DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY in APPLIED THEOLOGY With SPECIALIZATION in RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Course Description The program aims to provide advanced research oriented training to coordinators of religious education programs for Philippine schools/parishes/dioceses, researchers in religious education for the Philippine Church, and teachers of theology/ Religious education. Religious education in this context is framed within Christian categories but is not limited to a particular Christian confession. It is viewed through an inclusive mindset that sees the dialogue of Christian and non-christian religious traditions. This program is geared towards applications in theological studies within the ministry of Religious education. The expected outcomes involve religious education research informed by Christian spirituality, biblical, systematic and moral theology as well as studies of religion, culture and justice and peace. Course Requirements To finish the program the student has to complete a total of 66 academic units distributed in two components: the Masters level courses leading to an MA in Applied Theology (with specialization in Religious Education) and, the Doctoral Level courses leading to a PhD in Applied Theology (specializing in Religious Education). The Masters level constitutes 30 units representing basic and major academic courses. The doctorate component comprises 24 units representing basic, major and elective courses. On top of these course requirements, the dissertation writing course is given 12 units. Non-Course Requirement The student, upon completion of the M.A. level courses (30 units), must undergo a written comprehensive exams in five areas (Scriptures, Moral Theology, Liturgy and Sacraments, Religious Education, and Dogma or Systematic Theology). After the course and non-course requirements are completed and passed, the student may now request for university certification indicating completion of the basic requirements for the degree Master of Philosophy in Applied Theology with specialization in Religious Education (Non-Thesis). The completion of this first non-course requirement will allow the student to proceed to the PhD level academic requirements. Upon completion of the PhD-level academic courses, the student shall then take the second and final comprehensive exams prior to dissertation writing. After passing the PhD level comprehensive exams the student shall then be allowed to enrol in a 12- unit dissertation writing course the following term. 1
FIRST COMPONENT: MASTERS LEVEL COURSES [Leading to a Masters in APPLIED THEOLOGY With SPECIALIZATION in Religious Education] BASIC COURSES 18 UNITS Foundations of Applied Theology I: Basic Realities and Process (APT101M ) Within the framework of the mutual interaction between the Judaeo-Christian Tradition and contemporary human experience, the fundamental notions of Revelation and Faith shall be dealt with. The process of doing theology, particularly with cultural resources, will be explained and illustrated. Trends in Biblical Studies: OT (APT201M ) A survey of the contemporary trends in the study of the bible in the area of the New Testament. The course is an updated overview of scholarly findings on the subject and their relevance to contemporary issues. Trends Biblical Studies: NT (APT202M) A survey of the contemporary trends in the study of the bible in the area of the New Testament. The course is an updated overview of scholarly findings on the subject and their relevance to contemporary issues. Doing Christology in a Cultural Context (APT204M) The present-day understanding of the identity and the significance of Jesus is no longer confined to Western philosophical categories. Following the general renewal in theology inspired by Vatican II, various approaches to Christology have been developed. One of these, the cultural approach, seeks to inculturate the Christian Faith in Jesus Christ in the different cultures of peoples. The course first analyzes the first disciples experience of Jesus in order to ascertain the theological and hermeneutical principles involved in it and to indicate the various stages the experience underwent. Knowledge of these principles and stages will then provide guidance in articulating a Christology utilizing local cultural categories. Foundations of Moral Life (APT206M) This course covers various moral problems in the contemporary world and the challenges they pose. However, a specific slant is given to Asian context. The course will provide occasions to apply the moral principles in the fundamental moral theology in its various fields: sexual, medical and social issues. It will concentrate on analysis of the different moral cases and the proper pastoral paths possible for the cases. A Lay Centered Church (APT203M) The course is a historical, scriptural and systematic study of the role of the laity in the Church. The course attempts to find a way to give dignity to ordinary Christians who represent ninety-nine percent 2
of the Church. It will also experiment on possible avenues open to lay people to exercise creative ministries in the church. Furthermore, the course is a journey to self-discovery. It allows participants to discover their gifts and talents that are beneficial in a lay-centered church. In addition, this course is also a journey to spirituality. MAJOR COURSES 15 UNITS Contemporary Approaches in Religious Education I (APT541M ) This course presents a commentary on the Catechism for Filipino Catholics (CFC). This book is a valuable guide to religious educators with basic principles and approaches to contemporary religious education and will address various contexts primary, secondary, tertiary and adult education. Spirituality for Teachers of Religious Education (APT661M) Concepts and principles applicable to spirituality for Christian teachers. The course covers classical and contemporary sources from founders and leaders of religious education groups and movements to inspire the practicing teacher in his / her mission. Methods of Applied Research and Statistics (APT526M) This course introduces to the student the entire research process, from selection of research problem, to the collection and analysis of data employing either qualitative or quantitative techniques or both. Emphasis is on the application of descriptive and inferential statistical tools in analyzing collected data when conducting research in Religious Education. Psychological Foundation of Education (APT5310) The central thrust of this course is on the human understandings, human meanings, and human experiences that are involved in teaching, learning, and growth. Within this, context, the course highlights some of the central ideas and different points of view about such matters as developmental processes involved in physical, interpersonal, and cognitive growth; about what constitutes good or effective teaching; about what learning is, how it occurs, and what we can do to enhance achievement outcomes; about how, as teachers, we can work toward creating the sort of positive attitudes and upbeat classroom climate that encourage optimal learning and growth for students COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION [Master s Level], non-course requirement ---0o0--- SECOND COMPONENT: DOCTORAL LEVEL COURSES [Leading to the degree PhD in APPLIED THEOLOGY With SPECIALIZATION in RELIGIOUS EDUCATION] BASIC COURSES 6 UNITS 3
Methods of Interpreting the Bible (APT101P) An exposition, illustration and critical analysis of the various exegetical methods used in interpreting the Bible today. Philosophy and Psychology of Religious Development and Values Formation (APT538D) A study of schools of philosophy and psychology in their theories regarding religious development and values formation. Specifically the psychological theories of Erikson, Kohlberg, Hall and Fowler vis a vis Filipino culture, Psychology and Philosophical orientations will be explored. Major Courses : 15 units Philosophy of Curriculum Development in Religious Education and Values Education (APT536D) This course explores the role of the different essential elements in curriculum development. Applying them in the management of religious and values education, the course aims to provide educators a guide in designing and developing a curriculum relevant to the needs of Philippine Society and students today. Philosophy of Religious Education with Professional Teacher s Ethics (APT537D) This course offered especially for religious education majors at the graduate level, actually covers a whole range of topics which include basic philosophy, philosophy of religion, ethics proper including, of course, Christian ethics philosophy of education including philosophy of religious education and values education Program Evaluation & Construction of Instruments for Religious and Values Education (APT582P) This is a three unit course designed for students in the DERVED Program. It is intended to introduce the student into the fundamental concepts and processes associated with program evaluation. Being an important component of strategic planning, program evaluation brings the student into both qualitative and quantitative research methods. The student in this course is expected to come up with a project design that will showcase their ability to integrate learned concepts in qualitative and quantitative approaches. Attitudinal Scales and Survey Methods (APT581P) Introduction to standard methods of data collection and recording and interpretation of field research reports. Workshop on Writing the Dissertation (APT103P) 4
This course presents the various theories, methods and techniques for research on a topic for a doctoral dissertation, and provides the practical exercises illustrating the theories, methods and techniques. ELECTIVE COURSES (Choose one) 3 UNITS Management of Religious and Values Education Program (APT621D) The course presents current concepts of management and organization of Religious Education and Values Education Programs. Various ways of developing a Program and curriculum in Religious Education and Values Education will be discussed and show how it will apply to their school setting. The concept management namely planning, organizing, staffing, control and evaluation will be discussed and use in designing a Religious Education Program in school. Advance Statistics (APT583D) This course is an application to standard methods of data collection and recording. It leads in the integration and analysis of data in the field of research reports. COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION (PhD level), non-course requirement DISSERTATION 12 UNITS 5