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Course Offerings in the Program of Theology
- Courses Being Offered in the 2011-2012 School Year are Shaded
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FALL 2011 THEOLOGY EXAM SCHEDULE
Course # |
Course Title |
Brief Outline |
| 5001 | Thomistic Philosophy for Theologians | An introduction to the philosophy of Thomas Aquinas through a study of several of his basic philosophical writings. the course will concern principally his philosophy of nature, philosophical psychology, moral philosophy, metaphysics, and philosophical theology. |
| 5101A | Introduction to Sacred Scripture | This course deals with introductory issues such as the history and environment of the Scriptures, the different types of biblical literature, the scientific methods of exploring the Scriptures and the development of new methods of scriptural interpretation. (3 hours per week; antirequisite: the former Biblical Studies) |
| 5102B | The Pentateuch | An investigation into the five books of the Pentateuch from a literary perspective, from the cultural perspective of its first readers in the ancient Middle East, and from a historical perspective, particularly concerning its formation. |
| 5111A | Fundamental Theology | A foundational course considering the nature of divine revelation, faith as humanity's response to God's revealing activity, the inspiration and interpretation of scripture, the nature of tradition, and theological method. (2 hours; antirequisite: the former Dogmatic Theology 5101A/B) |
| 5112B | Christology and Soteriology |
A biblical, historical, and systematic consideration of the major questions concerning the Incarnation and Redemption. |
| 5113A | Theological Anthropology | A biblical, historical, and systematic consideration of certain themes concerning the nature of humanity and its relationship to God: creation, original sin, justification, and the destiny of humanity (last things). |
| 5121A | Patristics | A thematic and historical exploration of the contributions made to the tradition by the Fathers of the Church. Attention will be paid to their contributions to the development of Christian doctrine, the formation of the biblical canon, and the picture of Christian life that emerges from their writings. |
| 5132B | Moral Theology | An exploration of the fundamental concepts of the Catholic moral tradition in light of the Second Vatican Council: scriptural fouondations, conversion and discipleship, the role of the Magisterium, natural law and the law of Christ, conscience, the moral act, sin and virtue. |
| 5141A | Introduction to Sacramental Theology |
This course is a theological, historical, biblical and liturgical examination of the Sacraments of the Catholic Church. Sacraments are more than just mechanical ways in which to experience God in Christian liturgy – what has been traditionally defined as “a visible sign of an invisible reality”. Indeed, the seven Sacraments of the Catholic tradition are privileged and graceful theological/liturgical expressions of the living of our faith. By studying the historical development, central beliefs and communal practices of the Sacraments, students will learn to articulate the nature of the sacramental system in Catholic worship and to define the key concepts and understandings and religious practices, including the role and duties of the minister, that are part of the discourse of sacramental theology. This course is to be taken in conjunction with 5141 – B |
| 5141B | Introduction to Catholic Liturgy | A biblical, historical, and thematic introduction to the sacraments, which deals with theological foundations and principles applicable to all seven sacraments. Key themes will include the sacraments as instituted by Christ, the role of the minister and recipient of the sacraments, and the nature of sacramentals. (2 hours; antirequisite: the former Sacramental theology 142B) |
| 5142A | Sacramental Theology | An exploration of the use of symbols and ritual in Roman Catholic spirituality and in the celebration of the sacraments. The course will focus on the rituals of the Church so as to evaluation the axiom "lex orandi lex credendi" and the operative theology intrinsic to the Church's rites. This course is to be taken in conjunction with 5141B. |
| 5162B | Introduction to Spiritual Theology |
A historical survey of Christian spirituality from the apostolic age to the reformation. Themes include the desert tradition, martyrdom, monasticism, Franciscan and Dominican spirituality, late medieval mysticism, the imitation of Christ, and icons and prayer. Connections are made to some contemporary figures and movements. |
| 5171B | Introduction to Lay Ministry | This course probes the nature of lay ministry as set forth in Church documents and as practiced in the post-Vatican II church. It is a foundational exploration of various approaches to lay ministry as lived out today, both in the Church and in the World. |
| 5181 | Ministry in Schools | This course is designed to expose the students to a broad base of activities in school setting. this is in order to give them experience in the "world" of school children as well as the work carried out in teaching pastoral ministry. |
| 5201A | The Synoptic Gospels | The course encourages students to apply methods of interpretation learned in the introductory course. General issues pertaining to all three synoptic gospels will be considered, followed by treatments of each gospel separately. Basic issues such as authorship, date, place, and characteristic thems will be addresses. |
| 5202B | The Gospel According to John | The course encourages students to apply methods of interpretation learned in the introductory course, exploring the meaning of the text for the modern reader, an examination of the original setting, structure, and content of each section of the gospel |
| 5209A/B | Biblical Studies - Selected Topics | An optional course for students who have the approval of the Dean and consent of a professor of Biblical Studies to pursue a topic in this area. The course may be presented as a tutorial, or as a seminar, if three to five students are registered. |
| 5212B | Doctrine of God | The development of the Church's understanding of God as Triune. Biblical patristic, medieval, and contemporary approaches to the mystery of God are considered. Special attention is given to the connection of Trinitarian doctrine to the experience of salvation. |
| 5219A/B | Systematic Theology - Selected Topics | An optional course for students who have the approval of the Dean and consent of a professor of Systematic Theology to pursue a topic in this area. The course may be presented as a tutorial, or as a seminar, if three to five students are registered. |
| 5221A | History of the Catholic Church I | A survey, in chronological fashion, of the growth of the Church from the time of the apostles to the modern era. The lectures attempt to relate the past with its context and significance. Students are guided to read the key documents of the Church's history to complement the general approach of the lectures. |
| 5222B | History of the Catholic Church II | A survey, in chronological fashion, of the growth of the Church from the time of the apostles to the modern era. The lectures attempt to relate the past with its context and significance. Students are guided to read the key documents of the Church's history to complement the general approach of the lectures. |
| 5229A/B | Historical Theology - Selected Topics | An optional course for students who have the approval of the Dean and consent of a professor of Historical Theology to pursue a topic in this area. The course may be presented as a tutorial, or as a seminar, if three to five students are registered. |
| 5231A | Christian Social Teaching I | A study of Church documents from 1891 to 1963 related to social justice. an analysis of issues of poverty in Canada and in the global community. an examination of basic principles of Catholic social doctrine; the human person, the common good, the social responsibility of property. |
| 5232B | Christian Social Teaching II | A study of Church documents from 1963 to the present related to social justice. An examination of a theology of work and leisure, the principles of preferential option for the poor and a consistent ethic of life, and the application of those principles to issues of social and economic justice. |
| 5239A/B | Moral Theology - Selected Topics | An optional course for students who have the approval of the Dean and consent of a professor of Moral Theology to pursue a topic in this area. The course may be presented as a tutorial, or as a seminar, if three to five students are registered. |
| 5241A | Sacraments of Initiation I | A study of Baptism and Confirmation. Emphasis is given to the liturgical aspects of the Eucharist developed in light of the Catholic tradition. |
| 5242B | Sacraments of Initiation II | A study of the theology of the Eucharist developed in its biblical, liturgical, systematic, and ecumenical sources, and explaining the themes of sacrament, sacrifice, communion. |
| 5243A | The Theology of Marriage and Sexuality | This is a theological and pastoral investigation of the meaning of human sexuality and Christian marriage. It covers the scriptural, historical and theologicla development of the sacrament of marriage. Also covered are themes including the theology of the body, heterosexual and homosexual moral concerns, divorce and family life, and new challenges to marriage today. Much time given to the moral/pastoral handling of various situations. |
| 5248A/B | Liturgical Studies - Selected Topics | An optional course for students who have the approval of the Dean and consent of a professor of Liturgical Studies to pursue a topic in this area. The course may be presented as a tutorial, or as a seminar, if three to five students are registered. |
| 5249A/B | Sacramental Theology - Selected Topics | An optional course for students who have the approval of the Dean and consent of a professor of Sacramental Theology to pursue a topic in this area. The course may be presented as a tutorial, or as a seminar, if three to five students are registered. |
| 5259A/B | Church Law - Selected Topics |
An optional course for students who have the approval of the Dean and consent of a professor of Church Law to pursue a topic in this area. The course may be presented as a tutorial, or as a seminar if three to five students are registered. |
| 5269A/B | Spiritual Theology - Selected Topics | An optional course for students who have the approval of the Dean and consent of a professor of Spiritual Theology to pursue a topic in this area. The course may be presented as a tutorial, or as a seminar, if three to five students are registered. |
| 5271A | Pastoral Counselling I | This course explores the theoretical background of pastoral counselling and provides the student with some basic training in counselling skills. |
| 5272B | Pastoral Counselling II | This course explores the theoretical background of pastoral counselling and provides the student with some basic training in counselling skills. |
| 5279A/B | Pastoral Theology - Selected Topics | An optional course for students who have the approval of the Dean and consent of a professor of Pastoral Theology to pursue a topic in this area. The course may be presented as a tutorial, or as a seminar, if three to five students are registered. |
| 5281 | Ministry in Parishes |
This course is designed to discuss the mission of the Church, with particular attention to a broad base of activities in a Parish pastoral environment. Students will be individually assigned to a particular Parish within which they engage themselves in the discernment of a vocational call to ministry in the Church. It is expected that the experience so gained will help the students to understand the dynamics of shared responsibility, collaboration and team work. Within the contexxt of pastoral/parish placement, students will be under a supervisor who is expected to assess their performance at the end of their placement. Also, as part of the course, students will participate in a monthly peer reflection and then write a monthly reflection paper. A Final Reflection Paper on the student's experience gained from the pastoral placement brings the course to a logical conclusion. |
| 5299 | Theological Studies Thesis | A significant research project concerning a clearly defined theological issue or problem, as a requirement for the MTS. See the Program of Theology for further information. |
| 5381 | The Pastoral Year | Candidates for ordination spend an entire year in a parochial setting under the direction of an appointed pastor/supervisor. The experience may include specialized courses tailored to the individual's pastoral needs, such as language studies or a CPE unit. |
| 5401A | Prophets and Deuteronomic History | The course examines the Israelite prophetic movement from the early monarchical period up to the early post-exilic period, its original message and its modern applications. Themes include the city of Jerusalem in Israelite history, the desert as place and metaphor, and the use of prophetic messages in the New Testament. (Antirequisite: The former Biblical Studies 335a and 401a) |
| 5403A | The Letters of Paul | The course examines biographical issues by comparing the portrayalof Paul in his own letters and in the Acts of the Apostles. The original setting, structure, and the inspired message of the authentic letters for modern readers are considered. Some attention is given to the remainder of the Pauline corpus. |
| 5404B | Applied Biblical Theology | A careful examination of key theological themes addressed in selected Scriptural books: the role of the Psalms in the Church's prayer and praise; the importance of the letter to the Hebrews in discussing Christology and New Testament priesthood; and the eschatological - prophetic value of the Book of Revelation. |
| 5411A | Ecclesiology and Mariology | An inquiry into Roman Catholic understandings of the Church and of MaryBmother of Jesus, model disciple and member of the ChurchBas these have emerged, developed and continue to be refined in response to historical circumstances and theological controversies. In Part One of the course we will undertake historical surveys of ecclesiology and mariology. In Part Two we will focus on the ecclesiological and mariological teachings of the Second Vatican Council (1962-65) and the post-conciliar period. In Part Three we will consider some contemporary challenges facing the Church. (Antirequisite: the former Dogmatic Theology 411A/B). |
| 5432B | Christian Bioethics | A specialized course concerning Catholic moral principles with clinical/pastoral applications for a pluralistic world. Topics: Reproduction issues, abortion, cloning and stem cell research, organ transplants, genetics, death and dying, resource allocation, and global ethics, with many applications to health care institutions. Expert guest speakers included. |
| 5442B | The Theology of Order and Ministries | A historical, doctrinal, liturgical, and pastoral study of ministry in the Church. The Sacrament of Order in light of contemporary approaches to ministry, an understanding of the call to collaboration with the laity in their vocation and mission, and an appreciation of the call to consecrated life in the Church. |
| 5452A/B | Canon Law I | This course is designed to give an appreciation of how the Church uses canon law as an instrument to achieve its goals. It includes a brief history, an overview of the basic concepts of law as well as of the general norms, the principles of interpretation and an introduction to the legal dimension of the Church's life. It will also consider selected issues associated with the teaching and sanctifying offices of the church. |
| 5461A | Spiritual Theology II | Christian spirituality from the Catholic revival of the sixteenth century to the present. Schools of Spirituality considered include: Spanish (Ignatius Loyola, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross); French (de Sales, Pascal, John Vianney, Therese of Lisieux); English (More, Newman, Lewis); Contemporary (Merton, Stein, Hillesum, spirituality of the poor). |
| 5471A | Theology of Proclamation | An examination of the importance and effectiveness of preaching in the mission of the Church today. Themes include the nature and role of the homily, the methodology of preaching, and techniques for preparation and delivery of homilies. |
| 5472B | Proclamation | A practicum involving the seminarian's peer group and professors which provides supervised experience in the delivery of homilies. |
| 5481 | Pastoral Health Care | Under the direction of trained supervisors, the students enter into hospital ministry. The program includes visitation to patients and de-briefing groups for the integration of their theology and experiences wtih the infirmed. |
| 5511A | Ecumenism | An introduction to the history and theology of the ecumenical movement. Reference will be made to the teaching of the Magisterium, significant achievements in ecumenical dialogue, and prospects for future achievements. Exposure to the rich variety of Christian ecclesial communities and traditions will be included. |
| 5511B | Ecumenism | “An introduction to the history and theology of the ecumenical movement. Reference will be made to the teaching of the Magisterium, significant achievements in ecumenical dialogue, and prospects for future achievements. Exposure to the rich variety of Christian ecclesial communities and traditions will be included. (Antirequisite: The former Systematic Theology 511a).”
Clerics of every tradition are facing a world in which ecumenical endeavours are a necessity born of our parishioners marrying, intermarrying, and being involved with other Christians of good will in our communities. While ecumenism is worked out at levels of Church government that understand and negotiate doctrine and discipline; ecumenism is lived out in small towns and parishes, as well as cities and cathedrals all over the world. This course will examine the issues facing parish leaders in the ordinary ecumenical situations by looking in particular at the relationship between the Anglican and Roman Catholic Churches, with reference to the doctrine, discipline and worship of other traditions as well. |
| 5513A | Theological Integration | An exploration of the unity of Catholic theology and the interdependence of the theological disciplines. The course will include a comprehensive examination designed to assist students in integrating what they have learned throughout the program. |
| 5541A | Theology of Sacramental Healing and Reconciliation | A historical and theological exploration of the Development of the sacraments of reconciliation and anointing of the sick. Emphasis is given to biblical and patristic sources, responding compassionately to contemporary pastoral concerns, and making sacramental reconciliation relevant in pastoral and catechetical situations. |
| 5542B | The Art of the Confessor | The course prepares students to be ministers of the sacrament of Reconciliation. Insights from the great confessors of the Christian tradition are followed by specific pastoral material from moral theology and canon law. Applications are made to contemporary pastoral situations, catechetical preparation programs and diocesan guidelines. |
| 5544B | Pastoral Liturgy | Theological and pastoral dimensions of the roles of the presider and the assembly in the liturgy. Attention will be paid to the ritual books of the Church -- their operative theology, their proper execution, and their intrinsic spiritual.. Practical preparation for presiding at the Eucharist. |
| 5551A/B | Canon Law II | This course is designed to discuss the Church's legislation with regard to the sacrament of marriage. It will include a consideration of the canonical definition of marriage, pastoral presentation, impediments, the canonical form, dissolution of the bond, matrimonial procedural law. |
| 5571A | Missiology and Evangelization | An investigation into the nature of the Church's pastoral and evangelical mission. Themes include the theology of mission, the relationship of faith and culture, and the "new evangelization". Particular attention will be paid to reflection on the pastoral skills necessary for presenting the Christian message in a rapidly changing world. |
| 5572B | Pastoral Counselling III | This course applies the skills learned in the Pastoral Counselling I and II to specific pastoral situations, especially situations of crisis. Factors that impact on pastoral care and pastoral counselling in a parish setting are specifically addressed. |
| 5574B | Catechetics | The course explores the theory and practice of catechetics. Emphasis is placed on developing skills for: facilitating faith development across the life span, designing program models to meet the need for a variety of pastoral contexts, and developing catechetical approaches for parish and diocesan settings. (Module format; antirequisite: the former Pastoral Theology 446B) |
| 5576B | Ethical Issues and Pastoral Ministry | A study of key elements of apstroal ministry requiring ethical decision-making to ensure the proper care of those for whom and with whom ministry is done. Attention is given to the ethical dimensions of issues such as honesty, confidentiality, the use of power, maintaining boundaries, stewardship, collaborative ministry and pastoral accountability. |
| 5581 | Preaching Assignments in Parishes | The deacons are assigned to preach in parishes on some weekends and on occasion in the Seminary during the week, with the opportunity for evaluation and critique. |
| 5591 | Guided Studies Program |
