Elective-MS Elective: Important Monastic Writers

Credits: 2 or 3
Prerequisites: Pending professor's approval
Description:
For the Master of Divinity and the Master of Arts in Sacred Scripture, Systematic Theology, and Monastic Studies, elective courses are offered each semester on a rotating basis for each area of concentration. Every academic year, at least one elective course in each area of concentration is offered as a seminar. The M.Div. seminar runs the first ten weeks of the semester; the M.A. seminar runs the full fourteen weeks of the semester.

Elective-MS Elective: Monasticism in the 19th and 20th Centuries

Credits: 2 or 3
Prerequisites: Pending professor's approval
Description:
For the Master of Divinity and the Master of Arts in Sacred Scripture, Systematic Theology, and Monastic Studies, elective courses are offered each semester on a rotating basis for each area of concentration. Every academic year, at least one elective course in each area of concentration is offered as a seminar. The M.Div. seminar runs the first ten weeks of the semester; the M.A. seminar runs the full fourteen weeks of the semester.

Elective-MS Elective: Monastic Liturgy

Credits: 2 or 3
Prerequisites: Pending professor's approval
Description:
For the Master of Divinity and the Master of Arts in Sacred Scripture, Systematic Theology, and Monastic Studies, elective courses are offered each semester on a rotating basis for each area of concentration. Every academic year, at least one elective cou

Elective-SC Elective: The Historical Books

Credits: 2 or 3
Prerequisites: Pending professor's approval
Description:
For the Master of Divinity and the Master of Arts in Sacred Scripture, Systematic Theology, and Monastic Studies, elective courses are offered each semester on a rotating basis for each area of concentration. Every academic year, at least one elective course in each area of concentration is offered as a seminar. The M.Div. seminar runs the first ten weeks of the semester; the M.A. seminar runs the full fourteen weeks of the semester.

Elective-SC Elective: The Exile and its Prophets

Credits: 2 or 3
Prerequisites: Pending professor's approval
Description:
For the Master of Divinity and the Master of Arts in Sacred Scripture, Systematic Theology, and Monastic Studies, elective courses are offered each semester on a rotating basis for each area of concentration. Every academic year, at least one elective course in each area of concentration is offered as a seminar. The M.Div. seminar runs the first ten weeks of the semester; the M.A. seminar runs the full fourteen weeks of the semester.

Elective-SC Elective: Preaching and Teaching the Synoptic Gospels

Credits: 2 or 3
Prerequisites: Pending professor's approval
Description:
For the Master of Divinity and the Master of Arts in Sacred Scripture, Systematic Theology, and Monastic Studies, elective courses are offered each semester on a rotating basis for each area of concentration. Every academic year, at least one elective course in each area of concentration is offered as a seminar. The M.Div. seminar runs the first ten weeks of the semester; the M.A. seminar runs the full fourteen weeks of the semester.

Elective-SC Elective: Revelation and the Johannine Epistles

Credits: 2 or 3
Prerequisites: Pending professor's approval
Description:
For the Master of Divinity and the Master of Arts in Sacred Scripture, Systematic Theology, and Monastic Studies, elective courses are offered each semester on a rotating basis for each area of concentration. Every academic year, at least one elective course in each area of concentration is offered as a seminar. The M.Div. seminar runs the first ten weeks of the semester; the M.A. seminar runs the full fourteen weeks of the semester.

Elective-SC Elective: The Catholic and Pastoral Epistles

Credits: 2 or 3
Prerequisites: Pending professor's approval
Description:
For the Master of Divinity and the Master of Arts in Sacred Scripture, Systematic Theology, and Monastic Studies, elective courses are offered each semester on a rotating basis for each area of concentration. Every academic year, at least one elective course in each area of concentration is offered as a seminar. The M.Div. seminar runs the first ten weeks of the semester; the M.A. seminar runs the full fourteen weeks of the semester.

Elective-SC Elective: The Birth Narratives

Credits: 2 or 3
Prerequisites: Pending professor's approval
Description:
For the Master of Divinity and the Master of Arts in Sacred Scripture, Systematic Theology, and Monastic Studies, elective courses are offered each semester on a rotating basis for each area of concentration. Every academic year, at least one elective course in each area of concentration is offered as a seminar. The M.Div. seminar runs the first ten weeks of the semester; the M.A. seminar runs the full fourteen weeks of the semester.

Elective-SC Elective: The Passion Narratives

Credits: 2 or 3
Prerequisites: Pending professor's approval
Description:
For the Master of Divinity and the Master of Arts in Sacred Scripture, Systematic Theology, and Monastic Studies, elective courses are offered each semester on a rotating basis for each area of concentration. Every academic year, at least one elective course in each area of concentration is offered as a seminar. The M.Div. seminar runs the first ten weeks of the semester; the M.A. seminar runs the full fourteen weeks of the semester.

Elective-SC Elective: With Jesus in the Holy Land

Credits: 2 or 3
Prerequisites: Pending professor's approval
Description:
For the Master of Divinity and the Master of Arts in Sacred Scripture, Systematic Theology, and Monastic Studies, elective courses are offered each semester on a rotating basis for each area of concentration. Every academic year, at least one elective course in each area of concentration is offered as a seminar. The M.Div. seminar runs the first ten weeks of the semester; the M.A. seminar runs the full fourteen weeks of the semester.

Elective-SC Elective: Selected Topics in Pauline Theology

Credits: 2 or 3
Prerequisites: Pending professor's approval
Description:
For the Master of Divinity and the Master of Arts in Sacred Scripture, Systematic Theology, and Monastic Studies, elective courses are offered each semester on a rotating basis for each area of concentration. Every academic year, at least one elective course in each area of concentration is offered as a seminar. The M.Div. seminar runs the first ten weeks of the semester; the M.A. seminar runs the full fourteen weeks of the semester.

Elective-TH Elective: The Easter and Western Fathers

Credits: 2 or 3
Prerequisites: Pending professor's approval
Description:
For the Master of Divinity and the Master of Arts in Sacred Scripture, Systematic Theology, and Monastic Studies, elective courses are offered each semester on a rotating basis for each area of concentration. Every academic year, at least one elective course in each area of concentration is offered as a seminar. The M.Div. seminar runs the first ten weeks of the semester; the M.A. seminar runs the full fourteen weeks of the semester.

Elective-TH Elective: The Medieval Doctors

Credits: 2 or 3
Prerequisites: Pending professor's approval
Description:
For the Master of Divinity and the Master of Arts in Sacred Scripture, Systematic Theology, and Monastic Studies, elective courses are offered each semester on a rotating basis for each area of concentration. Every academic year, at least one elective course in each area of concentration is offered as a seminar. The M.Div. seminar runs the first ten weeks of the semester; the M.A. seminar runs the full fourteen weeks of the semester.

Elective-TH Elective: The Theologians of Vatican I and II

Credits: 2 or 3
Prerequisites: Pending professor's approval
Description:
For the Master of Divinity and the Master of Arts in Sacred Scripture, Systematic Theology, and Monastic Studies, elective courses are offered each semester on a rotating basis for each area of concentration. Every academic year, at least one elective course in each area of concentration is offered as a seminar. The M.Div. seminar runs the first ten weeks of the semester; the M.A. seminar runs the full fourteen weeks of the semester.

Elective-TH Elective: The Seven Deadly Sins

Credits: 2 or 3
Prerequisites: Pending professor's approval
Description:
For the Master of Divinity and the Master of Arts in Sacred Scripture, Systematic Theology, and Monastic Studies, elective courses are offered each semester on a rotating basis for each area of concentration. Every academic year, at least one elective course in each area of concentration is offered as a seminar. The M.Div. seminar runs the first ten weeks of the semester; the M.A. seminar runs the full fourteen weeks of the semester.

Elective-TH Elective: Difficult Moral Problems

Credits: 2 or 3
Prerequisites: Pending professor's approval
Description:
For the Master of Divinity and the Master of Arts in Sacred Scripture, Systematic Theology, and Monastic Studies, elective courses are offered each semester on a rotating basis for each area of concentration. Every academic year, at least one elective course in each area of concentration is offered as a seminar. The M.Div. seminar runs the first ten weeks of the semester; the M.A. seminar runs the full fourteen weeks of the semester.

Elective-TH Elective: Virtues and the Examined Life

Credits: 2 or 3
Prerequisites: Pending professor's approval
Description:
For the Master of Divinity and the Master of Arts in Sacred Scripture, Systematic Theology, and Monastic Studies, elective courses are offered each semester on a rotating basis for each area of concentration. Every academic year, at least one elective course in each area of concentration is offered as a seminar. The M.Div. seminar runs the first ten weeks of the semester; the M.A. seminar runs the full fourteen weeks of the semester.

Elective-TH Elective: Theology of the Body

Credits: 2 or 3
Prerequisites: Pending professor's approval
Description:
For the Master of Divinity and the Master of Arts in Sacred Scripture, Systematic Theology, and Monastic Studies, elective courses are offered each semester on a rotating basis for each area of concentration. Every academic year, at least one elective course in each area of concentration is offered as a seminar. The M.Div. seminar runs the first ten weeks of the semester; the M.A. seminar runs the full fourteen weeks of the semester.

Elective-TH Elective: Ministering to Families

Credits: 2 or 3
Prerequisites: Pending professor's approval
Description:
For the Master of Divinity and the Master of Arts in Sacred Scripture, Systematic Theology, and Monastic Studies, elective courses are offered each semester on a rotating basis for each area of concentration. Every academic year, at least one elective course in each area of concentration is offered as a seminar. The M.Div. seminar runs the first ten weeks of the semester; the M.A. seminar runs the full fourteen weeks of the semester.

Elective-TH Elective: Spiritual Doctors

Credits: 2 or 3
Prerequisites: Pending professor's approval
Description:
For the Master of Divinity and the Master of Arts in Sacred Scripture, Systematic Theology, and Monastic Studies, elective courses are offered each semester on a rotating basis for each area of concentration. Every academic year, at least one elective course in each area of concentration is offered as a seminar. The M.Div. seminar runs the first ten weeks of the semester; the M.A. seminar runs the full fourteen weeks of the semester.

Elective-TH Elective: Principles of Spiritual Direction

Credits: 2 or 3
Prerequisites: Pending professor's approval
Description:
For the Master of Divinity and the Master of Arts in Sacred Scripture, Systematic Theology, and Monastic Studies, elective courses are offered each semester on a rotating basis for each area of concentration. Every academic year, at least one elective course in each area of concentration is offered as a seminar. The M.Div. seminar runs the first ten weeks of the semester; the M.A. seminar runs the full fourteen weeks of the semester.

Elective-TH Elective: Celibacy, Sexuality, and Intimacy

Credits: 2 or 3
Prerequisites: Pending professor's approval
Description:
For the Master of Divinity and the Master of Arts in Sacred Scripture, Systematic Theology, and Monastic Studies, elective courses are offered each semester on a rotating basis for each area of concentration. Every academic year, at least one elective course in each area of concentration is offered as a seminar. The M.Div. seminar runs the first ten weeks of the semester; the M.A. seminar runs the full fourteen weeks of the semester.

Elective-TH Elective: The Writings of St. Thomas Aquinas

Credits: 2 or 3
Prerequisites: Pending professor's approval
Description:
For the Master of Divinity and the Master of Arts in Sacred Scripture, Systematic Theology, and Monastic Studies, elective courses are offered each semester on a rotating basis for each area of concentration. Every academic year, at least one elective course in each area of concentration is offered as a seminar. The M.Div. seminar runs the first ten weeks of the semester; the M.A. seminar runs the full fourteen weeks of the semester.

EM 700: Fundamental Theology

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course is a study of the character, methodology, and significance of theological knowledge, specifically of Christian revelation. The first part of the course treats revelation, understood as the fundamental concept of theology—the “science of faith”, as well as the transmission of revelation in the life of the Church. The second part of the course focuses on the attempt of Fundamental Theology to demonstrate how Christian revelation is credible theologically, historically, and anthropologically. We will analyze man’s openness to revelation; the relationship between faith and reason; Christology as the foundation of fundamental theology; and the place and credibility of the Church iwith regard to revelation.

EM 705: Creation and God

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course is a systematic, historical, and theological study of the Church’s confession in the one God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Attention is given to the Trinitarian character of the Church’s worship and theology as grounded in Scripture and tradition. This course will also include an exploration into the distinction between reason and faith in coming to know God. The course also investigates the doctrine of creation and its importance within the present cultural context of materialism and scientific positivism.

EM 710: Christology and Anthropology

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course presents a systematic study of the person and mission of Jesus Christ as found in Scripture and tradition. It traces the historical developments of how the person of Christ came to be understood within the various theological traditions of the past and present. This course also examines the human person in the light of Christology, focusing upon themes such as the fall and redemption, grace and freedom, sin and conversion.

EM 715: Fundamental Moral Theology

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
Building on its understanding of nature and grace, this course treats how the Church has developed a moral tradition that identifies the proper character of human actions, the virtuous character of the human person, and the opposite of these in sin and vice. The context for this moral profile is a proper understanding of the weight of law in moral discourse and an acknowledgement of the mystery of suffering and evil. Finally, the course presents how the object of Catholic Christian morality is to become a holy person, shaped by the spiritual practices derived from the faith Tradition.

EM 720: Catholic Social Doctrine

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course introduces students to the Church’s social doctrine. This is accomplished by a survey of the most important social encyclicals of the Church’s Magisterium. As part of this survey, students examine more recent historical and cultural changes that have necessitated the Church’s ongoing development of its social teaching. Students also explore ways to prepare and form the laity to more effectively sanctify the world of politics, business, and culture. It will apply this understanding to the role of the deacon as a minister of charity.

EM 725: Sacramental Theology and Liturgy

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course will review the basic notion of sacramentality and see how it is realized in the sacramental economy of the Catholic faith tradition. The histories and theologies of the sacraments of initiation, healing and orders will be studied. The course will conclude with a treatment of liturgy as the application of sacramentality in specific rituals, with special emphasis on the Eucharistic liturgy.

EM 730: The Synoptic Gospels

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course explores the theologies of each of the synoptic evangelists, their parallels and their distinctions. A study of the historical, social, economic and cultural conditions behind these treatments and their correspondence and contrast to our current situation will occur. Finally, the course discusses the hermeneutics of the preached Word of God, outlining the principles and strategies of moving from the printed text to the preached word in the context of prayer and worship.

EM 735: Marriage and Sexuality

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
Beginning with the theology of the body that the late Pope John Paul II presented, this course will explore the understanding of marriage as a sacramental covenant in God. As such, it is also an ecclesial reality subject to canon law and the liturgical expressions of the Church. Marriage and family are the context within which to treat many of the bioethical issues facing the modern believer. This course explores how this context bears upon our moral judgment.

EM 740: Johannine Literature

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course introduces students to the literary, historical, and theological study of John’s writings, especially the Gospel. The objective is to gain a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the Johannine writings, including their use in the Church’s tradition (e.g. lectionary, catechesis, and mystogogy). Special attention will be given to how the Gospel of John is used in the Catholic Christian celebrations of Christmas and Easter.

EM 745: The Epistles (Pauline and Catholic)

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course demonstrates how these texts taken together as a corpus display the mutual development of orthodoxy and orthopraxis. We will study how the Pauline and apostolic teachings lead to and are rooted in the prayer and worship of the early Church, and how these beliefs and practices lead to later moral, pastoral, and ecclesial developments.

EM 755: Field Work I

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
Each student is assigned to a supervised pastoral assignment related to their future ministerial goals—deacon, catechist, secondary education teacher, campus ministry, chaplain, etc. During the course of this assignment, students are required to reflect upon what their experiences disclose about their pastoral understanding, skills and the discernment of their qualities for ministry. Students will be asked also to reflect theologically on their field experiences for their ongoing spiritual development and the development of their theological vision for ministry. As an integral part of their formation, by the end of this semester students will be asked to identify a pastoral problem, challenge, or need in their field assignments for which they will be asked in the second semester of field work to design a prospectus for responding to this challenge.

EM 760: Field Work II

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
Continuing in the same pastoral assignment, and under the same supervision, students will be required to design a pastoral solution or program that will respond to the pastoral problem identified in the first semester. Students will be asked to identify the underlying theological issues that comprise the context of the problem as well as the pastoral response that should be given to address the perceived need of the situation. Students are then required to implement their pastoral solution or program and begin the process of evaluating this program and its effectiveness.

EM 765: Integration Seminar

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
In this course, students completing this degree will meet to discuss and evaluate their field work experience. This course will ask each student to produce a 30 page paper displaying their command of Catholic pastoral theology and its application to the pastoral need they have identified in their field assignment and the solution or program they have prepared and implemented in Field Work II. This work should reflect an understanding of the theological principles guiding the Catholic faith tradition, and how these are experienced in the practical order of a person’s and a community’s life of faith. The student is expected to articulate his or her role as an ordained deacon or lay minister in this description. A bibliography of theological and pastoral sources with appropriate citations in the text is expected to support the presentation.

ESL 001-01: Reading I

Credits: 0
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This is an academic reading course in which you get introduced to academic reading conventions and skills. This course builds your academic reading skills and your English academic vocabulary simultaneously. The course prepares you for both TOEFL iBT prep, and your academic studies afterwards. Through intensive and extensive reading activities, reading and vocabulary exercises, assignments, and quizzes and tests, you will finish this course ready for the next step in your academic studies in U.S. higher education institutions where reading is a major requirement in almost all disciplines.

ESL 002-01: Note-Taking and Listening

Credits: 0
Prerequisites: None
Description:
The course, Note-Taking and Listening, is designed to provide ESL students with effective listening and note taking strategies that will assist them in their future academic studies. Students learn to distinguish the sound system of English and to recognize the factors in lectures that assist in listening comprehension. This course includes learning the basic skills of productive note-taking: using only key words, abbreviations and symbols, the organization of notes, and separating important ideas from non-essential or irrelevant details.

ESL 003-01: Grammar

Credits: 0
Prerequisites: None
Description:
Intended for students who have acquired the basics, the course, Grammar, provides a review of skills for those who need to strengthen their competence so as to be successful in subsequent college-level courses. A variety of structures are examined and practiced emphasizing the correct use of grammar in writing. The course focuses on a review of the simple, perfect, and progressive tenses including the correct use of stative and action verbs, as well as the sentence, sentence fragments, and complex and compound sentences.

ESL 004-01: Speaking and Discussion I

Credits: 0
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This is an academic course on speaking and discussion that aims at sharpening your pronunciation, speaking fluency, and discussion skills. The course prepares you for your TOEFL iBT Speaking section, but it does not stop at passing your TOEFL test; it helps you live and communicate effectively and confidently inside and outside college. Through extensive listening, practice, and speaking activities you will feel more confident speaking with both native and non-native speakers of English in your community.

ESL 005-01: Writing

Credits: 0
Prerequisites: None
Description:
The purpose of this writing course is to help students whose native language is not English express their thoughts, opinions, and insights in clear English prose. Attention will be given to word choice, sentence style, paragraph structure, and coherence of the composition as a whole. There will be a review of the rules of English grammar and conventions of usage. The students will do a draft and revision of each assignment and collect them in a portfolio. There will be “editorial” exercises in spotting and correcting errors in grammar, punctuation, and idiom.

ESL 101-01: Reading II

Credits: 0
Prerequisites: Reading I
Description:
This is an academic reading course in which you will be introduced to and trained on TOEFL iBT test format and questions. This course prepares you for both TOEFL iBT test, and your academic studies afterwards. You will receive intensive and extensive training on reading skills and test taking skills that will help you take the TOEFL iBT test at the end of this semester. The reading skills you will learn in this course will prepare you for not only the TOEFL test, but also for your academic studies in U.S. higher education institutions where reading is a major requirement in almost all disciplines.

ESL 102-01: Note-Taking and Listening II

Credits: 0
Prerequisites: Note-Taking and Listening I
Description:
This advanced course, Note-Taking and Listening II, focuses on listening and note-taking skills that lead students to develop an enhanced system for academic note-taking and to use their notes to answer comprehension questions and write summaries, critiques, and short essays based on information from academic lectures presented in class and readings assigned as homework. Most listening and note-taking activities include some reading and writing exercises.

ESL 103-01: Grammar II

Credits: 0
Prerequisites: Grammar I
Description:
Grammar II continues to prepare students for success in their college-level courses perfecting grammar skills in writing as well as speaking. Weak elements are continually reviewed and strengthened as they arise. Areas focused on are the passive voice, nouns and quantifiers, gerunds and infinitives, adjectives/adverbs and adjective/adverb clauses, direct and indirect speech, conditionals and the subjunctive.

ESL 104-01: Speaking and Discussion II

Credits: 0
Prerequisites: Speaking and Discussion I
Description:
This is an academic course on speaking and discussion that aims at preparing you for your TOEFL iBT Speaking section. Through intensive and extensive training, this course will introduce you to the different tasks in the TOEFL iBT Speaking section, and the skills required to pass each task. As you are trained on timed speaking tasks, you will develop more confidence that will help you perform well in the TOEFL test.

ESL 105-01: Writing II

Credits: 0
Prerequisites: Writing I
Description:
This course will focus on the demands of academic writing. The students will practice formulating and reworking a thesis statement, developing arguments, and presenting and addressing counterarguments. They will do a draft and revision of each assignment and collect them in a portfolio. There will be “editorial” exercises in correcting grammatical errors and stylistic infelicities.

ESL 306-01: Advanced Speaking and Writing II

Credits: 0
Prerequisites: Advanced Speaking and Writing
Description:
The purpose of this course is to help students perfect their skill in conversing, in reading aloud, and in writing essays. The students will converse on scholarly topics, give presentations, and read and discuss passages of the highest literary beauty and sophistication. They will bring to class their own scholarly writing for their fellow students to review. They will do exercises dealing with stylistics and the intricacies of word choice. Attention will be given to the rhetorical tradition stemming from Greco-Roman Antiquity.

ESL 307-01: Advanced Speaking and Writing

Credits: 0
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course should be of help to those students who wish to improve their skill in conversing on scholarly topics, in reading aloud, and in writing academic essays. The students will read and discuss passages of prose and poetry from the great English authors and from Sacred Scripture. They will not have specific writing assignments but rather will be encouraged to bring to the class the papers they are working on. They will do advanced exercises in grammar and vocabulary.

HM 701: Spanish Language I

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This is a basic course in the Spanish language that provides instruction in grammar and vocabulary with practical oral and written exercises. It coordinates the study of language with a communicative approach to Hispanic culture and traditions. Audiovisual materials additionally provide a rudimentary introduction to daily-life aspects of the Hispanic world.

HM 702: Spanish Language II

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This is a continuation of the foregoing course, designed to lead the student to activate, build upon, and expand his writing and grammatical skills. It reinforces the student’s communication skills by fostering comprehension and oral proficiency in Spanish. Emphasis is placed on liturgical and ecclesial vocabulary.

HM 712: Hispanic Culture and Values

Credits: 1
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course approaches the study of religious, political, economic, social, and cultural developments of the people who have populated Latin America and the whole Hispanic world throughout history. Special emphasis will be placed upon family life, religious practices, and intercultural dialogues.

HM 714: Our Lady of Guadalupe and Hispanic Devotions

Credits: 1
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course intends to reveal the cultural and religious significance of the role of Our Lady of Guadalupe upon the native people of the newly discovered world throughout the centuries. In addition, students will study general and widespread devotions of the present Hispanic world paying attention to cultural differences between some of the countries.

HM 715: Practical Hispanic Ministries Seminar

Credits: 1
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course is a round-table exploring such topics as the kinds of catechetical materials and liturgical publications available in Spanish, liturgical music, and the structures of Hispanic ministries in the United States, including the various regional offices and “encuentro” events. The assessment of resource materials will additionally cover raising the consciousness of the individual, empowerment of lay-leaders and styles of leadership, self-esteem and self-pride as issues in community development theory, pedagogical theory, and forming base communities.

HM 717: Beginning Spanish Conversation

Credits: 2
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course focuses on improving the skills learned in the previous language courses so that the student develops better narrative and conversational skills. By listening, speaking, writing, and reading authentic material, the student will review grammatical structures and gain new expressions in vocabulary, especially in regards to liturgical and ecclesial vocabulary.

HM 719: Intermediate Spanish Conversation

Credits: 2
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course is a continuation of conversational Spanish for those who already have some knowledge of Spanish and its structure. The class will begin with a review of the basic structures and the learning and practice of new expressions and vocabulary. These will be incorporated into conversations. Music and poetry will also be utilized for learning vocabulary.

HM 723: Advanced Spanish Conversation

Credits: 1
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course is the most advanced course of the conversation series and it targets oral skills in dealing with contemporary life and faith issues. Audiovisual material such as short films, documentaries and songs will be used to further develop the student’s sensitivity and understanding of Hispanic culture. By completion of the prerequisite courses and at the end of this course, students will be fully prepared for pastoral ministry in a full Spanish-speaking environment.

HM 725: Hispanic Ministry — Immersion Experience

Credits: 3 to 6
Prerequisites: None
Description:
The immersion experience is completed at a site approved by the Director of Hispanic Ministries and the Academic Dean. It involves living in a country of Hispanic culture, intensive language study, and some involvement in ministry. Students who wish to receive credit for this experience must apply to the Academic Dean and be evaluated by the Director of Hispanic Ministries. The evaluation is based upon involvement in the experience, progress in knowledge of the culture, and facility in the language.

HM 740: Deacon Preparation Lab for Hispanic Ministry

Credits: 1
Prerequisites: The course is to be taken in conjunction with PA 740 Deacon Preparation Lab
Description:
This course is designed for those preparing to be ordained deacons and who will minister to Hispanic communities. Students are instructed in the exercise of the deacon’s role and the proper administration in Spanish of the Sacraments of Baptism and Marriage, as well as liturgies, blessings, and devotions particular to Hispanic culture such as Presentations and Quinceaneras. The course is to be taken in conjunction with PA 740 Deacon Preparation Lab.

HM 762: Independent Study

Credits: 0 to 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
By arrangement.

HM 767: Priesthood Preparation Lab for Hispanic Ministry

Credits: 1
Prerequisites: The course is to be taken in conjunction with PA 767 Priesthood Preparation Lab.
Description:
This course is designed for those preparing to be ordained to the priesthood and who will minister to Hispanic communities. Students are instructed in the exercise of the priest’s role and proper administration of the Sacraments in Spanish. Emphasis is placed on presiding at Mass, celebrating the Sacraments of Penance and Anointing, and presiding at funerals. The course is to be taken in conjunction with PA 767 Priesthood Preparation Lab.

HS 870: Patrology

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This survey course will introduce Roman Catholic seminarians and graduate students to the lives and writings of the Fathers of the Church. Although in the West the “last of the Fathers” is considered to be Saint Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153), this course will emphasize the first six centuries of the Church, from the generation after Christ founded His Church (CCC 763-766) to the pontificate of Saint Gregory the Great (r. 590-604).

HS 871: Medieval to Counter Reformation Church History

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course is a survey of the growth of the Church, from late antiquity to the early modern period, with emphasis on the ongoing tension between throne and altar, papacy and empire. Other themes explored will be the complementary nature of faith and reason, especially exemplified in the Church’s role in founding universities, and the vibrant interaction between religious orders and the wider culture. The contributions of lay figures such as Dante and Gutenberg also feature.

HS 872: Modern Church History

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course is a survey of the history of Roman Catholicism from the Enlightenment to Vatican Council II. Major topics include the significance and impact of various movements and revolutions to and on the Church, the Church’s response to these developments, the significance and negotiation of concordats between the Church and the governments of France, Italy and Germany, Vatican Council I, the papacy in the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries, and Vatican Council II.

HS 873: Catholic Church in the U.S.

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This is a study of the development and growth of Roman Catholicism in the United States. It explores the historical background and considers contemporary church experience in light of that historical context. The colonial period, the episcopacy of the first Bishop, John Carroll, immigration and nativism, the “Americanist” controversy, the social Gospel tradition, and 20th century developments in the Church, among other things, are studied.

HS 882: M.A. Seminar in Church History

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This seminar is designed specifically for M.A. candidates and focuses on a particular aspect of church history. Special attention is paid to the use of reference tools, in-depth research, and the development of the topic as well as oral and written presentations.

HS 883: Directed Independent Study

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
By arrangement

MS 800: Introduction to Monastic Spirituality

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course is an examination of classical and contemporary texts which have formative influence on the spirituality of the monk. There will also be a survey of various approaches to prayer, both private and communal, Eastern and Western, which have had an effect upon the monastic search for God. Special attention is given to lectio divina.

MS 810: Rule of Benedict

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course will study the Rule of Benedict in light of its monastic, liturgical, and patristic sources, in particular Cassian and the Rule of the Master. The Rule will be studied as a guide for a way of life and as “wisdom literature” which is essentially related to experience. Questions of adaptation are also considered.

MS 832: Monastic Liturgy

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course views the monastic tradition of the Liturgy of the Hours from its origins to the Vatican II era. It also considers the role of the Eucharist in monastic worship and spirituality. Liturgies for special occasions as well as liturgy-related practices and customs are also treated.

MS 837: The Institutes and Conferences of John Cassian

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
John Cassian stands as the bridge between Egyptian and Western monasticism and is considered by many to be the most significant influence upon the spiritual quest that is presented in the Rule of Benedict. This course will explore Cassian’s monastic vision and examine how he influences the Rule of Benedict.

MS 838: Monastic History: 3rd to the 18th Century

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
The course will deal with the history of the monastic movement from its origins to the French Revolution. It will examine the Patristic period, the Carolingian reform, the Middle Ages, and more briefly, the Reformation and the Baroque periods. The emphasis will be on familiarizing students with sources and bibliography to provide a basis and framework for other courses in monastic studies and to permit further individual study.

MS 861: M.Div./M.A. Seminar in Monastic Studies

Credits: 2 or 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This seminar is designed specifically for M.A. candidates and focuses on a particular aspect of monastic studies. Special attention is paid to the use of reference tools, in-depth research, and the development of the topic as well as oral and written presentations.

MS 862: Directed Independent Study

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
By arrangement.

MS 863: M.A. Thesis

Credits: 6
Prerequisites: None
Description:
By arrangement.

MU 700: Introduction to Music

Credits: 0
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This is a ten-week introduction to music for all ordination candidates. The course covers basic instruction in musical notation, basic liturgical chant for the Divine Office, and training for choral and congregational singing.

MU 701: Schola Cantorum

Credits: 0 to 1
Prerequisites: May be repeated
Description:
This course provides instruction in group singing and choral literature. The repertoire includes works from the Baroque, Classic, Romantic, and Contemporary periods.

MU 710: Liturgical Music

Credits: 2
Prerequisites: None
Description:
Students receive musical instruction necessary for the interpretation of musical forms and are given both theoretical and practical experience in singing the presidential prayers, prefaces, Eucharistic prayers and other chants necessary for a full musical celebration of the Eucharist. Special emphasis is given to the chants for the rites of Holy Week and Easter. Also included are presentations on the role of music in sacramental celebrations, the use of musical instruments at liturgy, and models for music ministry programs in a parish community.

MU 720: Gregorian Chant

Credits: 2
Prerequisites: None
Description:
An introduction to the history and singing of Gregorian Chant.

MU 730: Private Voice Instruction

Credits: 1 to 2
Prerequisites: None
Description:
By arrangement.

PA 712: Catechetics

Credits: 2
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course will provide an introduction to catechesis in the Catholic Church. It includes an historical overview of catechetical ministry and models and methods of catechesis. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults will be discussed as will be the needs of families, children and youth adult faith formation, sacramental preparation and youth ministry. The role of the priest in catechesis will be addressed throughout the course.

PA 722: Homiletics I

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This preaching course teaches the third year seminarian the ability to focus intensely on their responsibility to preach well by fine-tuning the disciplines of homily preparation, public speaking, developing a personal methodology and style of presentation. The seminarian will also be asked to develop an operative theology of preaching. We will strive for consistent improvement using peer and community feedback. This course will require some basic understanding of hermeneutics and a willingness to improve public speaking and language skills. This course will begin with a focus on public proclamation and daily homilies, moving toward a concentration on the Sunday homily within the context of Eucharist.

PA 723: Homiletics II

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course, for ordination candidates, is concerned with the actual preparation and delivery of the homily. Emphasis is placed upon preparing the candidate for regular preaching. Students spend time in common preparation and preach every week during the semester. Individual attention is given to style, and videotaping is used in the evaluative-critical process.

PA 740: Deacon Preparation Lab

Credits: 2
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course is for those preparing to be ordained deacons, and begins with a brief history and theology of the diaconate. Students are instructed in the exercise of the deacon’s role and the proper administration of the sacraments and sacramentals, blessings, and devotions.

PA 751: Pastoral Counseling I

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
Pastoral care and counseling rely on the capacity to relate to persons in a meaningful way. Learning to listen with all the senses, trusting in the inner resources of those to whom we minister, and welcoming the Divine Presence establishes this foundation. This course, for ordination candidates, teaches students useful methods in pastoral care and counseling relating to the types of crises priests are likely to encounter.

PA 759: Pastoral Leadership and Parish Administration

Credits: 2
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course develops participants’ vocabulary and understanding of fundamental issues in organizational and Church leadership. Particular application is made to their current experience and projected pastoral leadership roles in the local Church. Topics include: leadership theory and styles, interpersonal and group skills, organizational skills (collaboration, planning, managing others, evaluation), roles of pastor and staff, parish councils and mission of the laity, and decision-making.

PA 760: Pastoral Visitation of the Sick

Credits: 2
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course provides the student with the experience and knowledge to develop basic pastoral skills for ministering to the sick and their families. Health care professionals provide students with information on the hospital setting and various health care issues. Through small group discussion students are given the opportunity to integrate Church teaching, theology, prayer, and life experiences in response to a patient’s situation and needs. Students are also familiarized with the particular rites and prayers used for the visitation of the sick.

PA 764: Parish Practicum

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
In this practicum for ordination students, seminarians participate in parish ministry and parochial activities on weekends during the academic year, and for a two-week practicum each semester. Through hands on experience working with the pastor and parish staff, students further develop their pastoral skills and become better acquainted with liturgical celebrations, various parish ministries, and other aspects of parish life. Goals and objectives of the practicum are set through a learning agreement between the student and pastor. Supervision and theological reflection are provided on site and in the Seminary. The pastor, student, and director of pastoral formation evaluate the experience.

PA 766: Pastoral Practicum

Credits: 2
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This practicum enables students to learn and practice pastoral skills in a supervised pastoral placement. Through their placement experience, students build upon their listening and presence skills, relationship-building skills, and faith-sharing skills. The practicum also helps students to grow in self-awareness, sensitivity, compassion, and understanding, while being challenged to reflect on their faith understanding, theology, and experiences in relation to those to whom they minister. A learning agreement which articulates the goals and scope of the practicum is developed between the student, supervisor, and Director of Pastoral Formation. Students meet weekly for theological reflection on their pastoral experiences. The student, field supervisor, and Director of Pastoral Formation evaluate the experience.

PA 767: Priesthood Preparation Lab

Credits: 2
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course for priesthood students provides the necessary sessions on the art and principles of presiding, with application of the norms of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal for the priest at Mass, and the role of the priest in the Sacrament of Penance in its various forms. Videotaping and role-playing methods are employed. Discussions help students to integrate course material and experiences with theological studies and anticipated pastoral assignments.

PA 770: Directed Independent Study

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
By arrangement.

PA 785: Pastoral Counseling II

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
Attention in this course for ordination students focuses heavily on student experience with pastoral care and counseling in their respective assignments. Presentations accompanied by peer review, as well as supervision by the instructor provide a practical approach. In addition, there is an emphasis on helping couples learn methods that may improve marriage, as well as on limited and focused counseling directed to certain other populations such as the mildly depressed and the elderly.

PA 800: Ministry Capstone Seminar

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This is capstone seminar which gives the fourth year theologian the opportunity to integrate areas of formation in order to facilitate the transition from the classroom to the parish. In order to be an effective teacher and preacher of the faith, it is necessary for the student to integrate and synthesize the following areas: Scripture, spirituality, morality, systematic theology, catechetics, and pastoral practices. Students will be assessed on their ability to prepare written and oral presentations on various catechetical topics to different audiences. Theological reflections are also essential components of this seminar. This course is designed to assist the student in preparing for the readiness for ministry exam to be taken in the spring of Fourth Theology.

PL 120: Logic

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This introductory course seeks to formalize the everyday use of logic to distinguish correct and incorrect forms of reasoning. After setting general terms for argument analysis, the distinguishing features of deductive and inductive arguments are noted. Language as the vehicle of logic is considered, including the purposes and types of definition and recognition of common informal fallacies. The balance of the course is devoted to deduction, with special consideration given to Venn diagrams as a mechanical test of the validity of categorical syllogisms.

PL 201: Ancient Philosophy

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: PL 101
Description:
Ancient Philosophy begins in the sixth century BC with Thales’ attempts to discover the first principle(s) of the universe, and ends in the third century AD with the Neiplatonists’ pursuit of the One. This course explores the birth of philosophy in the West, focusing on the major movements and figures that characterize this period. Attention will be given to the Precosratics, Plato, Aristotle, the Hellenistics (such as Stiocism, Scepticism, and Epicureanism), and Neoplatonism. This course serves both as a freestanding consideration of this important period of thought as well as the introduction to the history sequence offered by the Philosophy department.

PL 202: Medieval Philosophy

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: PL201 or 6 credits in Philosophy
Description:
While it is difficult to provide specific dates for the beginning and ending of Medieval Philosophy (roughly 4th century AD to 15 century AD), this period is characterized by attempts to bring Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) into dialogue with the Greco-Roman philosophical tradition. Such thinkers as St. Augustine, Moses Maimonides, Averroes, St. Anselm, St. Thomas Aquinas, and Duns Scotus were notes for their systematic attempts to use both relation and reason in the pursuit of Wisdom. This course explores this period in the history of philosophy.

PL 203: Modern Philosophy

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: PL201 or 6 credits in Philosophy
Description:
This is the period of intellectual history, stretching roughly from the late Renaissance to the latter half of the nineteenth century, that witnessed the birth and development of modern science. The outstanding feature of this history is its persistent preoccupation with the epistemological problems of certitude, verifiability, methods, and limits of reliable knowledge. Using these themes as the organizing principles of the course, the views of such thinkers as the following will be considered: F. Bacon, Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz, Locke, Berkeley, Hume, and Kant.

PL 205: Contemporary Philosophy

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course examines the philosophical thought of the 19th and 20th centuries. It takes as its starting point the rebellion against the Kantian world view, and focuses on the increasingly important roles played by history and human individuality in philosophical reflection. In pursuing this theme the approaches of positivism, existential phenomenology, and the Anglo-American analytic movement will be examined. The course considers, among others, such thinkers as Hegel, Marx, Nietzsche, Russell, and Heidegger.

PL 210: Philosophical Anthropology

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
The attention of this course is directed at the question: What does it mean to be a human being? The course will systematically examine some of the leading views of human existence set forth over the last 24 centuries. The guiding perspective for the investigation will come from contemporary suggestions. Thinkers of this century have urged us to pay close attention to the fact that while humans do have the capacity to act independently of the constraints of instinctual and biologically determined behavior, we are embodied, and thus must acknowledge the historical, linguistic, and cultural elements of our being. Within this context, the course will reflect on the objective, subjective, or ultimately fluid character of human nature. It will examine the variously suggested rational, passionate, playful, moral, religious, or gender-based character of humanity.

PL 215: Ethics

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
Ethics is practical philosophy indicating, in general, what humans ought to do in the light of appropriate rules of conduct and suitable ends. Some fundamental views of right and good are considered in their classical formulations by such thinkers as Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas, Hume, Kant, and Mill. Problems and examples are used to illustrate these views and to provoke judgments regarding concrete issues.

PL 220: Theories of Knowledge

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course explores, both topically and historically, the various avenues which philosophical thought has followed in its attempts to understand how humans gain knowledge of themselves and the world in which they are situated. Representative views of classical thought, Continental rationalism, British empiricism, transcendental idealism, 20th century realism, and phenomenology will be explained. In each case, the structure of consciousness and the relation of consciousness to known objects will be explored. Flowing from this will be a consideration of their respective accounts of perception, conception, memory, judgment, and truth. Throughout the course, each of the views will be critically evaluated as to its adequacy of the human experience.

PL 230: Metaphysics

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course is designed to introduce the student to some of the basic metaphysical themes. It will be concerned with various areas of theoretical philosophy, considering questions regarding: the nature of the world, knowledge and truth, freedom, the mind-body view of man, and various conceptions of God. The approach of the course will be problem-oriented, and the medium will be the views of various major thinkers in Western philosophy.

PL 235: Philosophy of God

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course discusses the term “god” as used among different peoples and cultures, with special emphasis, of course, on the Judeo-Christian understanding of it. Distinct from sacred theology, it examines by the light of reason the proofs for the existence of God and related questions. The course also considers modern problems about theism and atheism.

PL 280: Thomistic Philosophy

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
The works of Thomas Aquinas are generally regarded as the high-water marks of Medieval scholasticism, and they continue to have far-reaching effects on both philosophy and theology. In this course the students will read selections from some of Aquinas’ major works organized, in general, along the lines developed in the Summa Theologiae. Some of the topics to be considered from a philosophical perspective are the following: philosophy and theology, the existence of God, the attributes, names, and powers of God, predestination, the human end, human acts, habits, virtues and vices, law in general, and the various kinds of law.

PST 710: Diocesan Priestly Spirituality

Credits: 2
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course for diocesan seminarians explores the foundations of the spiritual life pertinent to the diocesan priesthood. It helps the student to examine the reality of the life of a diocesan priest and the importance of developing and maintaining a well grounded spiritual life rooted in the Eucharist.

PST 720: Worship and Ministry

Credits: 2
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This basic course in pastoral liturgy is open to all students. Its major components are instruction in liturgical spirituality: the Liturgy of the Hours, the liturgical year, and the popular practices of Christian spirituality. Instruction for the Ministries of Reader and Acolyte is given. Patterns of ministry in the liturgical rites as well as the roles of the environment and music in the liturgy are included in this course. A workshop on the exercise of the Ministry of Acolyte is conducted by arrangement with those about to be installed as acolytes.

PST 721: Introduction to Bible and the Liturgy

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course examines the relationship between the Bible and the liturgy, drawing especially from three authoritative sources: Scripture, the Lectionary, and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Using the methods of biblical theology, students will examine the relationship between the Old and New Testaments; between Scripture and the Church’s worship; and between exegesis and dogma. A particular emphasis is the integration and application of these sources and methods in the work of preaching and teaching.

PST 734: Introduction to Canon Law

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course provides the foundation for an understanding and application of law in the life of the Church and in pastoral ministry. The meaning of law in the ecclesiology of Vatican II and its role in the life of the People of God are the basic themes of this course. Topics considered include: canonical principles and general norms (Book I of the Code of Canon Law); the People of God and their rights and obligations in the Church; the organization of the universal, particular and local church (Book II); responsibilities governed by the teaching office of the Church, particularly as these relate to ordained ministry (Book III); temporal goods in the Church (Book V); and penalties and sanctions in the context of the Church as a communion of faith (Book VI). This course is intended to give the student: (1) a general sense of the nature, structure, and role of law in the Church; (2) an understanding of the relationship between the pastoral mission of the Church and the law; and (3) an understanding of the content of the law as it may be encountered in parish ministry and the administrative reality of the local Church. The large body of material in the Code of Canon Law and the limited length of time in the semester make it impossible to treat the law in great depth; however, the course will cover some critical areas such as magisterium, the hierarchical organization of the Church and the rights and obligations of the Christian faithful in greater depth. This course will not make the student expert in the law; it should, nevertheless, give the student a sense of the ‘how and why’ of law in the Church.

PST 735: Canon Law and Sacraments

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course is designed to assist the ordination candidate in the application of principles of law in service to the People of God through the sanctifying office of the Church (Book IV of the Code of Canon Law). The first section of this course will consider questions of ecumenism and the sacraments; the rights and obligations of the minister and the recipient arising from the Sacraments of Initiation, Penance, and Anointing. The majority of the course will be devoted to the Church’s law on matrimony. Special emphasis will be placed on the minister’s task to prepare the parties for marriage; this will focus on the covenantal nature of the sacrament, the essential properties of marriage (unity and indissolubility) and ends of marriage. The special rights and obligations of the sacrament will also be examined. Tribunal procedures will also be reviewed to assist the student with the pastoral issues encountered in the nullity process.

PST 750: Pastoral Theology

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course focuses on the preparation of students for competent priestly ministry and provides a forum for the integration of academic studies, pastoral practice, and personal development. Using the Sacraments as the structure for conversation, emphasis is placed on enhancing the student’s ability to communicate the mysteries of faith in a clear and comprehensible language.

SC 600: Introduction to the Study of Sacred Scripture

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
The goal of this course is to introduce the pre-theologian to the basic tools needed for the study of Sacred Scripture. After a general introduction to the Bible, to Biblical languages, and to the basic resources for Biblical studies, it will consider canon, canonization, inspiration, biblical history, biblical criticism, and some of the major themes found in the Bible.

SC 701: Introduction to New Testament Greek

Credits: 2
Prerequisites: None
Description:
An introduction to Hellenistic Greek, its basic grammatical forms, and principal syntactical constructions, including some linguistic peculiarities of New Testament Greek. The exercises, based on New Testament texts, provide the students with a working vocabulary of about 400 words.

SC 703: Introduction to Biblical Hebrew

Credits: 2
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course will introduce the student to the language of the Old Testament from within the Bible itself. The overall approach will follow the “inductive method” which is meant to immerse the student directly into the biblical text from the start. Grammar will be explained and learned by studying its usage in actual texts.

SC 801: Intermediate New Testament Greek

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: At least three credits of college-level Greek or the Introduction to New Testament Greek course.
Description:
This course provides a review of grammar and the translation and analysis of selected New Testament passages, first century non-literary papyri, and a sampling of Hellenistic literary composition.

SC 802: Advanced New Testament Greek

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Intermediate New Testament Greek.
Description:
Translation and analysis of some of the more difficult New Testament Greek texts and Hellenistic literary authors.

SC 803: Intermediate Biblical Hebrew

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Introduction to Biblical Hebrew.
Description:
This course will continue the work done in SC703. Building on that foundation, it will complete a survey of Biblical Hebrew grammar and syntax, illustrating this study by reading selected texts from the Old Testament.

SC 805: Exegesis Seminar

Credits: 1
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This is a five-week exegesis practicum required of all students prior to enrolling in any upper-level Scripture course. This practicum is held as the first part of the Pentateuch course. Any exemptions to this requirement will be made at the discretion of the instructor of this practicum after an interview and review of the student’s academic records. In this practicum, the students are presented with a general introduction and overview of the historical-critical methods of exegesis and are given explanations on how to apply these methods to specific texts. The students are also presented with an introduction to a wide range of tools and resources which are used in the preparation and the exercise of exegetical interpretation of Biblical texts. Students are expected to become familiar with these tools and to be able to use them intelligently in exegetical work. Exegesis Presentation: Each student will be required to fully prepare and present a 1 to 1 ½ hour oral presentation of an historical-critical exegesis of a Biblical text to the professor.

SC 809: The History of Hermeneutics

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course will introduce the student to the development of the concept of “hermeneutics” and to the major developments in the history of the interpretation of the Sacred Scriptures, by presenting highlights from the hermeneutics of the Old and New Testaments, the hermeneutics of the Patristic Period, medieval hermeneutics, protestant hermeneutics, hermeneutics as a philosophical-theological problem, the hermeneutics of Bultmann and the various modern schools, and Catholic hermeneutics.

SC 810: Pentateuch and Exegesis

Credits: 4
Prerequisites: None
Description:
The first five weeks of the semester will be comprised of training in Historical-Critical Exegesis (see above description of SC 805 Exegesis Seminar). We will then turn our focus upon the Penteteuch. The main goal of this course is to gain an introduction to, and familiarity with, the texts of the Pentateuch—the Torah. A critical survey of the first five books of the Bible will be presented, focusing upon the major themes and personalities and studying them from the Jewish-Christian perspective. It is hoped that the student will gain enough of a familiarity with, and understanding of, the Pentateuch to be able to use these texts effectively in his own spirituality and prayer life, as well as in his pastoral ministry and preaching.

SC 811: Wisdom Literature and the Psalms

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course explores the Wisdom literature of the Old Testament along with the book of Psalms. Ancient Near Eastern influences are noted and discussed insofar as they relate to the Catholic theology of revelation. An exegesis of selected ‘Wisdom’ passages and Psalms is made. Students acquire a familiarity with the genre of the biblical wisdom literature, its historical epochs and Ancient Near Eastern precedents, as well as an understanding of the date and location of composition, structure and content, historical and theological significance, and contemporary cultural relevance of each of the biblical wisdom books. In addition to taking a scholarly and exegetical approach to the wisdom books and the Psalms, this course helps the student to develop the ability to use the Psalms and wisdom literature as sources of inspiration for personal and communal prayer, and as the foundation for catechesis and preaching. It further seeks to cultivate in each student the ability to utilize the wisdom books in pastoral contexts such as the preparation of engaged couples for marriage, the catechetical instruction of young adults, and the pastoral care of the sick and the dying.

SC 812: Prophetic Literature

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course is designed to give the student a general introduction to the phenomenon of Biblical Prophecy and to the Biblical Prophets themselves. The course will consider: the phenomenon of Biblical prophecy within its historical, social, and cultural settings; the various ways of categorizing prophets in the Jewish and Christian traditions; true and false prophecy; prophets and prophetesses; how prophets were authenticated, revelation and prophecy, types or modalities of prophecy, the prophetic message, and the distinctive character of Israelite prophets. After this we will briefly survey the Pre-literary Prophets and then the Literary Prophets will be studied within their historical settings and their salient theological points will be highlighted.

SC 815: Synoptic Gospels

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
Students are invited to learn a critical approach to gospel study including: 1) the basic tools for critical Gospel interpretation as per the Pontifical Biblical Commission’s instruction, The Interpretation of the Bible in the Church ; 2) a socio-cultural description of the world of Jesus; 3) a demographic portrait of the early Christian communities for which the Synoptic Gospels were written; 4) a clear picture of the theology, Christology and ecclesiology of each evangelist; 5) critical interpretation (exegesis) of selected texts with a view to a biblical theology.

SC 816: Writings of Saint Paul

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
The students will become familiar with the character and thought of the great saint and theologian, Paul of Tarsus. In order to gain a basic grasp of Pauline theology we shall examine the uncontested letters within the context of the life of the Apostle and the religio-cultural background of his communities as they existed in the Roman Empire. We shall consider Pauline theology, Christology, pneumatology and ecclesiology. We shall then observe the development of Pauline Theology in the “Deutero-Paulines,” the canonical writings that many scholars consider to have been written after his death. The class will include an exegesis of selected passages and their doctrinal application and each student will produce a written exegesis of a Pauline pericope.

SC 817: The Fourth Gospel

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course begins with a survey of such background topics as genre, unity, sources, purpose, theories of identity and authorship (patristic and modern), influences on the author, as well as a discussion of the Johannine community. Exegesis of selected passages is then done. In treating the content of the Fourth Gospel the course examines the literary elements of Johannine language, style, and literary structure and devices. The course also addresses historical and cultural background notes such as Jewish feasts and temple symbolism. The entire text of John is then studied, beginning with the prologue, noting its nature, purpose and background (Logos, Jesus’ divinity and divine sonship). As the study of John continues the twofold narrative structure (the book of signs (ch. 1-12), and the book of glory (ch. 13-21)) is observed, and the central doctrinal import of the gospel is examined, including matters related to Christology (logos, wisdom, divine sonship and pre-existence, new Moses), Pneumatology (living water, Baptism, the Paraclete, the Johannine “Pentecost”), Ecclesiology (family of God, temple of the Holy Spirit, Peter and the beloved disciple), Soteriology (divine sonship, discipleship, Jesus’ fulfillment of Jewish feasts: temple, sacrifice, priesthood, and paschal mystery), and Sacramental Mystagogy (e.g., Baptism, Eucharist, Bread of Life discourse, liturgical imagery, Farewell discourse: Jesus’ high priesthood and priestly ministry of the new covenant).

SC 821: M.Div/M.A. Seminar in Sacred Scripture

Credits: 2 or 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This seminar is designed specifically for M.A. candidates and involves exegesis of Old or New Testament writings on a particular theme. Special attention is paid to the use of biblical reference tools, in-depth research, and development of the topic as well as oral and written presentation.

SC 822: Directed Independent Study

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
By arrangement.

SC 865: M.A. Thesis

Credits: 6
Prerequisites: None
Description:
By arrangement.

TH 600: Introduction to Philosophy

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course is designed to acquaint pre-theology students with the rudiments of philosophical inquiry. In addition to an overview of the basic questions, concepts and approaches of the various philosophical disciplines (e.g. epistemology, ethics, metaphysics), special emphasis is placed on presenting philosophy as a propaedeutic to theological studies. In the grand tradition of Saint Anselm’s fides quaerens intellectum, the course seeks to guide the student along the border regions where faith and reason touch.

TH 612: Philosophy as a Foundation for Theology

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
Since the apostolic period, the Catholic Church has held philosophy in high esteem as being the ancilla theologiae. Certain philosophical traditions, in fact, have held a privileged place as being well suited to the work of explicating revelation and deepening our understanding of God’s Word. This course explores the relationship between reason and faith and provides students with an opportunity to understand how the Church has employed philosophy in the science of Sacred Theology. The ultimate objective is to help students grasp the unity of faith and reason as sources of knowledge and appreciate the indispensable role philosophy has played in the development of Catholic doctrine.

TH 620: Basics of Catholic Faith and Culture

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course introduces students to the foundational teachings of Catholicism as professed in the Nicene Creed. The primary source for this study is part one of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This introduction will touch upon the theological, cultural, or philosophical elements that have shaped the Church’s profession of faith. Students will examine some of the doctrinal and pastoral challenges associated with church teaching. Furthermore, the course will provide students with an opportunity to examine a variety of Catholic customs and practices comprising Catholic culture throughout the world.

TH 621: Introduction to Catholic Morality

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course provides students with a foundational understanding of the principles, virtues, and precepts that form the nucleus of Christian discipleship. The primary text for this introduction to Christian morality is part three of the Catechism of the Catholic Church along with numerous moral catecheses from the Gospels and the epistles, especially the Sermon on the Mount. Topics discussed include: Christian beatitude, law and grace, the cardinal and theological virtues, human freedom, sin, the gifts and fruits of the spirit, and the Decalogue.

TH 622: Introduction to Spirituality

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course introduces students to Christian spirituality through the wisdom, writings, and lives of the saints. As confirmed by the Second Vatican Council, holiness is not a call for the few, but for every person redeemed in Christ. Students will be given the opportunity to explore the various elements of Christian spirituality in order to understand how we are to live the vocation to holiness more fully. A particular emphasis is given to the importance of prayer as presented in part four of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The course will also trace the historical development of Christian spirituality from ancient times to the present.

TH 704: Introduction to Ecclesiastical Latin

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This is an introductory course that has as its goal a solid understanding of the fundamental elements of the syntax and morphology of the Latin language, leading the student to be able to read simple Latin sentences that have been adapted, but later taken directly from Sacred Scripture and liturgical texts. Practical application of Latin will be within the context of learning the basics of Gregorian chant and its traditional notation.

TH 804: Ecclesiastical Latin II

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: At least three credits of college level Latin or the Introduction to Ecclesiastical Latin course.
Description:
This course is a continuation of Introduction to Ecclesiastical Latin with emphasis on more advanced grammar and more complex sentence structures. Students will translate and analyze Scriptural and liturgical texts. The use of Gregorian chant and its traditional notation will help to give a contextual as well as practical application of the language.

TH 820: Fundamental Theology

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course is a study of the character, methodology, and significance of theological knowledge, specifically of Christian revelation. The conditions of possibility, credibility, and authority of Christian revelation are examined, as is the Church’s role in mediating and preserving the fundamental truths of the faith revealed in the Scriptures, most definitively in the person of Jesus Christ, and in the Church’s living Tradition. Included are: a study of the theology of the Old and New Testaments, post-biblical witnesses to the faith, classical and contemporary models of revelation, hermeneutics, the role of reason, natural and religious human experience, the signs and means of God’s self-communication, and the Magisterium as the authentic interpreter of the faith.

TH 821: Christian Anthropology and Grace

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course studies the human person in the light of Christian revelation and as open to the supernatural. It considers the human person as created, fallen, justified, and glorified. Included in this study are human experience, revelation, the dialectic between faith and reason, and the theology of the body. The Church’s understanding of grace as the dynamic and liberating principle of the Christian life is also examined through a study of the biblical witness and classical and contemporary topics including: grace and human nature, grace and freedom, justification and divinization, universal salvific will, virtue and merit, conversion, sacramental grace, and the experience of grace.

TH 832: Christology

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course presents a systematic study of the person and mission of Jesus Christ as found in Scripture and Tradition. It examines the following topics: The Mystery of Christ in Sacred Scripture: Old Testament foundations and the Christ-event in the New Testament and the early Christian community; The Mystery of Christ in the History of the Church: patristic and conciliar Christology and Christology in the history of theology until Vatican II; Systematic Christology: the hypostatic union, the pre-existence of the Word, the virginal conception, the freedom and sinlessness of Jesus, and the universality of the salvific work of Christ.

TH 833: Trinity

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course is a systematic, historical, and theological study of the Church’s confession in the One God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Attention is given to the Trinitarian character of the Church’s worship and theology as grounded in sacred scripture as well as the apostolic tradition and the ecumenical Councils of Nicaea I and Constantinople I. Special attention is given to the developing Trinitarian theology of the second to the fifth centuries in Irenaeus, Hippolytus, Tertullian, the Cappadocian fathers, and Augustine. From the fifth century to the present, the Trinity is studied also from the point of view of its dynamic integration into other areas of theology and spirituality. The Trinitarian doctrine of both East and West is covered.

TH 834: Ecclesiology

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This is the basic theological course on the Church. The first part of the course addresses the issue how we might explore what the Church is. It discusses various methodologies, including that of “models.” This first part leads up to a consideration of the Church in the years following World War II. The bulk of the course is devoted to consideration of Vatican Council II’s teaching on the mystery, structure, and life of the Church, drawing on many of the Council’s 16 documents. The whole of the second part of the course focuses on the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church (Lumen Gentium), along with consideration of such topics as membership, episcopal collegiality, ecclesial infallibility, and authentic but imperfect holiness. The third section explores the Council’s teaching on ecumenical dialog, religious freedom, the Church’s role in the world (e.g. Gaudium et Spes), and missionary activity.

TH 835: Theology of the Sacraments

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
The Sacraments are dealt with historically and theologically in a number of courses. This course emphasizes the theology of the sacraments, disclosing its foundation in the Scriptures as well as its developments through history in the liturgy and life of the Church. In this study, the Eucharist is perceived as the culmination of the initiation process and as the heart and center of the Church’s sacramental action. In another course, on Theology of the Priesthood, the sacrament of Holy Orders receives additional attention. A further course on Sacraments: Mysteries of Faith addresses all of the sacraments, including the sacraments not treated in the foregoing courses: Marriage, Penance, and Anointing. This course on the Theology of the Sacraments grows out of a consideration of the sacraments it in the context of Christian Initiation. The first section reflects how sacramental theology developed in conjunction with the process of becoming a member of the covenanted People of God in Christ, in Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, and how this covenantal relationship is expressed sacramentally in the Eucharistic celebration. The second and third parts of the course explore the growth and interrelation of several major perspectives of the Eucharist in community understanding, theological interpretation, and liturgical expression, and consider how these perspectives influenced the theological understanding and ritual celebration of the other sacraments.

TH 840: Fundamental Liturgy

Credits: 2
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course provides a brief history of the liturgy and deals with the theology of the liturgical sign and the spirit of the liturgy in the New Testament. The celebration of Sunday and Easter in the early Church is studied. Special emphasis is placed on the Eucharistic liturgy, i.e., the Last Supper, the Eucharist in the apostolic Church and the Eucharist in the second and third centuries. The basic structure and historical changes in the celebration of the Mass are treated. The parts of the Mass are studied in detail.

TH 850: Principles of Moral Theology

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course examines the history and present state of moral theology. The primary focus is on a study of fundamental themes and principles of moral theology, including the role of the Bible, conscience, moral law, sin, and moral decision making. The course begins by observing that the act of moral theorizing is a matter of free and intelligent decision in pursuit of an intelligible good. From this perspective we attempt to respond to questions such as the following: are we entitled to be confident that our moral judgments can be objective? Can they express insights into aspects of reality, rather than mere feelings, tastes, desires, decisions, upbringing, or conventions? Why must we consider some of our choices to be free and how do our free choices matter? How far should our moral judgments be based on assessments of expected consequences? The course also provides an assessment of the problems of Utilitarianism and other consequentialist or proportionalistic theories.

TH 851: Catholic Biomedical Ethics

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course will introduce students to the principles and issues of Catholic Biomedical Ethics. The course is divided into three parts. First, we will do a thorough study of the encyclical Evangelium Vitae. Second, we will examine more recent issues concerning the beginning and mid-span of human life, such as the ethical use of reproductive technologies and the use of biotechnology in such areas as vaccinations, the food industry, and agriculture. Third, we will consider the ethical issues surrounding the organization of health care systems. Throughout the course, we will explore ways to address the pastoral implications of the Church’s teaching.

TH 852: Catholic Sexual Ethics

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course will present the understanding of human sexuality and of sexual morality as it has been developed in the continuing Catholic Tradition, contrasting this with the understandings of human sexuality and sexual morality current in contemporary culture. The primary focus is on a study of magisterial teachings, but the course also includes a presentation of the biblical, historical, social, and pastoral dimensions of sexual issues. Its purpose is also to show the perennial truth of the Catholic teaching on Sexual Morality, taking up issues in sexual morality, exploring the broad meaning of human sexuality and the differences in male and female sexuality and the significance of these differences. With this clear knowledge, students will be well equipped to communicate the Church’s teaching effectively as pastors of souls or in whatever capacity they serve.

TH 853: Catholic Social Ethics

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the Catholic Church’s social teaching. This will be accomplished by a survey of Catholic Social Doctrine. As part of this survey students will be introduced to the historical and cultural developments that have given rise to the Church’s ongoing prophetic mission to proclaim the Gospel to the nations of the world. As a primary objective, the course will aim to provide students with a deeper appreciation for the Church’s relationship to the world and her presence in the world as God’s kingdom on earth. As well as providing knowledge concerning Catholic Social Ethics, this course is designed to nurture the student’s skills in critical thinking, written expression and oral expression of concepts.

TH 861: M.Div./M.A. Theology Seminar

Credits: 2 or 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This seminar is designed specifically for M.A. candidates and focuses on a particular aspect of theology. Special attention is paid to the use of theological reference tools, in-depth research, and the development of the topic as well as oral and written presentations.

TH 862: Directed Independent Study

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
By arrangement.

TH 863: M.A. Thesis

Credits: 6
Prerequisites: None
Description:
By arrangement.

TH 864: Mariology

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
The role of Mariology is perhaps one of the most controversial themes in the contemporary Church. Before the Second Vatican Council, popular Marian devotions were almost a completely unquestioned fact of Catholic life. After the Council, however, in light of the growing movement toward ecumenism, the role of Mary in Catholic piety became a suspected hindrance to ecumenical dialogue. Subsequently, therefore, the study of Mariology and all things Marian were oftentimes played down as non-essential aspects of the Catholic faith. In recent years, however, the Church has witnessed a renewed interest in Mary. The purpose of this course, therefore, is to present a balanced exploration of the development of the role of Mariology in the Catholic tradition in a way that is respectful to both devotion and honest academic inquiry.

TH 865: Theology of the Priesthood

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course, for priesthood candidates, takes a systematic approach to the theology of priesthood by covering the following topics: Jesus Christ, source and model of Christian priesthood; the man of the sacred; the institution of the ministerial priesthood; the priesthood in the doctrine and consciousness of Saint Paul,; the priesthood of the faithful and the ministerial priesthood; the nature of priestly ministry; ranks in the sacrament of order; the meaning and value of the priestly character; the priestly way of life. Catholic priesthood is understood through the continuity of its development in the Catholic Church. Starting from a view of priesthood in general, we move to study priesthood in the Old Testament and particularly in the writings of the New Testament. Continuing through a survey of Church writings and teachings about the priesthood, including a study of the ordination rite, and culminating in the teachings of Vatican Council II, we aim to understand the priesthood as Avery Cardinal Dulles shows it to be, as Biblically grounded, as Catholic Church Tradition has lived it as instituted by Christ, and as Vatican II and post-conciliar teaching has sought to revitalize it under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and Christ the Eternal Priest. Throughout the course, there will be opportunities to reflect upon the scriptural foundations of priesthood, how the gift of Christ of a share in His priesthood has been handed on and had evolved through the ages from its unchanging heart, Jesus Christ. As we reflect upon this tradition, we will consider the practical implications of the witness of the priest, and speak as concretely as possible about how the sacramental graces of ordination can be lived out on a day to day basis by the priest.

TH 866: Sacraments: Mysteries of Fait

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Description:
This course’s concern is the sacramental system of the Church. As such it builds upon the Church’s own nature as a sacrament and considers its sacramental activities, especially those expressed and celebrated in the seven sacraments. This is but one of the courses in the curriculum dedicated to the sacraments. There is a course that considers the Theology of the Sacraments, which has arisen historically out of the process of Christian Initiation and so focuses on Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. There is also a course on the Theology of the Priesthood that includes a treatment of the sacrament of Holy Orders. There is also a course in canon law on the sacraments as well as lab courses that prepare Orders candidates for administration of the sacraments as deacons and as priests. The first section of this course begins with a consideration of sacramentality as a basis for Christian sacramentology, and of the Lord’s Day as the celebration of the Eucharistic community covenanted in Baptism. It provides a description of the systematic theological treatment of the sacraments in genere. Then follow components on Christian Marriage and the sacrament of Orders, including the historical development of the rite for ordination of priests. Connected to the latter is a treatment of sacramentals and the Book of Blessings. Then comes a component on Christian Funerals, from the historical and theological perspective as well as from the liturgical, since the high point is most commonly the celebration of the Eucharist. The second part of the course first focuses on the Sacrament of Penance, from historical, theological, and liturgical perspectives. And then it considers an historical, theological, and liturgical component on the Sacrament of Anointing.