56 courses with the subject THEO, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
THEO 1000Theological Questions —4
This course offers opportunities to reflect on and question spiritual and theological ideas within the contexts of lived experiences of people from a variety of religious and spiritual traditions. The course takes different forms depending on the professor’s expertise and interests, but all sections familiarize students with the approaches, resources, and methodologies of religious studies, theology and spirituality.
THEO 2000Maiden - Mother - Crone: Life Stages and the Spiritual Journey —4
This course is an introductory exploration of the spiritual journey as it is experienced in the life passages and stages, unfolding events, and the transformation of our lives. We will explore the unique expressions and historical foundations of spiritual development from various faith traditions. Spirituality in this interreligious context becomes a cross-cultural dialogue that enriches our course journey. The contributions of women will be central, but not exclusive to this topic. Also offered as WOST 2000.
This course examines the relationship between illness, healing, and the Roman Catholic tradition of sacramental encounter. Course topics include Christian creedal statements, exploration of the spiritual disciplines within life and work, the relationship of spirituality to the healing arts, the meaning of and response to suffering, and the charism of healing. Offered in the College for Adults.
THEO 2050Passion, Violence, Praise: Exploring the Old Testament —4
This is an introductory study of selected areas of the Old Testament in its original context. Emphasis is upon careful reading of the text in dialogue with modern approaches to scriptural study. As a beginning-level course, it requires no prior knowledge of the Bible.
THEO 2060Freedom, Justice, and Liberation Theology Today —4
Theology is rooted in human experiences of encountering God in this world, and the particular experiences of various oppressed communities have given rise to a rich body of theological reflection. The many varieties of liberation theology all focus attention on how theological ideas are not limited to the church or the classroom, but affect our lives, our commitments, and our choices in powerful ways. In this course, we will explore how liberation theology, which starts from the perspective of the oppressed, presents theological ideas about God, Jesus, community, motherhood, creation/the ecological crisis, and other topics. Each offering of this course will focus on a particular variety of liberation theology, such as Black and womanist theology; Latino/a and mujerista theology; Asian and minjung theology; African theologies; or Native American theology. Students may earn credit under this course number more than once for different liberation theologies. Also offered as CRST 2060.
This is an introductory study of selected areas of the New Testament in its original context. Emphasis is upon careful reading of the text in dialogue with modern approaches to scriptural study. As a beginning-level course, it requires no prior knowledge of the Bible. Also offered as CRST 2100.
THEO 2120Living Faith: Encountering the Holy in Everyday Experience —4
An introduction to the Christian faith with particular attention to the experience of women: faith as it is understood and as it is lived; faith and culture; faith and doubt. Also offered as WOST.
This course is an introduction to the search for the norms of human conduct in the light of revelation. It involves a discussion of human nature, freedom, responsibility, conscience, sin, ethical norms and personal development in Christ. Application of Christian norms to selected ethical problems.
This course is a study of who Jesus was in his original Jewish context, and who he is for Christians today. The variety of ways that Jesus is understood around the globe, especially by women in diverse cultures, will be explored through artwork as well as traditional written theology. Connections between doctrines about the mission and identity of Jesus and current issues (such as the environmental crisis and issues of race and decolonization) will be critically analyzed.
THEO 2500Health, Illness and Healing: Theology for Health Care Professionals —4
This course is intended for students already working in health care professions. The course addresses fundamental questions of health and healthcare in the light of Christian theology—questions including the nature of health and the purposes of health care; Christian conceptions of persons as physical, psychological, social and spiritual wholes; the existence and meaning of suffering; and practices of love and justice as Christian responses to suffering. The course considers a diversity of theological perspectives on these topics and other selected ethical problems in the field of health care. It also invites students to articulate an understanding of their vocation as health care professionals in relation to their own theological convictions.
THEO 2600WBecoming Beloved Community: The Global Church Across Borders —4
How did the community of Jesus’ disciples become a Church of 2.2 billion people spread around the globe? What is the relationship between the Church as we know it here in the United States in the 21st century, and the Church as it exists in other parts of the world? Why is church membership declining precipitously in Europe and North America today, but rising just as sharply elsewhere? The course will look both to history and to contemporary accounts of faith communities for its answers. The history, contributions, and perspectives of Asian, African, African American and Latinx Christians will be a major focus of the course. Also offered as CRST 2600W.
Directed study is provided for students whose unusual circumstances prohibit taking a regularly scheduled course but who need the material of that course to satisfy a requirement. Availability of this faculty-directed learning experience depends on faculty time and may be limited in any given term and restricted to certain courses. Prerequisites: Faculty, department chair and dean approval.
THEO 2700Exploring the Catholic Faith: Saints and Sinners, Candles and
Crosses — 4 credits What is distinctive about the Catholic understanding of the Christian faith? How do Catholics understand such things as the role of Mary, the saints, sacraments and sacramentals, sin and grace, and the authority of bishops and the pope in their faith and practice? This course will examine the beliefs and practices of Catholics in the context of the history of the Catholic Church, and will include an exploration of the arts and the Catholic imagination. Offered in the College for Women.
THEO 2750Spiritual Traditions: Global Voices and Lived Practice —4
This course is an introduction to global spiritual expressions, relying on the study of selected primary sources and lived experiences. We explore the movements of people’s inner lives in the light of ancestral and contemporary spiritualities.
THEO 2850Social Justice: A Theological Perspective —4
This introductory course explores the theological perspectives related to social justice, particularly identified in Catholic social teaching and liberation theology. It does so with consideration of current social issues, such as racism, global migration, and climate change. The course provides students with skills to reflect critically and constructively on these issues through the tools of theological inquiry and ways to engage in work for social change that are important to their specific interests and emerging areas of expertise.
This class is an exploration of the discipline of pastoral theology as it relates to ministry in contemporary Church and society. Emphasis is placed on developing expertise in reflecting theologically upon one's experience through the case-study method. Offered every other year in the evening. Offered in the College for Adults.
THEO 3030Educating for Life: Religious Education in Christian
Communities — 4 credits This course is an exploration of the Christian theological and historical foundations of religious education in contemporary Christian traditions. This course provides a balanced study of classic and contemporary religious education sources and theological reflection on personal experiences of religious education. It emphasizes baptism’s significant role for living and practicing the Christian faith, especially for those preparing to engage in formal or volunteer religious education ministry within Christian school and/or church structures. with course instructor.
At least one previous theology course and consultation
THEO 3060Issues in Pastoral Theology —4
This course is an examination of the concept of pastoral care as manifest in scripture, Church history and specific contemporary ministries. Such topics as grief, the recovery of chemically dependent people and the role of women in the Church are explored. You also reflect on your life’s story as it relates to your understanding of ministry. Offered every other year in the evening; usually co-convened with THEO 6060.
This course is divided into two parts. The first part explores the Book of Revelation, also called "John's Apocalypse," in its original historical- cultural context. This part of the course lays the foundation for the study of apocalyptic theology and spirituality beyond the biblical texts. The second part continues with Revelation’s influence on apocalyptic thinking but broadens the focus to include the prevalence of apocalyptic movements in Western history. The course compares diverse apocalyptic narratives, ancient and modern, in order to understand better John's Apocalypse and apocalyptic worldviews, language and theology. Students discuss and analyze the artwork of Albrecht Durer; the appropriations of John's Apocalypse by interesting groups (e.g., the Branch Davidians) and individuals (e.g., Anne Wentworth); apocalyptic images in modern music, media and film; apocalyptic language in political rhetoric; and the role of apocalypticism among the Maya and Hopi, and within Catholic Marian devotion and Islam. Note: This course does not meet the liberal arts and sciences core theology requirement for College for Adults students or for B.S. students in the College for Women. It will count towards the additional theology course for B.A. students in the College for Women, however.
This course involves a close reading of biblical texts to see how women are portrayed in the Old and New Testaments, and how gender is used in images of God and community. Secondary texts that comment on these issues are studied with a special emphasis on how recent developments in feminist criticism have influenced interpretation of the Bible. Also offered as WOST 3380. Fulfills the core requirement for single theology course.
This is a study of how the Bible has been interpreted through film, involving the viewing and evaluation of film in relationship to relevant readings from the Bible. Careful reading and analysis of biblical texts is involved, as well as comparison of the Bible with the filmmaker's reading and interpretation of texts.
THEO 3450Women in American Religious Traditions —4
This is a theological study of the contributions of women to the various religious traditions found in America. The approach is ecumenical, with an emphasis on the roles of women in the Christian churches. Also offered as WOST 3451. Offered every other year.
THEO 3670WThe Quest for God in Contemporary Experience —4
This course is an exploration of how contemporary people search for God. Some of the issues and questions considered are those who search for God and do not find God; modern science and belief in God; evil and suffering as obstacles to finding God; human experiences of trust, love, meaning and freedom as signals of God’s existence; women’s experiences of God; experiencing God as Word and Holy Spirit. Offered every other year. Offered in the College for Women.
This writing-intensive course traces Catholicism's opening to Judaism and Islam that began in 1965 at the Second Vatican Council, and investigates the possibilities for inter-religious engagement and learning among the three faiths. It also provides an introduction to Judaism and Islam as living faith traditions, and offers practical opportunities for engagement with local Jewish and Muslim faith communities. It focuses special attention on the roles and activities of women in each of these faiths, especially women's reforming activities within these religions and in the relationships among them. Also offered as WOST 3752.
This course engages the religious and spiritual pluralism of our contemporary world. Forty-five years ago, Catholicism's Second Vatican Council said the church “rejects nothing of what is true and holy in the world’s religions,” adding its respect for Hinduism’s “exploration of the divine mystery” and Buddhism’s path toward “liberation and illumination.” Where do the relationships among Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism stand today? The overall purpose of the course is practical as much as academic/intellectual: How can our own understanding of God, spirituality and our own lives benefit from engagement with the ancient spiritual traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism? The course focuses on three related tasks: first, we want to ask about the nature of religion and spirituality in our fast-moving and diverse world; second, we want to learn about the religious traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism; and third, we want to ask about the relevance of these traditions for Christianity and for our own lives: How does one engage in authentic interreligious encounters in our day? The course will include some practical opportunities for engaging Hindu and Buddhist spiritual practices in the Twin Cities area.
This course is a theological investigation of the relationship between spirituality and work. With Hebrew and Christian Scriptures as a foundation for theological reflection on the themes of co-creation and vocation, it focuses on work and spirituality in the corporate world, the service professions and the creative arts. The course also examines through readings, lectures, discussions and outside presenters the opportunities, obstacles, experiences, ethics and leadership of women at work.
THEO 3930WWomen Mystics: Comparative Traditions —4
This course is an examination of the lives and writing of selected Christian women mystics across the centuries. Their lives and works are studied within the ecclesiastical context of their times and with a view to their enduring meaning for today’s Christians. Also offered as WOST 3930W.
This is a structured out-of-class learning experience that takes place on- or off-campus and includes a substantial work component. An internship involves students in a particular profession in an exploratory way to test career interests and potential. To initiate an internship experience, meet with the internship coordinator in the Career Development Office. Prerequisites: Faculty sponsorship and approval by department chair.
Directed study is provided for students whose unusual circumstances prohibit taking a regularly scheduled course but who need the material of that course to satisfy a requirement. Availability of this faculty-directed learning experience depends on faculty time and may be limited in any given term and restricted to certain courses. Prerequisites: Faculty, department chair and dean approval.
A practicum allows students to gain credit for certain non-classroom experiences. It is normally open to pastoral ministry students to meet the field education requirement for the certificate. Credit for the experience is requested before beginning the experience.
A practicum allows students to gain credit for certain non-classroom experiences. It is normally open to pastoral ministry students to meet the field education requirement for the certificate. Credit for the experience is requested before beginning the experience. Offered in the College for Women and the College for Adults.
Independent study offers students the opportunity for specialized research not covered in a course offering, by the action project or thesis. Students work with a faculty advisor to develop a learning contract, which specifies the content and objectives of the study as well as the requirements and procedures for evaluation. The amount of credit earned for the study also is included in the learning contract. Prerequisites: Permission of the faculty and department chair or program director.
Independent study offers students the opportunity for specialized research not covered in a course offering, by the action project or thesis. Students work with a faculty advisor to develop a learning contract, which specifies the content and objectives of the study as well as the requirements and procedures for evaluation. The amount of credit earned for the study also is included in the learning contract. Prerequisites: Permission of the faculty and department chair or program director.
THEO 6440History of Spirituality I: Early Church to Reformation —4
This course examines the foundations and major influences of Christian spirituality from its biblical roots through its monastic developments to the eve of the Reformation. By studying major primary sources in both the Christian East and West, you become familiar with the theological, cultural and personal factors that contributed to the church's understanding of the spiritual life.
Directed Study is for students whose circumstances prohibit them from taking a regularly scheduled course, which they need to complete the degree. These circumstances must be extraordinary and unavoidable. The availability of Directed Study is dependent on the faculty member's capacity and willingness. MAT students are limited to one Directed Study during their course of study. Prerequisites: Faculty sponsorship and approval of the MAT director and academic dean.
Directed Study is for students whose circumstances prohibit them from taking a regularly scheduled course, which they need to complete the degree. These circumstances must be extraordinary and unavoidable. The availability of Directed Study is dependent on the faculty member's capacity and willingness. MAT students are limited to one Directed Study during their course of study. Prerequisites: Faculty sponsorship and approval of the MAT director and academic dean.
This course provides an introduction to the ministry of spiritual direction. It includes an understanding of what spiritual direction is and is not, what methods might be employed, what personal gifts and professional skills are needed, and specific ethical concerns related to this ministry. Students are strongly encouraged to be seeing a spiritual director at the time of their participation in the course.
THEO 6750Foundational Issues in Spiritual Direction —2
This course is for students in the graduate certificate program for Spiritual Direction. With special emphasis on the ongoing discernment of a call to this ministry, students are invited to deepen their knowledge and skills by: 1. doing spiritual direction in dyads and triads 2. writing verbatim and process notes 3. examining issues that arise in the practice of spiritual direction. E.g. need for referral, boundary violations, and gender and sexuality issues 4. experiencing supervision in a group 5. exploring spiritual direction of groups 6. fostering and maintaining the contemplative attitude as a director. Prerequisite: THEO 6740 and be receiving spiritual direction.
The role of the family in spiritual formation of its members; the mission of the family members in documents of the church and liturgical prayer; possibilities and obstacles surrounding the renewing of "family church" and "domestic church" as models for Christian life and worship; and construction of rituals appropriate to different ages and stages of Christian development and formation.
A comparative study of Christian, Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim spiritualities is grounded in sacred writings, foundational symbols and meanings, and mystical movements.
This course is a spiritual-theological investigation of the ordinary crises, stages and predictable transitions of adulthood in their relation to personal maturity and Christian community. Spirituality is explored in the context of Christian theological traditions and in dialogue with the discipline of developmental psychology.
This course critically examines the Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung's understanding of the individuation process, the meaning of dreams, the structure of the psyche, the nature of religious experience and the role of the healing guide. Implications of these areas of psychotherapeutic concern for those who minister as contemporary spiritual guides are proposed and discussed.
The role of myth, ritual and symbol in the creation and transformation of ecclesial communities; the Christian theology of the Incarnation, Resurrection and Holy Spirit as fundamental to the development of the Christian understandings of sacrament; forms of liturgy; church; the function of rituals of initiation, election and healing in the spiritual lives of individuals; and the effect of a sacramental view of the universe on human attitudes toward ecosphere and biosphere.
Independent study offers students in the generalist concentration the opportunity for creative learning on topics of their choice. A student works with a faculty member to develop a learning plan that specifies the content, objectives, credit allocation and process of evaluation. Prerequisites: Instructor and program approval.
An independent study can be arranged with the cooperation of a faculty member and the permission of the director. Generally, the director will discourage independent study because the philosophy of the program puts such a heavy emphasis on a core of foundational courses taken in common. Nevertheless, there may be situations where the independent study might be an arguable choice for a student. For more information, see the MAT program director. Prerequisites: Faculty and program director approval.
Upon completion of the required number of credits with an overall minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, students are considered a candidate for the MAT degree. At this point, students take a written comprehensive examination. Students must pass all three parts of the exam. See this catalog for additional information.
The subject matter of the course is announced in the annual schedule of classes. Content varies from year to year but does not duplicate existing courses.
The practicum is an internship to supplement academic study and to give students the opportunity to put theory into practice and practice into theory. Internships in spiritual direction or pastoral ministry are among the possibilities. For more information, see the MAT practicum coordinator. Prerequisites: Three MAT courses and program approval.
This off-site practicum is specially arranged with the program coordinator. The practicum is an internship to supplement academic study and to give you the opportunity to put theory into practice and practice into theory. Internships in spiritual direction or pastoral ministry are among the possibilities. For more information, see the MAT practicum coordinator. Prerequisites: Three MAT courses and program approval.
The thesis is an in-depth research paper on a selected topic in spirituality or theology. The paper is conceived and written with guidance of a thesis director. Those intending to pursue a doctorate degree are urged to consult the program director about the thesis option. Prerequisite: MAT program director approval.
