UNBC Continuing Studies is pleased to offer the following courses in Christian Studies. Students who
successfully complete five of the seven courses available will be issued a UNBC Continuing
Studies Certificate in Christian Studies.
Each course may be taken independently as there are no prerequisites for participation.
All courses are the same in content and cost, whether taken for credit or not.
Individual courses may be transferrable as elective credit to most
degree programs at UNBC. If you are enrolled in an academic program at
UNBC, and would like to transfer these courses as elective credits,
please consult your academic advisor prior to registration.
Please note that students may be required to purchase textbooks
for these courses. Textbook costs are additional to the course fees.
The text of the Bible is best read and understood as a complete work of
ancient literature, and this course is an introductory exploration of
the historical context and literary styles of the Old and New
Testaments. Students explore such topics as the original languages,
modern translations, narratives, poetry, wisdom, law, prophecy,
gospels, parables, letters, and the apocalypse, in order to learn to
thoughtfully read the Bible without the aid of other reference works.
This course is foundational to other Biblical study.
In this course, students will:
Interpret each of the various sections of the Bible independently, without the aid of commentaries, dictionaries, etc.
Articulate and critique various contemporary methods of exegeting (understanding) a Biblical text.
Describe the history and transmission of the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts of the Bible.
Evaluate and assess the humerous English translations available today.
XREL 112-3: History of the Christian Church
This course sketches the history of the Christian religion, with
particular emphasis on its church institutions, doctrines and
organization, and other influence on women and men of faith, from the
first century to the present day. The general emphasis throughout the
course is on broad exposure to the world of the Christian church, its
common people, and their relationship to the larger socio-political
world.
Upon the completion of this course, students should be able to:
Articulate the broad scope of the history of the Christian church, its major turning points, personalities, and teachings.
Describe the importance of historical context (especially social,
political, and religious thought and actions) on the formation of
church teachings and practices.
Develop an appreciation for people of the church in the history of Christianity.
XREL 114-3: Christian Spirituality
Christian spirituality is a popular concept that stems
from ancient roots. This introductory course will invite students to explore the
nature of their own spiritual formation as well as introduce beliefs and
practices of formation and community from Christian traditions of spirituality,
from a Christian perspective. Participants will discover and participate in a
variety of Christian spiritual practices that encourage a Biblical and holistic
approach to life.
Upon successful completion of this course, you should
be able to:
Articulate a Biblical
theology of personal spiritual growth.
Thoughtfully answer the question, “What does it mean to live a
Christian life?”.
Describe and
evaluate the various principles, methods and teachings used to help people grow
spiritually, in light of the Old and New Testaments.
Explore and practice the Biblical,
theological and historical elements of Christian spirituality.
XREL 116-3: Life and Teachings of Jesus
Jesus Christ has impacted the world unlike any other person in
history. Profound and multifaceted, Jesus' life and teachings are
explored through the careful study of the history, culture, miracles
and teachings presented in the four ancient Gospel accounts of Matthew,
Mark, Luke, and John.
In this course, students will:
Identify and describe the historical circumstances of the period between the writing of the Old and New Testaments.
Analyze the various critical methods that scholars use to study ancient documents.
Determine the unique historical literary and theological characteristics of each of the four Gospels.
Determine and synthsize Jesus' primary teachings and activities.
Describe and evaluate the major issues surrounding the historicity and theology of Jesus.
XREL 118-3: Introduction to the New Testament
The
New Testament consists of numerous types of literature, and reflects a
variety of viewpoints of Jesus and his followers. As a detailed
exploration of the historical context, literary styles and theological
themes of each of the books of the New Testament, this course serves as
an overview of current New Testament studies and also as a launching
pad for further study of both Jesus and the first Christians.
In this course, students will:
Describe the cultural, political and religious background of each New Testament book.
Describe the historical development and intended purpose of each book.
Identify and assess the various critical approaches to studying the New Testament.
Identify and explain the central themes of each book as well as the themes running through the New Testament as a whole.
Discuss the influence of the New Testament in both the early and modern Church.
COST
XREL 110-3: History and Literature of the Bible
$395.00
XREL 112-3: History of the Christian Church
$395.00
XREL 114-3: Christian Spirituality
$395.00
XREL 116-3: Life and Teachings of Jesus
$395.00
XREL 118-3: Introduction to the New Testament
$395.00
Note: The course cost for any students who elect to take the course(s) as non-credit is subject to GST.
Full payment is due with each course registration.
SCHEDULE
Courses
in the Certificate in Christian Studies are scheduled on a regular
basis with the intent of making the certificate completable within approximately one
year to a year and a half. Course days/times vary. A minimum enrolment is required to run the courses.
Please CLICK HERE to view the current course offerings.
REGISTRATION
Registration
for the courses in the Certificate in Christian Studies is on a
first-come, first-served basis. Payment is due with each
registration.
Please CLICK HERE for information on how to register.
INSTRUCTORS
Mark Wessner, PhD
Professor Mark Wessner is the Senior Associate Pastor at Westwood
MB Church and is also an Associate Professor of Religious Studies for
an American university (online). In addition, Mark has been a Prison
Chaplain at Prince George Regional Correctional Centre, was responsible
for implementing and managing a new client-focused service delivery
initiative on behalf of the provincial government, and has management
his own consulting company specializing in project management and web
site development. Mark has earned an undergraduate degree in Biblical
Studies (Canadian Bible College), a graduate degree in Old
Testament/Hebrew Scriptures (Regent College), and a doctoral degree in
Theology/Old Testament Studies (University of Pretoria). Mark's
foundational approach to teaching, whether it is in a traditional
classroom or through distance education is that (1) truth is to be
carefully discerned by the learner, rather than arbitrarily dictated by
the teacher, and (2) the teacher is to provide the environment,
resources and expertise by which the learner is to thoughtfully
explore, critque and relate to the subject matter.
Neil Lettinga, PhD
CRC Chaplain, and Adjust Professor in the Faculty of History at UNBC.
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