Master of Arts in Theology Course Descriptions

THL 510 - Introduction to Theology
3 Credits
An introduction to the essential components of the study of systematic theology in the Roman Catholic tradition. Topics include the sources and methods of theological reflection; the meaning and significance of the incarnational principle; and the central teachings of Christianity.

THL 520 - Pentateuch
3 Credits
A study of the literary, historical, and theological aspects of the Pentateuch. The course traces the development of the scholarly analysis of the Pentateuch from the ancient world to the present and applies current methods of interpretation to selected texts. Special attention is given to the themes of creation and covenant in the Pentateuch and the importance of these themes in liturgical and pastoral settings.

THL 525 - Prophetic Literature
3 Credits
A study of the literary, historical, and theological phenomenon of prophecy in Ancient Israel and Judah. The course examines the literary genre of the prophetic oracle as well as the real sociopolitical challenges facing individual prophets. Special attention is given to the use of prophetic texts in the social teaching of the Catholic tradition and in liturgical and pastoral settings.

THL 530 - Wisdom Literature
3 Credits
A study of the literary, historical, and theological phenomenon of wisdom in Ancient Israel. The course examines the social and cultural function of wisdom in the life of Ancient Israel and applies a variety of interpretive methods to selected biblical texts. Special attention is given to the use of wisdom literature in liturgical and pastoral settings.

THL 550 - Synoptic Gospels & Acts
3 Credits
A study of the literary, historical, and theological dimensions of Matthew, Mark, Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. The course presents a variety of contemporary methods of interpretation and applies them to selected texts. Special attention is given to the Catholic tradition of interpreting the Bible and to the use of texts for liturgical and pastoral settings.

THL 555 - Johannine Literature
3 Credits
A study of the literary, historical, and theological aspects of the Gospel of John, the letters of John, and the book of Revelation. The course presents a variety of contemporary methods of interpretation and applies them to selected texts. Special attention is given to the Catholic tradition of interpreting the Bible and to the use of texts in liturgical and pastoral settings.

THL 560 - Pauline Letters
3 Credits
A study of the literary, historical and theological aspects of the Pauline and Deutero-Pauline
Letters. The course focuses on the real concerns that Paul confronts in each letter and on similar issues facing Christian communities today. Special attention is given to the Catholic tradition of interpreting the Bible and to the use of texts for liturgical and pastoral settings.

THL 570 - Church History I
3 Credits
A study of Christianity from the Apostolic Era to the Reformation. The course emphasizes the Catholic understanding of tradition and its impact on dogma.

THL 575 - Church History II
3 Credits
A study of Christianity from the Reformation to the present. The course emphasizes the importance of historical theology in ecumenism and interfaith dialogue.

THL 580 - Augustine of Hippo
3 Credits
An overview of the life and thought of Saint Augustine of Hippo and his influence upon the Western Christian theological tradition.

THL 600 - Trinitarian Theology
3 Credits
A study of the Trinity as the heart of Christian faith and life. The course examines past and present theological insights into the mystery of the unity and distinction of the divine persons as ineffable community of love and as the origin, fulfillment, and goal of our own meaning as human persons. 

Prerequisite: THL 510.

THL 610 - Christology
3 Credits
A study of the person of Jesus and his saving significance for us. The course examines past and present theological insights into the mystery of Jesus in his divinity and humanity, and explores the salvific meaning and contemporary implications of his life, death, resurrection, and full manifestation at the end of time.

Prerequisite: THL 510.

THL 620 - Theological Anthropology
3 Credits
A study of the gift of grace and its relationship to human freedom. The course examines past and present theological insights into the saving and transforming power of grace.

Prerequisite: THL 510.

THL 625 - Karl Rahner
3 Credits
A seminar on the theology of Karl Rahner. Special attention is given to his Trinitarian theology, Christology, and theology of grace.

Prerequisite: THL 510.

THL 630 - Ecclesiology
3 Credits
A study of past and present theological insights into the mystery of the Church. Special attention is given to mission and ministry, and to ecclesial principles of service in today's parish congregations.

Prerequisite: THL 510.

THL 635 - Liturgy & Sacraments
3 Credits
A study of the mystery of Christian worship in liturgy and sacrament. The course examines past and present theological insights into the nature of sacrament, and the experience of sacramental and liturgical celebration. Special attention is given to contemporary liturgical documents of the Roman Catholic Church.

Prerequisite: THL 510.

THL 640 - Theology of Ministry
3 Credits
A study of ministry as the vocation of all baptized Christians—lay as well as ordained. The course examines past and present understandings of ministry with an emphasis on the growth of officially recognized ministries since Vatican II.

THL 650 - Moral Theology
3 Credits
A study of the general principles of Catholic moral theology. Special attention is given to natural law theory, the development of conscience, the role of moral norms, and the discernment of spirits.

Prerequisite: THL 510.

THL 655 - Catholic Social Teaching
3 Credits
A study of the social teachings of the Catholic Church. Special attention is given to the relationship between the theology of creation and covenant and the establishment of a just social order.

Prerequisite: THL 510.

THL 660  - Spirituality & Prayer
3 Credits
A study of Christian spirituality and non-liturgical prayer. Special attention is given to the major trends in the history of spirituality and contemporary forms of prayer.

THL 670 - Eschatology
3 Credits
A study of the culmination of human life at death and the fulfillment of human history at the end of time. The course examines past and present theological insights into the mysteries of death, resurrection, and eternal life; it also explores the human vocation to participate through grace and freedom in the divine work of bringing about the reign of God.

Prerequisite: THL 510.

THL 685 - Special Topics
1, 2, or 3 Credits
A study of topics of special interest in theology or pastoral ministry.

THL 686 - Independent Study
1, 2, or 3 Credits
A tutorial program in which the student does research in a specific area of theology or pastoral ministry. This course is designed to enable students to do needed research in preparation for an internship experience or as a preparation for doctoral work in theology.

THL 697 - Internship      
3 Credits
The internship experience enables students to pursue supervised field learning activities in a parish, diocesan, or educational ministry. The students will spend a minimum of 100 clock hours in fieldwork and meet biweekly in seminar to discuss and to reflect upon the practical application of their previous and current academic work.

THL 700 - Integrative Seminar           
3 Credits
A review of the theological, professional, and personal competencies acquired or enhanced during the student's program of studies. The seminar will include the presentation of student portfolios.