MA Course Descriptions
THE 510 Theology: Origins & Development
a. This course reflects on the principles and methods used in theological inquiry and practice within the Christian tradition, especially the different philosophies operative in theology from the ancient world to the modern. Using primary and secondary sources, as well as examining notions such as being, spirit, faith, nature, grace, history, sacrament, etc., the course elucidates problems and possibilities in contemporary theological discourse. Classes may be taught in an in-class, hybrid, or online format and have set times that require virtual participation.
THE 520 Father, Son, & Holy Spirit in One God
a. This course covers the mystery of God (and/or gods) in various cultures using primary and secondary sources. This mystery is related to the seeking and understanding of God in the Jewish and especially Christian traditions, as well as the rejection of God (atheism). Characteristics of the divine, such as spirit, unity, simplicity, goodness, omnipresence, trinity, etc., are explored. This course culminates in a study of the Christian proclamation of the Tri-personal God. Classes may be taught in an in-class, hybrid, or online format and have set times that require virtual participation.
THE 550 Church History
a. Church History traces the development of the early Christian community to the present. This course thematically addresses the divine origin of the Church and its historical pilgrimage as a community of disciples. Events in the New Testament, the Patristic era, the Middle Ages, the encounter with Islam, the schism between the East and West, the Renaissance, the Reformation, and the modern world are explored. This course also discerns continuity and development in the Church by principally engaging primary source documents. Classes may be taught in an in-class, hybrid, or online format and have set times that require virtual participation.
THE 551 Patristic and Medieval Theology
a. This course presents the methods and insights of patristic and medieval theology through a study of major figures and texts. After an overview of the culture and context of the early Church to the medieval Church to 1400, the course looks at Scripture, faith and reason, Christ, Trinity, the Church, liturgy, ethics, and prayer. Authors and literature include but are not limited to Ignatius of Antioch, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria, Gregory of Nyssa, Hilary of Poitiers, Augustine, John Chrysostom, Benedict of Nursia, Maximus the Confessor, Anselm, Abelard, Bernard, Bonaventure, and Aquinas.
THE 552 Late Medieval to Reformation Theology
a. Topics, themes, and developments in theology from the fourteenth to the early seventeenth century are explored in depth. Authors and literature include but are not limited to Scotus, Ockham, Thomas à Kempis, Luther, Calvin, Zwingli, the Council of Trent, Ignatius of Loyola, Teresa of Avila, and John of the Cross.
THE 553 Modern and Postmodern Theology
a. Topics, themes, and developments in theology from the eighteenth century to the present are explored in depth. Authors and literature include but are not limited to Schleiermacher, Mohler, Newman, Blondel, Barth, Niehbur, de Lubac, Rahner, Tracy, Marion, and Vanhooser. Classes may be taught in an in-class, hybrid, or online format and have set times that require virtual participation.