings
Fall 2017
GC101 “Christianity and Global Citizenship”
A survey and methods course which prepares students for deeper study at the 200 and 300 level. This course will introduce the student to the theme of Global Citizenship within the academic study of Christianity. Course methods will emphasize both individual and collaborative learning. The course will include a service-learning component.
- Wednesdays, 7 – 9:50 p.m. with Hilary Donaldson
- Mondays, 1 – 3:50 p.m. with Allen Jorgenson
- Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2:30 – 3:50 p.m. with Preston Parsons
GC171 “Faith, Global Citizenship and World Religions”
This course explores how various religious faiths engage the theme of global citizenship.
- Wednesdays, 1 – 3:50 p.m. with Mary Lou Klassen
GC201 “Public Faith and Public Theology”
This course reflects on the connection of public life with religious faith and practice and explores issues such as church-state relations, significant “public” theologians, Christian participation in democracy, etc.
- Wednesdays, 1 – 3:50 p.m. with John Milloy
GC202 “Survey of the Christian Tradition: The Bible”
This course is a survey of biblical content and contemporary methods for interpreting sacred texts.
- Mondays, 1 – 3:50 p.m. with Mona Tokarek LaFosse
GC203 “Doing Justice and Christian Social Ethics Today”
This course will explore the discipline of Christian social ethics, teach skills in social analysis and give students a chance to test their skills in actual community situations. The course will include a service-learning component.
- Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1 – 2:20 p.m. with Darren Schmidt
GC341 “Faith and Film”
This course examines a series of films exploring their theological themes, presuppositions and rhetoric. Students will learn to interpret film theologically and consider the utility of film for theological discourse as global citizens.
- Cancelled due to low enrolment
GC352 “Inshallah: Worship and Global Song”
In this course, students will be introduced to sacred global song by singing with Inshallah, Martin Luther University College’s global song ensemble. Through readings and discussion, the students will consider the theology and praxis regarding singing global song in a Western culture.
- In-class component: Thursdays, 2:30 – 3:50 p.m. with Debbie Lou Ludolph
Choir component: Tuesdays, 5 – 6:50 p.m. at St. Michael’s Church
GC353 “Sing Fires of Justice: Music towards the Common Good”
This course will explore the vital role music has played in struggles for peace and justice in the past (e.g., South Africa apartheid, Central America liberation movement), the biblical and theological foundations for singing songs of justice, and the current repertoire available for congregational singing. The course will consider the call to a public faith and the potential for musicians from faith traditions to work in partnership with others in the community towards the common good, in part by examining current efforts to do so. Students will be involved in planning a social justice musical event during the term and reflect on the impact it has in the community.
- Mondays, 9 – 11:50 a.m. with Gerard Yun
GC355 “Introduction to Worship”
This course will study the theory of Christian worship, the historical development of liturgical worship, and the manner in which pastoral leadership is reflected and expressed in facilitating worship.
- Wednesdays, 1 – 3:50 p.m. with Mark Harris
GC380A “Spiritual But Not Religious” (a special topics course)
This course explores emerging topics of study in the field of Christian Studies and Global Citizenship.
This course will attempt to understand the growth, history, and implications of the emerging ‘Spiritual but not Religious’ movement.
- Thursdays, 4 – 6:50 p.m. with Andrew Muncaster
GC380B “Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue” (a special topics course)
This course explores emerging topics of study in the field of Christian Studies and Global Citizenship.
This course explores various aspects of interfaith and cultural relations in contemporary Canadian context. With some emphasis on Abrahamic traditions. This course offers an introduction to religion, faith, and cultural diversity, and it will offer a unique opportunity for students to engage with these diverse contexts in real communities of KW.
- Cancelled due to low enrolment.
GC380W “Women and the Bible” (a special topics course)
This course explores emerging topics of study in the field of Christian Studies and Global Citizenship.
In this course, we explore the different voices and contexts of women connected to the Christian Bible. This includes understanding the historical, literary and cultural contexts of women in the Bible, interpretations of the Bible by various women, and theological implications for today.
- Fridays, 9 – 11:50 a.m. with Joy Philip and Mona Tokarek LaFosse
GC380X “Faiths in a Psychological Perspective” (a special topics course)
This course explores emerging topics of study in the field of Christian Studies and Global Citizenship.
A course examining ways in which psychological approaches to faith illuminate expressions faith at individual, collective and global levels. Explorations include [1] the development of faith over the human life-cycle, [2] the contribution of Carl Jung’s Analytical Psychology to understanding contrasting paths to spiritual growth and religious community, and [3] the study of the Enneagram as an example of a sacred psychology.
- Tuesdays, 9 – 11:50 a.m. with Christopher Ross
GC380Y “Death and Leonard Cohen” (a special topics course)
This course explores emerging topics of study in the field of Christian Studies and Global Citizenship.
This course involves a study of death and dying (thanatology) and its significance in human development through the life cycle. There is a special emphasis upon personal, familial, communal, and spiritual resources available. The course will ask learners to participate in critical self-reflection upon their own journey with death and dying in order to prepare to journey with clients as end of life approaches. Lyrics of each of the songs included in Leonard Cohen’s last album, You Want It Darker, will provide a creative and critical lens through which the various aspects of death and dying will also be viewed. In other words, “This is a course about death and dying and the sugar that helps make it go down is Leonard Cohen.”
- Thursdays, 7 – 9:50 p.m. with Pamela Loughton and Daniel Maoz
GC401 “Senior Project and Integration Seminar”
The point of this course is to prepare a “capstone” project which is research based and either integrates the student’s learning or provides the student the opportunity to pursue more in-depth research on a specific topic in Christian studies and global citizenship. The first term would include further instruction in research methods and the second term would include presenting the students’ projects in a seminar format. The course will include a service-learning component.
Prerequisite: Registration in the Christian Studies and Global Citizenship program, with all required GC coursework completed.
Note: This course runs over both the fall and winter terms.
- Fridays, 4 – 6:50 p.m. with Morgan Braganza
Winter 2018
GC102 “Christian Faith and Global Citizenship”
A survey and methods course which prepares students for deeper study at the 200 and 300 level. This course will introduce the student to the theme of Public Faith within the academic study of Christianity. Course methods will emphasize both individual and collaborative learning. The course will include a service-learning component.
- Wednesdays, 7 – 9:50 p.m. with Darren Schmidt
- Mondays, 1 – 3:50 p.m. with Philip Mathai
- Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2:30 – 3:50 p.m. with Preston Parsons
GC141 “Faith and the UN Sustainable Development Goals”
This course explores the role of faith in engaging social justice themes as articulated in the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- Wednesdays, 1 – 3:50 p.m. with Mary Lou Klassen
GC204 “Survey of the Christian Tradition: History and Theology”
This course is a survey of the history of Christianity and the evolution of Christian teaching as well as contemporary methods for interpreting doctrine.
- Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1 – 2:20 with Darren Schmidt
GC221 “Canadian Questions”
This course examines contemporary Canadian issues through a faith lens. Through seminar discussions and presentations, students will explore some of the pressing issues facing our nation and drawing upon their deepest values and ultimate convictions reflect upon ways to address them.
- Wednesdays, 1 – 3:50 p.m. with John Milloy
GC241 “Engaging Youth Culture”
This course surveys notions of culture in relationship to youth, exploring how contemporary developments in understandings of belonging, citizenship and identity inform this discourse.
- Mondays, 4 – 6:50 p.m. with Hector Acero Ferrer
GC280A “Questioning Ability” (a special topics course)
This course explores emerging topics of study in the area of public ethics and spirituality.
Students, through the lens of a weekly question, will explore topics related to disability, ability, caregiving, suffering, community, and the Christian faith. Weekly readings will explore key issues from both secular and faith-based perspectives. Students will be strongly encouraged to engage with course material through reflection.
- Tuesdays, 9 – 11:50 a.m. with Laura MacGregor
GC344 “Introduction to Spiritual Care”
This course examines the dynamics that contribute to a healthy self-understanding for those training to provide spiritual care as a pastor, spiritual caregiver, or psychotherapist. Special consideration will be given to the use of self, professional relationships, spiritual companionship, the spiritual formation of the pastor or psychotherapist, and the development of basic spiritual care skills.
- Wednesdays, 1 – 3:50 p.m. with Florence Juma
GC345 “Faith and Fiction”
This course aims to give students an opportunity to examine Christian and non-Christian beliefs and the corresponding behaviours and structures, including the vocations to which they are called – teachers, preachers, politicians, entrepreneurs, therapists, musicians, artists, clinicians, technicians – through the eyes of others. Literary works from all eras and genres, and from around the world as well as from varied faith traditions will be used to illustrate and examine how faith is portrayed and, most often, challenged in the works of fiction.
- Wednesdays, 9 – 11:50 a.m.
GC354 “Sounds of the Sacred”
This course examines global “sacred” music within their indigenous and appropriated contexts and explores questions of philosophy (aesthetics), globalization, economics, politics, culture, religion, nationalism, identity, and cultural ethics.
- Fridays, 9 – 11:50 a.m. with Gerard Yun
GC373 “Abrahamic Faiths: History/Beliefs”
This course traces history and core beliefs of each of the three Abrahamic faiths (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) by reading primary sources in translation and through the learning methods of short presentations, mini-lectures, and small group sessions.
- Wednesdays, 9 – 11:50 a.m. with Daniel Maoz
GC374 “Bob Dylan: Jewish Ethics”
This course explores basic principles of Jewish ethics through interaction with analysis of contemporary Jewish thought by a foremost thinker in the field (Telushkin), as situated in the life and writings of Bob Dylan.
- Thursdays, 7 – 9:50 p.m. with Daniel Maoz
GC380D “Women in Islam” (a special topics course)
This course explores emerging topics of study in the area of public ethics and spirituality.
The rights and roles of Muslim women have long been source of social, religious, and political debates in the Muslim and non-Muslim world. In this class, we will discuss the theological and religious attitudes in the light of contemporary applications in Islamic and Western world in an effort to appreciate what does being a woman mean today.
- Tuesdays, 9 – 11:50 a.m. with Selda Kateroglu Sezen
GC380Z “Paul and the Corinthians” (a special topics course)
This course explores emerging topics of study in the field of Christian Studies and Global Citizenship.
Among the earliest texts in the New Testament, Paul’s letters provide a glimpse of the beginnings of the Christian tradition. In this course, we examine the voice and cultural context of Paul in his relationship with the Christ-followers in the city of Corinth. With a focus on 1 Corinthians, we engage Paul’s ideas about sex, food, privilege, power, gender, ritual, ecstatic experience, life after death, and the end of the world.
- Mondays, 9 – 11:50 a.m. with Mona Tokarek LaFosse
WINTER 2019
A survey and methods course which prepares students for deeper study at the 200 and 300 levels. This course will introduce the student to the theme of Public Faith within the academic study of Christianity. Course methods will emphasize both individual and collaborative learning. The course will include a service-learning component.
- Mondays, 1300-1550 with Philip Mathai
- Wednesdays, 1900-2150 with Harold Hillier (Brantford)
GC171 - Faith, Global Citizenship and World Religions
This course explores how various religious faiths engage the theme of global citizenship.
- Wednesdays, 0900-1150 with Mary Lou Klassen
GC202 - Survey of the Christian Tradition: The Bible
This course is a survey of biblical content and contemporary methods for interpreting sacred texts.
- Mondays, 1900-2150 with Harold Hillier (Brantford)
GC203 - Doing Justice and Christian Social Ethics Today
This course will explore the discipline of Christian social ethics, teach skills in social analysis, and give students a chance to test their skills in community situations. The course will include a service-learning component.
- Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1300-1420 with Darren Schmidt
GC204 - Survey of the Christian Tradition: History and Theology
This course is a survey of the history of Christianity; the evolution of Christian teaching; and contemporary methods for interpreting doctrine.
- Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1300-1420 with Darren Schmidt
GC241 - Engaging Youth Culture
This course surveys notions of culture in relationship to youth. It explores how contemporary developments in understandings of belonging, citizenship and identity inform this discourse.
- Tuesdays, 0900-1150 with Hector Acero Ferrer
GC280B - Politics, Faith, Age of Anger (a special topics course)
Current political discourse in Canada is often characterized by anger and frustration. Recognizing both the multifaith and secular nature of our society, this course explores the important role that faith can play in addressing our nation’s political challenges.
- Wednesdays, 1300-1550 with John Milloy
GC342 - A New Global Christianity
This course examines Christian practices of mission in the globalized world in light of post-colonial, post-liberal, and post-modern critiques of Christianity.
- Fridays, 0900-1150 with Gyeong Kim
GC345 - Faith and Fiction
This course aims to give students an opportunity to examine Christian and non-Christian beliefs and the corresponding behaviours and structures, including the vocations to which they are called – teachers, preachers, politicians, entrepreneurs, therapists, musicians, artists, clinicians, technicians – through the eyes of others. Literary works from all eras and genres, and from around the world as well as from varied faith traditions will be used to illustrate and examine how faith is portrayed and, most often, challenged in the works of fiction.
- Wednesdays, 0900-1150 with Mary (Joy) Philip
GC351 - Leading the People's Song
This course is intended to allow the student the opportunity to enhance music leadership skills and confidence for the task of supporting congregational and community singing. It will cover a variety of topics pertinent to eclectic worship leadership and leading song in community, including attending to the voice of the people, the flow in worship, possibilities for instrumental participation in song, basic percussion techniques, and effectively introducing new songs.
- Wednesdays, 1900-2150 with Debbie Lou Ludolph
GC353 - Sing Fires of Justice: Music towards the Common Good
This course will explore the vital role music has played in struggles for peace and justice in the past (e.g., South Africa apartheid, Central America liberation movement), the biblical and theological foundations for singing songs of justice, and the current repertoire available for congregational singing. The course will consider the call to a public faith and the potential for musicians from faith traditions to work in partnership with others in the community towards the common good, in part by examining current efforts to do so. Students will be involved in planning a social justice musical event during the term and reflect on the impact it has in the community.
- Fridays, 1300-1550 with Gerard Yun
GC372 - Abrahamic Faiths Mysticisms
This course explores mystical roots and branches in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam through stories, lives, writings, and experiences. An academic approach to mysticism includes identification of mystical practices within the three Abrahamic faith traditions as well as analysis of practices of mysticism by those within each tradition. An emphasis will be placed on readings (in translation) of mystical sources as well as to principal thinkers and practitioners of mysticism.
- Tuesdays, 1600-1850 with Daniel Maoz
GC374 - Bob Dylan: Jewish Ethics
This course explores basic principles of Jewish ethics through interaction with analysis of contemporary Jewish thought by a foremost thinker in the field (Telushkin), as situated in the life and writings of Bob Dylan.
- Mondays, 1900-2150 with Daniel Maoz
GC380D - Women in Islam (a special topics course)
This course explores emerging topics of study in the area of public ethics and spirituality.
The rights and roles of Muslim women have long been sources of social, religious, and political debates in the Muslim and non-Muslim world. In this class, we will discuss the theological and religious attitudes in the light of contemporary applications in Islamic and Western world in an effort to appreciate what does being a woman mean today.
- Tuesdays, 1300-1550 with Selda Kateroglu Sezen
GC380F - Reconciliation/Relationships (a special topics course)
Utilizing Indigenous circle pedagogy, this course will discuss reconciliation between Indigenous and Settler peoples through an exploration of Indigenous and Settler peoples histories and the ideologies, beliefs, values, and assumptions that have formed and sustained unjust and harmful relationships between them.
- Thursdays, 1300-1550 with Kelly Laurila
GC380J - Living Interfaithfully (a special topics course)
Today, interfaith/intercultural dialogue is imperative. The current diverse situation requires dialogue among cultures and societies to resolve conflicts of power and worldview. This course explores various aspects of interfaith and cultural relations in contemporary Canadian context, with some emphasis on Abrahamic traditions. This course offers an introduction to religion, faith, and cultural diversity, and it will offer a unique opportunity for students to engage with these diverse contexts in real communities in Kitchener and Waterloo.
- Tuesdays, 0900-1150 with Engin Sezen
GC380K - Culturally Appropriate Christianity (a special topics course)
- Details coming soon.
GC401 - Senior Project and Integration Seminar
Note: This is the second term of a two-term course. The point of this course is to prepare a “capstone” project which is research based and either integrates the student’s learning or provides the student the opportunity to pursue more in-depth research on a specific topic in Christian studies and global citizenship. The first term would include further instruction in research methods and the second term would include presenting the students’ projects in a seminar format. The course will include a service-learning component.
Prerequisite: Registration in the Christian Studies and Global Citizenship program, with all required GC coursework completed.
- Fridays, 1600-1850 with Morgan Braganza