Course Catalogue 2026-2027

An introduction to the theology and practice of evangelism in contemporary society. We will look critically at different evangelistic practices in light of scripture and culture, and consider how healthy evangelism might affect leadership, parish life, worship, preaching, lay ministry, outreach programs and personal relationships.

This course is designed to introduce students to the Johannine corpus (esp. Gospel and 1st Letter of John), with particular emphasis on its theological richness, distinctive literary style, and ongoing significance within the Catholic faith tradition. Key themes, including creation, discipleship, and rebirth, will be explored via a close reading of crucial passages, such as the Prologue, the Wedding at Cana, and the Interaction with Nicodemus. Engaging both contemporary biblical scholarship and insights from patristic and rabbinic commentaries, the course will guide students into the spiritual depths of Johannine literature, approached both as Sacred Scripture and as a source for spiritual growth.

This course is designed to introduce students to the Johannine corpus (esp. Gospel and 1st Letter of John), with particular emphasis on its theological richness, distinctive literary style, and ongoing significance within the Catholic faith tradition. Key themes, including creation, discipleship, and rebirth, will be explored via a close reading of crucial passages, such as the Prologue, the Wedding at Cana, and the Interaction with Nicodemus. Engaging both contemporary biblical scholarship and insights from patristic and rabbinic commentaries, the course will guide students into the spiritual depths of Johannine literature, approached both as Sacred Scripture and as a source for spiritual growth.

Chan, popularly known as "Zen" in Japanese, is a major Chinese school of Mahayana Buddhism whose influence extends well beyond religious traditions into philosophy, culture, and aesthetics. This introductory course provides students with a solid foundation in Chan Buddhism, its historical development, and its central philosophical concerns. Designed primarily for students in theology, philosophy, and religious studies, the course is also open to students from other disciplines interested in Buddhist thought in its Chinese context. A central focus is the Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch, one of the most important Chan texts. Through lectures, readings, and discussion, students will examine key issues in Chan studies, including textual history, interpretation, and philosophical significance. No prior background in Buddhism or Classical Chinese is required, though engagement with selected original Chinese passages is encouraged.

This course is an introduction to the content and background of the letters of Paul. Particular attention will be given to the social context of Paul's churches and to the social implications of Pauline Christianity. Throughout, emphasis will be placed on the letters as the remnants of early communities striving to understand the work of God among them.

A survey of the Pauline literature from the Thessalonian correspondence to the Pastoral Letters. A critical study of primary and secondary sources for understanding Paul's life and ministry, followed by a detailed exegesis of selected texts. Key concepts in 'Pauline theology'.

This course offers an introduction to anthropology as a philosophical discipline. We will look at its fundamental questions, the principal steps of its historical development, and its major proponents, including Philosophische Anthropologie as it emerged in 20thcentury Germany. We will examine the current relevance of anthropology within philosophy and for wider public debates, including those on current ecological, technological, theological, and other ethical issues.

This course offers an introduction to anthropology as a philosophical discipline. We will look at its fundamental questions, the principal steps of its historical development, and its major proponents, including Philosophische Anthropologie as it emerged in 20thcentury Germany. We will examine the current relevance of anthropology within philosophy and for wider public debates, including those on current ecological, technological, theological, and other ethical issues.

This course is a philosophical examination of some fundamental questions in Christian metaphysics: How do we make sense of reality? Can we prove that God exists? How are God and the world related? More specifically, if God created the world, how do the Big Bang and evolution fit into the picture?

This course is a philosophical examination of some fundamental questions in Christian metaphysics: How do we make sense of reality? Can we prove that God exists? How are God and the world related? More specifically, if God created the world, how do the Big Bang and evolution fit into the picture?

A theological-canonical reflection on selected canons in Book IV of the 1983 Code of Canon Law, excluding the canons on the Sacrament of Matrimony. Particular emphasis will be placed on issues concerning parish ministry. Canons will be reviewed in light of the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, postconciliar legislation, and the process of revising the Code of Canon Law.

Roman Catholic Church legislation on institution of marriage with special attention to the teaching of Vatican Council II.