THEOLOGY. Freshman Year Humanities I Humanities II Freshman English 103 Freshman English 104

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1 222 Courses of Instruction THEOLOGY Acting Chairperson: Rev. William J. Sullivan, O.S.B. Professors: Rev. Benedict M. Guevin, O.S.B., Kevin A. McMahon, Dennis M. Sweetland; Associate Professors: R. Ward Holder, Kelley E. Spoerl, Sr. Maureen E. Sullivan, O.P., Patricia A. Sullivan; Assistant Professors: Meghan Clark, Daniel Daly, Rev. Peter J. Guerin, O.S.B., Ahida Pilarski; Instructor: Bede B. Bidlack. In a Catholic liberal arts college, the study of theology occupies an essential position in the core curriculum. Generally speaking, theological inquiry seeks an understanding of the mystery of God and of the human condition. Specifically, the task of Christian theology is to express meaningfully the revelation of Jesus, and to examine and explain the faith of the Christian community in its historical and contemporary context. is equally concerned with the practical implications of living a life of faith, particularly in its moral, spiritual, and liturgical dimensions. Students majoring in complete 12 courses in. These include 100, 255 or 256, 270, 320, 351, and one additional course in each of the following areas: Old or New Testament, systematic theology, and theological ethics. The remaining courses are electives, one of which must be in seminar format. If the theology major takes two semesters of the same modern foreign language beyond elementary work, then two of these electives may be fulfilled by a traditional ancient/biblical language. The successful completion of a comprehensive examination is also required of theology majors. Freshman Year Humanities I Humanities II Freshman English 103 Freshman English 104 Science Science 100 Sophomore Year Humanities III Humanities IV Philosophy/ Philosophy/ Junior Year Philosophy/ Philosophy/ Modern Modern Senior Year Philosophy/ Philosophy/

2 Courses of Instruction 223 THEOLOGY MINOR The minor is intended to provide the opportunity for developed reflection on the content of Christian faith as well as non-christian religious traditions, and to permit the integration of these interests with study in other academic fields, from literature, philosophy and ethics to sociology, psychology, and politics. The minor in will require six courses including a bible course (TH100 or higher), either TH351 (Christology) or TH352 (The Trinity), a course in historical, a course in moral, and any other two courses offered in the Department of. 100 Biblical An introduction to Divine Revelation enabling students to gain an understanding of the total Bible the Old Testament and the New Testament. 220 Religion in America A study of the role of religion in the American experience from the colonial period to the present. The focus of the course is on the place of religion in the history and culture of the United States. The course examines the development of Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish traditions as well as Native American religions and new and alternative religions in American society. 250 Catholic Vision This course provides an introductory survey of the distinctive vision of the Catholic tradition as that vision has been articulated in doctrine, practice, and culture. 251 The Sacraments The sacramental life of the Church, from New Testament times to the recent reforms, is studied using scriptural, patristic and liturgical sources, conciliar teachings, and theological reflection. 252 The Eucharist Studies the Eucharist in the life of the Church in its historical roots in the life of Christ, in the early Church, in medieval developments and modern reforms, particularly since Vatican II. Theological reflections on biblical data and patristic and medieval practices are complemented by contemporary studies. 253 Christian Spirituality An historical overview of the practice of Christian discipleship through the centuries, with a specific focus on several major schools of Christian spirituality including desert monastic, Benedictine, Franciscan, Dominican, Carmelite, Jesuit, and Salesian traditions. 254 Christian Saints A study of Christian saints and their ecclesiological, historical, liturgical and spiritual importance to Catholic Christians especially. The course examines official church documents pertaining to the saints, the Church s procedures for declaring sainthood, writing of and about the saints, historical and

3 224 Courses of Instruction systematic studies of saints and sainthood, and popular traditions associated with the saints. 255 Religions of the West A study of the major monotheistic religious traditions originating in the Ancient Near East: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The course concentrates on the history, thought, and practice of the three great Abrahamic traditions. Special attention is given to the contemporary varieties of each tradition. 256 Religions of Asia A survey of the major religious traditions of South and East Asian origin. Topics have included: Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and the traditional and new religions of China, Korea, and Japan. 270 Christian Moral Life Examines the eucharistic character of Christian moral life. It studies the virtues of this life, precepts derived from Scripture and the teaching Tradition of the Church, the application of these precepts to contemporary issues, and the nourishing of moral life through the Sacraments. 300 The Pentateuch Considers the first five books of the Old Testament and the historical development of the oral and written traditions that went into their making. 301 The Prophets A study of the writings of the prophets of the Old Testament. 310 The Gospels A study of the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John which examines the sources, literary character, and theological purpose of each Gospel and the debate concerning the historical Jesus. 315 Writings of Saint Paul Investigates the life of Paul and the content of his letters, with emphasis on his characteristic theological ideas. 320 The Early Church An introduction to the history of the early Christian movement up to 450 A.D., which addresses institutional, theological, and devotional developments in this foundational period as revealed through primary texts and the statements of Church councils. 321 Medieval A study of the major figures whose thought influenced the shape and content of Western theology from the time of Augustine to the 13th century. 322 Reformation An examination and critical evaluation of the theologies of the Reformation period, including those of the Humanist, Lutheran, Calvinist, Radical and Catholic reformers.

4 Courses of Instruction Women in the Catholic Tradition This course examines the historical contributions of women to the thought and practice of the Catholic religion from New Testament to modern times. Lectures and readings in primary texts examine women s involvement in early Christian martyrdom, in monasticism, ministry, and Church reform, as well as women s contributions in the areas of doctrine and spirituality. Figures studied have included Perpetua of Carthage, Hildegard of Bingen, Catherine of Siena, Teresa of Avila, Teresa of Lisieux, and Mother Teresa of Calcutta. 331 Protestant A study of the development of Protestant religious thought from the 18th century to the present. 350 Approaches to God An inquiry into the manner in which contemporary Christians come to an awareness of God and how, once aware, people respond to and live in relationship to this Mystery. 351 Christology A study of the significance of the person and work of Jesus Christ as presented in the New Testament and Church councils, and interpreted in the writings of the Fathers of the Church, and of theologians. 352 The Trinity A study of the origin, history, and meaning of the doctrine of the Trinity and its implications for Christian life. 353 The Church An investigation of the nature of the Church as both mystery and institution, emphasizing the Church in biblical imagery, the ministry, the idea of reform, and the future of the Church. 354 Liberation Examines this contemporary and distinct theological method beginning with its roots in Latin America, and its historical, socio-political, and pastoral ramifications. 355 Christian Marriage Marriage viewed in its sacramental dimension as a Christian mystery. The biblical, theological, and canonical foundations of the relationship of man and woman are presented. 369 Special Topics A study of selected issues in. 370 Sexual Ethics This course introduces the student to the Church s teaching on sexual ethics. Scripture and tradition will serve as the foundation for an examination of a variety of sexual issues, as well as the virtue of chastity.

5 226 Courses of Instruction 371 Medical Ethics An investigation of the moral problems which can arise in the practice of modern medicine. A brief historical survey of medical ethics is followed by a study of the basic Christian principles of morality. Questions discussed include the concept of health and illness, the inception, preservation, and termination of human life. 372 Christian Social Ethics A study of the Christian social tradition, with special emphasis on Catholic social thought. The course begins with the scriptural foundations of Christian social ethics, as well as foundations located in the Christian tradition. The remainder of the course addresses questions concerning issues of justice in the contemporary world from a Christian perspective. Issues include poverty, globalization, war and peace, the environment, and consumerism. 400 Independent Study 401 Seminar An opportunity for critical examination of a selected topic or a particular theologian. It is designed for theology majors. Non-majors may register for the course with the consent of the instructor. 480 Internship Student-originated theology internships, supervised by faculty of the Department