Theology Department

 

Philosophy Statement: 
    The Theology Department’s mission can be understood best in terms of the school’s mission to provide the intellectual and spiritual preparation necessary for the students to be Christian leaders.  To assist in intellectual preparation in the subject of theology, the department works from scripture and addresses doctrinal and moral issues in all classes, and adapts its approach and methods in light of the subject matter in each class.

            As regards dogma, the department’s mission is to present orthodoxy from a Catholic perspective.  As regards doctrines, traditions and contemporary issues, the department’s mission is to aid students in making informed choices, by teaching skills of critical thinking, research and writing; pointing out where Christian teachings may at times be counter-cultural; providing opportunities for students to articulate their views; and encouraging discernment as an essential part of the student’s prayer life.  The department’s final goal is to direct informed leaders toward service of others.

 

Department Requirements: 
    Three and one-half years (seven semesters) of classes are required for graduation.  There is no tracking (honors, accelerated or the like) in the theology classes.  One semester (two nine-week classes) of senior year are electives, and all other courses are requirements.

 

Course Sequence:

Freshman Year: Introduction to Hebrew Scripture (one semester) and Introduction to Christian Scripture (one semester)

Sophomore Year: Introduction to the Christian Religion (one semester)

Junior Year: Church History and Christian Doctrine (two semesters)

Senior Year: nine-week courses including Community Service (required), Catholic Social Teaching (required), New Testament Greek (elective), Comparative Religions (elective), Philosophy and Religion at the Time of Jesus (elective), The Problem of Evil (elective)

Course Descriptions: