The Theology Program is grounded in the Roman Catholic faith tradition and reflects the Second Vatican Council’s commitments to ecumenism, religious liberty, a deeper study of the wellsprings of the sources of the Catholic tradition, and a reaffirmation of traditional religious vocations. This associate’s degree provides the foundation of knowledge and skills and will prepare graduates to continue to Brescia University’s Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theology. Supported by a strong liberal arts tradition, Brescia students are empowered to aspire to an independent spirit, creative adaptability to change, and openness to lifelong learning.
Theology – Associate Degree
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Th 101: Introduction to the Old Testament
An examination of the texts of the Old Testament from the perspective of modern biblical scholarship. The historical, literary, and theological dimensions of this literature will be explored.
Th 105: Introduction to the New Testament
An examination of the New Testament texts from the perspective of modern biblical scholarship. The historical, literary, theological, and spiritual dimensions of this literature will be explored.
Th 223: Spirituality and Vocation
This course will introduce students to great spiritual figures and their writings from within the western tradition. In addition to the above classics, students will also engage contemporary spiritual writers as a way of developing a spirituality commensurate with any vocation or life choice. Students will be asked to craft a spiritual autobiography that integrates their life story with the expected major and career choices they currently may be discerning.
Phl 103: Introduction to Philosophy
To philosophize is to wonder about life — about right and wrong, love and loneliness, war and death, freedom, truth, beauty, and time. From a multicultural perspective, this course introduces the student to these and other perennial problems of philosophy, including arguments for God’s existence and human free will.
Th 110: The Catholic Faith: An Introduction to Theology
An introduction to Catholic theology and faith tradition, this course examines how the Church prayerfully receives, seeks to understand, and communicates God’s revelation to humanity. The course consists of an overview of both important and distinctive Catholic beliefs and practices in light of the Second Vatican Council.
Th 109: Introduction to Ministry
An overview of ministry in the Church, historically and currently, and its implications for those exploring the call to serve the Church in professional roles of ministry. This course includes self-reflection and discernment; ministry field experiences; an introduction to Church documents on ministry; an overview of the National Certification Standards for Lay Ecclesial Ministry.
Th 310: Women in Christian Tradition
Examines the experience of women in the Christian Communions of the past and provides a Scriptural and theological background needed for a better understanding of the place of women in the Christian Communions and in society today.
Th 212: Basics of Catechetical and Youth Ministry
This introductory course in catechetics and evangelization is designed for persons responsible for any of the major catechetical components of parish life, including sacramental preparation, RCIA, religious education, youth ministry, and adult faith formation. Topics include a history of catechesis, the nature and purpose of evangelization and catechesis, the catechetical dimensions of ministry, faith development theory, and techniques and practice of planning effective catechetical sessions and activities.
Th 318: Faith and Justice: The Gospel and Social Values
This course examines why concern for social, economic, and political justice is rooted in the Gospel and mission of the Church. It presents the problem of structural injustice and possible strategies for alternatives. Issues such as human rights, abortion, poverty, hunger, racism, sexism, pollution, and war are studied.
Th 320: The Church
A theological study of the nature and mission of the Church. The course investigates the Church from the following perspectives: its beginnings as reflected in the New Testament and early Christian literature; the history of Catholic ecclesiology; the models analysis of Avery Dulles, S.J.; and the documents of Vatican Council II.
Th 219: World Religions
This course examines the Indian religions of Hinduism and Buddhism; the Chinese and Japanese religions of Confucianism, Taoism, and Shintoism; and the religions of Judaism and Islam in the Mid-East.
Th 241: Catholic Liturgy
This course examines the historical and theological foundations of Catholic liturgy, and the liturgical documents, principles, and norms that shape the contemporary reform and practice mandated by Vatican II. Notable attention is given to the liturgical assembly, liturgical symbols, roles of ministry, and the various liturgical rites of Catholic worship.