A study of the church in the Roman and medieval worlds from the first through the 16th centuries, this course includes topics such as the expansion of Christianity, the development of doctrine and struggle against heresy, the establishment of Christendom and the rise of the papacy and monasticism, the decline of the Roman Empire, the Dark Ages, the contribution of the Celtic church, the papacy, the Crusades, the Renaissance, medieval monasticism and mysticism, Scholasticism, and the beginning of the Protestant Reformation.

This course, a study of the church in the modern world from the 17th through 20th centuries, includes topics such as the Reformation, the Counter-Reformation, Puritanism, Pietism, the first and second Evangelical Awakenings, the development of liberalism and fundamentalism, and recent movements in ecumenism.

This course introduces students to the principles of a balanced Christian world view. World view principles established in class are applied to a selection of issues in the natural and applied sciences, humanities, and social and behavioural sciences.

This course integrates biblical and general studies, examines the philosophical and historical bases for various world views, and assists each student in developing and articulating a comprehensive world view.

A study of counsellor characteristics and awareness and an examination of the counselling process. This course includes an introduction to counselling relationships, methods of counselling, and special problems encountered in counselling as well as practice in the development of counselling skills.

An investigation and application of social psychological theory and methodology of a variety of topics related to the study of greater self-awareness and interpersonal interactions. Topics of study include personality development and style of relating, interpersonal attraction, close relationships, interpersonal communication, trust and self-disclosure, interpersonal conflict, and influence and power in interpersonal relationships.

A study of the developmental processes during adolescence. Consideration is given to such areas as physical, cognitive, emotional, social and spiritual growth, and identity formation. Current concepts, issues, and research of adolescent development are stressed.

ENG 100 Literature and Composition I
This course is a literature survey with a composition component. Most of the literary periods are represented—medieval, Renaissance, 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries—as well as the major genres (drama, poetry, and prose). Works are selected from British and Canadian literature.

ENG 101 Literature and Composition II
This course continues the literature survey and composition component of ENG 100 Literature and Composition I, but focuses on American and Continental literature.

ENG 110 Introduction to Poetry
This course gives an introduction to poetic interpretation. The material for study ranges from the 17th century metaphysical poets and the 18th and 19th century Romantics through to the 20th century Modernists.

PSY 100 Introduction to Psychology I
An introduction to the study of human behavior, personality, and social interaction. Consideration is given to the biological and social sources of development, sensation, perception, and learning.

PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology II
An introduction to the origin and development of memory, thinking, motivation, emotion, psychological disorders, and social interactions.

SOC 100 Introduction to Sociology I
An introduction to the study of the individual in society. The course includes an historical overview of the discipline and nature of sociology in general with special emphasis on social processes.

SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology II
An introduction to the study of the structure of society. The course gives special attention to social stratification, social institutions, and social issues with emphasis on Canadian society.

A study of the mission and message of Jesus as viewed from the perspective of one or more of the four evangelists with special emphasis on developing interpretive skills and an introduction to current issues in gospel studies.

This course provides an overview of the Old Testament, emphasizing its theological, historical, and literary dimensions.

This course focuses on the nature of personal and corporate spiritual growth. A study of the Bible’s teaching about conversion serves as the foundation for an investigation of the classic spiritual disciplines.

An introduction to the basic teachings of the Christian faith, this course includes discussions of the nature and task of theology and of the Christian understanding of God, revelation, creation, spiritual powers, and sin.

A continued study of the basic teachings of the Christian faith, exploring a Christian understanding of Christology, the Holy Spirit, salvation, the church, and the future.

A foundational course that includes both an introduction to basic hermeneutical theory and an emphasis on developing interpretive skills.

This course specializes in dealing with issues that are commonly encountered by ministry leaders (such as power struggles, change, and church discipline). There is extensive use of case studies in the exploration of issues.

An introduction to the ministry of the church in all of its functions: worship, equipping, fellowship, and evangelism. The course includes a study of the structure, leadership, and objectives of the various ministries of the church with special attention given to the role of the laity in all aspects of church ministry.

This course provides a biblical basis for mission. It explores some of the biblical, historical, and contemporary examples of thinking about what it means to follow Jesus Christ and point others to him in fulfillment of the Great Commission. It further teaches what it means to represent Jesus Christ sensitively and effectively in cultures other than our own.

The primary purpose of this course is to assist students in the development of a theological understanding of worship as it relates to the Bible and Christian practice over the past 20 centuries. Current worship trends are evaluated in light of this study. The course includes discussion regarding the implications for personal and corporate worship.

This course challenges students nearing the completion of their undergraduate studies to integrate and solidify what they have learned about the nature of the gospel, the church, and its mission around a commitment to living out the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. Building upon a historical and theological perspective, the course focuses on what it means for North American believers, corporately and individually, to be thoroughly missional in the increasingly multicultural and post-Christian context of the twenty-first century, and on how students envision their part in light of their own personal gifts and calling.

A practical, weekly ministry assignment in evangelism, discipleship, church-related ministry, or community service, combined with evaluative written work. Opportunities with all age groups are available in both church and nonchurch settings.

A continuation of FE 101 Field Education I.

A practical, weekly ministry assignment in evangelism, discipleship, church-related ministry, or community service combined with evaluative written work. Opportunities with all age groups are available in both church and nonchurch settings. Second-year students may be asked to assume some leadership roles, especially when working with freshmen students.

A continuation of FE 201 Field Education III.

A practical, weekly ministry assignment in evangelism, discipleship, church-related ministry, or community service, combined with evaluative written work. Opportunities with all age groups are available in both church and nonchurch settings. Students should choose an assignment that supports the ministry emphasis they have chosen for their degree program. Third-year students must be prepared to offer leadership to the other students in their weekly ministry.

A continuation of FE301 Field Education V.

This course encompasses a study of the contemporary youth culture and gives consideration to the following: developing a ministry philosophy, designing a communication strategy relevant to the context, and considering ministry philosophy and communication in both church and para-church ministries. The course also includes an examination of recreation and programming as an effective vehicle for fellowship and evangelism.

This practical course provides a hands-on opportunity for students to practice the wide range of communicative skills necessary for effective youth ministry. It covers writing, teaching, and speaking to adolescents in a variety of settings. Everything from announcements and newsletters to lessons, devotionals, and actual youth messages is covered. Small group leadership skills are also addressed. Students prepare and present their work in class as well as in actual settings with teenagers.

With their unique language, music, customs, values, and heroes, today’s adolescents live in a culture all their own. For effective ministry to occur, it is critical that we understand contemporary culture. This course explores the complex world of the adolescent. Special emphasis is placed on the role of the media as a window into the soul of today’s teenager. Because the media both shapes and reflects the culture, it is important for all who work with adolescents and their families to develop a familiarity with what is being communicated and the implications for ministry.

This internship provides a practical, supervised experience in the tasks, attitudes, and skills of leadership and effective ministry as it pertains to youth and their families.
Note: The B.A. in Youth Ministry degree requires the completion of a degree-specific internship. All internships need to be approved in advance by the appropriate program coordinator. The internship program is offered to college students who have completed 60 credit hours or more and have been accepted into the degree program.

Adolescence may be one of the most complex of the human developmental phases, with its many changes occurring at once. This course examines the pilgrimage through adolescence from a number of perspectives. It is assumed that participants have a basic understanding of developmental theory so that issues related to physiological, relational, cognitive, moral, emotional, social, and spiritual development can be examined in light of biblical truth.

A study of current issues facing North American adolescents, this course is presented in a topical style and addresses themes such as self-concept, peer pressure, friendship and dating, family relationships, the media, eating disorders, drugs, drinking, and spiritual development. The course is designed not only to increase awareness, but also to present appropriate biblical responses to the complex realities of contemporary adolescent life.

YM 271 Conference/Convention Specialty
This independent study allows students to receive credit for completing a series of research assignments and exercises related to the attendance of two conferences, workshops, or conventions related to the discipline of youth ministry. One must be a major multi-day event and the other can be a one or two-day event. Examples of eligible events are Group’s annual Youth Workers Conference, Youth Specialties’ National Youth Workers Convention, one of SonLife’s training events, or SERVE (right here on our own campus). Event selection must be verified with the Youth Ministry office before proceeding.

YM 348 Adolescent Subculture Profile
This independent study project requires each student to select a specific adolescent subculture (e.g. skaters, stoners, missionary kids, cowboys, home schoolers, motorheads, street kids, etc.) for a thorough investigation. After a complete exploration of the selected group’s values, motivations, issues, heroes, icons, and relational patterns has been completed, a specific ministry strategy to reach the group is developed and presented.

YM 414 Junior High Ministry
The intense, chaotic, spontaneous, and unpredictable early teen years are explored in this course, with particular emphasis given to developing a strategy for ministry to junior high students in the local church. Specific early adolescent developmental issues are covered along with the programming implications of the changes early teens’ experience.