Luther Undergraduate Course Offerings

GC 101 “Christianity & 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 trip to six nations.

• Mondays 1300-1550 with Gyeong Kim
• Wednesdays 1900-2150 with Darren Schmidt
• Thursdays 1300-1550 with Carmen Palmer
• Wednesdays 1900-2150 with Harold Hillier at Brantford (Cancelled)

 

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 0900-1150 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 1300-1550 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 1300-1550 with Mona LaFosse

GC205 “Why Am I here?: Worldview, Meaning-Making, and Authenticity”

This foundational course focuses on the questions: Who am I? and What is my purpose? Students will examine their values and sources of meaning-making, and consider how to live in a world of transition. These will be explored within the context of the student’s individual, local, and global realities.

• Thursdays 0900-1150 with Deborah Ludolph


GC230 “Introduction to Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy”

This course is designed for those contemplating professional careers in mental health, community service, the developmental services, spiritual care, counselling and/or ministry. A basic understanding of spiritual care and counselling theories and skills will be presented. Special emphasis on one’s use of self, professional relationships, spiritual companionship and the spiritual formation of the professional, will be considered.

• Mondays 1900-2150 with Marc Blainey 

GC270 “Jewish Studies and Practice”

This course will introduce the student to contemporary steams of Jewish religious practice, focusing on various expressions of the four main branches of Orthodoxy, Reform, Conservative, and Reconstructionist.

• Thursdays 1900-2150 with Daniel Maoz

GC280C “The Skin We Are In: Bodies From the Bible to the Beautiful" (a special topic course)

While traditional Western thinking views the body as a distinct, physical reality, as well as the source of personal experience, a deeper study of the body indicates that it is a complex, porous and relational entity that lives in a world of social, cultural, and historical influences and controls. The Skin We’re In: Bodies from the Bible to the Beautiful is a seminar-based class that explores a diverse collection of materials including pop culture, literature, media, art, and advertising, as well as historical, Biblical, and philosophical sources, to explore the body as the location of meaning, experience, power, and domination.

• Tuesdays 0900-1150 with Laura MacGregor

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.

• Tuesdays 1900-2150 with Sherry Coman

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, 1430-1550 with Debbie Lou Ludolph
• Choir component: Tuesdays, 1700-1820 at Chapel

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

GC380G “Superheroes and Theology” (a special topic course) (Cancelled)

Comic books are fun to read but also increasingly constitutive of our culture—for many today the Holy Trinity consists of Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. In this context, students of Christianity should consider the spiritual implications of superheroes. Here we do so by comparing and contrasting traditional theology with the spirituality inherent in key works of popular fiction, thus gaining a better understanding of both, and beginning to develop a theological approach to popular culture in general.

In particular, we will read comics presenting the fictional exploits of the big-three DC superheroes above; Marvel heroes such as the Fantastic Four and Spider-Man; and stories in the science-fiction, horror, and superhero pulp-magazines from which these comic-book heroes evolved. Theological readings will be from the Christian tradition, but diverse perspectives are welcome. (Students should budget between $220 and $250 for course materials.)

• Fridays 0900-1150 with David Boehmer


GC380H “Muslim Mystics and Dialogue” (a special topic course)

This course is a thematic and historical introduction to Sufism, and it will introduce students the origins, theory, practice, history, and foremost personalities of the mystical Islamic tradition. The works of Muhyiuddin Ibn 'Arabi, Gazzali, Jalaluddin Rumi, Yunus Emre, Nursi, Inayat Khan, and Muhammad Iqbal will be read and discussed. While the various forms and expressions of Sufism will be introduced, the students will learn some of the key concepts, and teachings associated with Sufi tradition and their relevance to contemporary issues, including mental health and spiritual well-being. We will undertake an interdisciplinary approach to Sufi teachings and practices, and we will examine them through theological, literary, philosophical, and other primary and secondary sources. 

• Wednesdays 1300-1550 with Engin Sezen

GC380I “Jesus in Islam” (a special topic course)

This course examines one of the most prominent themes of Islamic theology: Jesus's place and role in this faith tradition. The course will allow students to explore how the Qur'an and Hadith sources speak about Jesus. This course also will provide an overview on the role and place of Jesus in Abrahamic Faith tradition.

• Tuesdays 1300-1550 with Selda Kateroglu Sezen

GC380N “Settlers and Sojourners” (a special topic course) (Cancelled)

Course Description: TBA

• Mondays 1900-2150 with Rosalyn Elm

GC380P “Asian Wisdom” (a special topic course)

The course provides the opportunity to read texts of selected Asian wisdom traditions, along with secondary sources. Themes will be explored that are of special relevance to contemporary life in Canada, such as psychotherapeutic, educational, ecological, and spiritual practices. Practices complementary to psychotherapy, such as meditation, mindfulness, yoga, tai chi and breath-work, will be able to be grounded in the texts, narratives and ways of thinking from which they developed in Asian wisdom traditions.

• Tuesdays 1900-2150 with Christopher Ross

GC380Q “Women, LGBTQ2S+, Justice, Spirituality” (a special topic course)

"I change myself, I change the world." —Gloria E. Anzaldua.
Integrating spirituality, social justice and identity, the course is designed to inspire and encourage students to engage in academic curiosity and inquiry from their particular contexts, to explore the role spirituality and gender and sexual identity plays in social justice in Canada and around the world.

• Tuesdays 1900-2150 with Mary (Joy) Philip

GC380R “Zombies, Bible, End of World” (a special topic course)

What do zombies and the Bible have in common? They both have to do with the end of the world, of course! We will compare zombies in today’s popular culture with apocalyptic texts in the Bible (and some not in the Bible) in their ancient contexts. By exploring imagery, genre, form, function and context (in all the gory details), we will discover common threads related to symbol, human identity, death, fear, hope and meaning-making.

• Wednesdays 1300-1550 with Mona LaFosse

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.

• Tuesdays, 1600-1850 with Hector Acero Ferrer

GC102 - Christian Faith and Global Citizenship
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, 1430-1550 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

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
• Jan. 11
• Jan. 25
• Feb. 1
• Feb. 15
• March 1
• March 8
• March 29
• April 5

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Mondays, 9 – 11:50 a.m. with Mona Tokarek LaFosse

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.