Graduate Programs - Courses Offered in 2012-13
Important Dates
Deadline for Fall Registration: August 20
Deadline for Winter Registration: November 30
Deadline for Spring Summer Registration: March 31
($20 late fee)
Please note that the syllabi attached to the courses below are preliminary and subject to change. If you have questions, feel free to contact the instructor.
Fall 2012 Semester - Course Descriptions
BTS-5002 The Old Testament—A Theological Introduction: (3.0 credit hours) The purpose of this course is to provide a general introduction designed to help the student make sense of the Old Testament on its own terms, i.e., in respect to its historical and literary moorings, and to make it possible for the student to begin to discern the unity, the theological significance, and the relevance of the Hebrew Bible. The course will cover three distinct areas: methods of interpretation, basic themes (e.g., the land, the promise, the covenant, war, justice, etc.), and theology.
Prof. Pierre Gilbert; T 6-8:45
BTS-5100 Biblical Theology—Reading the Bible with Walter Brueggemann: (3.0 credit hours) This course will explore selected writings of Walter Brueggemann, one of the most prolific and insightful biblical scholars of our generation, focussing on the major themes of his work. The course will examine Brueggemann’s theological insights on various biblical texts, especially the prophets and psalms, and their relevance for contemporary Christians living in an era radically different from, yet strangely reminiscent of, biblical times.
Prof. Dan Epp-Tiessen; Dual Track Course; W 2:30-5:15
BTS-5230 Elementary Biblical Greek I: (3.0 credit hours) This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of Koine Greek grammar and vocabulary. Selected prose texts in the New Testament will be read and translated.
Prof. Gordon Zerbe; Dual Track Course; MW 1-2:15
BTS-5500 Topics – Reading Christian Classics: (3.0 credit hours) Engaging seminal readings in Christianity’s two thousand year history and becoming familiar with the context that lies behind the texts will bring to light the paradoxical reality of unity and diversity within the history of the church and underscore the dynamic nature of Christian spirituality and theology. The course will focus on authors such as the following: Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Tertullian, Origen, Cyprian, Ambrose, Augustine, The Cappadocians, Benedict, John of Damascus, Hildegard of Bingen, Anselm, Abelhard, Thomas Aquinas, St. Francis, Gabriel Biel, William of Ockam, Thomas a Kempis, Julian of Norwich, Tauler, Luther, Calvin, Müntzer, the Anabaptists, Herbert, Wesley, Spener, Francke, Edwards, Schleiermacher, Bonhoeffer, Barth, Ruether, Cone, Mother Theresa, Berry, and others.
Prof. Karl Koop; Dual Track Course; M 2:30-5:15
BTS-5740 Theologies of Peace and Justice: (3.0 credit hours) This course will introduce students to selected literature in contemporary writings on peace and justice. It will examine material that sometimes falls under the heading of political theology. Students will read authors drawn from the following list: Karl Barth, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Dorothee Soelle, Walter Rauschenbusch, Reinhold Niebuhr, H. Richard Niebuhr, George Grant, Alasdair MacIntyre, Martin Luther King, Rosemary Ruether, Sharon Welch, Mercy Oduyoye, James Cone, George Tinker, John Howard Yoder, Stanley Hauerwas, Oliver O’Donovan, John Milbank and William Cavanaugh.
Prof. Harry Huebner; T 2:30-5:15
BTS-5800 Biblical and Theological Studies Tour—Christianity on the Margins: (3.0 credit hours) Explore the wild physical, social and theological Christian landscapes in Great Britain. From the Greenbelt Christian Arts Festival in Cheltenham, England to fringe ministries in London & Glasgow to the Isle of Iona, Scotland - a fierce, medieval landscape where the line between the physical and the spiritual is paper thin. For centuries, the margins of the church have been a place where Christians have more faithfully been able to discern the call of Christ. Deep Down on the Edge takes participants to the margins to examine what Christianity looks like there and on the journey, perhaps have their own faith renewed.
Prof. Irma Fast Dueck; Dual Track; August 23 to September 8
BTS-5900 Research and Methodology: (3.0 credit hours) The purpose of this course is to equip students with fundamental skills in theological reflection, research and writing. It will examine theological methods with a particular emphasis on praxis approaches and will assist students in the rudimentary steps of thesis research and writing. The seminar is open to all MA students interested in developing the art of theological reflection and honing research skills, and is not limited to thesis-track students.
Prof. Irma Fast Dueck; W 6-8:45
Winter 2013 Semester - Course Descriptions
BTS-5162 Topics—The Prophets of the Old Testament: (3.0 credit hours) In this course we will examine the prophetic literature of the Old Testament in the light of its cultural and historical context. We will give special attention to the role of the prophet in ancient Israelite society and the issues that are addressed in the prophetic discourse. The course will also seek to articulate a methodological grid relative to the contextualization of such literature in a confessional setting. In this respect, we will focus particularly on the use of the prophetic discourse in the context of preaching and teaching to a post-modern and increasingly secular audience.
Prof. Pierre Gilbert; February 18-22; 9-5pm
BTS-5240 Elementary Biblical Greek II: (3.0 credit hours) A continuation of the fundamentals of Koine Greek grammar and vocabulary. Selected prose texts in the New Testament will be read and translated. Prerequisite: BTS-5230.
Prof Gordon Zerbe; Dual Track Course; MW 1-2:15
BTS-5400 Preaching [PT]: (3.0 credit hours) This course will explore the nature and purpose of preaching, basic techniques of effective oral communication, creative sermon forms, how to move from biblical text to sermon, the power of stories and illustrations, and effective sermon delivery. Students will preach and listen to practice sermons in class.
Prof. Dan Epp-Tiessen; Dual Track; T 6-8:45
BTS-5420 Christian Worship [PT]: (3.0 credit hours) This course will include a biblical, historical, and theological examination of worship, as well as focus on issues related to the contemporary practice of worship, including worship in the Anabaptist-Mennonite experience. Practical implications of worship will also be explored such as worship planning, worship leading, and the visual arts in worship.
Prof. Irma Fast Dueck; Dual Track Course; T 2:30-5:15
BTS-5700 Topics – Post-reformation Christian Political Theology: (3.0 credit hours) The study of primary sources that illustrate how theology fashioned Christian practices and understanding regarding the ordering of society, and the place of the church in the post-Reformation modern era will provide the focus for this course. The course is intended to acquaint the student with the modern tradition of Western Christian political thought, with an emphasis on the contribution of theological arguments to political thought.
Prof. Paul Doerksen; Dual Track Course; TH 6-8:45
BTS-5780 Systematic Theology [T]: (3.0 credit hours) This course gives attention to the major themes of Christian belief such as revelation and the authority of scripture, God and creation, the nature of humanity, the person and work of Jesus Christ, sin and salvation, the nature of the church and its practices, the Christian life, and eschatology.
Prof. Karl Koop; Dual Track Course; W 6-8:45; Online Course
Spring 2013 Semester - Course Descriptions
BTS-5050 NT Exegesis and Interpretation—Matthew: (3.0 credit hours) This course will explore the content of the book of Matthew and its portrayal of the birth, life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus. After a discussion of introductory matters such as theories about the book’s setting, author, sources, structure, and purpose, we will engage in a detailed examination of each section of the book, keeping in mind what each shorter section contributes to the whole. Comparing Matthew to the other Gospels will highlight both what Matthew has in common with other early Christian portrayals of Jesus, as well as Matthew’s unique perspective. The study of certain specific passages will become the occasion to discuss modern scholarly methods and approaches to the study and interpretation of Matthew, as well as larger themes or issues related to the book (e.g. Christological titles, discipleship, ecclesiology, kingdom of God, the role of women, conflict with Jewish authorities, fulfillment of the Mosaic Law, invective against the Pharisees, view of history, role of miracles, the last judgement, use of the Old Testament, supersessionism, etc.). Class sessions will consist of lectures and discussions around specific passages and topics.
Prof. Gordon Zerbe; May 13-17, 2013
BTS-5330 Spiritual Formation for Ministry: (3.0 credit hours) This experience-based seminar will provide students with opportunity to develop pastoral/ministerial identity and self-understanding through the use of personality tests, readings, reflection papers and class discussions. It will provide a forum for faith sharing and for developing self-awareness of gifts and competencies. Particular attention will be given to spiritual formation for ministry.
Prof. Irma Fast Dueck; May 6-10, 2013
