Students in the M.T.S. and M.Div. programs are expected to have 12 credits in philosophy from their previous university work. These should include PHIL200 Introduction to Philosophy (or equivalent). The philosophy requirements may be taken concurrently with the degree, but do not count as elective courses towards the M.T.S. and M.Div. degree. Students on the B.Th. program must take PHIL 200 and one other philosophy elective. Students preparing for ordination should note that there are additional philosophy requirements for ordination beyond those required for the degree.

Reading courses in philosophy may be taken by students who are not registered in a program at Newman Theological College. The policy that students must have finished at least one half of their program to take reading courses does not apply to courses in philosophy.

Note: Courses not suitable for this format are PHIL 201 Logic and all language courses.

(Great Books courses marked with *)

PHIL 100 Introduction to Philosophy

3 Credits
A general introduction to the major areas of philosophy and philosophical method. Issues that may be addressed include knowledge, truth, beauty, God's existence, evil, free-will, happiness, morality, political theory.

Recommended first philosophy course. Required for B.Th.

PHIL 110G Historical Introduction to Philosophy I 

3 Credits
An historical introduction to philosophy from the pre-Socratics to modern times. Topics such as the nature of God, of knowledge, of human nature, of society, of friendship, and of beauty will be studied through the close reading and discussion of representative Great Books of the Western philosophical tradition.

PHIL 111G Historical Introduction to Philosophy II 

3 Credits
An historical introduction to philosophy from the pre-Socratics to modern times. Topics such as the nature of God, of knowledge, of human nature, of society, of friendship, and of beauty will be studied through the close reading and discussion of representative Great Books of the Western philosophical tradition. Successful completion of PHIL 110G* is a prerequisite for PHIL 111G*.

PHIL 120 Logic and the Art of Reasoning

3 Credits
The study of logic enables the intellect to engage in the orderly pursuit of truth. In this class, students will hone their ability to use language with precision by mastering the rules of definition, by identifying the relationship between kinds of propositions, and by becoming familiar with valid and invalid syllogistic forms. Besides studying substantial portions of Plato’s Meno, Aristotle’s Categories and Porphyry’s Isagogy, students will learn how to name and avoid the most common logical fallacies.

PHIL 210G Ancient and Medieval Philosophy 

3 Credits
(Students who take this course may not receive credit for PHIL 245 and PHIL 246)
A study of the major early Greek and Medieval philosophers that have been influential in theology. Special attention will be given to Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Anselm and Aquinas.

PHIL 220 Social & Political Thought

3 Credits
A study of the fundamental principles of political philosophy as a basis for Catholic social teaching. The course will address such questions as: Are social and political modes of organization – family, household, city, and nation – natural or merely conventional? What are the appropriate limits of human freedom? Do human beings have rights that everyone should respect? Is there a difference between moral and legal obligations? Can it ever be morally acceptable to disobey the state? These questions will be explored through a study of texts by historical and recent authors such as Aristotle, Aquinas, Locke, Hobbes, de Tocqueville, Rawls, MacIntyre and Finnis, but will focus upon topics of perennial concern.

PHIL 238 Aesthetics

3 Credits
Various theories of aesthetics in philosophy and theology. Beauty as a transcendental. Aesthetics and the arts.

PHIL 240 Philosophy of Human Nature

3 Credits
A philosophical inquiry into human nature and personhood in relation to nature and being in general. The historical development of the concept of person in philosophy and anthropology from past to present, especially in view of theological understandings.

PHIL 241 Philosophy of Nature

3 Credits
Philosophical inquiry into various aspects of nature and the universe, including issues arising from changing views of science and cosmology. The theological importance of various views of nature and God in historical and contemporary times.

PHIL 243 Thomistic Metaphysics

3 Credits
A philosophical study of being in its various dimensions. Issues such as substance and attributes, transcendental, being and essence, analogy, and universals will be addressed in light of classical and contemporary approaches. Special attention will be given to the functions of metaphysics within theology.

PHIL 245 Ancient Philosophy

3 Credits
A study of the major early Greek philosophers that have been influential in theology. Special attention will be given to Plato and Aristotle.

PHIL 246 Medieval Philosophy

3 Credits
The major early and late medieval philosophers and their schools of thought that have been influential in theology, for example: Augustine, Anselm, Thomas Aquinas, Bonaventure, John Duns Scotus, Nicholas of Cusa, William Ockham.

PHIL 247 Modern Philosophy

3 Credits
The major modern philosophers and their schools of thought that have been influential in theology, for example: Descartes, Hume, Kant and Hegel.

PHIL 310G Modern and Contemporary Philosophy 

3 Credits
(Students who take this course may not receive credit for PHIL 247 and PHIL 348.) A study of the major Modern and Contemporary philosophers that have been influential in theology. The course will treat some major representatives of some of the following schools of thought: rationalism, empiricism, idealism, existentialism, hermeneutics, phenomenology, personalism, process thought, and analytic philosophy.

PHIL 330 Ethics

3 Credits
Introduction to traditional and contemporary problems and methods of philosophical ethics or moral philosophy. The impact of ethics on theological and religious teachings and concerns and vice versa.

PHIL 340 Epistemology

3 Credits
An inquiry into knowledge, meaning and truth. A consideration of the validity and roles of sense experience and conceptual knowledge in areas such as common sense, the sciences, metaphysics, and religion. The course will examine the strengths and weaknesses of realism, empiricism, idealism, phenomenology, and contemporary theories of knowledge.

PHIL 348 Contemporary Philosophy

3 Credits
An overview of major 20th century philosophers, issues and movements that have been influential in theology and philosophy of religion, for example: Existentialism, Pragmatism, Hermeneutics, Phenomenology, Personalism, Process Thought, Analytic Philosophy, Philosophies of Language and Symbol.

PHIL 349 Contemporary Catholic Philosophy

3 Credits
A study of the major Catholic and non-Catholic philosophers that have influenced the Second Vatican Council and the contemporary Church. Figures studied may include: Edmund Husserl, Martin Heidegger, Gabriel Marcel, Maurice Blondel, Joseph Marechal, Dietrich Von Hildebrand, Edith Stein, Jacques Maritain, Bernard Lonergan. Recent philosophers who have been of significance to the contemporary church may include Alasdair MacIntyre, Charles Taylor, Germain Grisez, Jean Luc Marion, etc.

PHIL 350G Philosophy of Religion

3 Credits
Across the centuries human beings have longed for something beyond the natural order of goods. This course considers such questions as: Can God’s existence be proved? What is the relationship between experience and revelation in religion? Is there a way to harmonize the claims of faith and reason? Seminal works by authors such as Sophocles, Plato, Aristotle, Lucretius, Justin Martyr, St. Augustine, St. Thomas, Hume, Nietzsche, Weber, Newman, MacIntyre and St John Paul II may be studied.

PHIL 353 Systematic Philosophy I: Philosophy of Nature and Metaphysics

3 Credits
(Students who take this course may not receive credit for PHIL 241 and PHIL 243) A philosophical study of the fundamental principles of the material world and being. The theological importance of various views of nature and God in historical and contemporary times will be addressed.

PHIL 354 Systematic Philosophy II: Philosophy of the Human Person and Epistemology

3 Credits
(Students who take this course may not receive credit for PHIL 240 and PHIL 340) A philosophical inquiry into human nature and personhood. Particular attention will be given to both the body and the spiritual capacities of the human person, namely the emotional life, freedom of the will, and knowledge. The course will examine the strengths and weaknesses of major approaches to epistemology: realism, empiricism, idealism, phenomenology, and contemporary theories of knowledge may be covered.

PHIL 360G St. Thomas Aquinas 

3 Credits
A study of major themes in Aquinas’ philosophy and theology through a study of selections from the Summa Theologiae. Topics such as the nature of sacred Doctrine, the Trinity, nature and grace, Divine Law, the virtues, sacramental theology, Christology and eschatology will be addressed.

PHIL 390 Special Questions in Philosophy

3 Credits
Varied course description.

PHIL 400 Senior Research Thesis & Defense

3 Credits
During the last year of study, each student researches, writes, and presents a written thesis, the results of which they will defend orally before a panel of faculty members. Under the direction of a thesis director, students will explore critically a topic that arises from their program in Catholic Studies. The purpose of this cumulative exercise is to provide each student with an opportunity to develop and manifest what John Henry Newman called “an integrated habit of mind”.

Core Courses

FND 110G Introduction to Catholic Studies I

3 Credits
An historical introduction to Catholicism from its roots in Jewish and Greco-Roman antiquity to modern times. Catholicism’s key literary, religious, and institutional contributions to Western culture will be studied through the close reading and discussion of representative Great Books of the Catholic Tradition.

FND 111G Introduction to Catholic Studies II

3 Credits
An historical introduction to Catholicism from its roots in Jewish and Greco-Roman antiquity to modern times. Catholicism’s key literary, religious, and institutional contributions to Western culture will be studied through the close reading and discussion of representative Great Books of the Catholic Tradition. Successful completion of FND 110G* is a prerequisite for FND 111G*.

FND 120 Exploring the Catechism of the Catholic Church

3 Credits
This course presents an introduction to Catholic belief and practice by means of a study of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Students will thoroughly consider each of the Catechism’s four parts: on Faith, on Liturgy, on Life in Christ, and on Prayer. Select texts from Church fathers and doctors as well as other magisterial and conciliar documents may be drawn upon to illuminate the Catechism’s own systematic presentation.

FND 130G Way of Beauty: Sacred Fine Arts I

3 Credits
An introduction to the theory and practice of sacred fine arts. Classroom seminars on aesthetics and art history will introduce students to the West’s rich tradition of architecture, painting and music alongside seminal reflections on beauty by such as Plato, Aristotle, St. Thomas Aquinas, John Ruskin, Jacques Maritain, Josef Pieper, and Joseph Ratzinger. The practical element of this course will normally include participation in a sacred music choir as well as short workshops on Eastern Iconography and other sacred arts.

FND 131G Way of Beauty: Sacred Fine Arts II

3 Credits
An introduction to the theory and practice of sacred fine arts. Classroom seminars on aesthetics and art history will introduce students to the West’s rich tradition of architecture, painting and music alongside seminal reflections on beauty by such as Plato, Aristotle, St. Thomas Aquinas, John Ruskin, Jacques Maritain, Josef Pieper, and Joseph Ratzinger. The practical element of this course will normally include participation in a sacred music choir as well as short workshops on Eastern Iconography and other sacred arts. Successful completion of FND 130G* is a prerequisite for FND 131G*.

FND 211 Early Church History

3 Credits
The historical development of the Church from the second century to the rise of Islam. The relationship of Church and Empire, the beginnings of monasticism, the contributions of women, the development of institutions and doctrine, and the missionary activity of Christians beyond the Greco-Roman World.

FND 216 The Church in Canada

3 Credits
The history of Christian presence in Canada from the beginnings in New France to the modern era, with a particular but not exclusive focus on the Roman Catholic experience. The foundations of the Church in Canada, the Church and indigenous people, the Church in Western Canada, the formation of a Canadian theology. Students are urged to have some familiarity with Canadian history in preparation for this course.

FND 221  Medieval Church History

3 Credits
The historical development of the Church in the Medieval Era from the beginning of the eighth century to 1500. Monasticism and religious orders, heretical movements and popular religion, intellectual development, Church and State relations.

FND 230 Christianity and World Religions

3 Credits
Founders of religions and the meaning of religion. Christianity in relation to other religions. An introduction to Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Chinese Religions, and Amerindian Religions. New religious movements. Interfaith dialogue, especially between Christians and Jews.

FND 231  Modern Church History

3 Credits
The church from the end of the fifteenth century until today. Calls for reform. Key reformers: Luther, Zwingli, Calvin, Cramner. Catholic reforms and the Council of Trent. The Enlightenment and its aftermath: liberalism, anti-clericalism, ultra-montanism and Vatican I. Byzantine churches. Missionary movements and North American Protestantism. The church as global: Latin America, Asia, Africa. Modernism, ecumenism, Vatican II and toward the 21^st century.

FND 250 Anglican Tradition

3 Credits
Anglicanism from the 16th century to the present with a view to identifying theological direction and emphasis which have been characteristic of this community. The role played by formularies, representative writers and liturgy in the formation of Anglican self-understanding will be examined. Anglicanism and the ecumenical movement

FND 310 Patristic Theology

3 Credits

A historical and literary overview of Christian writers and theology from the first to the seventh century. Select fathers in the eastern and western Church, the development of Trinitarian and Christological doctrine, and the emergent western theological tradition will be considered.

Elective Courses

FND 207 Eastern Christianity

3 Credits
An introduction to the Eastern Christian Churches. Theological, historical and institutional developments. Major themes: the Divine darkness, the Trinitarian God, creation and cosmology, economy of salvation, image and likeness, the Taboric light, deification, spiritual and moral life, ecclesiology, sacramental practice, ecumenical mission. The dialogue among Eastern Catholics, Roman Catholics and the various jurisdictions of the Orthodox world.

FND 321 Medieval Theology

3 Credits
The development of Christian doctrine and of the discipline of theology, as seen in the major themes and thinkers of the Christian Middle Ages, will be examined in lectures and through the reading of primary and secondary sources.

FND 350 Protestant Theology

3 Credits
The main theological currents arising in contemporary Protestantism. The distinctive features of Protestant theology in various countries. The thought of select Protestant theologians. Liberalism, Fundamentalism, Ecumenism, Feminist Theology, Liberation Theology.

FND 360 Theology & Culture

3 Credits
The role of theology in contemporary culture. Reflections on approaches and methodology. The contribution of the sciences, the social sciences, philosophy, the arts, and literature to the study of theology.

FND 390 Selected Topics

3 Credits
Varied Course Descriptions.

Core Courses

SCR 100 Introduction to Sacred Scriptures and their Interpretation

3 Credits
This course introduces students to the Sacred Scriptures of the Christian faith, their academic study and their interpretation.  The various books of the Old and New Testaments of the Catholic Bible are introduced in relation to their historical, cultural, and religious backgrounds, with timely references to geographical and archaeological data.  Concurrently, students are introduced to the concepts of biblical inspiration, biblical inerrancy, and the formation of the canon.

This course also includes a seminar that explores the question of the interpretation of scripture with the Mind of the Church, during which key Church documents will be analyzed while some major contributions from the world of academia to the field of biblical interpretation will be considered.  The aim is to equip students with a range of exegetical tools and building blocks that will be necessary in subsequent scripture courses in their chosen program, and indeed in their various ministries as exegetes of Sacred Scripture.

SCR 253 The Pentateuch and Historical Books

(Prerequisite: SCR 100)

3 Credits
This course considers the Canonical corpus of the Old Testament traditionally referred to as the Pentateuch (the books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy) and their cognate literature known as the Historical Books (Joshua, Judges, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra and Nehemiah). The literature is investigated as a distinct body and in relation to the Canon of Scripture, with particular emphasis given to historical, literary (including text critical), exegetical and theological questions. The relationship between the Israelites and God—as portrayed by the biblical authors of the Pentateuch and Historical Books —is explored through the theme of covenantal love.

The seminar component of this course will invite students to engage, at a level pertinent to their program of study, with contemporary issues raised by the literature at hand.

SCR 254 The Prophets

(Prerequisite: SCR 100)

3 Credits
This course considers the Canonical corpus of the Old Testament traditionally referred to as the Prophets.  The literature is investigated as a distinct body and in relation to the Canon of Scripture, with particular emphasis given to historical (pre-exilic), literary (including text critical), exegetical and theological questions.  The relationship between the Israelites and God—as portrayed by the biblical prophets—is explored from the perspective of messianism and ‘new covenant theology’.

The seminar component of this course will invite students to engage, at a level pertinent to their program of study, with contemporary issues raised by the literature at hand.

SCR 260 The Synoptic Gospels

(Prerequisite: SCR 100)

3 Credits
This course focuses on the Canonical Gospels of the Synoptic tradition.  The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke are introduced, with particular attention given to their structure, their specific characteristics and historical circumstances, as well as their presentations of Jesus Christ and their teachings on Christian discipleship. This course also includes a seminar, during which students will investigate, at a level pertinent to their program of study, questions arising from a consideration of the interrelationship between the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke.

SCR 261 Matthew and Mark

(Prerequisite: SCR 100)

3 credits
This course considers the Canonical Gospels of Matthew and Mark. Initial considerations of the historical backdrops to these gospels lead to a closer examination of the literature. Both gospels are read in their entirety, with particular attention given to their Christology, Pneumatology, Discipleship, Ecclesiology,
Missiology, Eschatology, and overall theological perspectives within and in relation to the Canon of Scripture.

The seminar component of this course invites students to investigate, at a level pertinent to their program of study, questions arising from a consideration of the interrelationship between the two gospels.

SCR 351 Psalms and Wisdom Literature

(Prerequisite: SCR 100)

3 Credits
This course considers the Canonical corpus of the Old Testament traditionally referred to as the Psalms and Wisdom literature (Psalms, Job, Proverbs, Qoheleth/Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Wisdom of Solomon and Sirach/Ecclesiasticus).  The Psalter and Wisdom Literature are covered in turn, with specific emphasis given to historical, literary, exegetical and theological questions.  In particular, the themes of faith and hope, human condition and suffering, and perceived absence of God, in selected texts form the Psalter and the book of Qoheleth/Ecclesiastes are examined for their contribution to pastoral ethical contemporary issues.

The seminar component of this course will invite students to engage, at a level pertinent to their program of study, with contemporary issues raised by the literature at hand.

SCR 355 Pauline Literature

(Prerequisite: SCR 100)

3 Credits
This course considers the epistolary literature of the New Testament attributed to the Apostle Paul.  A brief survey of the Apostle’s life and gospel gives way to a close reading of the Pauline Letters.  Although all Pauline Epistles will be read (1 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Romans), students will in particular consider central Pauline themes (Christology, Ecclesiology, Soteriology, Pneumatology) as expounded in the First Letter to the Corinthians and the Letter to the Romans. 

The seminar component of this course will invite students to engage, at a level pertinent to their program of study, with contemporary issues raised by the literature at hand.

SCR 362 Luke-Acts

(Prerequisite: SCR 100)

3 credits
This course considers the Canonical compositions attributed to St. Luke: the Gospel and the Book of the Acts of the Apostles. An initial consideration of the historical backdrops to these literary compositions leads to a close sequential examination of the Gospel and the Book of Acts. Both works are read in their entirety, with particular attention given to their Christology, Pneumatology, Ecclesiology, Missiology, Eschatology, and overall theological perspectives within and in relation to Salvation History.

The seminar component of this course invites students to investigate, at a level pertinent to their program of study, historical and theological questions arising from a consideration of the Lukan material.

SCR 366 Johannine Literature

(Prerequisite: SCR 100)

3 Credits
This course considers the Canonical literature traditionally attributed to the Fourth Evangelist (Gospel of John; 1, 2 and 3 John, the Book of Revelation).  An initial consideration of the milieu from which the Johannine Community/School emanated (date, authorship, and provenance) serves as a backdrop to a closer examination of the literature.  The entirety of the Johannine corpus will be read, with particular attention given to the distinctive Christology (Signs, “I AM” Sayings), Pneumatology (the Spirit-Paraclete), Ecclesiology, Missiology, Eschatology, and overall theology of this Canonical body of literature.

The seminar component of this course will invite students to engage, at a level pertinent to their program of study, with contemporary issues raised by the literature at hand.

Elective Courses

SCR 110 The Old Testament

3 Credits
Formation and interpretation of the Old Testament: biblical inspiration, canonicity, textual criticism, hermeneutics, history, geography and archaeology. Understanding the Old Testament. Study of selected texts from the Pentateuch, Historical Books, Psalms, Wisdom, Prophets, and Deutero-Canonical books of the Old Testament focusing on salvation history and covenant theology.

SCR 210 The New Testament

3 Credits

Formation and interpretation of the New Testament: biblical inspiration, canonicity, textual criticism, hermeneutics, history, geography and archeology. Understanding the Old Testament. Understanding the New Testament. Study of selected texts from the Gospels, Pauline Letters, Catholic Epistles, and other NT writings (Acts of the Apostles, Hebrews, etc.)

This course includes a seminar that explores the question of the interpretation of scripture with the Mind of the Church, during which key Church documents will be analyzed while some major contributions from the world of academia to the field of biblical interpretation will be considered. The aim is to equip students with a range of exegetical tools and building blocks that will be necessary in subsequent scripture courses in their chosen program, and indeed in their various ministries as exegetes of Sacred Scripture.

SCR 226 The Book of Acts and Other New Testament Writings

(Prerequisite: SCR 100)

3 Credits
This course considers the Book of the Acts of the Apostles and the epistolary literature constituted of the Letter to the Hebrews, 1 and 2 Peter, James, and Jude. Central Theological themes (Christology, Ecclesiology, Pneumatology, Soteriology) are identified and expounded.

The Seminar component of this course invites students to engage, at a level pertaining to their particular program of study, with contemporary issues raised by the literature.

SCR 356 The Bible and Women

(Prerequisite: SCR 100)

3 Credits
Study of the biblical texts which focus on women: the narratives about women's lives, the feminine metaphors for God and the people of God, and the ideals presented for women's lives. Introduction to feminist methods of biblical interpretation.

SCR 360 The World of the New Testament

(Prerequisite: SCR 100)

3 Credits
History of the New Testament era. Context of Judaism, 63 BCE-66CE. Common Judaism: daily life and worship. Groups and parties. Zoroastrianism. Jewish and Hellenistic thought and literature: Apocrypha, apocalyptic, testament, rabbinical literature. The Septuagint. Philo. Greco-Roman religions. Stoicism. Gnosticism.

SCR 390 Selected Topics

3 Credits
Varied course descriptions.

Core Courses

SYT 100 Introduction to Theology

3 Credits
The nature of theology. The relationship between theology and the following: revelation (Scripture and Tradition), spirituality and liturgy, philosophy and the human sciences. Faith and reason. The high points of theology throughout the history of the Church.  The importance of theology for the Church. Theology and the teaching office of the Church. Theology and Church before and after Vatican II.  Writing skills in theology.

SYT 184 Christology

3 Credits
The contemporary problematic in Christology. The claims and challenges posed by Jesus in his preaching and life. His rejection, death and resurrection. Jesus Christ as divine and human. Traditional and contemporary Christologies.

SYT 214  Introduction to the Sacraments and Christian Initiation

3 Credits

The sacraments of initiation. Their biblical roots and their historical and theological development in the Christian Church. Contemporary revisions, pastoral applications and ecumenical consideration.

SYT 215 Liturgical Theology

3 Credits

The biblical origins of the Christian Liturgy.  The development of distinct rites in the Eastern and Western Church with a special attention to the ongoing development of the Roman Rite. The theology of Liturgy as a work of the Trinity, an Action of Christ and the Church. The sanctification of the Year and the Day through the celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours. The liturgical movement prior to and following the Second Vatican Council. Cultural, pastoral, and ecumenical considerations.

SYT 240 Theological Anthropology

3 Credits

The Christian understanding of evolution and of the human person. The origin, the structure and the condition of the person in the world; the relationship of the person to God, to others and to the environment. Sin and the origin of evil. The role of grace and love. The relationship between infinite and finite freedom. Hope and the final end of the person.

SYT 288  Ecclesiology

3 Credits

The Church before and after Vatican II. The vision of the Church underlying the basic biblical images (People of God, Body of Christ, Temple of the Holy Spirit). The Church as constituted by the Word of God. The Church as constituted by the Word made flesh. The Church and holiness (including Mariology). The Church as one and apostolic. The Church and the world.

SYT 308 The Theology of Revelation

(Prerequisite: SYT 184)

3 Credits
The modern problem of the compatibility between an authoritative divine revelation and human knowledge, freedom and experience. The development of a “theology of revelation” from Vatican I to Vatican II. Revelation and the Enlightenment. Dei Verbum. Jesus Christ as the revelation of God and humanity. Pluralism and the unity and universality of the Christ event. The Church's teaching on revelation and faith. The Christian act of faith. The question of truth and of on-going revelation.

SYT 385 Theology of God

3 Credits

Aspects of the problem of God in the modern era. Preparations for belief in the Trinity in the history of Israel. The Christ event and the Trinity. The Trinity and the early Church Councils. “Explanations” of the Trinity old and new. Special questions regarding the Trinity (the Trinity and the immutability of God, creation, modern science, evil, gender, Christian worship and spirituality). Pneumatology.

Elective Courses

SYT 200 Understanding Catholicism

3 Credits

Topics in the understanding of the Roman Catholic faith.

SYT 212  Reconciliation and the Pastoral Care of the Sick and Dying

3 Credits

Sin and conversion, sickness and healing in Scripture. The historical and doctrinal development of these sacraments within the Christian tradition. The liturgical celebration of these sacraments and the Order of Christian Funerals, together with pastoral and ecumenical considerations.

SYT 250 The Resurrection of Jesus Christ

3 Credits

The background to the resurrection in the Hebrew Scriptures and Intertestamental literature. The preaching of the resurrection-exaltation in the New Testament. The tomb appearance narratives. The relationship between the cross-resurrection and Trinity, the Church and Mary. The credibility of the resurrection.

SYT 290 God and Humanity in Film

3 Credits
An analysis and discussion of various North American and European films. The relationship between God and the human person, love and hate, good and evil, truth and falsehood, beauty and sin. A study of how film reflects or does not reflect the values of western society and/or the Church.

SYT 343 The Holy Eucharist

3 Credits

A historical, scriptural, theological and liturgical study of the Eucharist, examining the development of the Church’s understanding of this Sacrament and its relation to the Pascal Mystery through five main periods: New Testament, Patristic, Scholastic, Modern and Contemporary. It reviews the emergence of the Eastern and Western rites, with special attention to the Roman Rite, examining the structure of the Eucharistic prayer and its theological underpinnings.

SYT 355 Contemporary Issues in Christology and Theology of God

3 Credits
The Christologies of some of the major theologians: Barth, Bultmann, Pannenberg, Moltmann, Schillebeeckx, liberation theologians, Rahner, von Balthasar. Specific issues in relation to God: atheism, secularization, gender in God, the suffering of God.

SYT 357 Ecumenism

3 Credits
History of the ecumenical movement. Ecumenical dialogue between the Roman Catholic and the Eastern, Anglican and Protestant Churches. Ecumenical activities and dialogues in Canada. Models of Christian unity. Liturgical convergence. Christian-Jewish relations.

SYT 360 Key Theologians: Hans Urs Von Balthasar

3 Credits
Central themes in his theology and spirituality.  Influences on his thought.

SYT 361 Key Theologians: Karl Rahner

3 Credits
Central themes in his theology and spirituality.  Influences on his thought.

SYT 390 Selected Topics

3 Credits
Varied course description.

Core Courses

MPS 100 Introduction to Pastoral Theology

3 Credits
Biblical and historical roots of pastoral theology; theological foundations; current understanding; initial exploration of a theology of ministry and the study of specific ministries; introduction to theological reflection; formation for ministry.

MPS 120 Introduction to Moral Theology

3 Credits
The basic elements of moral theology since Vatican II. Biblical and theological themes that define the person in Christ. The Christian meaning of sin, virtue, conscience, law and moral discernment. The Christian experience of conversion and reconciliation in the way of discipleship.

MPS 170 Introduction to Spiritual Theology

3 Credits
Definitions and understandings of spirituality. Examination of its biblical foundations. Development of spirituality as a discipline of theology. Theological and anthropological dimensions of Christian faith and spirituality. Introduction to the classical spiritual writers, schools of spirituality and contemporary forms of spirituality. The theology and practice of prayer, spiritual discernment and asceticism.

MPS 222 The Social Teaching of the Church

3 Credits
The roots of social justice in the tradition. Major themes in the social teaching documents of the Church. Social teaching in the Canadian/North American church. Social justice, ministry and evangelization. Liberation theology. Social analysis as a tool for Christian ministry.

MPS 230 Theology of Ministry

3 Credits
Origins of Christian community and relationship with the mission of the Church. The meaning and development of ordained ministry as well as history of lay ministry and the relationship between the two. Current issues and ecumenical initiatives. Contemporary models of collaboration in ministry.

MPS 339 Theological Field Education

6 Credits
An introductory practicum consisting of a ministry placement under individual supervision, related classes, and theological reflection in groups on the experience gained. Students must meet with the Director of Field Education at the beginning of their 2nd academic year on the B.Th. program in order to schedule for an assessment and ministry placement.

Students have three options:

• MPS 339ab – To do a year-long ministry placement with a concurrent theological reflection session during the 3rd academic year.
• To complete a Clinical Pastoral Education(C.P.E.) unit during the summer followed by a Theological Reflection Seminar (MPS 339b) in the Fall semester of the 3rd academic year. Copy of the C.P.E. certificate must be provided to the Director of Field Education and Registrar in order to receive transfer credit for MPS 339a which accounts for the practicum component of Field Education.
• MPS 339P – A student enrolled in the one year pastoral placement of MPS 339P is considered in full-time enrollment at NTC. To take a full pastoral internship year at the parish with supervision followed by a Theological Reflection Seminar (MPS 339b) in the following fall semester. This option is available to seminary students. Students register for MPS 339P for the fall of internship year and then MPS 339b in the following fall.

Registration for all three options of MPS 339 requires formal approval by the Field Education Director. MPS 339 Theological Field Education, when offered with a yearlong ministry program or a summer Clinical Pastoral Education unit, is not fulfilled if the student does not pass the ministry portion of the program (MPS 339a) or vice versa (if the student passes the ministerial program but does not pass the Theological Reflection MPS 339b). Under exceptional circumstances, a student may be allowed to repeat MPS 339ab upon the recommendation of the Field Education Director.

Elective Courses

MPS 229 Married Love and Sexuality in the Christian Tradition

(Recommended: SYT 240)

3 Credits
The human dimensions of love and sexuality. The religious meaning of human sexuality in the Judeo-Christian tradition, with special reference to Christian marriage. Issues raised by the contemporary sexual revolution. Doctrinal, liturgical, moral, pastoral, sacramental and spiritual dimensions of Christian marriage.

MPS 233 Practice of Ministry

3 Credits
The basic responsibilities, skills and attitudes of ministry today, particularly in the parish context. These include: understanding the parish reality today and its pastoring; working with Parish Councils and Finance Committees; sacramental preparation; collaborative ministry and team building; conflict resolution; spirituality for today's ministry; pastoral approaches to today’s youth; self-care for ministers; and some other practical issues for today’s effective ministry in parishes.

MPS 235 Introduction to Church Law

3 Credits
Role of law in the Church today. The development of Canon Law. Ecclesiastical laws and the people of God. Revision of Church Law.

MPS 236 Ministry Among the Suffering

3 Credits
The theory and practice of ministry among various groups of suffering people (e.g. the sick, the dying, the handicapped, those with addictions, victims of violence, and the homeless). There will be an emphasis on learning methods and techniques of caring. This will be achieved by means of case studies, role playing, and personal reflection.

MPS 240 Christian Religious Education

3 Credits
In CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION, participants explore the religious and faith development of children, youth and adults with attention to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the General Directory for Catechesis and current catechetical programs. An introduction to teaching skills with emphasis on sacramental preparation, youth ministry and adult religious learning is presented and discussed.

In DIRECTIONS IN ABORIGINAL MINISTRY, participants of the Aboriginal Conference are invited to develop a strong theology of interculturation of faith and to explore a variety of subjects that are directly related to ministry, spirituality, forgiveness, and reconciliation. The course includes presentations and discussions on aboriginal ministry, spirituality and issues, successes, challenges and major issues facing the Aboriginal people of Canada today.

MPS 274 The Concept of Christian Faith

3 Credits
This course begins with a consideration of a prevailing view of Christian Faith as separate from and opposed to human reason, the difficulties with this view and its historical background. The course then examines a variety of views of Christian faith found in Sacred Scripture and Christian tradition, along with 19th and 20th century philosophical and theological works that influence the notion of faith, and works toward a view that incorporates the important insights of each.

MPS 281 Theology and Practice of Preaching

3 Credits
Theology of the Word of God. Theological and pastoral principles of preaching. A practicum for preaching.

MPS 283 Preaching in the Anglican Tradition

3 Credits
Theology of the Word of God. Theological and pastoral principles of preaching. A practicum for preaching.

MPS 325  Bioethics: Moral Issues from the Life Sciences

(Prerequisite: MPS 120 Recommended: SYT 240)

3 Credits
Basic human and Christian values at stake. The rapid development in medical technologies and the growing complexity of the moral issues involved. From extensive case studies, an attempt to develop adequate models for moral evaluation and pastoral counselling.

MPS 342 Classic Christian Spiritualities

(Prerequisite: MPS 170)

3 Credits
Definition of Spirituality and its relationship to Theology. Examination of the biblical foundations including the Jewish context and the connection to the Greek contemplative ideal. Early period to include Origen, the Desert Tradition, early monasticism, Gregory of Nyssa, Evagrius Pontius, and Pseudo Dionysius. The spiritualities of the Middle Ages including Bernard of Clairvaux, the Franciscans, Meister Eckhart, and Julian of Norwich. The course will culminate in spiritualities of St. Ignatius (Ignatian), St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila (Carmelite).

MPS 366 Marriage: Canonical Issues

(Prerequisite: MPS 235)

3 Credits
The place and importance of matrimonial legislation in Church law. General principles, Laws governing preliminaries to marriage, impediments, consent, canonical form, time and place of marriage, effects. Convalidation. Separation of spouses. Second marriages. Pastoral care of the divorced and remarried.

MPS 370 Contemporary Spiritualities

(Recommended: MPS 170)
3 Credits
Fundamental notions of contemporary spirituality and faith. Biblical roots of Christian spirituality. Dimensions of an holistic spirituality. Contemporary spiritual figures and recent spiritual movements. Dimensions of contemporary spiritualities, both Christian and non-Christian. The spirituality of major contemporary theologians. The contributions of the pure and social sciences to spirituality. Prayer, conversion and discipleship.

MPS 375 Spiritual Direction

(A preliminary interview with the instructor is required for admission to the course)

3 Credits
The course deals with the meaning, foundations and principles of spiritual direction in the Church’s tradition. It examines the Biblical foundations and historical development of spiritual direction and its relation to a person’s growth in faith, in prayer and in the Christian life. It will explore some practical aspects of the ministry of spiritual direction and look at the qualities required for those called to this ministry.

MPS 380 The Practice of Christian Ritual

(Prerequisite: SYT 214 or SYT 215)
3 Credits
Theological and pastoral principles for presiding within the liturgical assembly. A practicum for presiding at sacramental liturgies and other cities.

MPS 382 Ritual in the Anglican Tradition

3 Credits
Theological and pastoral principles for presiding within the liturgical assembly. A practicum for presiding at sacramental liturgies.

MPS 384 Theology and Spirituality of Icons

3 Credits
This course will explore the background to the Eastern Christian doctrine concerning icons, including the iconoclast controversy, the patristic writings in defense of icons, and the 7th Ecumenical Council. We will examine the symbolism and meaning of many of the most well-known icons in their details and investigate how icons are made use of liturgically and in our spirituality. The course will also explore the actual process of painting icons with a professional iconographer.

MPS 386 Introduction to Pastoral Counselling

3 Credits
An introduction of the basic issues involved in the ministry of pastoral counselling. Emphasis on heightening the students' understanding of theory, skills, personal maturity and related ethical issues.

MPS 390 Selected Topics

3 Credits
Varied course description.

LNG 101 Fundamentals of Latin I

3 Credits
Elements of grammar, basic vocabulary and practical exercises in classical and Christian Latin.

LNG 102 Fundamentals of Latin II

3 Credits
Elements of grammar, basic vocabulary and practical exercises in classical and Christian Latin. Successful completion of LNG 101 is a prerequisite for LNG 102.

LNG 111 Introduction to Biblical Greek

3 Credits

Elements of grammar, basic vocabulary and practical exercises. Successful completion of LNG 111 is a prerequisite for LNG 112.

LNG 112 Introduction to Biblical Greek

3 Credits
Elements of grammar, basic vocabulary and practical exercises. Successful completion of LNG 111 is a prerequisite for LNG 112.

A process of spiritual, human and pastoral formation for all lay students. This process facilitates growth in human maturity, spiritual development, health and wellness, personal integrity and professional development. It recognizes the inter-relatedness in life of theological education, human maturing, and the universal call to holiness. It will draw from Scripture, the rich spiritual traditions of the Church and from the social sciences.

Full-time and part-time lay students in the B.Th. and M.Div. programs are required to participate in Lay Formation for six semesters.

3 Credits

Socratic seminar on the literature of the late Modern world. Will include genres such as the novel, the short story, lyric poetry, political history, and biography, featuring authors such as Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Conrad, Waugh, Atwood, Boyagoda, Camus, O'Connor, Hopkins, Eliot, Auden, Frost, Burke, Tocqueville, Frankl, and Solzhenitsyn. ENGL 301G is a prerequisite for this course.

Math 160 Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning

3 credits

Introduction to the principles of mathematics as an axiomatic science. The course beginis with a study of the first book of Euclid's seminal work, the Elements, and develops the student;s capacity to apply methods of proof in other branches of mathematics. The course emphasizes conceptual understanding, reasoning, explaining why algorithms work, and problem solving, branching out from geometry to include topics such as number systems, operations, fractional numbers, proportional reasoning.

NSCI 201 The Scientific Process

3 credits

This course addresses the qualities of competent scientists, the limits of purely observational research, and types of scientific methodologies by considering the historical development of the scientific process as the intersection of mathematical reasoning, observation, and experimentation. Students will consider a range of topics in science drawn from fields such as physics, astronomy, or biology, alongside early texts from the history of science, such as Archimedes, Ptolemy, Galileo, Galen, and Darwin, in order to highlight the importance of the four phases of contemporary scientific studies: planning and preparation, data collection, data analysis and interpretation, and scientific writing and presentation.

Requires 18 hours of lab work.

PSYC 210 Psychology and Christianity

3 credits

This course brings contemporary psychology into dialogue with Christian anthropology and traditional Christian approaches to healing of the passions. Through a study of classic texts in psychology and Christian spirituality, students will consider the understanding of human nature, as well as diagnosis and treatment of bio-psychosocial-spiritual challenges from scientific and Christian perspectives. Students will explore scientific psychological praxis alongside traditional Christian diagnosis of human passions in the context of the spiritual life as described and instructed by the Church Fathers and Mothers. 

Requires 18 hours of lab work.