Course descriptions
NOTE: THEO 501-513 are the required core courses for all degree students
THEO 501 Systematic Theology and Theological Method
(3 Credits)
This course examines the foundations of theology and theological method. It explores the role of scripture, doctrine, ecclesial practice, philosophy and the sciences in theological reflection. It examines the distinctive and diverse methods that are employed in contemporary Christian thought with special emphasis on practical theology. The central themes of faith, revelation, God, creation and eschatology are addressed.
THEO 502 Historical Development of Christian Tradition
(3 Credits)
This course studies the development of Christian theological tradition in its unity and diversity, through the contributions of major theological figures, critical movements within the Christian community and the social context in which theology is formed. It explores a variety of approaches to theological inquiry from classical tradition to modern revisions in interpretation, diversity and the research skills necessary for doing theology today.
THEO 503 Scripture and Biblical Interpretation
(3 Credits)
This is an introduction to contemporary exegetical methods of interpretation through a study of particular biblical texts. The course will also investigate related biblical questions such as inspiration, canonicity and the place of scripture in the Christian community.
THEO 504 Christian Ethics
(3 Credits)
Christian ethics will examine the basis of a Christian response to moral questions. The study will include the development of a method consistent with the role of a disciple of Jesus and attempt to apply the method to specific issues such as nuclear war, bioethical issues and economic social justice.
THEO 505 Christology
(3 Credits)
The central question of all Christian theology is Jesus' challenge, "Who do you say that I am?" The Christian community in every age has explored the question and attempted to answer it in light of scripture and human experience. The course will study both past answers and contemporary positions.
THEO 506 The Nature and Mission of the Church
(3 Credits)
This course is a historical theological study of the origins, nature and mission of Church: basic images and themes in scripture and tradition; the relation of the kingdom to the Church; the relation of the Church to the world.
THEO 509 General Comprehensive Exam
(0 credit, $100 fee)
The general exam is a take home exam based on readings covered in the core area courses. Questions are based on those readings and will examine the student's knowledge of the core areas and also test their ability to integrate the different areas. The student will be required to address four of the six test questions. Three questions will require the student to synthesize material between various core courses; the fourth question will require the integration of specific core material with the student's area of concentration. Students are allowed a maximum of six weeks to complete and return the exam. Review of notes and material from the courses is useful in preparing for the exam. Students must submit the registration form and fee as well as contact the program coordinator to request the exam. Prerequisites: all core courses (THEO 501-506) and a minimum of three of the five specialization courses.
THEO 510 Integrative Colloquium
(2 credits)
The colloquium engages students in a learning experience that fosters an integration between theology and the practice of Church ministry (i.e., religious education, liturgy, pastoral ministry, parish administration or youth ministry). The case study method is used to examine various contemporary Church issues and to develop appropriate responses in a process which promotes critical theological reflection, collaborative models of work and intellectual as well as personal self-criticism. Prerequisites: THEO 509.
THEO 512 Master's Thesis Project I
(1 credit)
The students develop and, under the supervision of the thesis director, writes the Master's thesis. The director of the Master of Theological Studies program must approve directors of the Master's thesis. Enrollment and registration of this course is typically available in the fall semester of each academic year. Graded on a S/F basis.
>>Thesis project information
THEO 513 Master's Thesis Project II
(1 credit)
Continuation of work that began in THEO 512, culminating in a discussion of the thesis and submission of the finalized, approved work. Prior to final approval a discussion of the work occurs between the student and a panel of three persons (i.e., thesis project director and two readers) at which time the thesis project is either approved, disapproved or conditionally approved with recommendations for improvement. Enrollment and registration of this course is typically available in the spring semester of each academic year. Graded on a S/F basis. Note: Those students who wish to graduate in May of any year, must have the final, completed thesis project turned in no later than March 1 of each year.
>>Thesis project information
THEO 520 Foundations of Catechesis
(2 Credits)
This course will explore the foundations of catechesis through the major movements, principles and people who influenced today’s approaches to catechesis. Students will investigate historical forms of catechesis that continue to resurface and reinvent themselves as we evangelize today. The task of this course is to discover the reasons "we do what we do" and to recognize the foundational principles for judging the effectiveness of catechetical movements today.
THEO 521 Process of Catechesis
(2 Credits)
This is a course for all those called to be catechetical ministers who recognize that how we teach is at least as important as what we teach. The course will examine methods and forms of catechesis, addressing the practical issue of how to teach religion and theology, including the Sacraments. Participants will expand their teaching repertoire by studying models of catechesis that are particularly suited to faith formation.
THEO 522 Psychology of Faith Development
(2 Credits)
This course offers perspectives on the contributions of theology and psychology to an understanding of faith. Through the lens of modern developmental psychology, students will consider faith development as it is related to human development. They will discuss ways to encourage the development of a spiritual life in every era of the human cycle.
THEO 523 Administration and Supervision of Parish Catechetical Programming
(2 Credits)
This course will investigate the various substructures and organizational methods for the initiation and maintenance of a catechetical program on the local level. Highlighted will be a detailed study of managerial styles and administrative methods for contemporary catechetical programs.
THEO 526 Principles and Practices of Youth Ministry
(2 Credits)
This course presents the foundational understandings and principles for developing an effective, comprehensive ministry with young and older adolescents. It examines the dynamics of promoting healthy adolescent development and faith growth. It presents the vision and principles for comprehensive youth ministry and a model for developing comprehensive youth ministry which incorporates developmental appropriate youth programming, strengthens family life, involves young people as integral members of the faith community and collaborates with civic organizations in a common effort to promote positive youth development.
THEO 540 Principles of Liturgy
(2 Credits)
This course considers the principles of Christian liturgy as the primary expression of the church's life and spirituality. It will provide a basic overview of the history of Christian liturgy and an exploration of the concepts of ritual action, time, space and the relationship of liturgy and mission. The course will address the current pastoral need for a broader development and understanding of ethnomusicology, environment and art, language and inculturation.
THEO 543 Liturgy as Pastoral Care: Sacraments of Healing and Vocation and the Rites of Death/Burial
(2 Credits)
This course will explore the Sacraments of Penance, Anointing, Marriage and Order. In addition, the Order of Christian Funerals and the ministry of compassion will be examined in light of the mission of the Christian Community. Each of the rites will be analyzed in particular to their reformulation after Vatican II. The relationship of the rites to other areas of ecclesial life and social justice issues will be highlighted. The course will explore the scriptural background and early developments of these rituals to promote understanding of liturgy as reformed by Vatican II.
THEO 545 Sacraments of Christian Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist
(2 Credits)
After a close examination of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, The Rite of Baptism for Children and the Rite of Confirmation, the course will analyze current developments in the order of receiving the sacraments as well as issues in initiating children and the problems of the age of Confirmation. The participants will be prepared to lead the process of Christian Initiation in the parish setting and assist the initiated as well as the assembly to enter fully into the Easter Sacraments, particularly the Eucharist.
THEO 546 The Church Year and the Liturgy of the Hours
(2 Credits)
This course is a fundamental exploration into the nature, history and significance of the Church Year and the Liturgy of Hours. It will show how the Liturgical Year unfolds the mysteries of Christ and celebrates the seasons and feasts of the Church. The course will develop the Liturgical Year as a basis for Christian Spirituality and growth into an ever deeper Christian life. The Liturgy of the Hours will be presented as a celebration of spirituality and a relationship to God expressed in the theology and prayer of the Psalms.
THEO 547 Eucharist: History, Theology and Pastoral Practice
(2 Credits)
This course will be thorough historical and theological examination of the Eucharist as the summit of Christian liturgy. In addition, the student will be involved in an in-depth investigation of the theory and method of sound liturgical preparation. Particular attention will be given to the fundamental concepts and skills required for ministry such as leadership skills, collaboration, churches document, etc.
THEO 560 Models of Ministry and Leadership in the Church
(2 Credits)
This course will investigate the theoretical basis for the practice of ministry in the contemporary church. It will examine the role of leadership and authority within that focus of ministry. After exploring the theological understanding and history of ministry in the community, students will come to an appreciation of the psychological and sociological sources out of which ministry occurs. The course will present contemporary ministry and leadership as a lived experience for future administrators.
THEO 561 Administration and Management of a Faith Based Organization
(2 Credits)
This course will emphasize the planning, organizing, staffing and control functions of management and supervision. A discussion of the concepts and theories of motivation, leadership, communications and decision-making would be held following the presentation of these functions. Examples of the topics included would be designing structures for authority and communication, recruiting and directing paid and volunteer staff, working with groups in decision-making environments, budgeting as a planning and control mechanism, and knowledge for evaluation and supervision of building needs.
THEO 562 Leadership in the Christian Community
(2 Credits)
This course will investigate the theological understanding of authority in the church. After a brief historical survey of the authoritative structures of the church, students will explore the challenge to church leadership. Throughout the entirety of the experience, the impact of the social sciences and communication arts will be employed to present contemporary leadership as a lived experience for future administrators.
THEO 563 Financial Management of a Faith Based Organization
(2 Credits)
This course will study the principles of financial and managerial accounting as they relate to the recognition, recording and reporting of income, expenses and assets. The principles of cash and operating budgets for planning and control will be examined. There will also be an introduction to capital budgeting and the use of the microcomputer as a management tool.
THEO 564 Faith Based Organizations and Law
(2 Credits)
The course is an introduction to the code of canon law as it applies to faith based organizations. This course will also study civil law with an emphasis on the law of negligence, insurance contracts, the employer-employee relationship and the non-profit corporation.
THEO 573 Theology of Spiritual Formation and Direction
(2 Credits)
This course is an introduction to an integrative approach to spiritual formation, spiritual direction and ministerial spirituality. It will draw from the participants' personal experience of, and theological reflection on, the spiritual journey. It will explore and evaluate several models, methods and principles for cultivating and sharing a life-based, action-oriented, ecumenical, ministerial spirituality rooted in the challenging task of living creatively in a broken world. The approach will be experiential and will combine presentations, discussions and research.
THEO 576 Theology and Practice of Pastoral Care
(2 Credits)
This course examines major theological models related to pastoral care. It investigates the implications of these different approaches for ministry and for the psychology of pastoral counseling. Self-understanding, biblical and theological teachings, basic psychological theory and helping skills, and working with different populations are the main topics of the course. Requirements include participation in class discussions and activities, written vignettes and videotape presentation(s) with paper(s). For those students needing further instruction in this area, upon approval from the director, a Theological Practicum focusing on a particular pastoral setting is an option.
THEO 577 Preaching and the Art of Communication
(2 Credits)
This course will examine imaginative approaches to organizing and delivering effective homilies. Examples of preaching using storytelling, music and drama will be provided throughout the course with helpful suggestions for content development. With an emphasis on preaching in a broad spectrum of contemporary and liturgical settings, the course is designed for anyone who has a passionate interest in naming and proclaiming the Word of God.
THEO 578 Theologies of Ecumenical and Interreligious Dialogue
(2 Credits)
The task of ministry today has been impacted greatly by the reality of cultural and religious diversity. Promoting mutual understanding and empathy between different Christian traditions as well as between Christian and non-Christian faiths has become of paramount importance. This course examines the historical and theological contexts of recent developments in ecumenism and interreligious dialogue. Special attention is paid to the pastoral and socio-political implications of such developments.
THEO 580 Introduction to Spirituality
(2 Credits)
In this introductory course, important facets of Christian spirituality and spiritual direction will be highlighted. Spirituality will be examined in relationship to theology, faith, religious practice, psychology, history and culture. The spiritual journey, biblical spirituality, spiritual direction and selected development in the history of spirituality to Christian life today will be introduced.
THEO 581 History of Christian Spirituality and Mysticism
(2 Credits)
This course is a historical survey of various forms of Christian spirituality and mysticism. These spiritualities are examined both in terms of their distinctive place in Christian history and for their use in the development of contemporary spirituality that addresses the needs of the Church and the world.
THEO 582 Special Topics in Spirituality
(2 Credits)
This course is an in-depth study of one or more significant figures, movements or issues in spirituality. The specific focus of this course will vary over time in response to changing concerns in the field. The particular topic of the course will be identified when the course is scheduled.
THEO 589 Special Topics
(2 Credits)
See program schedule for upcoming special topics courses.
THEO 590 Independent Study
This course provides the opportunity to investigate, through independent inquiry and critical analysis, educational theories, practices and agencies which influence the work of teachers. Prerequisites: consent of instructor and approval of the associate academic dean.
Independent Study VS Arranged Course
Students may take courses(s) in their area of specialization outside of the classroom. Both Independent Study and Arranged Courses must be pre-approved by the director. The student must provide credentials of the instructor that shows a M.A. or Ph.D. in the area of specialization along with a complete syllabus that includes a required text list. An Independent Study is a course developed to meet an area of study not offered in the MTS program and uses the course number THEO 590.. An Arranged course is a course that is offered in the program. Students must provide explanation as to why he/she is unable to take the course when offered and must be approved prior to scheduling the course. The course number for an Arranged Course is the same as listed in the course descriptions.
THEO 594 Theological Practicum
(2 Credits)
This course is an action/reflection experience for the development of particular pastoral knowledge and skills: Students are placed in a ministerial setting that is appropriate to their area of concentration.
THEO 600 Continuing Master's Thesis
(0 credit, $100 fee)
If a student does not complete the thesis project while enrolled in THEO 513, students are required to register for this course in every semester thereafter until the project is completed. Note: Those students who wish to graduate in May of any year must have the final, completed thesis project turned in no later than March 1 of each year.
>>Thesis project information
