2016-17 LTS Course Offerings Brochure

Course Offeringsat LTS 2016–17

Course Offeringsat LTS 2016–17

2 LTS Course Offerings 2016–17

On-Site Intensives (MDiv)On-site intensives are taught at the seminary in Saskatoon (or, occasionally, in another location outside Saskatoon) and require students to be present in the same room as the professor for the duration of the course. Intensive classes are one or two weeks in length, with the expectation that final assignments will be completed in the weeks immediately following the class. BL 231 Pentateuch 12 – 22 Sept Rev. Dr. Kristine Ruffatto

This course surveys the contents of the Pentateuch (Torah), its histor-ical contexts and theological themes and traditions. It includes

analysis of selected texts and streams of tradition in the Pentateuch and examination of their various theological visions of God, humanity

(ancient Israel and its neighbours), and the natural world, as well as the interrelationship between them. We will read the biblical texts on their own terms, and also compare these texts with other ancient sources that shed light on their interpretation. The course provides basic knowledge of critical methodologies for studying and understanding

the Pentateuch (the tools of biblical exegesis). We will consider the authorial/compositional, literary, form-critical, and redactional complexity of the Pentateuchal texts, the significance of these writings for the life and faith of ancient Israel, and their implica-tions for contemporary people of faith.

PL 215 Homiletics 21 – 25 Nov; 13 – 17 FebRev. Drs. Laura & Philip Holck mornings

Preaching is about connecting our story with God’s story and devel-oping the ability to invite others into a similar experience of God’s

grace. We begin by exploring the connections between our own lives and biblical stories and examining how God’s transforming promises are communicated through the sermon event.

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We will explore methods for personal spiritual preparation, exegesis of biblical texts, devel-opment of sermon structure, and effective sermon performance. Through the evaluation of sermons of well-established preachers and our own relationship to biblical story, we will evaluate the preacher’s expectations of the preached word and how those might differ from the expectations of God and sermon hearers. Finally, we will explore the possibility of being emptied of our own ideas and agendas to be filled with a holy message to bring a word of promise and celebration to God’s people.

BL 276 Gospel of Matthew 9 – 13 Jan Rev. Dr. William Richards & Dr. Ched Myers“Earth, Fire, Wind and Water: The Elements of Destiny in the Gospel of Matthew”

The Gospel of Matthew is a complex early Christian writing, incor-porating materials from a variety of genres: it expands the collec-

tion of sign-and-wonder stories found in Mark, and gathers great blocks of sayings similar to those of Thomas. However, Matthew

also adds its own new “elements” to the story, from the opening genealogy of its hero to his great commission at the conclusion of its tale – elements that construct an image of Jesus as a figure of Destiny. To help prepare for a year of preaching from the Year A gospel, this

course works through the book’s twenty-eight chapters attentive to how these primary elements – earth, fire, wind, and water – contrib-ute to shaping a personal history unfolding as it has to.

Tuition: $780 for credit; $500 for clergy continuing ed; $250 interest/observationAdditional fees: textbooksEducational prerequisite: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

MDiv-level courses can also be taken for credit in the Diaconal Ministry Certificate program. Courses taken for diaconal credit cost $550.

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PL 115 Intro to Liturgy 21 – 25 Nov; 13 – 17 FebRev. Eric Dyck afternoons(Part A)

This course offers an overview of the development of the liturgy in the West (Roman Rite) from worship in the New Testament,

the Early Church, the Middle Ages, and the situations of the refor-mation churches, particularly Lutheran and Anglican to present day (20th century reforms, eg. Vatican II, late 1960s, Lutheran Book of Worship, 1978, global sharing of resources, Evangelical Lutheran Worship, 2006, online resources and local printing). An historical context for worship, exploration of symbolism, ritual, text, art, and

architecture helps us engage questions of contemporary worship practice for contemporary assemblies in their cultural contexts and settings. Consideration is given to the dynamic of praxis and theol-ogy in liturgy. Examination of the elements for liturgies of the Word, Eucharist, Baptism, and an introduction to pastoral rites (e.g. Confes-sion, Anointing, Healing, blessings, funerals, marriages etc) will occur.

(Part B)

The second part looks at the elements of rite, liturgical style, and the Lutheran resources available for worship leaders. We will examine

the classic liturgies of the paschal cycle (including historical develop-ment) and focus on liturgy as mission and how each of the parts of the Sunday liturgy (Gathering, Word, Meal, Sending) can be considered as missional. Work will continue (from autumn) with the Pastoral Rites, especially the liturgies for marriage and burial. A brief look at the daily offices, especially for the spiritual life of the pastor and appropriate corporate use, will be presented.

Students will have the choice between written assign-ments or workshops that feature the liturgies being discussed.

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BL 275 Romans 23 Jan – 3 FebRev. John Gram

It changed the life of St. Augustine and from its text Luther could hear angels singing. Paul’s letter to the Romans

has shaped the theological perspective of Christians since its first reading. This course will examine the theology of Paul as revealed in the letter, consider its historical and

cultural context, and using the standard tools of interpretation, seek to let Paul’s voice speak to us and shape our theological thinking.

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PL215 Pastoral Care 20 – 31 MarRev. Dr. Michael Nel

This course will provide an in-depth study of Bowen theory and it application to church systems. It will

explore the interface between Bowen theory and practi-cal theology. Furthermore it will prepare the student to develop a personal understanding and application of practical theology.

Courses By-the-MonthSep: Pentateuch (12–22), Foundations of Rural Ministry (12–16), Leadership in the

Parish (26–30), Christian Education (23–24 & 16–18 Nov)Oct: Psalms (3–14), Isaiah (31–10 Nov)Nov: Homiletics a (21–25 am), Liturgy a (21–25 pm), Hosea (21–25)Semester-Long Fall Term: Pathways to Prayer, Religion & Health, Intro to

Christology, Christian Scriptures I, Intro to Christian EthicsJan: Gospel of Matthew (9–13), DMin Capstone (9–13), Romans (23–3 Feb), Feb: Homiletics b (13–17 am), Liturgy b (13–17 pm), Holy Spirit (20–24)Mar: Pastoral Care (20–31)Apr: Gospel of John (17–28), MDiv/BTh Capstone (17–21)Semester-Long Winter Term: Christology, Christian Scriptures IIMay: Qualitative Research Methods

MDiv/BTh, Internship/Cont. Ed, Discovery, DMin, Distance


Blended IntensivesBlended intensives offer two options: students may take it in the classroom with the professor (normally, at the Seminary in Saskatoon) or they may join the group via live streaming from another location (e.g., their home) using a webcam and telephone. BL 224 Psalms 3 – 14 OctRev. Dr. Kristine Ruffatto

This course surveys the contents of the book of Psalms, its historical contexts and religious ideas. It studies the

themes and traditions of the Psalter, their significance for the life and faith of ancient Israel, their appropriation in the New Testament, and their implications for contemporary people of faith. Special attention will be given to the use of the psalms in preaching and ministry.

BL228 Isaiah and the Prophets 31 Oct – 10 Nov Rev. Dr. Kristine Ruffatto

This introductory course explores the phenomenon of proph-ecy in ancient Israel as well as the themes and traditions in the

prophetic books and writings of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), with a concentration on the book of Isaiah. It provides a framework for contemporary study of the prophetic movement, its historical contexts, its significance for the life and faith of ancient Israel, and its implications for contemporary people of faith.

HL 286 Gospel of John 17 – 28 AprRev. John Gram

John’s Gospel doesn’t have its own year in the lectionary cycle, but the Fourth Gospel is woven into the fabric of the lectionary, so over

the course of the three-year cycle nearly all of it is read. This course will employ critical tools to examine the history and theol-ogy of the Fourth Gospel in order to appreciate how its perspectives differ from the Synoptic tradition, enriching our experience of the Good News of Jesus Christ. Our goal will be to find ways to use the glorious variety of John’s Gospel in the proclamation of that Good News.

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Tuition: $780 for credit; $500 for clergy continuing ed; $250 interest/observationAdditional fees: textbooks, $125 distance education fee (if by distance)Educational prerequisite: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

MDiv-level courses can also be taken for credit in the Diaconal Ministry Certificate program. Courses taken for diaconal credit cost $550.

Semester-Long OnlineThese classes take place online, with little or no requirement that students be on the internet at the same time as the professor. Students can complete all or most of the work on their own schedule each week at their convenience. SA 113 Intro to Christian Theology 12 Sept – 9 Dec Rev. Dr. Don Schweitzer

An introduction to major themes of Christian theology: God, creation, human nature, Christ, salvation, the community of

faith, and the goal of salvation history. These themes are studied in the context of issues such as the irruption of difference in terms of race, gender, sexual orientation, the impact of globalization, the ecological crises and the changing places of churches in Western societies. The overarching goal of the course is to help students interpret the Chris-tian faith in relation to life in the contemporary world.

SA 152 Intro to Christian Ethics 12 Sept – 9 DecRev. Dr. Lynn Caldwell

In this introductory course, students learn about methods for analyzing moral arguments and responding to ethical

dilemmas through a study of diverse traditions in Chris-tian ethics. Explore the roles of Scripture, tradition, reason and experience as sources for ethical discernment and develop a reflective and critical approach to naming and responding to contemporary ethical issues.

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BE 155 & 156 Early Christian Scriptures I & II

12 Sept – 9 Dec; 16 Jan – 13 AprRev. Dr. Bill Richards & Dr. Ched Myers

This course invites a careful reading of all the New Testament writings, as well as some other examples of early Christian liter-

ature. The study begins by exploring the different kinds of literature early Christians wrote: letters, sayings-collections, etiologies, hymn-collections, apocalypses, and testimo-nies. The next set of texts for study illustrate how early Christians combined and edited

such materials in shaping longer documents. Our literary concern is with appreciating the layers of meaning that have been created within the text in its present state, while our historical concern is with identifying the issues that their first Christian readers were having to face. BE 155 focuses on texts with the strongest links to Judaism (Mark, Matthew, James, the Didache, “Q”). BE 156 shifts the focus to those texts which more explicitly address a Gentile audience (Paul, John, Luke-Acts).

SA 214 Christology 16 Jan – 13 AprRev. Dr. Don Schweitzer

Beginning from the historical Jesus and drawing on contemporary critical Christologies, this course

follows the development of faith in Jesus as the Christ and examines different ways of understanding his saving significance in different contexts. The goal is to equip students to develop and articulate their own Christology

in a way that is authentic to the Chris-tian tradition, their own experience, the experiences of others with whom they are in dialogue and the needs of communities to which the students belong.

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Tuition: $780 for credit; $500 for clergy continuing edAdditional fees: textbooks

On-Site Intensives (Internship) Rostered ministers are welcome to take these classes (excluding Capstone) for continuing education alongside the Internship students. PL 256 Leadership in the Parish 26 – 30 SeptRev. Dan Haugen

There are many leadership models. This course will explore some models of leadership which can be taken into the work of ministry

we share with the priesthood of all believers who all have roots and life in the broader communities in which they live, work and play. As followers of Jesus, there are other challeng-ing perspectives to consider in leadership. Some of these perspectives are quite counter-culture to our time, but may indeed have much to offer that can be like good salt or light for any leadership model and role.

However, if we have no clear vision of purpose, leadership of any model has nowhere to go (or anywhere to go). Leadership can be taken in many directions. Leadership can move in directions that confuse and destroy. Leadership can move in directions which are life giving.

One of the significant differences in Christian leadership is the need to consider what it means to be under a “commission.” The Christian leader is “called” as one who serves God. Leadership takes on quali-ties of being a follower. Does that limit leadership or make it more dynamic?

And since we are talking about leadership in the parish…we will take time to look at the Letter of Call and the life of the Church with some of the practical knowledge and skills that must be consciously devel-oped, from stewardship of time, parish logistics, and ways to enjoy the call and the people we serve.

Internship/Continuing Ed.


PL 260 Christian Ed: Faith Formation 23 – 24 Sept, 16 – 18 NovRev. Dr. James Hendricksen

This course will explore the nature, purpose and practice of faith formation and Christian education

from both theoretical and practical perspectives. Students will engage in exploring the educational relations between vision and practice, content and context, methods and learners, faith and life as experienced in the context of

congregational ministry.

BL229 Hosea 21 – 25 NovRev. Dan Haugen

The prophet Hosea took his message to the northern kingdom of Israel in the eighth century BCE. The challenging and sobering

message of the prophet is sketched under the image of the harlot. The faithlessness experienced within the relationship of the prophet’s home was a parable expression of the life of the nation. The consequences of faithlessness in the life of the nation are traced in the prophet’s analyses to its impact on the social, religious, political and economic life of the nation of Israel. Overshadowing the faithless nation is the God who had called these people to be a nation, blessed to be a blessing. Through the message of the prophet, the “steadfast love” of God wrestles with faithlessness and longs to see life restored for the nation so deeply loved.

The harlotry image has normally been viewed as a sexual motif. This course will explore the message of Hosea under the image of harlotry as a “materialistic” motif. The harlot “loves” her hire, represented in the grain and the oil, flax and wool, the material needs and securities of life. The prophet says, there is no knowledge of God in the land. The alternative was found in harlotry. Finally, we will explore the image and the message of the prophet as we examine the world in which we live. This might assist us in our homiletical task and to inform our ministry where we are commissioned to share the redeeming work and the love of God for the struggling world.

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SA 340 The Holy Spirit 20 – 24 FebRev. Dr. Don Schweitzer

The earliest testimonies to the Holy Spirit in the biblical traditions describe an elusive, mysterious presence

that strengthened, renewed and saved life – not subject to human control. It could endanger life. As Jewish and Christian traditions developed fuller understandings of God’s Spirit, they continued to affirm its elusive and mysterious dimensions, partly because of the diversity of the gifts of the Spirit and the ways it can be present. The Holy Spirit is one. The biblical traditions do not describe it as always present in the same way. The gifts of the Spirit can also vary greatly. The Spirit gives peace and joy. Yet it may also be present in anger and sorrow.

Objectives =Introduce students to the scope of the work of the Holy Spirit and its nature as understood in the Biblical traditions and contemporary theology =Acquaint students with historic understandings of the Holy Spirit =Help students develop their own understanding of the Holy Spirit, in dialogue with the Biblical traditions, contemporary theology and their own experience

CL 399 Capstone Course 17 – 21 AprRev. Drs. Cam Harder, Michael Nel, & Kristine Ruffatto

This course aims to help students integrate their experience of ministry in the parish and in para-church organizations with the

theology and theory they have taken in previous seminary train-ing. Drawing on resources from several disciplines, it analyzes case studies from internship and other sources. The course examines non-traditional options for rostered ministry and will help students to prepare for first call. Conducted primarily as a seminar, the course requires deep and thoughtful participation by all students.

Internship/Continuing Ed.


Non-Credit OnlineDiscovery courses are non-credit, just-for-interest courses offered for lay people (though clergy are welcome to join!) who are interested in learning more about theology, spirituality, ecumenism, ethics, the Bible, and other aspects of their faith. These courses are fewer hours than credit courses (usually about 15 hours) and have no formal assignments. DPL 148 Pathways to Prayer 19 Sep – 18 Nov Dr. Faith Nostbakken videoconference Sun evenings

Prayer is a mystery, gift, and calling. The mystery is that we somehow encounter an eternal God whom cannot see. The gift is that God is

always the initiator in any prayer, and the calling is God’s open invita-tion for us to respond to this sacred relationship. Prayer is, therefore,

the most basic and yet most challenging foundation of our Christian faith. We hunger for it; we wonder how to do it. Some of the pathways to prayer included will be to rediscover the treasure of the Psalms and the Lord’s Prayer, to engage Scripture with our minds and imaginations, to rely on silence and breath as prayerful intentions, and to

express ourselves to God through simple art and our own bodies. Come and share the journey; together let us grow.

DPL 142 Religion and Health 26 Sept – 18 Nov Rev. Dr. Ali Tote videoconference Mon evenings

This course will explore, primarily from a Christian perspective and through an interdisciplinary lens,

the history, the research, and the advances of the fields of religion and health at their points of convergence. The course is designed to include students of various backgrounds, including theology, nursing, medicine, and sociology.

Tuition: $125. Also $25 first-time course fee if this is your first LTS course. Weekly Workload: w Join video conference (approx 60 minutes)

w Read or watch assigned articles/videos w Participate in discussion forum

Educational prerequisite: None. Basic biblical literacy is helpful.

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Tuition: $1000Educational prerequisite: MDiv or equivalent

On-Site Intensives (DMin)The DMin program is for clergy who are interested in engaging their communities more effectively, bringing their gifts into stronger partnership with community groups and institutions. Other clergy are invited to take these classes even when not formally enrolled in the program.IU 605 Foundations for Rural Ministry & Community 12 – 16 SeptRev. Dr. Cam Harder

This course will examine community demographics, economics and culture in stressed communities,

particularly rural ones. It will explore theological and theoretical models for ministry that builds health and resilience in the surrounding community. And it will intro-duce students to tools for church-initiated community development, based on those models.

IU777 Capstone Course 9 – 13 JanTBD

IU781 Qualitative Research Methods SpringDr. Lynn Caldwell

This course will focus on critical issues, questions, and decisions involved in designing and carrying out qualitative research projects

in rural contexts. The focus will be on engaging students with information about qualitative research in a broad sense, as well as with questions and resources particular to their own identified research interests and contexts. Specific methods for community-based research will be presented and a researcher’s roles and responsibilities in selecting appropriate methods will be discussed. Attention will be given to critical questions about data generation, collaboration with and reporting to community members and research participants, and interpretation of research materials and experiences.

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MDiv/BTh CurriculumThe MDiv program is the standard program which prepares a candidate for Ordination. The BTh program is designed to prepare candidates for Ordination who are over thirty-five years of age and who do not have a first university degree. Requirements are similar for both programs; BTh students are not required to have a Biblical language.

Most first- and second-year classes are offered in alternate years, grouped thematically with related courses. Students may begin their studies either in “Year A” or “Year B”; both years are required before Internship but either set of courses can be taken first. MDiv/BTh students take 27 three-credit courses and 3 one-credit course.

Biblical (6 Three-Credit Courses)BL 231 Pentateuch: God Calls and LiberatesBL 224 Psalms: God ListensBL 228 Isaiah and the Prophets: God Acts for JusticeBL 276 OR 277 OR 278 The Gospel for the Lectionary Year: God IncarnateBL 272 Galatians OR BL 275 Romans: God JustifiesBL 283 Pastoral Epistles and Revelation: God Cares

Pastoral Theology (3 Three-Credit Courses)PL 115 Introduction to LiturgyPL 215 Introduction to HomileticsPL 230 Pastoral Care and Counselling

Systematic Theology, Ethics (5 Three-Credit Courses)SL/PL 155 Globalization/EthicsSL 210 Theology ISL 211 Theology II

Colour KeyCourses normally offered in Year A Courses normally offered in Year BCourses normally taken during Internship (2016–17 is a Year A)


SL 334 Contemporary TheologiansSL 338 Contemporary Ethics: Lived Confessions in the World

Church History and Historical Theology (4 Three-Credit Courses)

HL 111 The Story of Christianity, Part 1: Early and MedievalHL 112 The Story of Christianity, Part 2: Reformation and ModernHL 248 Confessional Lutheranism in the Canadian ContextSL 120 Lutheran Confessions

Internship & Electives (9 Three-Credit Courses)

PL 260 Christian Education: Formation, Teaching Theology in Confirmation & Adult EdPL 261 Christian Education: Formation, Teaching the Bible in Confirmation & Adult EdCL399 Capstone Course: Biblical Proclamation in Parish Ministry CrossOne course on Leadership in the Parish One course on Outreach MinistryOne course in Biblical StudiesOne course in Systematic Theology OR Ethics OR History One course in Advanced Homiletics OR Advanced Liturgy OR Advanced Pastoral Care One open elective

Colloquia Courses (3 One-Credit Required Courses)

CL 100 Orientation: God Speaks: The Theology of the WordCL 101 God Speaks: The “I AM” texts and Creedal FormationCL 102 Globalization/Cross Cultural Immersion Practicum (field aspect of SL/PL 155)

Other Required Experiences

• Biblical language (Hebrew or Biblical Greek): 6-credit class or Competency Exam*• Clinical Pastoral Education or Pastoral Counselling Education (1 unit)*• Comprehensive Exams after Year A and Year B• Internship/Pastoral Residency (18-20 months)

*students are encouraged to complete before coming to seminary

About Our M

Div/BTh Program

Lutheran Theological Seminary Saskatoon114 Seminary CresSaskatoon, SK S7N 0X3

version dated 30 June 2016

How to RegisterYou can register for any of these courses through the LTS Populi, available at

http://ltssk.populiweb.com1. If you don’t yet have an account, use the APPLY NOW button on the front page of

http://luther.usask.ca2. When your application is submitted, the Registrar will activate your account. 3. Populi will send you an email with the password you can use to register for classes.

Contact Information

Development [email protected]

Pamela Giles 306.966.7846 w Joe Stolee 403.478.9684

Registrar Colleen Rickard

[email protected]

Documents

2016-17 LTS Course Offerings Brochure