Theological Courses for the 2011 Summer Session

This course considers basic and critical themes in theology to help the student understand the principles, sources, resources, matter and scope of Roman Catholic theology in order to place his or her theologizing upon a more secure foundation Lectures, assignment, summative exercise, postings and responses.

Introduces the different theological disciplines through the lens of mission. Examines the relationship between theology and Scripture; provides an overview of the development of Christian thought and doctrine; the challenges of modernity; the role of the church in relation to mission; and the mandate to witness in our culture. Complementary to this, the literature of theology is introduced along with the research and writing process; locating, evaluating and using information; genres of theological writing; citation and bibliographic formats; and ethical aspects. Lectures, in-class and library exercises. Pre-course assignment, research and writing exercises, major paper.

This course will explore the nature of the task(s) of theology. Primary readings from the great tradition of the Christian church that represent both the traditional positions and contemporary challenges to its undertaking will be surveyed. Finally, an engagement with a major "classic" text on the nature of theology will be engaged by the student in a writing assignment.

How has historic Christianity understood the relationship between membership in the Church and Christian unity? And how have Christians in the West understood the unity of the Church and her sacraments in the wake of 16th-century schisms? Students in this course will examine Scripture and the history of Christian thought on the matter of the Church as a baptismal and eucharistic body under the sign of grace/election. Special emphasis is placed on the achievements of the ecumenical movement in the 20th century—in terms of concrete steps toward unity and their theological rationale, and in terms of the persistent exhortations to communion, repentance, forgiveness, and even martyrdom that more than ever occupy a central place in ecumenical literature. Lectures, seminar discussions. Attendance (10%), readings (with required worksheets – 25%), discussion (25%), and a final essay in two-parts, totaling 15 pages (40%) 

Exploration of the following themes in the light of Christian revelation: creation, community, body & soul, humanity as male and female, sin, grace, eschatology. Lectures, readings, presentations, final exam.

How people from different ethnocultural traditions think about matters of life, reality, justice, equality, and the divine is the central concern of this course. Reviewing debates of enculturation, inculturation and multiculturalism, it proposes interculturality as paradigm for constructive theological inquiry. Drawing from the multiple ethnocultural voices of Christianity, it attempts to create new intercultural spaces of theological reflections.

In the 17th century, the thinkers of the Scientific Revolution were looking for explanations of the physical world that were valid everywhere and for all time. In the 18th century, Enlightenment thinkers were also looking for universally valid explanations—but for human nature, morality and society. That all changed in the 19th century when thinkers realized that the contingency and mutability of existence make once-and-for-all answers impossible. Come find out how Hegel, Kierkegaard, Marx, Darwin, Nietzsche and Freud changed the way we look at the world forever. We will consider the thinkers’ ideas both in their historical context and in light of their implications for our own thinking about human nature, society, history, morality and God. Lectures, discussions, on-line questions. Two 6-8 page papers; class participation; on-line questions; final exam.

At the beginning of the 1600s, Galileo inaugurated the Scientific Revolution, which in turn brought about revolutions in philosophy and theology. In this course, we will examine Descartes’ attempt to find a a new philosophy, some responses to his attempt, and Hume’s reassertion of skepticism. We will then look at Kant’s attempt to reconcile Humean skepticism with the certainty of Newtonian physics. Finally, we will examine Hegel’s attempt to synthesize history, mathematics, science, art, and religion into a single comprehensive system. Throughout the course, we will be looking at philosophical method and its implications for theology. The course will involve both lecture and discussion. Students will be required to ask weekly questions, write 3 short papers and write a final exam.

This course promotes the personal critical appropriation of the Scriptural and dogmatic tradition in Christology, whether in preparation for the M.Div. comprehensive exam, or as a solid foundation in Christology for other students. It helps the student preparing for ministry to bring a systematic understanding of the person and work of Jesus the Christ to bear on pastoral issues and exposes the student to the spiritual dimension of Christological teaching. Lectures and seminars. Assignments for 3243: exegetical paper, oral interview, 2 learning reports, take home final exam. Assignments for 6243: 2 mid-length papers, participation in 3 seminars outside of class time.

Intro to some main ideas that are theologically and ethically relevant in Kierkegaard's thought: person, indirect communication, irony, edification, confession, sermon, scripture. Christ as model and as redeemer. Attention to biblical figures shaping Kierkegaard's understanding of faith. Selected readings from Either/Or, Purity of Heart, Gospel of Suffering, Christian Discourses, and Works of Love. Class presentations and contribution to discussions 10%; Short critique (400-600 words) on reading designated by instructor 15%; Term paper (discussed with outline in advance) 50%; Class test (one hour) 25%.

This course will explore the philosophical and theoretical underpinnings of a recent renewed interest in liturgical theology, considering figures such as Pierre Bourdieu, Maurice Merleau-Ponty, and Charles Taylor. Literature review, major paper.

Studying the forms of religious awakenings in the great religions of the world, the course is meant to show both a way to deepen our own religious experience, and a pathway to interfaith dialogue. The focus will be on Scriptures, traditions and practices in these religions. Lectures, discussions, readings; paper or class presentation and final exam.

The course will survey ethical issues encountered by both Christian leaders and leaders in Christian institutions as well as the styles and theories of leadership and models for effective decision-making that might be employed. The course will use a combination of lectures, discussions and student led seminars. Evaluation: participation, seminar presentation, case analysis, integration paper.

This course promotes the personal critical appropriation of the Scriptural and dogmatic tradition in Christology, whether in preparation for the M.Div. comprehensive exam, or as a solid foundation in Christology for other students. It helps the student preparing for ministry to bring a systematic understanding of the person and work of Jesus the Christ to bear on pastoral issues and exposes the student to the spiritual dimension of Christological teaching. Lectures and seminars. Assignments for 3243: exegetical paper, oral interview, 2 learning reports, take home final exam. Assignments for 6243: 2 mid-length papers, participation in 3 seminars outside of class time.

Intro to some main ideas that are theologically and ethically relevant in Kierkegaard's thought: person, indirect communication, irony, edification, confession, sermon, scripture. Christ as model and as redeemer. Attention to biblical figures shaping Kierkegaard's understanding of faith. Selected readings from Either/Or, Purity of Heart, Gospel of Suffering, Christian Discourses, and Works of Love. Class presentations and contribution to discussions 10%; Short critique (400-600 words) on reading designated by instructor 15%; Term paper (discussed with outline in advance) 50%; Class test (one hour) 25%. For M.A. and Th.M II students only.

Close reading of selected Psalms, according to these categories: a. Psalms in the OT that appear in the NT; b. key psalms within the structure of the Psalter; c. imprecatory psalms; d. popular psalms that do not appear in the NT. Tasks: a. Original language work in Hebrew, Greek, Latin, b. Reading (in translation) of the reception history of the Psalms, including the use of the Psalms in the NT, also c. chiefly Diodore and Theodore, Origen, Chrysostom, Theodoret, Jerome, Augustine, Aquinas, Rashi, Calvin, Luther, moderns, and d. Selected readings in hermeneutics, including Frei. Teaching Method -- two weekly seminars, with readings for discussion and analysis of the primary sources. Means of evaluation -- one major paper to be submitted at the end of the term.