This course explores the tenets and practices of theology through the study of the interpretations of Christian doctrines noted in the Nicene Creed and select catechetical texts. Issues of method, authority, and the interface of faith with modern culture are highlighted.

Students survey examples from the Pentateuch, Prophetic, Historical and Wisdom texts, their forms, settings and theology. This survey incorporates an appreciation for some basic contemporary interpretive methods. Methods encouraged by Vatican II’s Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation are studied.

Students practice and demonstrate skills for intentional attending, development of therapeutic rapport, culturally competent interviewing and assessment, and solution-focused intervention planning.

• HS111 Introduction to Human Services

Students survey examples of texts from the Pauline, Catholic and Pastoral Epistles, the Gospels and Acts; Hebrews and Revelation are also introduced. Working with the interpretive strategies gained in TH210 Introduction to Old Testament, students begin to assess the dynamics of interpretation through the completion of an exegetical paper.

• TH210 Introduction to the Old Testament

This course explores the set of Catholic Christian doctrines and interpretation surrounding the question "what does it mean to be a human person?": for example, the creation to the image of God, sin, redemption, sacramentality, and vocation. There is a focus on modern questions of the mind, conscience, embodiment, gender, and sexuality.

Through comparison and contrast, students define and articulate how the Christian, especially Roman Catholic, world view relates to those of others. Prior to such comparisons students focus on being able to articulate the basic world view of several mainstream religions: Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and the religions of the Far East, especially Shinto, Dao and Confucian thought.

Students consider the history, theology, and practice of Christian sacramental life as they address the questions of ritual, celebration, and worship. The course also examines general principles of liturgy and ritual, as well as guidelines for planning and implementing pastorally effective liturgy.

This course acquaints students with the modern history and current application of Catholic social teaching, focusing on the themes of economics and work, life and death, and war and peace issues. Students engage both primary and secondary literature and examine how Christians critically think through social issues. A service learning component is offered.

As the foundational class in moral theology, this course addresses the different moral theologies in the Catholic tradition, from Scriptural ethics to natural law. Contemporary issues are addressed as a means of explicating schools of ethical method and applying moral reasoning.

Defining moments in Catholic tradition from earliest Catholicism up to the First Vatican Council (1869–70) are investigated. Official Catholic teachings, major thinkers and cultural movements are considered for their insights into Christian faith and human development.

After establishing familiarity with the history and texts of the Second Vatican Council (1962-65), students consider theological and pastoral thought from the 20th and 21st centuries. Special attention is paid to ecclesiological innovations concerning lay and clerical leadership, the local and universal Church, and the universal call to holiness and justice.

Students understand, apply, and evaluate theoretical and practical approaches to catechesis, adult faith formation, and teaching theology. Theoretical and practical elements are be drawn from the disciplines of education, religious education, and theology. While providing a sampling of theoretical frameworks for educating within the Catholic faith tradition, the course also allows students to develop basic skills according to their interests within the spectrum of faith formation opportunities within the Church.

• TH209 Foundations of Catholic Theology

This writing intensive course studies the development and interpretation of Christian theological doctrine on the person of Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ. The course treats issues from the various interpretations of the Gospel tradition to the development of doctrine (particularly in the councils of Nicaea and Chalcedon) to modern interpretations of the role of Christ in systematic theology.

• TH209 Foundations of Catholic Theology

Students with theology majors and minors address both the theological and practical dimensions of the tasks of ministering in different contexts, e.g., youth ministry, parish life, hospital chaplaincy, and campus ministry. The course encourages the development of perspectives and skills necessary for effective ministry in one or more of these settings, and involves field experience within a variety of pastoral settings.

Pastoral and youth ministry majors examine the theological and practical dimensions of youth ministry. Particular attention is given to the specialized issues of ministry to adolescents through an examination of the document "Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry." As a seminar, student leadership in planning and developing the course is assumed.

• TH209 Foundations of Catholic Theology

Majors prepare professional credentials as well as collaborate with a professor to conduct research within an area of their interest and the professor’s expertise. Preparation of credentials may include development of a personal mission statement, resume, and certifications relevant to national standards for Catholic lay ecclesial ministry. Research approximates graduate-level study of classical and contemporary perspectives that are doctrinal, academic, and/or pastoral.

Pastoral and youth ministry majors and religious education majors test their aspirations and apply their knowledge in professional and pastoral contexts. Students and the department’s internship coordinator facilitate placement, planning, and assessment through the university’s internship office. The internship usually involves a weekly group theological reflection. This internship is also coded as high school teaching for religious education majors.  This course requires the completion of a professional portfolio and is ordinarily graded pass/no credit.