Non-theological courses
GE-10103 introduces students to the scientific study of human thought, emotion, and behavior. The course surveys major areas of psychology, including biological foundations, sensation and perception, learning, memory, development, personality, psychological disorders, and social influences. Students will gain a foundational understanding of key concepts and methods, preparing them for further study in psychology, the social sciences, and related fields.
Key Themes Covered:
- Foundations of Psychology: history, methods, and major perspectives
- Biological Bases of Behavior: brain, nervous system, and hormones
- Sensation, Perception, and Consciousness: how we experience the world
- Learning and Memory: conditioning, cognition, and recall processes
- Lifespan Development: growth and change across the stages of life
- Motivation, Emotion, and Personality: what drives people and shapes identity
- Psychological Disorders and Therapy: understanding challenges and treatments
- Social Psychology: group influence, relationships, and cultural dynamics
Course Materials:
- Introduction to Psychology - BCcampus Open Textbook, 1st Canadian Edition
- Additional online videos and resources (links provided)
3 credit course
GE-10203 introduces students to the scientific study of society and social interaction through a two-textbook pedagogical approach. The course surveys major areas of sociology while integrating Christian theological reflection on social life.
Key Themes Covered:
- The Sociological Imagination: Connecting personal experiences to larger social forces
- Research Methods: Quantitative and qualitative approaches to studying society
- Culture and Socialization: How societies create meaning and shape individuals
- Social Interaction and Groups: Patterns of human interaction and group dynamics
- Social Stratification: Inequality, class, and mobility in global perspective
- Social Institutions: Family and religion as foundational structures of society
- Social Change: Modernization, urbanization, and globalization processes
- Presuppositional Debates: Gender and sexuality, race and ethnicity, economic systems, and family structure controversies examined through multiple worldview perspectives
Course Materials:
- Introduction to Sociology 3e (OpenStax, 2021) - FREE online or $35 print
- Sociology for Christian Learners: A Reader's Guide (WWES, 2025) - $10 print-on-demand
3 credit course
GE-10302 provides a foundational survey of the world’s major religious traditions through a Christian missiological lens. Designed for leaders serving in multi-faith contexts, the course balances accurate phenomenological descriptions with theological reflection. Students utilize the "McDermott Four-Question Grid" to analyze the ultimate concerns and worldviews of various faiths, preparing them for respectful engagement and effective ministry in the religiously diverse Global South.
Key Themes Covered:
- The McDermott Four-Question Grid: Analyzing ultimate concern, reality, the human problem, and proposed solutions
- Indic Traditions: History, beliefs, and practices of Hinduism and Buddhism
- Abrahamic Faiths: A comparative study of Islam and Judaism in relation to Christian thought
- East Asian Religions: Exploring Confucianism, Daoism, Shinto, and Japanese New Religions
- Persian and Global Traditions: Insights into Zoroastrianism, Baha’i, and Sikhism
- Traditional and Tribal Religions: Understanding indigenous belief systems and local spiritualities
- Theology of Religions: Identifying theological tensions and bridges for Christian dialogue
- Missiological Application: Practical strategies for respectful engagement and neighborly love
Course Materials:
- World Religions: A Concise Guide for Global Community – Teemu J. Lehtonen (ed.), WWES Bible & Theology Series (2026)
2 credit course
This course is an introduction to great world religions. In this course we survey and study the following: Baha'i, Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism (or Taoism), Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Shinto and Sikhism
Required texts for the course:
- A Passion for Truth - Alister McGrath, IVP 1996
- Pocket Guide to World Religions - Winfried Corduan, IVP 2006
- The Baker Pocket Guide to World Religions - Gerald R. MacDermott, Baker 2008
Prerequisites:
- ST-1002 Bible and Its Interpretation
- ST-2004 Christian Doctrine
2 credit course