SJC Courses at U of A
St. Joseph's College offers University of Alberta Arts courses taught in a small, supportive academic environment. Students earn U of A credit while engaging with big questions of meaning, ethics, and faith, in areas including Philosophy, Theology, Film, Literature, Sociology, and Science and Religion. Specific Religious Education courses are also available for students preparing to teach in Alberta Catholic Schools.
The courses below count as Faculty of Arts option courses and are available to students in any UofA program. Students can also register for individual courses through Open Studies.
SJC courses at the UofA are offered in person, online, and in hybrid format. Click on each course below to see the options available during the current and upcoming academic year.
Scripture and Theology
★ 3 A study of the basic themes of the Christian Bible: creation and covenant; sin and evil; the biblical history of ancient Israel; the prophets and justice; the preaching, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ; redemption and the emergence of the Church.
Spring 2026 | LEC 800 | Online, Asynchronous | M. Gillingham
Summer 2026 | LEC 850 | Online, Asynchronous | K. Ristau
Fall 2026 | LEC 800 | Online, Asynchronous | M. Gillingham
Fall 2026 | LEC A1 | Mon/Wed/Fri, 10:00 - 10:50am | W. Schmidt
Fall 2026 | LEC A2 | Hybrid, Tuesday 9:30 - 10:50am | C. Kennedy
Winter 2027 | LEC 850 | Online, Asynchronous | K. Ristau
Winter 2027 | LEC B1 | Hybrid, Thursday 9:30 - 10:50am | L. Zelyck
Winter 2027 | LEC B2 | Mon/Wed/Fri, 2:00 - 2:50pm | D. Kuc
★ 3 An examination of Catholic Christianity, its history, institutions, rituals and theology.
Spring 2026 | LEC 800 | Online, Asynchronous | W. Schmidt
Winter 2026 | LEC B1 | Mon/Wed/Fri, 10:00 - 10:50am | W. Schmidt
★ 3 An introduction to the major dimensions of Christianity, such as revelation, faith, Scripture, God, and Jesus as Lord and Saviour, with reflection on each in light of contemporary human experience.
Summer 2026 | LEC 850 | Online, Asynchronous | B. Fawcett
Fall 2026 | LEC 800 | Online, Asynchronous | W. Schmidt
Note: This course counts towards the Certificate in International Learning through the Faculty of Arts.
★ 3 An examination of the historical Jesus and Christology through a study of the four gospels, Paul, and later New Testament writers.
Fall 2026 | LEC A01 | Hybrid, Thursday 12:30 - 1:50pm | L. Zelyck
Note: This course counts towards the Certificate in International Learning through the Faculty of Arts.
★ 3 A theological and scriptural exploration of the central themes of the New Testament letters and their contemporary relevance.
Spring 2026 | LEC 800 | Online, Asynchronous | L. Zelyck
★ 3 An examination of the historical and theological accounts of Jesus in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
This course is not offered during the 2026-2027 academic year
Note: This course counts towards the Certificate in International Learning through the Faculty of Arts.
★ 3 Scripture, the moral life, systematic theology, social teachings, catechesis, the spiritual life in the Catechism. The relationship between the Catechism and Catholic theological development.
This course is not offered during the 2026-2027 academic year.
Note: This course counts towards the Certificate in International Learning through the Faculty of Arts.
★ 3 A study of the theology and ritual practice of the sacraments in the Roman Catholic tradition.
Winter 2027 | LEC B1 | Mon/Wed/Fri, 1:00 - 1:50pm | This course is not offered during the 2026-2027 academic year.
★ 3 An examination of the sources, historical setting, content, and theology of the Gospel and Epistles of John.
Winter 2027 | LEC B1 | Tues/Thurs, 12:30 - 1:50pm | L. Zelyck
Note: This course counts towards the Certificate in International Learning through the Faculty of Arts.
Science & Religion
★ 3 An overview of various approaches to positive relationships between science and religion. Topics are examined from philosophical, historical, theological, and scientific perspectives.
This course is not offered during the 2026-2027 academic year.
★ 3 An examination of relationships between science and religion. Topics may include the Galileo affair, geology and Noah's flood, Darwin's religious beliefs, the evolution/creation debate, intelligent design, natural evil, and interpretations of Genesis 1-11.
Spring 2026 | LEC 800 | Online, Asynchronous | D. Lamoureux
Spring 2026 | LEC 801 | Online, Asynchronous | D. Lamoureux
Summer 2026 | LEC 850 | Online, Asynchronous | D. Lamoureux
Summer 2026 | LEC 851 | Online, Asynchronous | D. Lamoureux
Fall 2026 | LEC 800 | Online, Asynchronous | D. Lamoureux
Fall 2026 | LEC 801 | Online, Asynchronous | D. Lamoureux
Fall 2026 | LEC A1 | Tues/Thurs, 11:00am - 12:20pm | D. Lamoureux
Fall 2026 | LEC A2 | Tues/Thurs, 2:00 - 3:20pm | D. Lamoureux
Winter 2027 | LEC 850 | Online, Asynchronous | D. Lamoureux
Winter 2027 | LEC 851 | Online, Asynchronous | D. Lamoureux
Winter 2027 | LEC B1 | Tues/Thurs, 11:00am - 12:20pm | D. Lamoureux
Winter 2027 | LEC B2 | Tues/Thurs, 2:00 - 3:20pm | D. Lamoureux
Note: This course counts towards the Certificate in International Learning through the Faculty of Arts.
For more information on this class, please see sites.ualberta.ca/~dlamoure/
Religious Education
★ 3 An examination of the components that make up the education of the Catholic teacher. Issues include creedal statements, the moral and social teachings of the Church, liturgical practices, a general theology and theory of Catholic education.
Spring 2026 | LEC 800 | Online, Asynchronous | E. Kowalczyk
Summer 2026 | LEC 850 | Online, Asynchronous | E. Kowalczyk
Fall 2026 | LEC 800 | Online, Asynchronous | TBD
Fall 2026 | LEC A1 | Tues/Thurs, 2:00 - 3:20pm | P. Liogier
Winter 2027 | LEC 850 | Online, Asynchronous | P. Liogier
Winter 2027 | LEC B1 | Mon/Wed/Fri, 12:00pm - 12:50pm | Cancelled
Note: This course is a requirement for students pursuing the Certificate in Catholic Education.
Note: This course counts towards the Certificate in International Learning through the Faculty of Arts.
★ 3 An introduction to Christian religious education for elementary schools, with an emphasis on pedagogy, child development and the religious education curriculum. Not to be taken by students with credit in CHRTC 381.
Spring 2026 | LEC 800 | Online, Asynchronous | S. Talarico
Summer 2026 | LEC 850 | Online, Asynchronous | S. Talarico
Fall 2026 | LEC 800 | Online, Asynchronous | D. Sarnecki
Fall 2026 | LEC A1 | Mon/Wed/Fri, 12:00 - 12:50pm | M. Hoven
Winter 2027 | LEC 850 | Online, Asynchronous | S. Talarico
Winter 2027 | LEC B1 | Mon/Wed/Fri, 11:00 - 11:50am | M. Hoven
One of either CHRTC 380 or CHRTC 381 are required as part of the Certificate in Catholic Education. Credit will not be given for both.
★ 3 An introduction to Christian religious education for secondary schools, with an emphasis on pedagogy, adolescent and young adult development, and the religious education curriculum. This course is structured to support aspiring secondary teachers to develop an elective religious education program. Not to be taken by students with credit in CHRTC 380.
Spring 2026 | LEC 800 | Online, Asynchronous | S. Talarico
Summer 2026 | LEC 850 | Online, Asynchronous | S. Talarico
Fall 2026 | LEC A1 | Mon/Wed/Fri, 12:00pm - 12:50pm | M. Hoven
Fall 2026 | LEC 800 | Online, Asynchronous | P. Liogier
Winter 2027 | LEC B1 | Mon/Wed/Fri, 11:00 - 11:50am | M. Hoven
Winter 2027 | LEC 850 | Onlince, Asychronous | D. Sarnecki
One of either CHRTC 380 or CHRTC 381 are required as part of the Certificate in Catholic Education. Credit will not be given for both.
★ 3 An integrative course on theory in Catholic education and course-based experiences in local schools. Historical, educational, and professional issues are examined through theological reflection.
Spring 2026 | SEM 800 | Online, Bichronous | D. Sarnecki
Fall 2026 | SEM 800 | Online, Bichronous | E. Kowalczyk
Winter 2027 | SEM 850 | Online, Bichronous | M. Hoven
** Required weekly meetings will be scheduled at the start of each term.
★ 3 For two thousand years the Christian community has attempted to respond faithfully to Jesus's mandate: “Go you, therefore, teach…”. Its ministry of education has taken many varied forms and has been shaped by many different influences. This course is designed to draw upon the wealth of insights from that long tradition. A critical and dialectical approach will be taken to the history of educating Christians, discerning which insights from the past must be reclaimed and affirmed, and which might be expanded upon.
This course is not offered during the 2026-2027 academic year.
Popular Culture
★ 3 An examination of the relationship between Catholicism and popular culture, using both historical and contemporary examples. Use by Catholics of such popular media as print, film, video, TV, music and the internet. Catholic assessments of consumer culture and the mass media.
Summer 2026 | LEC 850 | Online, Asynchronous | J. Brassard
Winter 2027 | LEC B1 | Tues/Thurs, 11:00am - 12:20pm | J. Brassard
Note: Not to be taken by students with credit in CHRTC 392.
Note: This course counts towards the Certificate in International Learning through the Faculty of Arts.
★ 3 C.S. Lewis continues to hold remarkable appeal to a broad readership. His corpus of writings is wide-ranging, encompassing fantasy literature like the Chronicles of Narnia, to popular articulations of faith, such as Mere Christianity. This course seeks to explore the thought world of C.S. Lewis and critically evaluate the trajectory of his thought, as well as the popular reception of his works.
Summer 2026 | LEC 850 | Online, Asynchronous | G. McLarney
Winter 2027 | LEC 850 | Online, Asynchronous | G. McLarney
Note: This course counts towards the Certificate in International Learning through the Faculty of Arts.
★ 3 A consideration of theological themes arising out of contemporary film. Themes may include relationships, family, gender, possessions, work freedom, violence, suffering, death, happiness, and hope.
Spring 2026 | LEC 800 | Online, Asynchronous | B. Clarke
Fall 2026 | LEC A1 | Mon/Wed/Fri, 1:00 - 1:50pm | B. Tate
This course counts towards the Certificate in International Learning through the Faculty of Arts.
★ 3 The enigmatic and obscure Oxford philologist, J.R.R. Tolkien, produced a corpus of writings on the world of Middle Earth that has captivated countless readers. The cinematic renderings of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit have further popularized his works, yet readers and viewers alike are often surprised at the profound impression Tolkien's Catholic faith has made upon his writings. This course seeks to critically appreciate the artistic vocation and theological vision of J.R.R. Tolkien while exploring a major work of 20th century literature.
Spring 2026 | LEC 800 | Online, Asynchronous | G. McLarney
Fall 2026 | LEC 800 | Online, Asynchronous | G. McLarney
Winter 2027 | LEC B01 | Tues/Thurs, 11:00am - 12:20pm | N. Kowalsky
Perspectives on Living Well
★ 3 Great minds have long attempted to define the all-important human experience of happiness. But what does happiness mean? What are the mysteries of happiness? Is it possible to acquire more of it? This course examines various perspectives on happiness - psychological, philosophical, social, relational, theological and spiritual - and offers tools that can help cultivate happiness amidst the twists and turns of life's pilgrimage.
Spring 2026 | LEC 800 | Online, Asynchronous | B. Clarke
Fall 2026 | LEC A1 | Hybrid, Thursdays, 11:00am - 12:20pm | B. Clarke
★ 3 An overview of the relationship between sport and religion, primarily from a Christian perspective. Topics may include the history of religion in sport, sport as a religion, play as a religious and sporting action, prayer in sport, ethics of competition, and social justice in sport.
Spring 2026 | LEC 800 | Online, Asynchronous | J. Robinson
Summer 2026 | LEC 850 | Online, Asynchronous | J. Robinson
Fall 2026 | LEC A1 | Mon/Wed/Fri, 10:00 - 10:50am | M. Hoven
Winter 2027 | LEC 850 | Online, Asynchronous | J. Robinson
Note: This course counts towards the Certificate in International Learning through the Faculty of Arts.
★ 3 Questions of meaning and morality concerning sex, love, marriage, non-marital sex, parenthood, relationship and marriage breakup, celibacy, gender, and homosexuality, considered in the light of experience, the Bible, Catholic teaching, and traditional and contemporary theological discussion.
Fall 2026 | LEC 800 | Online, Asynchronous | P. Flaman
Note: This course counts towards the Certificate in International Learning through the Faculty of Arts.
★ 3 Facets of death and dying as they manifest in the Christian tradition and contemporary culture. Topics may include: faith and death, ritual, spiritual practices, caring for the dying, allowing to die, assisting in death, medical perceptions of death, social responses to death/dying, grief and mourning.
This course is not offered during the 2026-2027 academic year.
Note: This course counts towards the Certificate in International Learning through the Faculty of Arts.
★ 3 An interdisciplinary study of personhood and related topics: animal/human consciousness, body/soul, mind/brain, sexuality/gender, relationship issues, and religious/mystical experiences.
Fall 2026 | LEC 800 | Online, Asynchronous | P. Flaman
★ 3 Historical and contemporary perspectives on the sexual body in Christian thought.
This course is not offered during the 2026-2027 academic year.
Note: Not to be taken by students with credit in CHRTC 393.
Spirituality
★ 3 An exploration of cross-cultural issues focusing on Indigenous spiritual traditions and Christianity in Canada.
This course is not offered during the 2026-2027 academic year.
Note: This course counts towards the Certificate in Sustainability, an embedded certificate that is available to students in 10 U of A faculties.
Note: This course counts towards the Certificate in International Learning through the Faculty of Arts.
★ 3 An exploration of the role of prayer, leisure, and work within a Christian lifestyle, in the light of Scripture, Christian tradition, current theological reflection, and personal differences.
Winter 2027 | LEC850 | Online, Asynchronous | P. Flaman
★ 3 An exploration of the churches of the Christian East, including the Patristic era and early ecumenical councils, the schism between East and West, and contemporary Greek Catholic and Orthodox Churches, with special attention to the churches in Canada.
Fall 2026 | INDA01 | Hybrid, Tuesdays, 2:00pm - 3:20pm | D. Kuc
Note: This course counts towards the Certificate in International Learning through the Faculty of Arts.
★ 3 An exploration of women’s experiences of God and the Christian life, as expressed in the history of spirituality, personal faith development, and contemporary culture. We will examine what particular women have done in Christian history, in the light of their own historical circumstances, and consider how contemporary Christian women are living and teaching their Christian spirituality. Over the course of the term, participants are invited to reflect on their own spiritualities in relation to women in Christian history and culture, as well as their own cultural and faith experiences.
Winter 2027 | LEC850 | Online, Asynchronous| K. Matheson
Note: This course counts towards the Certificate in International Learning through the Faculty of Arts.
Ethics and Moral Thought
★ 3 A consideration of major themes in Catholic moral reflection, with application to contemporary issues: the meaning of morality and Christian conversion, the role of experience, the Bible, the Church, moral norms, the development of conscience, and personal responsibility.
This course is not offered during the 2026-2027 academic year.
Note: Not open to students with credit in CHRTC 172.
★ 3 An examination of particular social justice issues related to the economy, gender, Indigenous peoples, the environment, etc., in light of Catholic social teachings and other Christian perspectives; social action strategies, and education for social justice.
Fall 2026 | LEC 800 | Online, Asynchronous | P. Nolin
Note: This course counts towards the Certificate in Sustainability, an embedded certificate that is available to students in 10 U of A faculties.
Note: This course counts towards the Certificate in Peace and Post-Conflict Studies through the Faculty of Arts.
Note: This course counts towards the Certificate in International Learning through the Faculty of Arts.
An optional Community Service Learning opportunity will be available.
★ 3 Reproductive and genetic technologies, abortion, transplantation, resource allocation, research, withdrawing treatment, personal directives and euthanasia, considered in light of human experience, Catholic Church teaching, other Christian perspectives, and contemporary ethical discussion.
Winter 2027 | LEC 850 | Online, Asynchronous | P. Flaman
Note: This course counts towards the Certificate in International Learning through the Faculty of Arts.
★ 3 A consideration of theological and ethical issues concerning our relationship to planet earth, including responsible stewardship, non-renewable resources, pollution, and the use of technology.
Winter 2027 | LEC 850 | Online, Asynchronous | P. Nolin
Note: This course counts towards the Certificate in International Learning through the Faculty of Arts.
Note: This course counts towards the Certificate in Sustainability, an embedded certificate that is available to students in 10 U of A faculties.
★ 3 This course invites an advanced understanding of Christian theological/ethical thought and action in Healthcare Ethics. It enhances the exploration of issues based upon fundamental values at the heart of healthcare, for example, dignity, personhood and human nature, the common good, stewardship, relationship and autonomy, and creativity.
This course is not offered during the 2026-2027 academic year.
Prerequisite: CHRTC 352 or consent of the College.
Note: This course counts towards the Certificate in International Learning through the Faculty of Arts.
History and World View
★ 3 World War II is often seen as a great battle between good and evil. This course investigates Christian responses to this conflict through the actions, experiences and thoughts of individuals and churches. Topics include: Pope Pius XII—was he “Hitler’s pope” or a saint; the atheist Stalin’s use of Orthodoxy to rally Russians; theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s plot to assassinate Hitler; Christian responses to the Holocaust; Christian pacifists; and Christian collaborators.
Winter 2027 | LEC B1 | Mon/Wed/Fri, 12:00 - 12:50pm | I. Cuplinskas
Note: This course counts towards the Certificate in International Learning through the Faculty of Arts.
★ 3 A historical study of Christianity in Canada from contact until the present, paying particular attention to mission, church-state relations, ethnicity, and matters of belief and practice.
This course is not offered during the 2026-2027 academic year.
Philosophy
★ 3 An examination of personal identity, interpersonal relationships, sex and gender, freedom, and immortality in historical and contemporary contexts.
Spring 2026 | LEC 800 | Online, Asynchronous | R. Matheson
Summer 2026 | LEC 850 | Online, Asynchronous | R. Matheson
Fall 2026 | LEC 800 | Online, Asynchronous | T. Oberle
Fall 2026 | LEC A1 | Mon/Wed/Fri, 12:00 - 12:50pm | T. Oberle
Winter 2027 | LEC 850 | Online, Asynchronous | R. Matheson
Winter 2027 | LEC B01 | Mon/Wed/Fri, 1:00 - 1:50pm | C. Rodger
★ 3 Philosophies of the good life. Topics may include integrated wellness, attentiveness, objects of devotion, and community in historical and contemporary contexts.
Spring 2026 | LEC 801 | Online, Asynchronous | D. Greenways
Summer 2026 | LEC 851 | Online, Asynchronous | D. Greenways
Fall 2026 | LEC 800 | Online, Asynchronous | D. Greenways
Fall 2026 | LEC A01 | Mon/Wed/Fri, 2:00 - 2:50pm | T. Oberle
Winter 2027 | LEC 850 | Online, Asynchronous | D. Greenways
Winter 2027 | LEC B01 | Mon/Wed/Fri, 2:00 - 2:50pm | N. Kowalsky
★ 3 Issues concerning human beings, knowledge, ethics and society among Greek thinkers and their impact on Christian thought.
This course is not offered during the 2026-2027 academic year.
Note: This course counts towards the Certificate in International Learning through the Faculty of Arts.
★ 3 A survey of philosophy from the 5th to the 15th centuries, considering philosophers from the Jewish, Islamic and Christian traditions.
This course is not offered during the 2026-2027 academic year.
Note: This course counts towards the Certificate in International Learning through the Faculty of Arts.
★ 3 An analysis and evaluation of selected moral and social issues.
Fall 2026 | LEC A01 | Tues/Thurs, 12:30 - 1:50pm | N. Kowalsky
Note: This course counts towards the Certificate in International Learning through the Faculty of Arts.
Note: This course counts towards the Ethics Certificate through the Faculty of Arts.
★ 3 Hunting is a philosophically weighty practice that contemporary societies increasingly struggle to understand. This course critically examines the ethical, experiential, conceptual, environmental, and socio-political status of hunting, including topics such as animal rights, fair chase, environmentalism, subsistence vs. trophy hunting, human nature, predation, death, gender, race, religion and class.
Fall 2026 | LEC A01 | Tues/Thurs, 9:30am - 10:50am | N. Kowalsky
Note: This course counts towards the Ethics Certificate through the Faculty of Arts.
Note: This course counts towards the Certificate in Sustainability, an embedded certificate that is available to students in 10 U of A faculties.
★ 3 Philosophical issues in Augustine: their historical context, significance, and influence. The class will study the life and work of Augustine of Hippo (354–430), a prolific and influential thinker in the Western world. Exploration of his life and times, The Confessions, and select writings will help unravel the thought-world and perspectives of Augustine.
This course is not offered during the 2026-2027 academic year.aquin
Prerequisite: At least 3 credits in PHIL or consent of the College.
Note: This course counts towards the Certificate in International Learning through the Faculty of Arts.
★ 3 Philosophical issues in Aquinas: their historical context, significance, and influence. Prerequisite: At least 3 credits in PHIL or consent of the College.
This course is not offered during the 2026-2027 academic year.
Note: This course counts towards the Certificate in International Learning through the Faculty of Arts.
★ 3 A critical study of Christianity in dialogue with such worldviews as atheism, agnosticism, naturalism, materialism, existentialism, feminism, liberalism, and postmodernism.
Summer 2026 | LEC 850 | Online, Asynchronous | B. Clarke
Winter 2027 | LEC 850 | Online, Asynchronous | B. Clarke
Note: This course counts towards the Certificate in International Learning through the Faculty of Arts.
★ 3 Ethical issues in business settings, dealing with such themes as employer-employee relations, job security, advertising, distribution of wealth, acquisitive individualism, the common good, and decision-making. Recommended preparation: 3 units in PHIL. Note: Not available for credit with CHRTC 394.
Winter 2027 | Tues/Thurs, 9:30am - 12:50pm | T. Oberle
★ 3 A critical exploration of existential themes and authors, such as Kierkegaard, Marcel, and Buber. Prerequisite: At least 3 credits in PHIL or consent of the College.
This course is not offered during the 2026-2027 academic year.
Note: This course counts towards the Certificate in International Learning through the Faculty of Arts.
Special Topics Courses
Students may take multiple special topics courses.
★ 3 This course will investigate Christianity from a sociological perspective, addressing major theories in sociology of religion (secularization theory, revised secularization theory, religious market theory). Topics will include the sociological factors that led to Christianity’s ascendance in late antiquity, the increasingly post-Christian nature of Western society, as well as the shift of Christianity from a religion anchored in the global north to one anchored in the global south and the implications for the future of the faith.
Spring 2026 | LEC 800 | Online, Asynchronous | J. Brassard
★ 3 This course aims to bring the student to a greater appreciation of literature and film as a medium for the way the human person, the community, and the divine are interpreted and their role within our society, faith, and Church. Specifically, we will look at Harry Potter, the most popular fantasy work in several decades. We will explore the films and refer to the novels through literary, scriptural story, the hero’s journey and spiritual themes of Christian faith.
Summer 2026 | LEC 850 | Online, Asynchronous | B. Clarke
Fall 2026 | LEC A01 | Hybrid, Thursdays, 2:00 - 3:20pm | B. Clarke
★ 3 The Bible is authoritative for faith and practice within Christianity, yet there are many complexities and challenges inherent to biblical interpretation, whether undertaken by individuals or by groups. This introduction to biblical interpretation will equip students with a variety of principles to consider when seeking to understand the Bible, both in its original context and in contemporary application.
Winter 2027 | LEC 850 | Online, Asynchronous | T. Russell
★ 3 There are no heroes or heroines within Flannery O'Connor's fiction; instead, her stories depict familiar figures of fractured and frail humanity. This course will examine O'Connor's uniquely human characters through the theme of human frailty.
Fall 2026 | LEC 800 | Online, Asynchronous | T. Nelson
★ 3 Depictions of the afterlife have fascinated the literary imagination for millennia. In this course, students will encounter some of the most enduring texts from the Ancient, Medieval, Early-Modern, Romantic, and Modern periods, and explore their intersection with important ideas in Western philosophy, theology, psychology, and art.
Winter 2027 | LEC B01 | Tues/Thurs, 9:30 - 10:50am | J. Fast
★ 3 This course will investigate questions of youth and religion from a sociological perspective, with a focus on the sociological changes in the religious landscape among Millennials and Gen Z. Examining the major theories in sociology of religion (secularization theory, revised secularization theory, religious market theory) and how they relate to changes in youth religious beliefs, the course will also examine the emergence of the “Nones” as a distinct religious class in the 2000 and 2010s.
Fall 2026 | LEC 800 | Online, Asynchronous | J. Brassard
★ 3 This course offers a theological investigation of mythology and considers select myths from ancient, medieval, and contemporary times. Beginning with Homer’s Iliad, an epic characterized as a “poem of force” which witnesses to the unwieldy madness of eros and war and its impact upon the human spirit, our study seeks to unfurl the terrain where the stories of gods and humanity overlap and its theological significance. Particular attention is given to the dynamism between power and love, fidelity and sacrifice, freedom and fate as well as betrayal and redemption. Articulation of said themes in Beowulf as well as within contemporary comic book heroes from the respective DC and Marvel worlds are also explored and placed into dialogue with the Christian intellectual tradition.
Fall 2026 | LEC 801 | Online, Asynchronous | G. McLarney
★ 3 A consideration of select biblical themes in relation to the science-fiction fantasy works of The Hunger Games and Star Wars. The dystopian future of The Hunger Games and arcane universe of Star Wars offer glimpses of imaginative possibility and contemporary theological reflection. These popular works also provide overlap with various themes developed in biblical literature, such as faith, trust, freedom, self-sacrifice, and hope. Utilizing these themes as an interpretive lens, we will explore their significance for the characters and worlds within the texts, as well as their relevance for readers today.
Spring 2026 | LEC 800 | Online, Asynchronous | G. McLarney
Winter 2027 | LEC 850 | Online, Asynchronous | G. McLarney
★ 3 Explore theatrical gems from across contemporary Canadian and American stages that wrestle with questions of faith and forgiveness, miracles and mystery, and religious truth in a pluralist world.
This course is not offered during the 2026-2027 academic year.
★ 3 Oil is a substance without which contemporary life would be unthinkable. It runs our industries and private lives, and there are few, if any, aspects of modern existence where its impact is not present. Yet, despite this, it is topic rarely addressed in philosophical discourse. How does oil impact not only our environment but our politics and culture? These are important questions that are strangely absent from public and academic debate. However, as we move to develop the Alberta oil sands, with its estimated 1.7 billion potential barrels of oil, it is clear that we can no longer ignore these questions. This course will critically examine the ethical, environmental, socio-political and cultural dimensions of petroleum and oilsands development, including topics such as social and environmental justice, indigenous rights, oil and democratic culture, the climate change and peak oil debate, renewable energy and the politics of sustainability, and the oil sands in popular culture.
Spring 2026 | LEC 800 | Online, Asynchronous | R. Kover
★ 3 Philosophy of the theory, policy and practice underpinning the world’s development goals. Topics may include: applied ethical frameworks, human rights, perspectives on the concepts of development and sustainability, charitable and religious models for global development, Realpolitik and the limits of international agreements.
Fall 2026 | LEC 800 | Online, Asynchronous | D. Greenways
Note: This course counts towards the Certificate in Sustainability, an embedded certificate that is available to students in 10 U of A faculties.
★ 3 An exploration of various concepts of God including classical theism, panentheism, and pantheism, and their respective treatments of enduring philosophical issues such as divine perfection and simplicity, evil and suffering, monism, and the nature of the world.
Winter 2027 | LEC 800 | Mon/Wed/Fri, 11:00 - 11:50am | T. Oberle
★ 3 Evil makes us doubt the existence or goodness of God. Goodness is also often associated with gentleness or impotence whereas evil evokes power and rage. So what is evil, and how is it related to God’s goodness or power? Is God a weakling or a dangerously wild thing? Why is the world such a rough place? This course will examine questions concerning evil and divine otherness that go beyond the basic problem of evil towards the theme of axiological transcendence in both nature and the holy.
This course is not offered during the 2026-2027 academic year.