Students in the Diploma in Diaconal Ministries program are required to take 8 academic courses at a recognized theological education institution.
What external Courses are required?
Eight semester long courses (3 credit hours) are required for the Diploma.
Introduction to Christian Scriptures
an overview course of the content and context of the Christian Scriptures which introduces methods in biblical criticism; in some situations these courses are in two parts (semesters), one part is sufficient, but then the Christian Scriptures Theme should be complementary.
Christian Scriptures: Theme or Focus
a specific course (generally would require a prerequisite introductory course) and where appropriate and possible, at a second or third year level, that concentrates on a book or books, a writer, a theme or issue.
Introduction to Hebrew Scriptures
an overview course of the content and context of the Hebrew Scriptures which introduces methods in biblical criticism, in some situations these courses are in two parts (two semesters), one part is sufficient, but then the Hebrew Scriptures: Theme or Focus should be complementary.
Hebrew Scriptures: Theme or Focus
a specific course (generally would require a prerequisite introductory course) that concentrates on a book or books, a writer, a theme or issue.
Introduction to Theology
an overview course which introduces theological concepts and methodology in theological thinking.
Theology: Theme or Focus
a specific course (generally would require a prerequisite introductory course) that concentrates on a theological topic or particular school of theological approach.
Church History
a survey course of church history: a complete overview of early church to modern era is strongly recommended, an overview from early church to reformation, and an overview from reformation to modern era may be used in some situations.
Introduction to Ethics
an overview of methods in ethical thinking and approaches, not a “professional ethics” course.
Where are courses offered?
Students may take courses from the undergraduate or graduate Religious Studies Department of an approved University or from an approved Theological School. Whenever possible, students are encouraged to take courses from a Theological School and whenever possible at a Master’s level. Students without an undergraduate degree may apply to Theological Schools offering Masters programs, although space is often limited. Students with undergraduate degrees must seek special dispensation from their primary staff person in order to take a course at the undergraduate level. This dispensation may be granted based on the staff person’s assessment of the particular learning needs of the student. Students who are interested in a joint degree with one of CCS’s partners are advised that the level at which their externals are taken may affect their eligibility for joint degree requirements (i.e. Courses for a Master’s degree may need to be at the graduate level).
Following is a list of schools recognized by CCS. This list is evolving and other schools may be added as students inquire with staff about their suitability. Students are advised that they must still consult with their primary staff person about courses at the schools listed below as not all courses may be approved.
Schools recognized by CCS:
Atlantic School of Theology, Carleton University, College of Emmanuel-St. Chad, Emmanuel College, Huntington University, Huron College, Iona College, Laurentian University, McMaster University, Queen’s College (Nfld), Queen’s Theological College, Queen’s University, Sir Wilfrid Laurier, St. Stephen’s College, St. Andrew’s College, Trinity College, Thornloe College, United Theological College, University of Toronto, University of Regina, University of Waterloo, University of Calgary, University of Winnipeg, Vancouver School of Theology, Western University, Wycliffe College, York University
Increasingly, Theological Schools are willing to set courses up in response to a request when there are sufficient students. Initiative among students to determine course needs in common and identify dates for courses that would work is encouraged. Students are required to be in touch with the Principal prior to approaching any Theological School to set up courses, to avoid duplication of requests.
What methods of delivery are available?
Courses are available through an increasing number of delivery methods. Even within each method there are variations in methodology and tools.
- Correspondence (written lectures, audio lectures, video lectures)
- Directed Study/Reading Courses (one on one work with a professor)
- Intensives (week long, 3 weekends over a semester or year)
- Internet (some are correspondence, some with class interaction such as Chat Groups)
- Intramural (classes offered on campus on a weekly basis for a semester)
- Telebroadcast (remote, live lectures broadcast to gathered group with two way interaction)
- Teleconference (class gathers on a conference call)
- Cluster/Tutorial (correspondence type material with a local tutorial or reflection group)
Whatever the method of delivery, students are encouraged to take courses from institutions where a diversity of theological thought is encouraged and accepted.
Why are external Academic Courses part of the CCS program?
External courses:
- provide opportunities for students to experience a wider variety of learning and teaching styles,
- provide an opportunity for students to bring experiences of other teaching styles into the integrative process in CCS courses,
- provide opportunities for students to learn from a variety of theological perspectives and to practice articulating their perspective in dialogue,
- provide opportunities for students to learn together with people preparing for other expressions of ministry,
- enable other communities of learners to benefit from the experience of students in an integrative process of learning,
- provide opportunities to draw on resources that are available in the wider geography of Canada,
- increase the accessibility and reduce the cost of the program,
- enhance the resources and expertise among CCS staff, complementing the skills of CCS staff,
- further demonstrate CCS commitment to the value of scholarly work and affirms the importance of intellectual resources.
How will courses be approved?
Students are required to consult with primary staff about suitable courses for them.
Requests for approval of courses should be made as far in advance of the registration deadline for the course as possible. Courses which are taken without prior approval may or may not be approved. Whether or not a course has been started will not be taken into account in the approval process.
Applicants and newly admitted students may want to consult with the Principal or designate, as some courses taken prior to entering the CCS program may be counted toward the externals requirement at the time of admission.
How are results of courses shared with CCS?
Students are responsible to provide CCS with transcripts of External Courses. Once a student has completed all of the courses they plan to take at a particular external school, then they should arrange to have an official transcript forwarded to the registrar at CCS. Diplomas can not be granted until the transcripts have been received. However, while students are still taking courses with an external school, a digital “report card” is sufficient. Students are requested to send confirmation of final course marks to CCS as soon as they receive them from the external school. Normally, a grade of 65% or equivalent on an External Course will be required in order to satisfy the requirements of the Centre for Christian Studies.
Can External Courses be counted towards a degree?
Students must register with at least one of the recognized schools to access courses. Students may register at the school as a special student or in a degree program.
The Centre has joint degree program arrangements with St. Stephen’s College for a Master of Theological Studies in Diaconal Ministry and a Bachelor of Theological Studies in Diaconal Ministry and with University of Winnipeg for a Masters of Arts in Theology or a Bachelor of Theology.
