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The following courses are offered in the day program for the fulfillment of other requirements for the bachelor of arts and associate of arts degrees in Theology: Asterisked (*) courses have no prerequisites. Prerequisites for all other courses are The 101 and The 115.

THE 101*

FOUNDATIONS OF CATHOLICISM introduces the student to the teaching of the Catholic Church as it is rooted in Scripture and tradition and faithfully proclaimed by the Church's Magisterium (teaching office). Besides a thorough introduction to Catholic doctrine, the course will also include some discussion of Church history, major figures and institutions, and Catholic life and theology.

3 credit hours
THE 102

INTRODUCTION TO SCRIPTURE is especially designed for non-majors as a general overview of both the Old and New Testaments. Students will gain an acquaintance with the major block of biblical material, the key issues in biblical study today, major biblical themes, and an appreciation for the place of the Scriptures in the life of the Church and of the individual Christian.

3 credit hours
THE 115

CHRISTIAN MORAL PRINCIPLES elucidates the principles of morality that regulate Christian living. These principles are studied as they are found rooted in the New Testament documents and articulated throughout the history of the Christian community's lived existence, with a thorough look at the contemporary understanding of Christian moral theology as it is articulated by the Magisterium of the Catholic Church and by theologians in union with the Magisterium. Students will examine these principles as they apply to some perennial moral issues.

3 credit hours
THE 211

PRINCIPLES OF BIBLICAL STUDY I is an introduction to the literature of the Old Testament: the Tetrateuch, the Deuteronomic corpus, the prophetic literature, the priestly writings, the wisdom literature, and the Deuterocanonical books. Students will be directed to read selections from the above categories. The theological-historical meaning of the Old Testament will be stressed.

3 credit hours
THE 212

PRINCIPLES OF BIBLICAL STUDY II is an introduction to the literature of the New Testament: the Synoptic Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles, the Johannine literature, the Pauline literature, the Letter to the Hebrews, and the "Catholic epistles." The theological-historical meaning of the New Testament will be stressed.

3 credit hours
THE 213

THEOLOGY OF CHRIST investigates the person and mission of Jesus Christ as articulated in the New Testament documents, in the early creedal formulae, and in the declarations of the Christian Church Councils of the fourth, fifth, and sixth centuries AD. Finally, students will be exposed to positions of contemporary scholars on various Christological questions.

3 credit hours

THE 214

THEOLOGY OF THE CHURCH examines the nature, history, and problems of the Christian community. Students undertake the task of investigating the biblical foundation of the Church, some crucial personalities and events of Church history, various branches of Christian authority, principles underlying church worship practices, church-state relationship, ecumenism, and particular questions of interest that students feel need to be discussed.

3 credit hours
THE 300

FRANCISCANS IN HISTORY is an account of the Franciscan movement from the birth of St. Francis until modern times. The course describes the origins and distinguishing characteristics of the three Orders of St. Francis, and traces their internal development and the ways in which they influenced and were influenced by society. The course enables students to see the Spirit of God at work in the manifold development of Franciscan communities through the ages.

3 credit hours
THE 301

ST. FRANCIS: LIFE AND CHARISM introduces the life of St. Francis and examines his life within the social, political, and religious context of his time. The course explores his unique vision of life and the development of the Franciscan movement and the spirituality of the first, second and third order traditions.

3 credit hours
THE 302

EARLY CHRISTIAN LIFE AND THOUGHT studies the emergence of Christianity as a movement within Palestinian Judaism, its gradual growth amidst persecution in the Roman Empire, its conquest of the Roman world under Constantine and the Christian emperors, and its extension into Europe and beyond up to AD 700. Important themes to be discussed include the concepts of Christianity as a movement and its evolving relationship to the State; the development of Christian doctrine through conflicts, creeds, and councils; the formation of the canon of Scripture; and Christian worship and the beginnings of sacramental practice. Students will also encounter through written texts the great figures who formed (or opposed) the early Christian Church.

3 credit hours
THE 303

ST. FRANCIS AND ST. CLARE AND THEIR SPIRITUALITY studies the life of Francis through the spiritual theology expressed in Bonaventure's major biography. Selected writings of Francis, significant for understanding the Gospel way of life as he understood it, are examined within their theological-historical context with some applications to the present day. Also to be explored are the content and nature of the spiritual theology in the writings of Clare within their historical context and some discussion of Clare's charism today.

3 credit hours
THE 305

MARIOLOGY examines Church teaching on the Blessed Virgin Mary in regard to her role as Mother of the God-man, Jesus Christ; Mother of His Body, the Church; and Spiritual Mother to every person seeking the path to Jesus Christ. The course will include a theological investigation into: (a) defined Marian doctrine, (b) contemporary Marian documents by the Magisterium, (c) examples of contemporary Mariological contributions, (d) principal forms of Marian piety, and (e) the Marian message to the modern world through the domain of private revelation.

3 credit hours
THE 306

THEOLOGY OF HEALING begins with a short history of healing in the Church and develops a Christian psychology of person in community and that person's relationship to the phenomenology of inner healing emerging within the Church today. Topics include the dynamics of personality; the meaning of relationships; cultural obstacles to Christian growth; the scars, wounds, and hurts people have absorbed today; healing of memories, the mind, and the heart; new directions in primal psychology and its relationship to healing preconscious wounds; and a complete and careful investigation of the deliverance ministry. A study is made of projections for the future and the implications of the healing ministry in the social political sciences.

3 credit hours

THE 307

FRANCISCANS IN THE NEW WORLD is a study of the influence of the Franciscans in the Americas from the arrival of the first friar in 1493 until the present. The course will examine the missionary efforst of the Spanish Franciscans in New Spain and Florida, of the French Recollect Franciscans and Capuchins in Quebec and New France, and of the early Franciscans in English-speaking America. It will treat also of the establishment of new Franciscan provinces in America with the explosion of Catholic immigration in the nineteenth century, and the founding of parishes, schools, colleges, seminaries, universities, and hospitals. The changes in religious life and activities since the Second Vatican Council will be explored.

3 credit hours
THE 309

HISTORY AND SPIRITUALITY OF THE FRANCISCAN THIRD ORDER (lay and religious) relates a treatment of the Franciscan Third Order's central charism - the penitential life-to the broader penitential movement in the Church. The course includes contemporary development and applications, such as the Third Order Rules.

3 credit hours
THE 310

COMPARATIVE RELIGION introduces students to the basic elements of man's religious experience as found in the major non-Christian communities of the world. Students will investigate the founders, scriptures, history, principles, and particular religious experiences of Eastern and Western religions. Finally, non-Christian religions will be examined in relationship to the Christian religion.

3 credit hours
THE 311

SOURCES OF THE LIFEOF ST FRANCIS is a course where the students will read the major hagiographical accounts of St. Francis' life, including official and unofficial and official legends, anecdotal compilations, official documents, and minor testimonies, of the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries.

3 credit hours
THE 312

READINGS IN THE FRANCISCAN MYSTICS will enable the student to read and discuss writings from the Franciscan school of spirituality. Included are Sts. Francis and Clare, Bl. Giles of Assisi, St. Bonaventure, St. Margaret of Cortona, St. Angela of Foligno, St. Peter of Alcantara, and Francisco de Osuna.

3 credit hours
THE 313

SELECTED TOPICS IN FRANCISCAN will focus on the thought of St. Bonaventure, Scotus, Ockham, or other authors of the Franciscan School.

3 credit hours
THE 314

THE SACRAMENTS presents a general theological consideration of the structure of the sacramental life of the Church and a historical-dogmatic analysis of the major theologies of the individual sacraments. Particular emphasis will be given to baptism and Eucharist. The course will include the Christian response to the sacramental life in filial, salvific, social, communal, and ecclesial dimensions.

3 credit hours
THE 315

QUESTIONS IN THE THEOLOGY OF BLESSED JOHN DUNS SCOTUS examines the distinct traits of Duns Scotus' theology, which includes his teachings on the language about God, the Trinity, Incarnation, Redemption, Immaculate Conception, natural law, and Ten Commandments.

3 credit hours
THE 316

SELECTED TOPICS IN FRANCISCAN HISTORY will focus on certain historical aspects of the Franciscan movement determined by the professor.

3 credit hours
THE 317

THE THEOLOGY AND SPIRITUALITY OF ST. BONAVENTURE provides a treatment of Bonaventure's distinct approach to questions on knowledge about God, creation, Trinity Incarnation and Redemption, and Christian perfection.

3 credit hours
THE 319

DANTE AND FRANCISCAN REFORM examines the difficult prophetic vocations entrusted to Dante and St. Francis for the reform and evangelization of the medieval Church. Dante's Comedia (Divine Comedy) is studied as a diagnostic and therapeutic exercise to recall the Scriptural origins of the Church's authority and to reinvigorate it for all time. The course also focuses on the parallels between Dante and St. Francis' prophetic reforms and how such measures are relevant in the Church's life today. (Cross-listed with the English Department.)

3 credit hours

THE 320

CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING is a broad study of general Church teaching on social questions with strong emphasis on the papal encyclicals and other Church documents. Major issues explored are poverty and the distribution of wealth, prejudice and racism, war and peace, criminal justice, the Gospel and the State, and international community and business ethics.

3 credit hours
THE 323

MEDIEVAL WORLD is a thorough study of the Medieval times, including the development of such institutions as modern cities, trial by jury, and parliamentary government, from the fall of the empire of the West to the dawnof the modern period. (Humanities Core)

3 credit hours
THE 324

HUMAN AND SPIRITUAL INTEGRATION is a seminar in contemporary psychology and Christian humanism. This interdisciplinary approach is designed to critically examine stage theories, normative behavior, human perspectivity, faith experiences, Christian conversion, and Pauline anthropology. Practical applications of pastoral psychology to issues of human development, character deficiencies and growth potential will address differing strategies used in pastoral counseling, therapeutic intervention, and spiritual direction.

Prerequisites: Completion of two courses in both psychology and theology.

3 credit hours
THE 333

THE TRINITY is a historical-theological study of God's unfolding revelation of his inner life and nature through the Old Testament, New Testament, the early Church councils, and in the thought of key theologians and Church teaching up to the present day. The implications of this revelation for life and prayer of the Christian community will also be explored.

3 credit hours
THE 340

FRANCISCAN TRADITION IN PHILOSOPHY starts with the life of St. Francis and the early Franciscan movement, and then studies, above all, the thought of St. Bonaventure, Blessed John Duns Scotus, and William of Ockham. Then attention is drawn to recent thinkers whose work has been influenced by, or resembles, the work of these three.

3 credit hours
THE 341

CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE examines the dimensions of a Christian marriage from a biblical, historical, doctrinal-liturgical, and psychological viewpoint. Students will be directed to investigate the best available books on the areas listed above, with special emphases upon an understanding of human sexuality, the development stages of human love, the major problems involved in premarital and marital love-relationship, and the doctrinal-liturgical expressions of this same relationship. The content and the direction of this course will be dictated by the Christian understanding of marriage.

3 credit hours
THE 345

QUESTIONS IN CONTEMPORARY THEOLOGY addresses selected contemporary questions that demand a mature response from the informed Christian. This course emphasizes guided thought into specific dogmatic, moral, and spiritual issues.

3 credit hours
THE 350

CHRISTIAN ANTHROPOLOGY is a study of the Christian vision of the human person, the key issues in developing an understanding of the human person, and the development of an integral vision of the human person in the full richness of a person's ecclesial, sacramental, physical, and transcendental dimensions.

3 credit hours

THE 355

SPIRITUAL THEOLOGY IN THE MISSION/VALUES OF ST. FRANCIS AND ST. CLARE examines key theological concepts of the Gospel way of life according to the writings of both St. Francis and St. Clare. Contemporary implications of Franciscan values are studied in light of the Church's mission.

Corequisite: The 356

3 credit hours
THE 356

PRACTICUM: MISSION/VALUES OF ST. FRANCIS AND ST. CLARE will integrate reflective theological study of St. Francis and St. Clare and mission experience of service with the poor in the local area. The directed field experience of 30 hours is complemented by 10 classroom hours of reflection and interpretation of this experience. (This course may be offered in certain semesters for one or two credit hours with adjustments in hours of field experience and reflection, e.g., 20 hours of field experience and 8 hours of classroom contact for 2 credits; 10 hours of field experience and 5 hours of classroom contact for 1 credit.)

Corequisite: The 355

1-3 Credit hours
THE 402

CHRISTIAN LIFE AND THOUGHT IN MODERN TIMES presents an overview of the history of Christianity in modern times beginning with the Protestant Reformers and proceeding to the present day. It will primarily focus upon the doctrines and belief systems of the Protestant, Catholic, and Eastern Christian churches as they emerged and developed during this period. The contributions of modern Christianity's great saints, thinkers, and leaders will be highlighted. Attention will also be given to the relationship of these churches to each other (from polemics to ecumenism), to the broader society, and to movements of spiritual renewal and spirituality within modern Christianity.

3 credit hours
THE 409

CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY is designed to open the student to the themes of holiness in Scripture and to point out the different Fathers of the Church and other spiritual masters and the uniqueness in their spirituality. The course will also investigate some modern authors in the spiritual life and provide the principles of growth in holiness, their applications to historical and cultural situations, and their implications concerning life in the modern world.

3 credit hours
THE 410

GREAT CATHOLIC THINKERS focuses on a particular person or group of persons who have significantly contributed to our Catholic heritage. The topic chosen for a semester's study may be a particular person such as St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas, or Cardinal Newman or it may be a group of thinkers such as Third Century Apologists.

3 credit hours
THE 413

OLD TESTAMENT TOPICS is a highly flexible course. Its purpose is to give in-depth coverage to a specific Old Testament topic. The topic chosen for a particular semester's study may be a specialized theme such as Old Testament Eschatology, a particular corpus of Old Testament writings such as the Pentateuch, or a specific book such as Jeremiah.

3 credit hours

THE 414

NEW TESTAMENT TOPICS is a highly flexible course. Its purpose is to give in-depth coverage to a specific New Testament topic. The topic chosen for a particular semester's study may be a specialized theme such as the Resurrection, a particular corpus of New Testament writings such as the Letters of Paul, or a specific book such as the Gospel According to John.

3 credit hours
THE 418

LITURGY is an in-depth treatment of the historical and theological aspects of Christian worship: the concept of worship; the nature of Liturgy; Theocentric, Christocentric, and Ecclesial dimensions of the Liturgy; and consideration of various liturgical reforms in light of the theological and historical evaluation of the Liturgy.

3 credit hours
THE 429

SEXUAL AND MEDICAL MORALITY investigates two major moral areas: (1) logical principles, basic moral foundations, masculinity and femininity, masturbation, homosexuality, pre-marital sexuality, sexuality in marriage, and elements of celibacy; and (2) Medical Morality-right to life, surgery and transplants, pre-marital laboratory experiments, healing, and death. Major issues such as abortion, euthanasia, and genetic medicine are treated in-depth.

3 credit hours
THE 434*

THESIS The student's major advisor will direct the student to either The 434 or The 435 in view of each person's area of emphasis within the Theology Program. Those students assigned a thesis will write a scholarly treatise on an assigned topic in theology.

1 credit hour
THE 435*

COORDINATING SEMINAR The student's major advisor will direct the student to either The 434 or The 435 in view of each person's area of emphasis within the Theology Program. It will be the task of the members of the seminar to explore topics chosen by them in consultation with the faculty member directing the seminar. The topic will be explored in a way that is mutually acceptable. It would be possible for the student to satisfy in part or in whole the requirement of the seminar by means of a practical experience under the supervision of the Seminar Director.

1 credit hour
THE 445

CATECHETICS is an introduction to the history, methods, and contemporary problems of Christian religious education. The course will emphasize principles and issues rather than specific pedagogical techniques. Students will investigate (1) the relationship between theology and catechesis; (2) the current theories concerning the nature and scope of catechesis; (3) the role of catechesis in the overall life of the church, with special attention to the sacraments; (4) theories of faith development and their importance for religious education; and (5) recent ecclesiastical documents issued by Rome and the United States bishops that address the basic problem of religious education.

3 credit hours
THE 450

APPLIED CHRISTIAN MINISTRY provides a broad overview of ministry positions within the Church. Students are taught spirituality skills and methods for ministry using the content of their theology courses. Observations and field experience as well as peer and practice teaching are included. Preparation and projects are focused on actual placement. For those in the Religious Education concentration, only one REd course may be taken before this course. The other three REd courses must be taken concurrently or after this course.

3 credit hours

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION COURSES

RED 201

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION METHODS I introduces principles of faith development combined with evangelization in order to encourage continuing conversion as the goal of all religious education. This course includes learning styles and methods, communication skills, lesson planning, and related techniques needed by the teacher of faith. (Theology majors only.)

3 credit hours
RED 202

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION METHODS II follows Religious Education I and includes evaluation and use of religious education materials: textbooks, audio-visual aids, and other resources. There will be in-class applications and practice for use in all teaching ministries in the Church. In addition, a survey of the planning and administration of religious education programs is provided. (Theology majors only.)

Prerequisite: REd 201

3 credit hour
RED 301

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CONTENT AND CURRICULUM introduces Scripture, especially the Gospel message, as the basis for all teaching ministries. This course includes presentation of the elements of the Christian way of life as found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The essential content of any education ministry is examined. (Theology majors only.)

Prerequisite: REd 450

3 credit hour
RED 302

TEACHING MINISTRIES IN THE CHURCH TODAY presents a survey of the elements and the content for each area of religious education in the Church. Teaching in the Catholic school, RCIA, Adult Education, CCD, and related teaching ministries are included. (Theology majors only.)

Prerequisite: REd 201

3 credit hour

M.A. IN THEOLOGY COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

TRANSFER CREDIT: Courses waived in lieu of the transferred credits would be decided by the director of Graduate Theology. Only courses taken before entry into the MA program will be considered for transfer, and the request for transfer of graduate courses must be submitted to the director of Graduate Theology no later than the end of the first semester of studies at Franciscan University.

FOUNDATION COURSES

THE 601: Biblical Foundations

This course will present the basic principles of the interpretation of the Bible within the Catholic tradition. It will evaluate the strengths and difficulties of Biblical criticism as it has developed in recent centuries. Alternate approaches, such as that of the early Christian Fathers, will be examined. Differences in Biblical interpretation among Christian denominations will be discussed. The Bible will be shown as the foundation of Christian prayer, catechetics, and family and community life.

3 credit hours

THE 602: Theological Foundations

Theology will be approached as a service to the Christian people; enabling them to fully understand their faith in each successive age. Thus, emphasis will be placed on how the insights of theology can assist in individual and communal spiritual growth and in the renewal of the Church. Some philosophical background to theological study will be presented.

3 credit hours

THE 603: Historical Foundations

Many of the major figures, spiritual movements, and theologies in the history of Christianity will be studied in this course. It will provide a perspective on the origins of numerous aspects of Christian faith, life, and worship; on the sources of division among Christians; and on other important topics essential to the understanding of Christianity.

3 credit hours

THE 604: Teachings of Vatican II

The teachings of the Second Vatican Council constitute the modern basis for Roman Catholics' understanding of the Church and its renewal. This course examines the history and importance of ecumenical Councils, the historical and theological background of the Second Vatican Council, and, most importantly, the meaning and application of the Council's teachings in the Church today.
3 credit hours

ELECTIVE COURSES: PASTORAL EMPHASIS
THE 609: Church Renewal

This course consists of a study of central issues related to the renewal of the Church and Christian life today. Both the spiritual and institutional dimensions of Church renewal will be discussed. Lessons drawn from the history of renewal and reform in the Church will be applied to present movements, such as Cursillo and charismatic Renewal.

3 credit hours

THE 610: Theology and Ministry of the Word

This course will discuss how the Christian people are formed by the Word of God as presented in Scripture and Church Teaching. This information is the result of a sound theological understanding of the Word and its effective proclamation through preaching, teaching, prophecy, and catechesis based on the Word of God.

3 credit hours

THE 630: Sin, Conversion, and Evangelism

This course will seek a theological understanding of the basic Gospel call to recognition of sin, repentance, and conversion; and pastoral approaches to enabling men and women to respond to that call today. It will explore the relationship of the Church to the world through application of the theology of evangelism presented by Pope Paul VI and the Second Vatican Council.

3 credit hours

THE 641: Catechesis: Content and Curriculum

This course examines Jesus as the essential content of all catechetical endeavors. It identifies the four pillars of the Deposit of Faith---creed, liturgy, and sacraments, Christian moral living, and prayer---as the basis for the Christian life. It discusses the implications of the kerygma on catechesis, i.e., emphasis on insertion into the mystery of Christ. This course considers necessary elements of any catechetical work as explicated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church and includes practice in the development of curricula for specific catechetical needs.

3 credit hours

THE 645: Pastoral and Spiritual Direction

Offering direction for living the Christian life has been part of the Church's heritage from the beginning. This course will study some of the many approaches to pastoral and spiritual direction in the Church's history, from the time of the early Fathers of the Church up to present-day approaches including Catholic Covenant communities and Third Order groups. Both classical and current theological and spiritual literature will be considered, with practical pastoral applications discussed.

3 credit hours

THE 650: Christian Liturgy

This is an advanced, graduate-level course examining the theological foundations of Christian Liturgy, as well as pastoral approaches to planning and fostering good liturgical celebration. The course will explore the nature of worship, Jewish liturgical tradition and its influence on Christian worship, an historical understanding of Christian liturgy, and the planning of liturgical celebration.

3 credit hours

THE 655: Mary in the Modern World

This course will consist of a theological investigation of the doctrines and magisterial teachings concerning the singular role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the providential plan of salvation. This will be followed by examining the relationship between Mary and the Holy Spirit as contained in the writings of the Franciscan martyr, St. Maximilian Kolbe. Lastly, there will be a theological and pastoral analysis of the Marian messages from the principal apparitions of Mary in the modern world, with special emphasis on the messages of Lourdes, Fatima, and the present reported apparitions from Medjugorje.

3 credit hours

THE 660: Pastoral Issues*

This course will focus on a particular topic or area of importance in pastoral theology, or practical pastoral work. Examples of possible topics are: Youth Ministry, Parish Pastoral Ministry, Pastoral Structures (Church Government), and Pastoral Guidance (Spiritual Direction), Church Law and Discipleship.

3 credit hours

THE 670: Catholic Magisterial Teaching on Marriage and Family**

Papal, conciliar, and other official teachings of the Catholic Church will be examined so that this teaching may be correctly understood, taught, and followed. Documents such as Casti Connubii (On Christian Marriage, 1930, Pope Pius XI), Gaudium et Spes (The Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, 1965, Second Vatican Council), Humanae Vitae (On the Regulation of Birth, 1968, Pope Paul VI), and Familiaris Consortio (The Role of the Christian Family in the Modern World, 1981, Pope John Paul II) will be studied in detail, as well as the teaching on Marriage contained in the New Code of Canon Law.

3 credit hours

THE 675: Pastoral Perspectives on Marriage and the Family**

This course will seek out and discuss pastoral wisdom for marriage and family life from the Catholic tradition and other Christian sources. This would include the teachings on marriage and family life from the great teachers of the Catholic tradition, such as St. Augustine and St. John Chrysostom. It will also include contemporary Christian wisdom related to the special situation of Christian families and married couples in the modern, as well as consideration of the contributions of the social sciences and of modern theology to the development of a sound Christian pastoral approach to marriage and family life today.

3 credit hours

THE 680: Applied Christian Ministry

Providing a broad overview of ministry positions within the Church, students are taught spirituality skills and methods for ministry using the content of their theology courses. Observations and field experiences as well as peer and practice teaching are included. Preparation and projects are focused on actual placement. This is a suggested course for those not pursuing the Graduate Specialization in Catechetics. It can be taken along with THE 780 and THE 641. This class is not an elective for those pursuing the Graduate Specialization in Catechetics.

3 credit hours
THE 681: Catechetical Practicum

Opportunities to particiate in supervised catechetical ministries such as the RCIA, parish adult programs, Catholic schools, or parish religious education are available for students to obtain teaching experience. This may be elected twice for different ministries. (Prerequisite: THE 691, 692, and 641)

3 credit hours
THE 691: Catechetical Methods I

This course introduces organic teaching methods that integrate the academic grasp of Christianity and Christian critical thinking with Christian witness, continuing conversion to Christ, and a call to action in the Church. Practical applications of the principles of evangelization and catechesis are practiced with continuing conversion as the goal. Stages of faith and moral development are studied to facilitate teaching the faith at all levels. Learning styles and models are examined to make them applicable to teaching the faith. Basic communication skills as they apply to the catechetical situation are used.

3 credit hours
THE 692: Catechetical Methods II

This course continues the organic teaching method described above and includes the use of liturgy, prayer, music, and Catholic literature and art in the catechetical endeavor. Examination of the culture to be evangelized and catechized is included. A major 50-minute catechetical presentation is required. (Prerequisite: THE 691)

3 credit hours
THE 693: The Catechumenate in the RCIA*

This course studies the development of the Christian initiation process by the Fathers of the Church, highlighting their methods and the content of their catechesis. The revised Rite of Christian Initiation is studied closely, highlighting its catechetical, liturgical, and pastoral componenets and the initiation into the Church of adults and children.

*This course may be taken more than once on different topics.

3 credit hours
THE 694: Catechetical Practice Today

This course studies the needs of the Church in the United States regarding current catechetical practice. Specifically, it covers family-based catechesis, Catholic Specifically, it covers family-based catechesis, Catholic schools, religious education, PSR, adult catechesis, catechesis for conversion, catechesis and culture, and alternative structures for catechesis. The theory and elements of each type of program are examined, and practice in the development of new programs for specific needs will be provided. (Prerequisite: Students must have completed all other catechetics courses; may be concurrent with THE 692)

3 credit hours

ELECTIVE COURSES: THEOLOGICAL EMPHASIS
THE 700: Contemporary Moral Problems*

These courses take a Catholic approach to contemporary moral issues from a theological and pastoral perspective. Issues in one, or more, of the following areas will be treated: social, medical, sexual, marital, and business morality.

3 credit hours

THE 710: Old Testament Writings*

An in-depth study of a particular area, book, or theme of Old Testament literature. Examples of possible course topics include: the Pentateuch, the Prophetic literature, the Psalms, covenant theology.

3 credit hours

THE 711: New Testament Writings*

An in-depth study of a particular area, book, or theme of New Testament literature. Possible course topics include: Pauline writings, the Gospel of John, the Church in the New Testament, theology of the Holy Spirit.

3 credit hours

THE 721: Christian Spirituality

Christian Spirituality is the study of the nature and means of Christian holiness. This course will consider various dimensions of Christian holiness, including prayer and worship, the Cross and the ascetical life, repentance, the activity of the Holy Spirit, the role of the Sacraments, and the love of God in Jesus Christ which is the center of all Christian spirituality. This course will approach these topics through the study of major spiritual writers and saints of the past and of more recent times.

3 credit hours

* This course may be taken more than once on different topics.

**This course can be applied to the Marriage and Family specialization.

THE 722: Fathers and Doctors of the Church*

This course pursues an in-depth study of an important topic or author from either the patristic period (the era of the "Fathers of the Church") or from among the great "Doctors of the Church," such as St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Bonaventure, St. Catherine of Siena, or St. Teresa of Avila.

3 credit hours

THE 730: Grace and the Virtues

This course will be a systematic exploration of the theology of grace. We will examine the various meanings and key issues involved in understanding grace as presented in Scripture, tradition and contemporary sources. The development of an integrated theology of grace will lead to and ground a reflection on fundamental aspects of our relationship with God and our living out of the Christian life.

3 credit hours

THE 731: Christology

A systematic study of the person and work of Jesus Christ will be conducted in this course. Beginning with a consideration method, we will develop a contemporary, integrative approach to Christology, drawing on the riches of the biblical, traditional, and contemporary testimony.

3 credit hours

THE 732: Sacraments

A consideration of the signs of salvation, flowing from the Sacrament, Christ and His Church will be the goal of this course. The anthropological bases of these signs will be examined, and utilized in the seven sacraments which will be covered in depth.

3 credit hours

THE 740: Theological Issues*

This course will select a topic of theological interest for careful study. Possible topics include: recent papal teachings, ecumenism, Catholic apologetics, theology of renewal, the Church and the Holy Spirit, etc.

*This course may be taken more than once on different topics.

3 credit hours
THE 780: Scripture, the Heart of Catechesis

This course introduces revelation as the teaching technique of God the Father and examines the content and method of Jesus' teaching. The apostles' teaching styles, the content of their catechesis, and their use of Scripture are covered, as well. The scriptural basis of the catechesis of the Fathers of the Church is included. The course also explores implementation of Bible studies and liturgies of the Word for evangelical and catechetical purposes and provides practice in biblical narrative and teaching from scripture.

3 credit hours

PHILOSOPHY COURSES+
There is only one philosophy course offered by the Theology Department toward the MA Theology degree: THE 804, Philosophical Foundations of Catechesis. However, a student who so desires may take one three credit graduate philosophy course (listed in the MA Philosophy program), which would count toward the fulfillment of MA Theology degree requirements.

THE 804: Philosophical Foundations of Catechesis

This course explores the sound philosophical presuppositions and reasoning of Christian teaching. Catechesis is a cogent presentation of the truth, which finds its fullest expression in God's revelation in Jesus Christ. However, a philosophical discussion and analysis of truth helps lead thinking people today to consider the sense and veracity of the message of Christ and His Church.

3 credit hours
There are no prerequisites for these courses (except those indicated). Students should, however, take the foundation courses as early as possible.

EVALUATION AND DUE PROCESS

Graduate students are expected to maintain sufficient progress toward a degree. Any student not showing promise of completing a program in a reasonable amount of time and whose academic performance is less than a 3.0 may be advised to withdraw from the University. Evaluation of student performance and progress will be monitored by the student advisor in consultation with the other members of the permanent graduate faculty. A review of each student's performance will be made at the end of the student's first year. Unfavorable review can lead to warning or to probationary status, which can be removed after a third semester's work at which time those on probation will be reviewed again. Should a student disagree with an unfavorable evaluation by the graduate faculty, he or she may appeal to the Dean of the Faculty.