74 courses with the subject TH, 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.
TH 201TORAH3
This course will provide a comprehensive study of the first five books of the Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy). It will explore the ancient world of these texts (making use of comparative ancient Near Eastern works) as well as their literary character and theological meaning. Attention will be given to key themes such as creation and covenant, and the course will focus on how these themes resonate in the contemporary world.
This course offers an in-depth study of the Book of Psalms and the Wisdom tradition of the Old Testament. It explores ancient Israel's approach to worship and moral formation as well as its approach to questions about human righteousness and suffering. This historical study provides the foundation for discovering the meaning and value of Israel's prayers and wisdom in contemporary thinking and practice.
This course will offer an overview of biblical prophecy, focusing on the Former, Latter, and Minor Prophets and how these individuals functioned in their societies. Special attention will be given to the historical settings of the prophets, their desire for social justice and the modern-day implications of their works. Offered alternating spring semesters.
This course explores the shape and meaning of the Old Testament by examining its portrayal of women. It will investigate the historical realities which shaped the lives of these ancient women. In addition, this course will ask theological questions about gender in relation to major biblical themes such as creation, covenant and salvation.
A deeper look into the methods of Gospel criticism including an historical approach to the life of Jesus. An introduction to the background and theology of each of the three synoptic gospels, Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
An introduction to the historical context, literary analysis and theological themes of the Gospel and Letters of John, and an interpretation of the apocalyptic message of the Book of Revelation.
A study of the background and arguments of the Pauline writings. Reading and interpretation of the major epistles, especially as they regard Christian living.
This course will investigate the origins and development of apocalyptic thinking by engaging in an in-depth study of biblical apocalypses (Daniel, Revelation) and related texts. We will explore the history and artistry of biblical apocalypses as a means of deepening our understanding of their theology, that is, what they say about God. Moreover, we will seek to draw connections between the ancient and the contemporary by analyzing contemporary apocalypses to demonstrate the persistence and influence of apocalyptic imagination. This course will reinforce understanding of the theological foundations of the Catholic, Benedictine tradition through critical engagement with scripture in relation to enduring theological questions.
An exploration of the roles and responsibilities of women as they are reflected in the texts of the New Testament. Attention will be given to issues of language, power, economics and gender role expectations with a focus on the ways in which early Christianity attempted to liberate people from oppression as well as the ways in which it compromised with the dominant society.
This course will explore the various ways that the Christian Scriptures have been used in the Church as the "soul of sacred theology." Special attention will be given to particular passages of Scripture which have provided inspiration for significant movements in church history, as well as particular methods which have arisen at various time periods in the history of the Church. 3 credits
Take five courses (5 courses/ 15 credits) from the list below. You must take courses from at least two different Schools. Students must take either two Service Learning- designated courses from among the courses listed below or one Service Learning-designated course from among the courses listed below and a PJS internship. Alex G. Mckenna School of Business, Economics and
This course will explore the foundations of Catholic Social Teaching (CST), particularly as it applies to contemporary issues confronting local communities. Particularly, the course will explore leaders who have advocated for issues connected to CST: human dignity, dignity of work, preferential option for the poor, and solidarity in peacemaking. 3 credits. No prerequisites.
This course will study the Catholic Church social doctrine as it relates to issues of politics. It will also focus on the recent history of the Church thought and its interaction with the political culture of the United States. 3 credits 256
Purpose of the course is an exploration of the Catholic Church's social doctrine on and contemporary theological discussions of poverty, work, and economics.
This course explores the seven deadly sins as identified by the Catholic tradition. It uses a Thomistic framework to understand why they are considered sins and examines their application to contemporary life.
This course explores the various Christian understandings of children and the implications of these perspectives for church, society, parents, and teachers. It also explores the theological views of Mr. Rodgers. 3 credits
This course explores the moral theology of Thomas Aquinas. It covers his though on natural law and the virtues, situating them in his overall theological system.
This course will present the understanding of human sexuality and of sexual morality as it has been developed in the continuing Catholic Tradition. This course will explore the broad meaning of human sexuality and the differences in male and female sexuality and the significance of these differences. Furthermore, we will examine the development of the Catholic Tradition regarding sexual morality, beginning with the Scriptures, continuing with the Fathers and medieval theologians. The course will also examine the debates over contraception, the response of the magisterium to these debates in Humane Vitae and the reaction to this magisterial document. Offered every spring semester.
Social media, artificial intelligence, and the digitization of data are just a few markers of our new technological age. This course considers how, today, our use of technology might shape Christian theology and spirituality as well as how Christian theology and spirituality might shape our use of technology. 3 credits
A captivating preacher, courageous thinker, and prophetic leader, Martin Luther King Jr.'s presence looms large for us today. In a society that struggles stridently to liberate itself from the shackles of slavery and bondage of racism, we have much to learn from the man who gave his life for this very struggle-a struggle that we cannot fully understand without understanding him. In this course, we will study the development of King's religious and ethical thought from his childhood as the son of a preacher in Atlanta through his assassination at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis. We will encounter King as a man deeply engaged in a Christianity inextricable from ethical engagement with the world.
This course explores the development of Christianity form the Middle Ages to the Enlightenment. Topics explored in this course include the growth of the papacy, medieval heresies, new religious orders, Mysticism, religion during the Renaissance, Martin Luther, John Calvin, radical reformers in Europe, the English Reformation, the Council of Trent and the Catholic Reformation, and the Enlightenment. 3 credits 257
This course is an in-depth study of the Christian churches during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries with an emphasis on Roman Catholicism. Nineteenth century topics include the French Revolution and its impact on religion, English Roman Catholicism, the Oxford Movement, Pius IX and Vatican Council I, church and state relations in France, Germany and Italy, Anglican Orders, and Leo XIII. Twentieth century topics emphasize the role of the papacy in European society and will conclude with the pontificate of Pius XII and the Second World War.
This course will trace the history and thought of the first 500 years of Christianity. Topics of study include Christians? tenuous relationship with Roman society, Church order and practice, and the development of doctrine. 3 credits
This course will explore the witness of Christian martyrs from the early Christian period to contemporary times. The study will include consideration of varying definitions of martyrdom, accounts of martyrdom, and the context in which martyrdom occurs.
The development of Western Christianity from 700 to 1400 is the crucible from which modern civilization grew. This course traces the development of Christian thought and life in this period, including the development of doctrine, theological method, and the emergence of new religious orders. The main focus is on select theologians such as Saints Anselm of Canterbury, Bonaventure and Thomas Aquinas.
St. Thomas Aquinas is viewed by many as the lodestar for Catholic theology. With an eye towards Aquinas's biography and focusing on his Summa Theologiae (though supplementing it with his other writings), this course offers a close reading of Aquinas on themes like the relationship of faith and reason, the nature of God, the Trinity, Creation, theological anthropology, Christology, and the sacraments. The aim of the course will be to capture the overarching vision of this theological master, a dynamic vision at once mystic and radical as well as one that has shaped indelibly the theological foundations of the Catholic, Benedictine tradition.
This course examines significant texts, figures, developments, and debates of Catholic theology in the modern era. It focuses particularly on the twentieth century, a time of great social and religious change that presented both opportunities and challenges for Catholicism. Authors that could be considered include Karl Rahner, Joseph Ratzinger (later Pope Benedict XVI), Hans Urs von Balthasar, and Henri de Lubac. Understanding these modern presentations of Catholic theological foundations will help students better understand the current state of Catholicism into the twenty-first century.
The course begins with an investigation of the theological foundation of the sacraments as actions of Christ and the Church. The individual sacraments are studied with an emphasis on historical development and liturgical practice as keys to understanding them. Special emphasis is given to the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. A special unit is devoted to the marriage preparation process and the liturgical options of the wedding ceremony. 3 credits
The Second Vatican Council calls the Eucharist the "source and summit of the Christian life." This course explores that claim by examining the meaning of the Eucharist, the theology that lies beneath it, and its concrete implications for living. This course offers students an in-depth study of what stands as an essential theological foundation of the Catholic, Benedictine tradition. The course then will reinforce students' knowledge of those theological foundations.
A theological study of the teaching of the Catholic Church concerning the origin and meaning of the Church of Jesus Christ. Primary emphasis is placed upon biblical testimony and the teaching of the Second Vatican Council. The study also includes an overview of the Church in history as well as contemporary issues.
A biblical study of the life and teaching of Jesus. An examination of various portraits of Jesus from earliest Christianity through the Middle Ages to contemporary images.
The course will examine the historical development of the Christian doctrine of God and will explore attempts by contemporary theologians to appropriate this doctrine.
To the surrounding culture, Christianity proclaims the "good news" that human beings are creatures made in God's image and positioned within a world deemed very good. Using biblical, theological, and magisterial sources-in dialogue with insights from the natural and human sciences-this course develops a theological anthropology and a theology of creation that, together, express this good news. In so doing, this course can bring the "Gospel of Life" (Pope John Paul II) and "Gospel of Creation" (Pope Francis) to bear on contemporary- indeed, timeless-questions.
Based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church, this course addresses the most basic elements that together make up the living reality of Catholic faith: Gospel, Jesus of Nazareth, Church, Jewish roots, liturgy, doctrine, Christian moral life, tradition, and the Kingdom of God. Offered every semester.
This course combines a study of Benedictine Monasticism and the local history of Saint Vincent College. It begins with Boniface Wimmer and the nineteenth century revival of monastic life leading to the founding of Saint Vincent Archabbey and College. It then shifts to a study of monastic sources in particular the Rule of Saint Benedict as an animating "Wisdom document" of the SVC community. The course includes field trips to nearby religious communities and walking tours of little-known parts of the Saint Vincent campus. 3 credits
This course offers a theological study pertaining to the Church's teachings on the Virgin Mary. This study will include: pertinent texts from Sacred Scripture, post-canonical literature, teachings from the early councils, Mary and the Patristics, scholastic Mariology, Mary and the Protestant Reformation, dogmas concerning the Immaculate Conception and the Assumption, Mary in Art, Marian devotions, 258
The course will focus on five major periods in the history of Roman Catholic theology: the Patristic Period, the Middle Ages, the Counter Reformation, the Modern Period, and the Contemporary or "Postmodern" Period. The course will focus on one major work from an author associated with each of the five aforementioned periods. Offered alternating fall semesters.
This course will survey a selection of Christian spiritual texts from the early Church period to contemporary writings. Students will learn to read primary texts theologically by attending to doctrinal, spiritual, and pastoral issues.
An exploration of the life and thought of Thomas Merton (Cistercian monk, writer, social critic, poet, pioneer in cross-religious dialogue) in the context of 20th century history and theology.
This course examines both the distinctive ways film and literary fiction explore the basic tenets of the Christian faith and the way Christian theology understands film and literary fiction.
This course examines the relationship between natural science and religion from a Catholic, theological perspective. The course covers topics such as historical interactions between these two discourses (e.g. the Galileo Affair), evolution and creation, randomness and divine providence, or religious belief and scientism. The course will pay particular attention to the distinct methods of inquiry employed by scientific and religious discourse respectively. Indeed, by exploring the relationship between these two discourses, this course will help students better understand and thus begin to put into practice methods appropriate to the arts and sciences to question, investigate, and reason.
In a world torn by violence and pain the need for a living conversation aimed at Shalom, a peace of wholeness and understanding, is the goal of this course. The course is inspired by the dialogue between Catholic and Jewish scholars initiated by the Second Vatican Council. By dialogue is meant a fourfold activity: dialogue of life (living together in solidarity as neighbors); dialogue of action (working together for the common good); dialogue of theological exchange (exploring together in friendship different religious traditions); and dialogue of religious experience (sharing in common prayer or in religious practice). Participation in class discussions will be expected of students enrolled in this course. It is hoped that this course will help students become active participants in a life of dialogue. 3 credits
Additions and substitutions may be made with consent of advisor. Legal Studies (21 credits) The Criminology Department oversees the administration of this Minor. The Legal Studies minor is meant to address the needs of students on many levels. It seeks to do so through a fundamentally liberal arts approach. First, there is an upswing in student interest in attending law school, and effective preparation for the rigors of that curriculum will be served by a course of study directed to that purpose. The program will provide a good testing ground for future graduate study. The study of the legal system, however, is of great importance for students who will pursue career paths other than formal legal training. Those entering the world of business will soon appreciate that management decisions cannot be made effectively without an understanding of the legal environment of the time. Managers need to understand what lawyers can provide them as well as why the legal aspects of decisions are not always conclusive. Those entering the government service at any level need to grasp that the infrastructure of government is cast in a legal framework. To deal within that infrastructure effectively, an appreciation of the legal elements of the system must be achieved. And for those who seek to effect social change, an understanding of the structure of the legal system and the mechanisms of change within it are crucial to bringing about a more just process for all concerned. Program Objectives and Assessment Plan To prepare students in any of the contexts set forth above, it is critical that the minor embrace a true liberal arts approach to the subject. The context of the law, in its historical and philosophical bases, is as crucial to embrace as are the structural and more nuanced components of the legal system. The curriculum proposed is meant to enable the students who complete the minor to demonstrate that they are capable of: 1) understanding and analyzing legal issues; 2) hypothesizing and applying appropriate solutions to those issues; c) using the skills gleaned to enrich their communities and succeed in their endeavors; and d) appreciating the societal place of the legal system and the expectations the community has of it. 111
A course dealing with the foundations which the Reformation Period laid for Protestantism in Europe. Luther and basic Protestant tenets will be explored as well as the Wesleyan movement in England and 19th-century American revivalism. Offered every semester.
A study of the American experience from the colonial period to the present from the perspective of religion and its relation to the individual and society.
This course will explore major trends in Protestant theology during the twentieth century. That goal will be pursued by looking at several important theological figures which were a part of these themes and time. 3 credits
This course is designed to examine the history of the Black Church Community in America. It begins with the religious customs slave brought with them from Africa. Those traditions were then integrated into Christian traditions such as Methodist, Baptist and Catholic churches. The Civil War freed slaves and introduced the age of Reconstruction which meant Jim Crow for black churches. The twentieth century brought separate but equal communities which enforced prejudice even in church groups. In the late twentieth century the black church became the headlight for civil rights in America. This course will examine the preaching, music, worship life, structure and leadership of this evolving theological community.
This course is intended to give the student as overview of The Buddhist Tradition. It will examine the life of Siddhartha Gautama the historical Buddha. The basic views and beliefs of Buddhism along with the variations of the three traditions of Buddhism will be discussed. This course will also examine the life of the current Dali Lama, emphasizing his life as well as his thinking for the twenty first century. Comparisons with The Christian Tradition will be explored.
This one-credit class is a short-term travel service-learning course. Students will travel to Kolkata, India to work with the Missionaries of Charity in various houses of ministry. The class then moves through the northern Indian cities of Bod Gaya (the birthplace of Buddhism) and Allahabad/Varanasi (major Hindu pilgrimage centers), and Jaipur (an ancient Moghul city). In preparation for the trip, students will engage classical and contemporary texts on Indian religion, history, and culture.
This seminar will analyze the sapiential theology of Thomas Merton through an advanced study of his spiritual writings. The class will focus on a theological analysis of Merton's reflections on monasticism, silence, solitude, prayer, inter-religious dialogue, Christology, and theological anthropology.
This course explores the theology of Joseph Ratzinger as professor, as Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith, and as Pope Benedict XVI. Through a close reading of primary texts, themes covered in the course may include: theological method, Christology, ecclesiology, eschatology, liturgy, Vatican II, and modernity. 3 credits 259
This course will explore the book of Job throughout its history of interpretation. This study will provide a foundation for discussions of the broader task of biblical interpretation as such.
This course provides students with a historical and theological overview of the Second Vatican Council as well as an examination of the council's major documents. The perspective taken is that Vatican II represents an important moment in the development of the Catholic tradition, representing both theological innovation as well as signaling fundamental continuity in the life of the Church. 3 credits
This course will explore diverse autobiographical writings as expressions of faith. Attention will be given to the way theology is expressed through spiritual autobiography and the interactions between theological understanding and the author's lived experience.
This course investigates the history, literary artistry, and theology of the book of Genesis. We will also explore representative post-biblical interpretations of the book in theology, literature, art, and film.
This course will explore the development of the Christian doctrine concerning the work of Christ for the salvation of the world and will explore the contemporary reconfigurations of this doctrine. 3 credits
Theological study of a topic to be chosen and developed by the student with guidance of the directing professor. Course requirements to be developed in consultation with supervising faculty. May be repeated. Variable credits.
In conjunction with the chairperson, the student pursues an internship which enables the student to implement various teaching skills. It is expected that the student can utilize acquired academic knowledge and manifest leadership abilities in a religious education setting. Offered every semester. 1 to 3 credits 260
