Theology with an Emphasis in Pastoral Studies

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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 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 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 480: Development of Catholic Doctrine

This course explores the development of Catholic doctrine as an historical, cultural, and theological process. Christian worship, the teachings of theologians, the devotions of popular piety, creeds, and other official pronouncements of church councils and popes through the ages shape and carry this process forward. Such enculturation and doctrinal development will be analyzed in seminar fashion through the lenses of church teachings on the Trinity, Jesus, and Mary. 

Th 303: Catholic Moral Tradition and Contemporary Issues

This course will explore Catholic moral tradition and its application to personal and social moral issues. Specific issues discussed will vary according to contemporary moral relevance. 

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 304: Pauline Epistles

A study of the letters of St. Paul from the perspective of modern historical-critical scholarship. The course analyzes Pauline teaching as one of the major components of ancient Christian tradition and explores its significance in the contemporary Church. 

Th 305: Israel’s Prayer and Wisdom

This course examines the book of Psalms, including its place in the life of Jewish and Christian worshipping communities. It also analyzes the traditions of the sages of Ancient Israel contained in the books of Proverbs, Job, Sirach, Wisdom, and the Song of Songs. 

Th 306: The Beatitudes and Parables of Jesus

A study of the Beatitudes that emphasizes their implications for Western Christians. In investigating the parable form, its significance and theology, the course uses a combination of form-critical, theological, and literary approaches to the parables. 

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 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 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.

Th 312: The Sacraments of the Catholic Community

Discussion of the meaning of the sacraments from an historical, theological, and spiritual perspective, emphasizing their communitarian aspect. Special emphasis will be placed on Baptism and Eucharist as constitutive of the Church. 

Th 490: Christian Ministry Internship

This field experience is structured to be a direct preparation for beginning professional ministry. As such, it assists the student in attaining the level of theological reflection, the breadth of pastoral theology, the depth of ministry competence, the spirit of collaboration, and the standard of professional ministry practice to be achieved at the B.A. level. Its goal, furthermore, is to provide a senior level integration of the basic areas of preparation for contemporary ministry. 

His 339: History of Christianity to 1648

Survey of Christianity from apostolic times through the Reformation with particular emphasis on the role of Christianity in the political, cultural, and moral development of the West. Topics include the early Church Fathers, impact of Islam, medieval papacy, Luther, and Calvin. Fulfills Global History requirement. 

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.

Phl 325: Metaphysics

This course explores major metaphysical topics such as the origin of the universe, the existence of a human soul in addition to a physical body, and theories of human free will. The student will also consider the dialogue between faith and reason by thinking about the implications of these topics for issues such as the possibility of life after death.

Back to TopFaculty

Tim Nugent
Associate Professor Social Work