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.

Prerequisite: one of the following: TH112, TH113, TH114, or TH115 (may be concurrent)..

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.

Offered fall semester. Prerequisite: TH112, TH113, TH114, or TH115.

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.

Offered spring semester. Prerequisite: TH210.

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.

Prerequisite: TH112, TH113, TH114, or TH115.

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.

Offered in alternate fall semesters. Prerequisite: TH209.

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.

Prerequisite: TH115 or TH209.

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.

Offered in alternate fall semesters. Prerequisite: TH115 or TH209.

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.

Offered in alternate spring semesters. Prerequisite: TH115 or TH209.

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.

Offered in alternate fall semesters. Prerequisite: TH115 or TH209.

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

Offered spring semester. Prerequisite: HS111.

Theology majors and minors examine 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 theological perspectives and pastoral skills necessary for effective ministry in one or more of these 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.

Offered in alternate spring semesters. Prerequisite: TH209.

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 graded pass/no credit.