Theological Studies Program - Areas of Study Graduate theological education consists primarily of four areas of study:
- Biblical-textual studies involve both the science of interpretation (hermeneutics) and the study of the meaning of texts (exegesis). Advanced graduate research in this area requires knowledge of Hebrew and/or Greek.
- Philosophical-theological-historical studies include theological analysis of the biblical texts (biblical theology), philosophical analysis of religious themes (systematic theology), and the examination of theology within its historical and cultural contexts (historical theology).
- Pastoral- practical studies include the development of a variety of professional skills such as preaching, teaching, counseling, and leadership.
- Formational studies involve the study of the personal and professional characteristics and disciplines that produce sustained excellence in theological leadership.
The primary emphasis in the Theological Studies program at the University of Waterloo and Conrad Grebel University College is on biblical-textual and philosophical-theological-historical studies. This is where its faculty resources are focused. The Anabaptist-Mennonite character of the program is expressed in courses and research through an emphasis on social justice, peace, reconciliation and the role and character of faith communities.
In pastoral-practical studies the Theological Studies program requires supervised internships that integrate experiential learning with academic analysis. Some courses that develop specific leadership skills will be available in the program, and additional courses in this area will be available through Waterloo Lutheran Seminary and other regional institutions with which close collaborative relationships have been established.
Formational studies are emphasized within the internships and the integrative seminar for those in the applied studies option, but these will be a small proportion of the overall curriculum. The formational emphasis will be reinforced by the “community of learners” culture in the Theological Studies program.