| TH
110 |
INTRODUCTION
TO THE BIBLE (TH) (3
hours) |
|
This course is designed as a theological and historical-critical survey of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) and the New Testament. It covers the major figures and events of both testaments, the evolution of ancient Israel's understanding of God and its continuation in early Christianity. In addition to familiarity with the structure and story of the Bible, students will gain an understanding of its central theological themes, e.g., creation, sin, election, covenant, faith, redemption and salvation. This course also incorporates a service-learning component.
[Theology] [Pastoral
Ministry]
|
| TH 125 |
INTRODUCTION TO CATHOLICISM (TH) (3 hours) |
| |
This course is a basic survey of Roman Catholic Christianity. It examines the historical beliefs and practices that Catholics hold in common with other Christians (e.g., monotheism, the Creed), as well as those that distinguish them from other Christians (e.g., a sacramental world view, magisterium, papacy). We will also give some attention to the issues and controversies that the Catholic Church faces at the beginning of the twenty first century. Catholic reflection and teaching of doctrine, scripture, worship, spirituality, sacraments and morality will be treated.
[Theology] [Pastoral Ministry]
|
| TH
210 |
KEY
FIGURES IN CHRISTIAN HISTORY (TH) (3
hours) |
|
A
survey of Christian history which
focuses on selected men and women
from each age who exemplify
the call to live out the Christian
life within the challenge and complexities
of their culture and age. A
basic theme is the relationship
between Christianity and its world
context.
[Theology] [Pastoral
Ministry]
|
| TH
230 |
THEOLOGY
OF SEXUALITY AND MARRIAGE (TH/IS) (3
hours) |
|
This course is a theological survey and analysis of human sexuality and marriage as understood within the Christian tradition. While the topics of marriage and sexuality are among the most controversial in our culture, they are also some of the most personally important that bear upon human beings today. The readings combine different emphases, some of which are historical, theological, psychological, doctrinal, and pastoral. We shall examine themes such as sacramentality, celibacy, divorce and remarriage, contraception, homosexuality, and the meaning of marital commitment.
Three hours fall semester
[Theology] [Pastoral
Ministry]
|
| TH
235 |
CHRISTIAN
SOCIAL TEACHING (TH) (3
hours) |
|
Examines
the social institutions of culture,
economics and politics through
a theological lens. Employing
social justice teaching from biblical,
Roman Catholic and Protestant sources,
this course examines the theological
critique of major social movements
and events and focuses attention
on key figures in social justice. Students
will apply principles of social/theological
principles to contemporary
social concerns of the post-modern
world.
[Theology] [Pastoral
Ministry]
|
| TH
250 |
OLD
TESTAMENT (TH/IS) (3
hours) |
|
An
introduction to the Scriptures
of Israel. Examines
major theological themes as presented
in historical, prophetic, liturgical,
and wisdom literature. Presents
Scripture as living Word of God
for people today. Introduces
modern scholarship and criticism. Examines
the background and formation of
the Hebrew Scriptures. This
course is designed to be taken
in combination with TH 260, New
Testament, in order to provide
a basic background for theology
and pastoral ministry majors. It
is open to all students.
[Theology] [Pastoral
Ministry]
|
| TH
260 |
NEW
TESTAMENT (TH/IS) (3
hours) |
|
Study
of the major texts and themes of
the New Testament. Explores
early Christian understanding of
Christ and his Church. Presents
Scripture as living word of God
for people today. Examines
contributions from modern scholarship
and criticism. Together
with TH 250 Old Testament, this course
provides the basic scriptural background
for theology and pastoral ministry
majors. It
is open to all students.
[Theology] [Pastoral
Ministry]
|
| TH
300 |
TOPICS
IN THEOLOGY (TH) (1-3
hours) |
|
Particular
topics that are not covered in
other courses but which arise from
contemporary needs and/or student
interest.
[Theology] [Pastoral
Ministry]
|
| TH
304 |
TOPICS
IN SCRIPTURE (TH) (1-3
hours) |
|
Scripture study
with a focus on a particular topic,
such as the Prophetical Literature,
Wisdom Literature, Pauline Epistles,
or Johannine Writings.
[Theology] [Pastoral
Ministry]
|
| TH
305 |
TOPICS
IN SPIRITUALITY (TH) (1-3
hours) |
|
Issues
in prayer and spirituality as found
in the Christian tradition.
[Theology] [Pastoral
Ministry]
|
| TH
320 |
IMAGES
OF JESUS (TH/WCF) (3
hours) |
|
Explores
how history and culture have shaped
the changing images of Jesus over
the centuries. Begins
with a study of the historical
Jesus in his Jewish culture and
explores the meaning of his life,
death, and resurrection. The
course traces these early understandings
of Jesus into the era of the first
church councils where the doctrines
are formulated. Finally,
the course exposes students to
contemporary understandings of
Jesus. Prerequisite: one
course in theology .
[Theology] [Pastoral
Ministry]
|
| TH
322 |
THEOLOGY
OF SACRAMENTS (TH/WCF) (3
hours) |
|
This course explores the historical and theological foundations of the Roman Catholic sacraments. It will examine sacramental meaning and expression through ritual, symbol, and religious experience as they have emerged within the faith life of the Christian community. It will also note the different historical, philosophical, and cultural influences that have affected sacramental theology. Specifically, the course focuses upon baptism, Eucharist, reconciliation, marriage and holy orders as they function and shape Catholic Christian self-understanding and theological reflection. prerequisite: one course in theology.
[Theology] [Pastoral
Ministry]
|
| TH
325 |
CHURCH (TH/IS) (3
hours) |
|
This course will introduce students to a theological, historical, and ecumenical understanding of the Christian Church with a Catholic emphasis. It explores selected patristic, medieval, reformation and contemporary texts (Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox) to uncover what ecclesiae has meant and means for Christian theology and diverse Christians today. Course content relies primarily upon primary texts, close reading and interpretation. This means that students will study ecclesiology as seen by individual theologians and conciliar documents. Specifically, it will examine church self-understanding, organization, doctrine, ethical beliefs, and liturgical practices leading up to the Second Vatican Council and beyond. Prerequisite: one course in theology.
[Theology] [Pastoral
Ministry]
|
| TH
328 |
CHRISTIAN ETHICS (TH)
(3
hours) |
|
An advanced introduction to Christian thought about the meaning and theological nature of moral behavior, value, and decision making. Its method employs a close reading of key, select articles of prominent and influential contemporary Christian ethicists on a range of ethical and theological topics. It will consider, for example, theological perspectives on human nature, freedom, sin, virtue, sources of moral decision making and authority, the role of the Catholic tradition and conscience. Prerequisite: a course in theology.
[Theology] [Pastoral
Ministry]
|
| TH
340 |
CONTEMPORARY
MORAL ISSUES (TH) (3
hours) |
|
Considers
the Christian meaning of morality
and its application to contemporary
moral problems. The
primary focus will be on bioethical
and business ethics. Topics
addressed depend upon current issues
and the interest of students. These
may include: genetic engineering,
doctor assisted suicide, health
care delivery, abortion, advertising,
bribery, business practice, media,
the internet, etc. Prerequisite:
one course in theology or permission
of the instructor.
[Theology] [Pastoral
Ministry]
|
| TH
342 |
EXPLORING
THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE OF GOD (TH) (3
hours) |
|
This
course explores some of the central
questions of human existence in
relation to core Christian beliefs
about human life and destiny. Using
biblical and extra-biblical sources,
the course traces Christianity’s
various attempts to answer the
basic questions of human life:
What is it to be human? What
does it mean to exist within the
grace of God? How
are we to understand the reality
of evil in the world and the fundamental
ambiguity of human experience in
relation to the notion of “original
sin”? Prerequisite:
a course in theology.
[Theology] [Pastoral
Ministry]
|
| TH
375 |
WORLD
RELIGIONS (TH/CS/IS) (3
hours) |
|
This course introduces the basic teachings and spirituality of major world religions with the expectation that such exposure will foster a greater appreciation for the richness of human religious expression. The religions will be considered from the perspective of cultural context as well as historically and theologically in their relation to other faith traditions, considering where they converge and differ from each other, and particularly from Christianity, on issues central to human life. Ultimately, the course aims to cultivate a greater understanding of what is essential to faith and practice within a religious tradition and how this finds expression in human community. Prerequisite: a course in theology.
[Theology] [Pastoral
Ministry]
|
| TH
380 |
THEOLOGY
OF LAY MINISTRY (TH) (3
hours) |
|
This
course focuses on the lay minister
in the Christian Church today. The
meaning of ministry and the role
of the lay minister is traced through
its scriptural foundations and
developments throughout Church
history, with
special emphasis on the expansion
of possibilities for ecclesial
ministry in the contemporary world. Theological
Reflection is introduced and emphasis
is placed on the spiritual and
personal development of the minister. Questions
discussed are: How
does the role of the lay minister
differ from that of any baptized
Christian? What is the relationship
between lay ministry and ordained
ministry? What
seems to be the future direction
of lay ministry? What
are the gifts and responsibilities
of those called to lay ministry? Prerequisite: one
course in theology.
[Theology] [Pastoral
Ministry]
|
| TH
425 |
MYSTERY
OF GOD (TH) (3
hours) |
|
Examines
the human person’s search
for God, God’s self-revelation,
and human attempts to articulate
the nature of God. Includes
the search for God in cosmic religions,
the problem of God as presented
in Scripture, attempts to define
a doctrine of God in early church
history, statements about God in
the Christian creed, the problems
and limits of language about God,
the nature of belief, and the forms
of atheism in our times. Emphasis
on God as triune. Fulfills
the Senior Integrative Experience
requirement. Prerequisite:
a course in theology.
[Theology] [Pastoral
Ministry]
|
|
|
PASTORAL
MINISTRY COURSES
|
| PM 300 |
TOPICS IN MINISTRY (1-3 hours) |
| |
Topics or experiences in Ministry that are not covered by existing courses.
[Theology] [Pastoral Ministry]
|
| PM
320 |
PERSONAL
AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS IN MINISTRY (3
hours) |
|
Develops the process
of theological reflection and the
spiritual growth of the minister. Addresses
the basic skills needed to minister
including basic counseling skills,
ethical issues in ministry, ministry
and law, leadership and group facilitation,
planning and administration, team
development and participation, volunteer
management, problem solving and decision
making. Prerequisites:
one course in theology
[Theology] [Pastoral
Ministry]
|
| PM
450 |
PASTORAL
APPLICATIONS IN MINISTRY (3
hours) |
|
Develops the process
of theological reflection and
the spiritual growth of the minister. Applies
theology to pastoral life with
particular attention to the areas
of education and liturgy. Introduces
resources for pastoral
education, which include Rite
of Christian Initiation for Adults
and Christian formation for children
and adult. Liturgical preparation
includes study of principles
and documents as well as skills
for leading various liturgical
and para-liturgical services. Prerequisite:
one course in theology.
[Theology] [Pastoral
Ministry]
|
| PM
590 |
PASTORAL
MINISTRY REFLECTION (1-3
hours) |
|
This course, which is taken in conjunction with
PM591 Pastoral Ministry Practicum
provides students an opportunity
to use theological reflection to
gain insights from their practicum
experience. They
will also discuss various Church
and world issues in relationship
to their ministry. This course, which fulfills the Senior Integrative Experience
for pastoral ministry majors, will
require that the students also spend
time reflecting on their education
and the manner in which that education
relates to personal, civic and global
responsibilities and their personal
faith perspective. Prerequisites: formal admission to the pastoral ministry program
or permission of the instructor.
[Theology] [Pastoral
Ministry]
|
| PM
591 |
PASTORAL
MINISTRY PRACTICUM (3
hours) |
|
Supervised
participation in the area of ministry
concentration. Application and
integration of theory and spirituality
will occur in the practicum setting
and in the reflection seminar which
includes all pastoral ministry
majors who are doing practice. Prerequisites:
PM 450 and formal admission to
the pastoral ministry program.
[Theology] [Pastoral
Ministry]
|
|
|
