BA Christian Studies and Global Citizenship
Are you called to make a difference in the world?
The Honours BA in Christian Studies and Global Citizenship is a new program at Waterloo Lutheran Seminary, a federated college of Wilfrid Laurier University.
Students will learn to think critically about their faith, the world, and their place in it. Effective communication, social responsibility, spiritual awareness, appreciation of diversity and experience in serving the community are some of the outcomes of this program. Students will have the opportunity for international study experiences.
Graduates can go on to careers in church leadership, teaching, postgraduate studies, law, international business, chaplaincy, counselling, journalism, public service, international development, community organizing, public policy and advocacy.
Student Testimonial:
"The moment I heard of the Christian Studies and Global Citizenship program, I knew WLU was the place to be. Even though that meant leaving Calgary AB, I hold no regrets. My uncertainties were settled and my expectations are continually exceeded. The combination of a caring Seminary community with a world class university cannot be matched. Together, I believe this arrangement will prepare students both academically and spiritually for the journey ahead. For myself, I plan on tackling the issue of human trafficking and more specifically the sex slave industry…A challenge that requires a solid foundation. Where better to start building than in such a program as this? Held in a school where the Dean (David Pfrimmer) sometimes mentions that, “It is not just about what knowledge you obtain in school, but what kind of person you become…”
- Andrew Fawcett, BA Christian Studies & Global Citizenship, March 2013
- Honours BA Christian Studies and Global Citizenship
- Christian Studies & Global Citizenship Option
- Christian Studies & Global Song Option
- Applying for Admission to the Honours BA
- Course Offerings by Term
- Course Descriptions and Syllabi
- Waterloo Lutheran Seminary
- Contact Us
The Honours BA Christian Studies & Global Citizenship program consists of 20.0 credits, of which not more than 6.0 may be at the 100 level. The program must include at least 10.0 but no more than 12.0 credits in Christian Studies and Global Citizenship.
Required Courses:
GC101, GC102 (0.5 Credit each)
GC201* (1.0 Credit)
GC202* (1.0 Credit)
GC401* (1.0 Credit)
Other Requirements:
6.0 credits in GC courses at the 200 level or above;
Language Credit Requirement (1.0 credit):
In addition to the Christian Studies & Global Citizenship course requirements above, students must also complete 1.0 credit in non-English language study. Language courses may be taken (a) at WLU, (b) at other recognized universities in Canada on a letter of permission, or (c) abroad on a letter of permission and with the prior written consent of the Christian Studies & Global Citizenship Program Director. Courses taught in English may not be counted as a substitute for this requirement. Christian Studies & Global Citizenship Majors may count up to 1.0 credit of senior language study toward the senior Christian Studies & Global Citizenship credit requirements for the degree. For Christian Studies & Global Citizenship Majors who take 100 level language courses during Year 2, Year 3 or Year 4, and who have already accumulated 6.0 junior credits, these courses (up to a maximum of 1.0 credit) will not be counted toward the maximum 6.0 limit on 100 level credits. Students who are actively in the process of learning English as a second language in the course of their studies at Laurier may apply to have this language credit waived by the Christian Studies & Global Citizenship Department.
Of the credits taken outside the Christian Studies and Global Citizenship program at least 7.0 credits must be taken in courses from departments within the Faculty of Arts. At least 3.0 of these credits must be from courses at the 200 level or above which focus on understanding the student’s own social and cultural context (for example, Canadian students must takes courses studying Canadian history, literature, politics, etc.). These courses should be selected in consultation with the program director after completing a statement of learning goals. The student is responsible for fulfilling all prerequisites for selected courses.
In addition, 2.0 additional credits may be taken in Christian Studies & Global Citizenship or any other discipline. These courses should be selected in consultation with the program director.
Recommendation:
It is recommended that each student undertake a Global Citizenship Experience in a context other than the student’s own native context. To apply for the GCE and enroll in GC398, students must be in either the honours or combined honours program, have completed at least 2.0 GC credits at the 200 level, and have attained at least a 7.00 (B-) average in their GC courses. Students who complete the GCE are expected to enroll in GC399, “Post-Placement,” in the following fall term.
The Honours BA Christian Studies and Global Citizenship program can be combined with another Honours BA program at Laurier. Click here for more information.
An Option in Christian Studies & Global Citizenship is available to students in any WLU faculty outside WLS. The option consists of a minimum of 4.0 credits. Students must complete the required core courses:
GC101, GC102, GC201, GC202, GC203, GC204
In order to graduate, a GPA of 6.00 (C+) in the courses included in the Christian Studies Option is required. Completion of the 0ption requirements will result in a "Christian Studies Option" designation on a student's transcript and degree. When choosing elective
courses, note that some of these courses have prerequisites. Although these prerequisites may be waived by the program or department administering the course, it is the responsibility of the student to make such arrangements.
An Option in Christian Studies & Global Song is available to students in any WLU faculty outside WLS and is especially designed for students in the Faculty of Music who wish to attain education which can enhance their ability to be employed in church music programs.
The Christian Studies & Global Song Option consists of a minimum of 4.0 credits. Students must complete seven half-credit required courses:
GC101, GC102, GC202, GC204, GC251, GC252, GC351
for a total of 3.5 credits and one half-credit elective course.
In order to graduate, a GPA of 6.00 (C+) in the courses included in the Christian Studies and Global Song Option is required. Completion of the Option requirements will result in a “Christian Studies and Global Song” designation on a student’s transcript and degree.
Admission Requirements to Honours program
A minimum of 6 Grade 12U and/or Grade 12M (U/C) courses and a final overall average of 70.0% are required for admission. Laurier will use the top 6 grades from these courses when calculating the admission average, unless otherwise noted. The following course requirements are listed according to the New Ontario Curriculum. Grade 12U English must be at a minimum of 60%.
Applicants and students in the Honours BA in Christian Studies and Global Citizenship are subject to all policies, regulations, requirements and application process for the Honours BA as stated in the Wilfrid Laurier University Undergraduate Academic Calendar. Apply by January 13, 2013 for Fall 2013. How to apply: contact Laurier Student Recruitment Office ext. 3385 www.chooselaurier.ca
Fall 2012
GC101 Introduction to the Study of Christianity and Global Citizenship I
0.5 Credit
Wednesdays 7:00 - 9:50 pm
Room: S 201
Instructor: Dr. Alan Lai alai@wlu.ca
Description: A survey and methods course which prepares students for deeper study at the 200 and 300 level and functions as a prerequisite for all other courses. This course will introduce the student to the areas of the academic study of Christianity (e.g., biblical studies, historical theology). Course methods will emphasize both individual and collaborative learning. The course will include an extensive service-learning component.
Winter 2013
GC102 Introduction to the Study of Christianity and Global Citizenship II
0.5 Credit
Pre-requisite: GC101
Wednesdays 7:00 - 9:50 pm
Room: S 201
Instructor: Dr. Alan Lai alai@wlu.ca
Description: This course continues the student's preparation for deeper study at the 200 and 300 level and functions as a prerequisite for all other courses at that level. This course will introduce the student to basic understandings of the meaning of global citizenship and the connection of Christian faith and practices to those concepts. Course methods will emphasize both individual and collaborative learning. The course will include an extensive service-learning component.
Spring 2013
GC352 Inshallah: Worship and Global Song
0.5 credit
Room: WLS Keffer Chapel and S202
Tuesdays from May 14 – June 25, 5:00 pm – 6:20 pm (Inshallah choir rehearsal in the chapel) and 7:00 – 8:20 pm (class room 202) plus one week intensive during Luther Hostel conference: June 10 – 14 Monday 11:30 am – 2:30 pm Tu – Th 8:30 am – 12:00 pm; 1:00 – 2:30 pm Friday 9:00 am – 12:00 pm.
Instructor: Debbie Lou Ludolph dludolph@wlu.ca
Description: In this course, students will be introduced to sacred global song by singing with Inshallah, Waterloo Lutheran Seminary’s global song ensemble. Through readings and discussion, the students will consider the theology and praxis regarding singing global song in a Western culture. This is one term 0.5 credit course with public performances and 9 hours of academic classes each semester.
Fall 2013 (Days and times TBA)
GC101 Christianity and Global Citizenship
GC202 Survey of Christian Tradition: The Bible
GC203 Doing Justice and Christian Social Ethics Today
GC321 Asian Christians in North America: A Study in Confucian Culture and Theology
GC341 Christian Studies and Film
GC352 Inshallah: Worship and Global Song
GC353 Sing Fires of Justice: Music Towards the Common Good
Winter 2014 (Days and Times TBA)
GC102 Christian Faith and Global Citizenship
GC204 Survey of Christian Tradition: History and Theology
GC343 Christian Studies and Ecojustice
GC352 Inshallah: Worship and Global Song
GC252 Sing a New Song: Christian Music in all Times and Places
Spring 2014 (Days and Times TBA)
GC201 Public Faith and Public Theology
GC351 Lift Up Your Voice: Leading the People's Song in Worship
Course Syllabi
Course Description
GC101 Introduction to the Study of Christianity and Global Citizenship I
0.5 Credit
A survey and methods course which prepares students for deeper study at the 200 and 300 level and functions as a prerequisite for all other courses. This course will introduce the student to the areas of the academic study of Christianity (e.g., biblical studies, historical theology). Course methods will emphasize both individual and collaborative learning. The course will include an extensive service-learning component.
GC102 Introduction to the Study of Christianity and Global Citizenship II
0.5 Credit
This course continues the student's preparation for deeper study at the 200 and 300 level and functions as a prerequisite for all other courses at that level. This course will introduce the student to basic understandings of the meaning of global citizenship and the connection of Christian faith and practices to those concepts . Course methods will emphasize both individual and collaborative learning. The course will include an extensive service-learning component.
GC201 Christian Faith and Public Theology
0.5 Credit
This course takes the student deeper into concepts, theories and practice of public theology, that is, theology that takes the public nature of Christian faith seriously and reflects on the connection of public life with religious faith and practice. The course explores issues such as church-state relations, significant “public” theologians, Christian participation in democracy, etc. The course will also teach skills in social analysis and give students a chance to test their skills in actual community situations. The course will include a significant service-learning component.
GC202 Survey of the Christian Tradition: Christian Scriptures, History and Theology
0.5 Credit
This course is a survey of biblical content, the history of Christianity and the evolution of Christian teaching as well as contemporary methods for interpreting sacred texts and doctrines.
GC251 In the Presence of the Holy: Christian Worship Practice Worldwide
0.5 Credit
This course is a survey of Christian public worship from an ecumenical and global perspective. This course introduces students to the biblical, historical, theological and ritual dimensions of worship, with attention to the role of music in worship praxis throughout the world. Course activities include readings, assignments, visits to local places of worship, video material, classroom lectures and discussion.
GC252 Sing a New Song: Christian Music in All Times and Places
0.5 Credit
This course is a survey of Christian hymnody and song, including current trends in congregational singing in North America. Attention is paid to the lives and work of several foundational hymn writers or epochs, e.g., Ambrose, Luther, Genevan Psalter, Wesley, black and white spiritual traditions, and the streams of the contemporary hymn explosion, including song available from the global South. There is a lab component in which the music of the hymns is sung.
GC351 Lift up Your Voice: Leading the People’s Song in Worship
0.5 Credit
The student will develop music leadership skills and understanding in this course, including introducing new hymnody, attending to the voice of the people and the flow in worship, instrumental possibilities, basic percussion techniques, strategies for using the gifts of the congregation and community, effectively introducing new hymnody. Course activities will include practical elements to demonstrate and practice these skills.
GC352 Inshallah: Worship and Global Song
0.5 Credit
In this course, students will be introduced to sacred global song by singing with Inshallah, Waterloo Lutheran Seminary’s global song ensemble. Through readings and discussion, the students will consider the theology and praxis regarding singing global song in a Western culture. This course includes rehearsals, public performances, and academic classes.
GC353 Sing Fires of Justice: Music towards the Common Good
0.5 Credit
This course will explore the vital role music has played in struggles for peace and justice in the past (e.g., South Africa apartheid, Central America liberation movement), the biblical and theological foundations for singing songs of justice, and the current repertoire available for congregational singing. The course will consider the call to a public faith and the potential for musicians from faith traditions to work in partnership with others in the community towards the common good, in part by examining current efforts to do so. Students will be involved in planning a social justice musical event during the term and reflect on the impact it has in the community.
Waterloo Lutheran Seminary is the federated college of Wilfrid Laurier University and the founding institution of both Wilfrid Laurier University and University of Waterloo. Waterloo Lutheran Seminary students are full students of Laurier and degrees are conferred by Wilfrid Laurier University.
At Waterloo Lutheran Seminary, our students discover the best of all worlds -- the close-knit social community of a small college, the rich diversity of a dynamic city, and all the amenities of a world-class university. Our ecumenical, multifaith and inclusive practice creates a diverse and vibrant community.
WLS offers several graduate programs: the Master of Divinity, the Master of Arts in Theology: Christian Studies, the Master of Arts in Theology: Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy, the Diploma in Multifaith Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy, the Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Leadership and the Doctor of Ministry in Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy. After 101 years of graduate education, WLS launched its first undergraduate program, the Honours Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies and Global Citizenship in September 2012. For more information on the graduate programs of study, please contact Student Advisor and Admissions Coordinator Sarina Wheeler at swheeler@wlu.ca.
Waterloo Lutheran Seminary is located on the southwest corner of Wilfrid Laurier University campus at the intersection of Bricker and Albert Streets, Waterloo.
Dr. Alan Lai
Assistant Professor of Christian Studies and Global Citizenship
Contact Information
Email: alai@wlu.caPhone: 519-884-0710 ext.3576
Fax: 519-725-2434
Background and Biography
