The Theology Program at Brescia University is deeply rooted in the Roman Catholic faith tradition, embodying the principles outlined in the Second Vatican Council. Our curriculum is dedicated to fostering ecumenism, promoting religious liberty, delving into the rich sources of the Catholic tradition, and reaffirming traditional religious vocations.
Within our Theology curriculum, students have the opportunity to pursue various paths:
- Fulfillment of requirements for a major or minor in Theology.
- Completion of major subject requirements and electives for a degree in Theology with an Emphasis in Pastoral Studies.
- Fulfillment of requirements for an area of emphasis in the Integrated Studies major.
- Satisfaction of the University’s General Education Requirements.
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 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 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 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 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 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.
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.
