Course Descriptions

Theology

THE100E The Bible

An introduction to the Bible. Both the Old and the New Testaments are approached from their historical and theological perspectives.

THE201E         Problem of God

The mystery and the problem of God examined in the light of representative resources of the Christian tradition.  The nature of faith, the relationship of faith and reason, and the challenges to faith in the modern world are discussed.

THE204E Catholicism Today

An investigation of the beliefs and practices which constitute the identity of Catholicism as a distinctive way of life. Particular attention is given to the impetus for renewal provided by the Second Vatican Council and to an assessment of the current state of the Church. Related issues include authority and dissent in the Church, the emergence of liberation theology, and the Church’s response to the contemporary crisis of faith.

THE314E         Wisdom and Psalms of the Bible

Reading and discussion of the Books of Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs.  Particular attention is given to the literary form of the Psalms, their origin and use in Jewish and Christian prayer over the centuries.

THE316E Biblical Perspectives on Women

This course is an extended reflection on the role and place of women in the Bible. Its purpose is to bring the student to a greater awareness of the meaningful part that women have in the unfolding of the scriptural story. Writings that introduce various contemporary avenues of interpreting biblical texts, which focus on the feminine presence, are used. Prerequisite: THE100E recommended.

THE341E         Moral Issues in Health Care

This course is an introduction to medical ethics. It studies the questions of genetic control, birth and the family and abortion. It further examines the rights of the patients and the responsibility of medical personnel. The questions of death, death with dignity, suicide and euthanasia are investigated.

THE 345E The Virgin Mary: Woman who Bore Christ

Mary of Galilee was the human mother who bore Christ. Her Son was truly God and truly human. Christ’s human nature is established by knowing his mother.  Virgin Mary participated in the redemption of  humanity by her cooperation with God’s will; she  continues to be Christ’s mother in the world as a mediator for all who seek God; and Mary is the advocate for life-giving in the Holy Spirit.  This course will examine the following elements of Mariology – a theological study of Virgin Mary and Marian spirituality: biblical foundations, patristic theological sources, Marian dogmas, medieval and 18th-19th century Marian theology, Vatican II and contemporary Marian theology, Marian devotion through the ages, apparitions, ecumenical issues, and spirituality in liturgy, music and art.  A theological study of Mary provides Christological insights and an awareness of centuries-long Marian tradition heralding her as the most important woman in history. Students will find this study of Mary to be engaging, meaningful in addressing the hurt and brokenness of the world, and critical to Christian thought and spirituality. 

THE 371E Religion and Modernity

Taking its bearings from the works of representative thinkers, both religious and secular, the course investigates the encounter between Christianity and modernity. Attention is focused on the relationship between Christianity and the theoretical foundations of modern science and modern liberalism, the attempted accommodation between Christianity and modernity, the modern criticism of religion, and the challenge of Christian faith in the contemporary world.

THE373E         Psychology of Religion

An introduction to the psychology of religion with special attention to religious experience and expression, religious development in childhood and adolescence, and the question of religious pathology and religious maturity.  Readings are taken from a broad range of thinkers including Allport, Frankl, Freud, Glaser, James, Jung, Kohlberg, and Powell.  Among the issues discussed are relations between religion and psychological health, the development of religious thinking throughout the life cycle, and the function of religious symbolism in the lives of individuals and societies.