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Catholic Courses for Trinity Western Degrees

Catholic Pacific College teaches Catholic theology, philosophy, history, and literature courses for Trinity Western University students. That means CPC students choose from the full array of program options that TWU has to offer. Use the button below to see all the TWU programs available. And, view the complete list of CPC Courses in the sections below. (The buttons navigate to TWU's website, away from CPC's website)

TWU Programs
TWU Academic Calendar

Upcoming Course Schedule

This is the timetable of courses and professors for the next semester(s).

All CPC Courses

Below are two sections of courses: Catholic Formation Track (CFT) and Electives. Any student can take elective courses, but anyone hoping to take the CFT in place of the TWU core must register for the CFT through our Admissions Counsellor, John Doromal. However, any non-CFT student can take CFT courses as Electives. Find out more about the CFT with the appropriate button below. Register for the CFT with the other button below. Not all courses are offered each semester. Students must consult the upcoming course schedule listed above.

Learn more about the CFTContact our Admissions Counsellor

Catholic Formation Track Courses

Download Catholic Formation Track Checklist (PDF)

Latin

Introduces students to the Latin language and its historical importance. As the official language of the Roman Catholic Church, students will learn various chants, prayers, and parts of the liturgy.

(3 semester hours)

Virtue Ethics

Explores the nature and acquisition of virtue. The following questions will be considered: How is virtuous behaviour identified as something desirable? How are virtues acquired? How are virtues applied to real life? What is the difference between theological and cardinal virtues, and how do these interact?

(3 semester hours)

Electives

Medieval Philosophy

This course explores philosophical issues in the West from the second to the 14th century, in particular the impact of Greek philosophy on the development of Christian thought. There are three natural stages of this interaction: 1) Defensive philosophy (apologetics): responses to rational objections brought to bear against Christianity; 2) Methodology: reflection on the interaction between faith and reason, and, in particular, the nature of theology as a science; and 3) Constructive philosophy: struggles from within over a systematic metaphysics and ethics. A central theme of the course is the role of the doctrine of creation in the image of God.

3 semester hours
• Prerequisites: 3 sem. hrs. of philosophy. (3-0; 0-0)

  • The course meets the University Core Requirement for Philosophy, and meets the requirements for a Philosophy Major, Concentration, or Minor; English Ancillary Requirement; and Christianity and Culture: Catholic Studies Minor.

  • All CPC courses may be counted as electives for any TWU Degree.

  • CPC courses may count towards CPC certificates as listed in the Course Requirements for each Certificate.

Image: Abelard and his pupil Heloise by Edmund Leighton (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H%C3%A9lo%C3%AFse)

Philosophy of Thomas Aquinas

This course studies key texts from Thomas Aquinas. The focus is on the Summa Theologiae of Thomas Aquinas, but special attention is paid to his commentaries on Aristotle and on his Christian interpretation of ancient philosophy. The challenge that modern science and modern philosophy presents to Thomistic metaphysics is also discussed, with special attention paid to the highly influential critique made by Immanuel Kant.

(3 semester hours)
Instructor's notes:

This course further explores the person of Thomas Aquinas and his intellectual formation.

  • Prerequisites: 3 sem. hrs. of philosophy. (3-0; 0-0)

  • The course meets the University Core Requirement for Philosophy, and meets the requirements for a Philosophy Major, Concentration, or Minor; English Ancillary Requirement; and Christianity and Culture: Catholic Studies Minor.

  • All CPC courses may be counted as electives for any TWU Degree.

  • CPC courses may count towards CPC certificates as listed in the Course Requirements for each Certificate.

Image: St. Thomas Aquinas, painting attributed to Sandro Botticelli, 15th century.

Philosophy of the Human Person

This course addresses what it means to say that human beings are persons having freedom and subjectivity. It examines the different powers of the human person, including the powers of understanding, willing, feeling, and loving. It will also examine the difference between body and soul, as well as the unity of the two in humans. Finally, it will explore the question of the immortality of the soul.

(3 semester hours)
Instructor's Note: As a doctor often studies health by way of its opposite, so in this course positive accounts of the human person will be examined in close conjunction with negatives. The aim will be to reach a nuanced appreciation of human persons not only as individuals but as parts of functioning and flourishing societies, and will include critical engagement with several modern assumptions and attitudes by way of various postmodern critiques. As the focus is on human subjectivity, this will be done with frequent recourse to psychology, theology and the arts, specifically contemporary depictions of personal and interpersonal breakdown in postapocalyptic and zombie fictions.

  • Prerequisites: any 100-level PHIL course, or instructor’s permission.

  • The course meets the University Core Requirement for Philosophy, and meets the requirements for a Philosophy Major, Concentration, or Minor; English Ancillary Requirement; and Christianity and Culture: Catholic Studies Minor.

  • All CPC courses may be counted as electives for any TWU Degree.

  • CPC courses may count towards CPC certificates as listed in the Course Requirements for each Certificate.

Image: Woman at her Vanity with Earring by Richard Edward Miller (1875-1943)

Philosphy of Literature

This course surveys major ancient, medieval, modern, and postmodern approaches that attempt a theory of literature. The course places modern and postmodern theories in historical perspective by reading key ancient and medieval authors. In particular, resources from the Latin Scholastic tradition most relevant to contemporary debates about literary theory are highlighted.

(3 semester hours)
Instructor's notes:

What is literature? Why is it important, and how does it respond to, and engage with, perennial philosophical questions? One of the important questions we will pursue is the meaningful shaping of human experience through narrative and rational reflection. Both literature and philosophy give form to the apparent chaos of life. To put it differently, both provide story or narrative to the otherwise ceaseless unfolding of events. Moreover, it is not only philosophical reflection that allows for cultural criticism. We will examine how the literary imagination is crucial for seeing things differently. Flannery O’Connor pithily wrote, “In the land of the deaf you have to shout.” Is literature able to shout over the din of our technological culture in a way that philosophy cannot? We will pursue these questions by engaging with the works of writers who bridged the world of philosophy and literature––Flannery O’Connor, Fyodor Dostoevsky, Iris Murdoch, Charles Williams, G.K. Chesterton, C.S. Lewis, David Adams Richards, and Plato––along with theorists such as Terry Eagleton, Josef Pieper, Northrop Frye, Richard Kearney, and St Augustine.

•Prerequisite(s): 3 sem. hrs. of philosophy.

•The course meets the University Core Requirement for Philosophy, and meets the requirements for a Philosophy Major, Concentration, or Minor; English Ancillary Requirement; and Christianity and Culture: Catholic Studies Minor.

•All CPC courses may be counted as electives for any TWU Degree.

•CPC courses may count towards CPC certificates as listed in the Course Requirements for each Certificate.

Image: The Four Doctors of the Western Church, Saint Augustine of Hippo (354–430); By Gerard Seghers - http://www.nationaltrustcollections.org.uk/object/1257059, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=43661956

Revelation & Interpretation

An introduction to biblical hermeneutics focusing upon the significance of divine revelation, primarily as represented in the sacred scriptures of the New Covenant. Students will be exposed to general principles of textual interpretation, perspectives from contemporary theological hermeneutics, and several of the historical debates in the reception of biblical texts, particularly surrounding the ecumenical councils of the first eight centuries. Students will also be encouraged to develop a critical awareness of their presuppositions as readers, with an aim of engaging constructively in debates which continue to divide Christians.

(3 semester hours)
Prerequisite(s): RELS 102 or RELS 106 CP. (3-0; 0-0)   • This course meets the requirements for Christianity and Culture: Catholic Studies Minor.

   • In order to use this CPC course for any TWU Religious Studies Department degree requiring Christianity & Culture (6-9) courses, please seek permission from the Religious Studies Chair.

   • All CPC courses may be counted as electives for any TWU Degree. CPC courses may count towards CPC certificates as listed in the Course Requirements for each Certificate.

Moral Theology

Moral theology reflects upon the goodness and evil of human acts, and of the person who performs them, in the light of Divine Revelation and human reason. This course offers an introduction both to mainstream Catholic and evangelical moral theology and contemporary moral issues, emphasizing their common ground and supplementary insights as well as explaining their continuing points of divergence. The course is taught by a Catholic professor, utilizing both Catholic and protestant texts. Specific moral issues to be discussed include abortion, homosexuality, "just war", contraception, divorce, euthanasia, poverty and hunger, and the nature and role of the family.

(3 semester hours)
Instructor's notes:

This course provides students with the theological background necessary to enable them to think with clarity about moral issues in the light of Divine Revelation. Given that the Catholic and Protestant traditions understand the fundamental theological sources differently, the course will emphasize their common commitment to divinely revealed, scriptural moral testimony, while explaining their divergent perspectives with regard to the role of tradition. The course outlines the central importance of orthodox Christian anthropology in moral reflection and introduces students to some of the most important moral issues today, and presents both Catholic and Evangelical perspectives on these issues.

  • Prerequisite(s): RELS 160 or instructor's consent.

  • The course meets the requirements for Christianity and Culture: Catholic Studies Minor.

  • In order to use this CPC course for any TWU Religious Studies Department degree requiring Christianity & Culture (6-9) courses, please seek permission from the Religious Studies Chair.

  • All CPC courses may be counted as electives for any TWU Degree.

  • CPC courses may count towards CPC certificates as listed in the Course Requirements for each Certificate.

Image: Sermon on the Mount, By Carl Bloch - http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ycv0BE0wFr4/TU8WRXJmxYI/AAAAAAAAAgI/2QjVrd4bEHo/s1600/Sermon_on_the_Mount_Carl_Bloch.jpg and Carl Bloch, p. 313, ISBN 9788798746591, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=186837

Theology of the Body

This course reviews the roots and evolution of the modern secular approaches to anthropology and human sexuality and contrasts them with those of Christ. This course examines recent developments in theological reflection on the body (John Paul II’s theology of the body) and provides a general introduction to Christian anthropology, with particular attention to themes such as creation in the imago Dei, fall and redemption, nature and grace, freedom and rationality, gender and vocation. Due note of convergent and divergent doctrinal positions held by various Christian traditions of the themes are reviewed.

(3 semester hours)
• Prerequisites: RELS 160. (0-0; 3-0)

   • This course meets the requirements for Christianity and Culture: Catholic Studies Minor.

   • In order to use this CPC course for any TWU Religious Studies Department degree requiring Christianity & Culture (6-9) courses, please seek permission from the Religious Studies Chair.

   • All CPC courses may be counted as electives for any TWU Degree. CPC courses may count towards CPC certificates as listed in the Course Requirements for each Certificate.

Image credit: Creation of Adam By Michelangelo - See below., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=71427942

Contemporary Catholic Theology of the Love of God

This course traces the theme of the merciful love of God in Scripture and Catholic Tradition, especially in the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Catherine of Siena, St. Therese of Lisieux, St. Faustina Kowalska, and Pope John Paul II, as well as in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The Mercy of God is presented as a central vantage point from which to view more clearly many important elements of Catholic doctrine and spirituality, ethics, and a common springboard for Catholic-Evangelical ecumenism—in other words, the contemporary Catholic world view. (This is not a course in Catholic apologetics or polemics.)

(3 semester hours)
NB: Course taught at Catholic Pacific College, an approved TWU learning centre.

   • Prerequisites: RELS 160 or equivalent with instructor’s consent. (0-0; 3-0)

   • The course meets the requirements for Christianity and Culture: Catholic Studies Minor.

   • In order to use this CPC course for any TWU Religious Studies Department degree requiring Christianity & Culture (6-9) courses, please seek permission from the Religious Studies Chair.

   • All CPC courses may be counted as electives for any TWU Degree.

   • CPC Courses may count towards CPC certificates as listed in the Course Requirements for each Certificate.

Image credit: Prodigal Son By Pompeo Batoni, poto kaka - Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien, Bilddatenbank., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4628046

C.S. Lewis

This course provides a detailed study of the theological and apologetic writings of C.S.Lewis. The instructor presents the Christian worldview of Lewis, as well as limitations and problems that may be inherent in his theological vision. The relevance of Lewis' writings to the task of ecumenical theological dialogue is a recurrent theme.

C. S. Lewis was one of the twentieth century’s incisive intellects and an influential contributor to Christian apologetics and literature. He penned numerous books, ranging from nonfiction works of theology, philosophy, literary criticism and apologetics, to children’s literature, fiction and poetry. Since he was such a broad and intuitive thinker, it should be no surprise that some of the 20th century’s greatest philosophers and theologians have nothing but praise for him (e.g., Hans Urs Von Balthasar, Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, Josef Pieper, and Robert Spaemann). Although Lewis is recognised as a brilliant thinker, for him, reason did not have the last word. While “reason is the natural order of truth,” the “imagination is the organ of meaning.” With this in mind, we will explore Lewis’ perspective on life, love, language, literature, friendship, epistemology, myth, morality, and God via his works of imagination.

(3 semester hours)
Instructor's Note: Like many people, I was introduced to the Narniad as a child and was enamoured by Lewis’ fictional world. In university, I discovered Lewis’ other works of fiction and nonfiction, and his logic and poetics significantly shaped my intellectual and spiritual development. During my time in Eastern Europe I was fortunate to be plunged head first into the Lewis corpus as I researched and prepared to teach two different university courses on Lewis. To top it off, while living in the UK, I supped at The Eagle and Child (affectionately known by Lewis et al as The Bird and the Babe), spent several evenings bantering and discussing literature, theology, and CS Lewis with Michael Ward (author of Planet Narnia), and attended mass in Oxford with Lewis’ private secretary, Walter Hooper. Even though my attention over the last few years has been turned towards the theological anthropology of Joseph Ratzinger and Alexander Schmemann, I remain a Lewis aficionado.

   • Prerequisites: RELS 160 or equivalent with instructor’s consent. (0-0; 3-0)

   • The course meets the requirements for Christianity and Culture: Catholic Studies Minor.

   • In order to use this CPC course for any TWU Religious Studies Department degree requiring Christianity & Culture (6-9) courses, please seek permission from the Religious Studies Chair.

   • All CPC courses may be counted as electives for any TWU Degree.

   • CPC Courses may count towards CPC certificates as listed in the Course Requirements for each Certificate.

Image: Lamp Post in the Woods by NKBImages, iStock Photos. (A feature from C.S. Lewis' "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe")

The Catholic Church: Theology & Practice

This course focuses on the theological, liturgical, and spiritual traditions that undergird the Catholic Church and which continue to form her self-understanding. Historically, this course explains and evaluates the development of the Catholic doctrine of the Church in terms of its roots in Scripture and Tradition, and with a particular emphasis on the Pauline understanding of the Church as the Body of Christ, and selected readings from the Church Fathers, as well as developments in Catholic understanding of the Church in different historical periods and social contexts. It also examines the Church in terms of her ongoing mission to the contemporary world implied by Catholic doctrine. Spiritually, this course exams the distinctive teaching of the Second Vatican Council's 'universal call to holiness' which ultimately serves to integrate doctrine and life in each member of the Church. Analysis of these themes are undertaken in dialogue with the perspectives of other Christian traditions, and in the light of the constructive critique they can offer.

(3 semester hours)
• Prerequisites: RELS 105 or equivalent with instructor’s consent. (0-0; 3-0)

   • The course meets the requirements for Christianity and Culture: Catholic Studies Minor.

   • In order to use this CPC course for any TWU Religious Studies Department degree requiring Christianity & Culture (6-9) courses, please seek permission from the Religious Studies Chair.

   • All CPC courses may be counted as electives for any TWU Degree.

   • CPC Courses may count towards CPC certificates as listed in the Course Requirements for each Certificate.

Image: St. Peter's Basilica in Rome at night.

Christian Theology in Ecumenical Dialogue

A survey and analysis of the main achievements of the ecumenical theological dialogue process among the Christian churches, and the significant challenges still facing that dialogue today. This course utilizes texts from Catholic, Protestant Evangelical, Eastern Orthodox, and Anglican sources, and guest lecturers from Catholic, Evangelical, and Orthodox traditions.

(3 semester hours)
NB: Course taught at Catholic Pacific College, an approved TWU learning centre.

Prerequisite(s): RELS 160. (0-0; 3-0)

   • This course meets the requirements for Christianity and Culture: Catholic Studies Minor.

   • In order to use this CPC course for any TWU Religious Studies Department degree requiring Christianity & Culture (6-9) courses, please seek permission from the Religious Studies Chair.

   • All CPC courses may be counted as electives for any TWU Degree. CPC courses may count towards CPC certificates as listed in the Course Requirements for each Certificate.

 

About the Catholic Formation Track

Download Catholic Formation Track Checklist (PDF)

Watch "Introduction to CPC and the CFT" video

All CFT Courses

ART 215 CP - Beauty & the Sacred

TWU Liberal Arts Core & the CFT

At Trinity Western University you can earn a degree in one of more than 48 academic programs while receiving a faithful Catholic formation at Catholic Pacific College, formation that cannot be rivalled anywhere in the Northwest. TWU is a liberal arts university in which every student receives more than mere training in a particular career path. Their liberal arts core curriculum is aimed at forming well-rounded individuals by providing a dynamic range of subjects from art & culture to humanities and sciences. Imagine, then, attending this amazing university plus being formed in and by the Catholic intellectual tradition. At CPC, you can be. TWU students can take most of the core courses through Catholic Pacific College’s new Catholic Formation Track (CFT) of the TWU Core.

Receive a robust Catholic formation

The Catholic Formation Track is comprised of 11 fundamental courses in the areas of academic writing (2 courses), Catholic theology (3 courses), virtue ethics, Catholic Church history, liturgy and sacraments, Catholic social teaching, beauty and sacred art, and Latin. It is a formative track designed to expose students to the richness of the Catholic intellectual tradition. The CFT directly engages with fundamental questions that pertain to all aspects of life, enabling students to make informed choices about faith, relationships, vocation, and careers.

Registering for the CFT

In order to receive this unique opportunity for solid Catholic formation, students need to be clear about their decision. Anyone interested in taking the Catholic Formation Track must either indicate on their application that they are interested or speak with the CPC Admissions Counsellor. It is important to understand that, once the Catholic Formation Track for the TWU Core is chosen, students cannot leave that track. They must complete all* of the indicated courses within that track to get credit for completing TWU's core requirements.
When you have gone through the TWU admissions process, been accepted, and made your deposit, you must fill out our CFT registration form to be officially signed up for the CFT. You are not in the CFT if you have not completed the form. Only our Admissions Counsellor, John Doromal can provide you with a link to the form.

*Contact Academic Dean to coordinate your academic program with the CFT

How to Choose CFT Courses

Choosing your CFT courses is easy. The CFT courses can be found on the same registration page as all of the TWU courses, and it's simply a matter of looking for the CFT course number (which will include a 'cp' in it) and choosing. However, we highly recommend that you contact our Admissions Counsellor, John Doromal to help you with the process. Click the button below to book an appointment with John today. It's that easy.

Book an Appointment with a CPC Admissions Counsellor

More CFT Details

Taking CFT Courses as Electives
These new courses are amazing, and we understand that students who have already begun their Core curriculum under the normal TWU core may want to take some of them. While they cannot take them and get credit as core courses, these students may still take the new courses as elective courses.

Meet our Faculty.

CPC prides itself in its high-calibre, faithful professors.

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Dr. Andrew
Kaethler

Academic Dean & Asst. Professor of Theology

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Fr. David
Bellusci, OP

Assistant Professor
Philosophy & Theology

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Dr. David
Henderson

Assistant Professor
Theology

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Vic
Cavalli

Sesssional Instructor
English

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Dr. Melinda
Kingsbury

Sesssional Instructor
English

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Dr. Carly
Henderson

Sesssional Instructor
Theology

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Dr. Germain
McKenzie

Sesssional Instructor
Theology

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Dr. David
Baird

Visiting Professor
of Theology

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CPC³ Public Lectures

Upcoming Lectures

RegisterView Previous Lectures
 

Catholic Studies Minor

What is an academic minor?

An academic minor is a field of study that is secondary to a major degree. Rather than pursuing a double major - which is generally more expensive and takes longer to finish - students can expand their range of knowledge with a minor. A minor can be focused on an area of personal interest that may not be included in the program of the major. Also, it may be a field of study that expands the scope of their major; for example, psychology majors may take religious studies in order to practice within a faith community.

What is a Catholic Studies Minor?

The Catholic Studies Minor is granted by the Christianity and Culture program at TWU but is administered and taught by Catholic Pacific College professors. The minor is comprised of theology and philosophy courses that are designed to expose students to the richness of the Catholic intellectual tradition. In turn, the skills and knowledge gained from these courses complement the programs that Trinity Western University provides.

Why pursue a minor?

In general, a minor has both personal and career benefits. Regardless of the reason behind taking the minor, it is additional education that will enrich your life and add to your uniqueness. A Catholic Studies minor particularly excels in this regard since it directly engages with fundamental questions that pertain to all aspects of life, enabling students to make informed choices about faith, relationships, vocation, and careers.

Further, the minor will boost the students’ CV/resume. In order to add depth and insight to organizations employers often look for persons with diverse experience and education. Well-rounded individuals have potential to think outside of the box, a critical asset in an ever-changing marketplace. In addition, a graduate with a Catholic Studies minor is particularly well-suited for work within Catholic institutions (e.g., Catholic education).

The Details of the Catholic Studies Minor

See official TWU Catholic Studies Minor Checklist
A total of 24 s.h. of credit, including a minimum of 12 s.h. of upper-level credit is required to complete a Minor. A minimum overall (cumulative) GPA of 2.00 is required for graduation.

In order to be eligible for graduation you must complete an Application for Graduation via the Student Portal and submit a completed checklist to the Office of the Registrar by April 30 of the year prior to your completion (there is no fee to apply for graduation). Once your complete application has been received, a degree audit will be completed for you. This audit will confirm which courses are still outstanding in order for you to complete your degree.

List of Required Courses for Catholic Studies Minor

The Catholic Studies Minor course requirement is currently being revised. Please contact CPC’s Academic Dean for an accurate list of acceptable courses. A full list of CPC courses can be found here: catholicpacific.ca/allcourses.

CPC Video Collection

Check out our video collection which includes our CPC³ Public Lecture Series, our apologetics series, "Dialoguing Toward Truth," and our introduction videos. You can also find all of our videos on our Youtube channel: @catholicpacific

CPC³ Public Lecture Series

Dr. David Henderson

September 28, 2022

Dialoguing Toward Truth (CPC Apologetics Series)

Episode #1

Episode #2

Episode #3

Episode #4

Episode #5