The Certificate in Christian Studies will be offered through Continuing Education as a partnership among the three affiliated/federated Colleges Assumption University, Canterbury College and Iona College (the TriColleges).
The certificate seeks to provide an interdisciplinary overview of Christianity. The courses will include an introductory course, science and religion, the Bible, Jesus of Nazareth, interfaith dialogue, and a topics course that will change annually.
The purpose of these courses is to introduce students to the foundational texts, historical developments, cultural and literary expressions, and diversity of the Christian tradition. In its many forms, Christianity has also had an extensive and diverse impact across the globe. Students will study Christianity in an academic environment from a historical and humanities-based perspective. The certificate has been developed in the spirit of ecumenism, bringing together four institutions with a long history of dialogue and collaboration. In turn, the courses are designed with a pluralistic approach in mind and with the intent of welcoming students from diverse backgrounds.
The Certificate in Christian Studies represents an historic partnership between the University of Windsor and its federated and affiliated colleges, namely Assumption University, Canterbury College, and Iona College.
The Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board recognizes and supports the Certificate in Christian Studies as a hiring asset for teachers.
"The Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board is pleased to support the Certificate in Christian Studies at Assumption University.
We would be pleased to consider the successful completion of this Certificate an asset in the hiring process for our teachers.
The Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board looks forward to continuing to work with Assumption University to strengthen Catholic Education in our region. To that end, we would appreciate updates on the success of the program to further our promotional efforts with current staff and future applicants."
– Emelda Byrne, Director of Education, Windsor-Essex County District School Board
While this certificate is open to anyone of interest, and providing it does not interfere with their obligations to the B.Ed. program, students from the Faculty of Education are encouraged to complete the certificate to prepare for potential employment with WECDSDB.
This certificate consists of 6 university-level courses and provides an opportunity to take the courses in one of two ways:
- Non-credit option which includes 1 final assignment, or
- Credit Option which includes an academic credit toward Assumption University.
Courses:
Schedule: Mondays and Wednesdays, January 8 to April 10, 2024 | 4:00pm - 5:20pm
This course is part of the Certificate of Christian Studies and is offered by the Tri-Colleges (Assumption University, Canterbury College and Iona College).
This course offers a survey of Christian thought from its origins to the present. Through the reading of a wide range of primary texts – encompassing different historical periods, literary genres, polemical concerns, and religious sensibilities – this course demonstrates the diversity within Christianity. This course also provides an academic study of Christianity within the wider context of other religions and worldviews in a pluralistic and interdependent world. The course does not presume a familiarity with Christianity in any of its manifestations, and students can expect to develop a critical analysis in this religion from a variety of perspectives.
In order to successfully complete the course, learners must attend class and receive a grade of 65% or higher on a short reflection assignment.
Suggested Textbook:
McGrath: Christanity: An Introduction 9781118465653 (e-book 978-1118465653)
Instructor: Gordon Raymond Maitland
Gordon was born and raised in Hamilton, ON, and did his undergraduate degree (in Philosophy) at McMaster University. He obtained a Master of Divinity degree and Master of Theology degree at Trinity College in Toronto. In 2018 he completed a Doctor of Ministry degree at the Toronto School of Theology.
Gordon was ordained in 1990 for the Anglican Diocese of Niagara and moved to the Diocese of Huron in 1996. He has served in the Parish of Long Point Bay, Norfolk County; Church of the Transfiguration, London; St. George’s, Windsor; and is now the incumbent of St. John’s Anglican Church in the Sandwich area of Windsor. He has also taught Church history, liturgy, and theology at Huron University College in London, Renison University College in Waterloo, and Canterbury College in Windsor.
While Gordon was serving as an assistant curate at St. Luke’s Church in Burlington, he was soon joined by another assistant curate, the Rev’d Jane Humphreys. After a secret romance, the two were married at St. Luke’s Church in 1992. They have adult two children, Hannah and Timothy.
Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays, January 9 to April 4, 2024 | 4:00pm - 5:20pm
This course is part of the Certificate of Christian Studies and is offered by the Tri-Colleges (Assumption University, Canterbury College and Iona College).
This course provides a critical introduction to the historical, literary, and theological aspects of the Bible. It will survey the central characters and events of the biblical text, examine the variety of genres found in the Bible, and discuss its key theological themes from an academic perspective. Students will be introduced to methods of biblical criticism and interpretation that integrate skills developed in other disciplines, such as critical thinking and logical analysis of moral systems and their historical contexts. The course does not presuppose any belief in or knowledge of the Bible.
In order to successfully complete the course, learners must attend class and receive a grade of 65% or higher on a short reflection assignment.
Required Textbooks:
Johnson: The New Testament: A Very Short Introduction 9780199735709 (e-book 9780199745999)
Riches: The Bible VSI 2edition 9780198863335 (e-book available only 9780192608390)
Coogan: The Old Testament: VSI 9780195305050 (e-book 9780199885442)
Instructor: Donald Hull
Dr. Donald Hull is a retired Anglican Priest in the Diocese of Huron. He holds the following degrees: BA (Mathematics) and M. Ed (Psychological and Philosophical Foundations) Ottawa University, M.Div, Queens University and a D.Min, Ashland Theological Seminary, Ohio. Before ordination he taught Mathematics at the secondary level in Ottawa, served as a parish priest and rector and retired as the Principal of Canterbury College affiliated with the University of Windsor. During this time he taught New Testament Studies. He is the author of three novels and continues to lecture on a part-time basis.
Schedule: TBD
A humanities approach to the study of the life, teaching, and influence of Jesus of Nazareth as expressed in the New Testament. The course will survey the historical development of Christological debates. The course welcomes students from Christian and non-Christian backgrounds and does not presuppose any belief in or knowledge of the subject matter.
In order to successfully complete the course, learners must attend class and receive a grade of 65% or higher on a short reflection assignment.
Schedule: TBD
This course discusses the complex and sometimes contentious relationship between religious belief and modern science. After examining some of the larger historical and conceptual issues surrounding the modern debate between religion and science, the course then surveys key themes such as evolution and cosmology to distinguish the many ways in which religion and science collide, coexist, and influence each other. The scientific material is nontechnical and intended for a broad audience.
In order to successfully complete the course, learners must attend class and receive a grade of 65% or higher on a short reflection assignment.
Schedule: TBD
An introduction to interfaith dialogue, which acquaints students with the issues involved in discussion among various faiths, including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Indigenous traditions. These include designation of points of agreement in vision and values, as well as areas of difference. These will be considered within a context of acknowledgement of our common humanity, respect for our enriching diversity, and contribution to the betterment of our society and world.
In order to successfully complete the course, learners must attend class and receive a grade of 65% or higher on a short reflection assignment.
Schedule: TBD
This course explores topics of special importance in Christianity. The topics will vary each year. Students may take this course twice if the content changes.
In order to successfully complete the course, learners must attend class and receive a grade of 65% or higher on a short reflection assignment.
Schedule: Expand above course titles to view exact schedules
Format: In-person on UWindsor Campus
Fee (Non-credit Option): $600 + HST per course.
Fee (For-credit Option): academic credit toward Assumption University): $800 + HST per course.
UWindsor Alumni, Students, and Staff are eligible for discounts. Email continue@uwindsor.ca for the discount code.
All course details can be accessed through Brightspace. A link will be provided through email to Brightspace and Microsoft Teams and you will have access the first day of class. Please activate your UWinID. Your UWinID and password are needed to access Brightspace and Microsoft Teams. If you have any issues, please contact continue@uwindsor.ca.
It will be expected that learners will have:
• English language proficiency