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SEMESTER: Spring 2023
COURSE TITLE: Foundations of Old Testament Theology
COURSE NUMBER/SECTION: THST 6000.01
TIMES/DAYS: T 4:30pm-7:00pm - Hybrid
INSTRUCTOR: Rosanna Lu
COURSE DESCRIPTION/PRINCIPAL TOPICS
This graduate seminar on Old Testament Theology is a survey of the Old Testament with particular attention to contemporary issues in Old Testament theology. This course focuses on the development of ancient Israelite traditions as well as development of interpretations of the biblical text. Students will critically examine selected biblical texts representing issues of social, societal, political and theological concerns. Students will also critically engage with the biblical text in comparative consideration of contemporary conceptualizations of social justice, power dynamics and spirituality.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
Students who successfully complete this course will: (1) acquire basic familiarity with the content, context, and history of interpretation of the Hebrew Bible, (2) examine and critically evaluate the development of religious traditions throughout the span of ancient Israelite history, (3) develop skills in critical approaches to the study of the Old Testament, and (4) acquire basic familiarity with contemporary theological issues in relation to Old Testament studies.
PREREQUISITES/RECOMMENDED BACKGROUND
None
REQUIRED TEXTS
- Bible - New Revised Standard Version
- David Carr, An Introduction to the Old Testament: Sacred Texts and Imperial Contexts of the Hebrew Bible
- Additional readings on Brightspace.
COURSE WORK/EXPECTATIONS
- Readings – students are expected to complete all readings prior to each class session
- Participation – students are expected to lead and engage in discussion of readings and research
- Written assignments, research paper, and presentations
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SEMESTER: Spring 2023
COURSE TITLE: Introduction to Systematic Theology
COURSE NUMBER/SECTION: THST 6030.01
TIMES/DAYS: W 4:30pm-7:00pm - Hybrid
INSTRUCTOR: Cecilia González-Andrieu
COURSE DESCRIPTION/PRINCIPAL TOPICS
This course introduces the concept of thinking “architecturally” or “constructively” about the very foundations that make up the Christian faith. The course readings interlace key doctrines and thinkers, with contemporary critical approaches and a global perspective. Areas covered include a historical overview of the development, figures and controversies surrounding principal doctrines and familiarity with key theological terms and methods. The course will also encourage the critical working out of the proposals of some of the major Christian doctrines as these are placed in dialogue with the theological perspective of Liberation Theologies and the preaching of contemporary women.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Familiarity with the constructive character of theological thought as it develops within diverse human communities
- Development of skills to interlace questions of doctrine with their particular context, expressions, applications and relevance to contemporary ministry, scholarship and advocacy.
- Practice and growth in critical reading, skillful writing, constructive conversation and presentation.
- Application of in-depth engagement with theological thought to a question arising out of the student’s chosen area of specialty, community of ministry, or global issue.
PREREQUISITES/RECOMMENDED BACKGROUND
This is a graduate course which may be taken at any point during the program
REQUIRED TEXTS
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Systematic Theology: Roman Catholic Perspectives. Francis Schussler Fiorenza and John P. Galvin, editors. 2nd edition, Fortress Press, 2011. ISBN-13: 978-0800662912 (704 pages)
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Systematic Theology: Perspectives from Liberation Theology. Jon Sobrino and Ignacio Ellacuria, editors, Orbis Books, 1996. ISBN-13: 978-1570750687 (302 pages)
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Catholic Women Preach: Raising Voices, Renewing the Church. Elizabeth Donnelly and Russ Petrus, editors, Orbis Books, 2022 ISBN:9781626984837
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Articles and other additional materials as assigned.
COURSE WORK/EXPECTATIONS
- Engagement with all course readings evidenced in active and informed participation in class discussions and oral presentations. Regular class attendance. Weekly short assignments, two short critical inquiry papers.
- Oral presentations and leading of discussions.
- Tiered development of a Final Research paper through the process of proposal, annotated bibliography, peer colloquium and critique.
- Final Research Paper.
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SEMESTER: Spring 2023
COURSE TITLE: Feminist Theology
COURSE NUMBER/SECTION: THST 6033.01
TIMES/DAYS: T 7:20pm-9:50pm - In-Person
INSTRUCTOR: Tracy Tiemeier
COURSE DESCRIPTION/PRINCIPAL TOPICS
This fully in-person course is an introduction to feminist theology, exploring a variety of feminist theories and theologies. The class grounds theology in context and narrative, examines the relationship between religion and gender, interrogates religious and social systems of power that converge to oppress women, and highlights the ways women subvert patriarchy to create their own liberating approaches to Ultimate Reality. The course will take an intersectional and comparative approach to feminist theology (connecting religions, race, class, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, ability, nationality, age, and more).
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
SLO1: Examine feminist theories and theological analyses.
SLO2: Compare diverse feminist theologies.
SLO3: Connect the role of gender in religion with other social realities.
PREREQUISITES/RECOMMENDED BACKGROUND
Graduate Student Standing
REQUIRED TEXTS
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Monica A. Coleman, Bipolar Faith: A Black Woman’s Journey with Depression and Faith
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Marie Anne Mayeski, Women at the Table: Three Medieval Theologians
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Sharon A. Suh, Occupy This Body: A Buddhist Memoir
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Additional Readings Posted On Brightspace
COURSE WORK/EXPECTATIONS
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Seminar Discussion (40%)
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Spiritual Memoir (20%)
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Research Project (20%)
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Presentation (20%)
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SEMESTER: Spring 2023
COURSE TITLE: Sacraments and Sacramentality
COURSE NUMBER/SECTION: THST 6042.01
TIMES/DAYS: M 4:30pm-7:00pm - In-Person
INSTRUCTOR: Bruce Morrill
COURSE DESCRIPTION/PRINCIPAL TOPICS
An in-depth study of the theology of Christian sacraments and the symbolization of divine grace.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
Students will be able to:
- acquire knowledge of the theology, history, and pastoral Roman Catholic traditions for the seven official sacraments within the perspective of the church’s theology of sacramentality (theological anthropology, ecclesiology, etc.);
- develop knowledge of and skills in systematic and constructive theological work;
- advance abilities in critical thinking, analysis of texts and practices;
- advance abilities in oral expression and collegial discussion (speaking and listening);
- advance abilities in academic writing (range and use of sources, construction of arguments);
- and construct theologies for pastoral, practical, and social/cultural contexts.
PREREQUISITES/RECOMMENDED BACKGROUND
None
REQUIRED TEXTS
- Four books available for purchase or on library reserve (books/e-books):
- John F. Baldovin and David Farina Turnbloom, Catholic Sacraments: A Rich Source of Blessings. Paulist Press (2015).
- Bernard Cooke, The Essential Writings of Bernard Cooke: A Narrative Theology of Church, Sacrament, and Ministry. Paulist Press (2016).
- Lizette Larson-Miller. Sacramentality Renewed: Contemporary Conversations in Sacramental Theology. Liturgical Press (2016).
- Bruce T. Morrill, Divine Worship and Human Healing: Liturgical Theology at the Margins of Life and Death. Liturgical Press (2009).
- Other readings:
- Assigned sections of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (hereafter, CCC), as completely available online at: https://www.usccb.org/sites/default/files/flipbooks/catechism/
- Numerous articles/chapters electronically accessible via the Brightspace and the library website: https://library.lmu.edu.
COURSE WORK/EXPECTATIONS
- Weekly reading (approximately 100-120 pages), with students posting on Brightspace responses to three of five study guide questions
- Weekly class participation: active listening to lecturer and classmates, note-taking, speaking from readings and notes, questions and discussion
- Two short, formal integrative papers (3 pages/1200-1400 words) developing a theme, question, or problem in sacramental theology important to the student’s faith life, broader theological knowledge, or pastoral ministry
- Final project, chosen from three options, according to one’s educational needs and goals:
- Research paper (8-10 pages/3000-4000 words, including footnotes)
- Religious education/Adult faith formation program: detailed rationale, readings, session outlines, handouts, etc. (8-10 pages)
- Pastoral-liturgical program: detailed objectives, rationale, content, procedure, formal program and/or order of service, handouts, etc.
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SEMESTER: Spring 2023
COURSE TITLE: Ignatian Spirituality and Discernment
COURSE NUMBER/SECTION: THST 6052.01
TIMES/DAYS: M 7:20pm-9:50pm - Hybrid
INSTRUCTOR: Jim Clarke
COURSE DESCRIPTION/PRINCIPAL TOPICS
This course seeks to further student understanding of Ignatian Spirituality by: 1.) studying the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius 2.) A study of commentary on the text 3.) learning from the actual experience of the group
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Students will demonstrate an understanding of the structure and dynamics of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius
- Students will demonstrate an understanding of Ignatian wisdom regarding discernment and the ability to apply it to their lives
- Students will demonstrate an understanding of Ignatian forms of prayer
PREREQUISITES/RECOMMENDED BACKGROUND
None
REQUIRED TEXTS
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William Barry, Finding God in all Things
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David Fleming, Draw Me Into Your Friendship
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David Lonsdale, Eyes to See, Ears to Hear
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Margaret Silf, Inner Compass
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Wilkie Au and Noreen Cannon, The Discerning Heart
COURSE WORK/EXPECTATIONS
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Class discussion on reading material
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Weekly 1-2 page reflection papers with praxis
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5 page final integrative paper with class presentation
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Take Home final exam
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SEMESTER: Spring 2023
COURSE TITLE: Foundations of Theological Ethics
COURSE NUMBER/SECTION: THST 6060.01
TIMES/DAYS: T 7:20pm-9:50pm - Hybrid
INSTRUCTOR: Jonathan Rothchild
COURSE DESCRIPTION/PRINCIPAL TOPICS
This graduate course introduces students to the foundations of Christian theological ethics. We will examine the relationships between the sources, methods, developments, and contexts of theological ethics. Exploring concepts and methods such as Christo-centric ethics, natural law, liberationist and feminist critical perspectives, Biblical ethics, agency, sin, solidarity, and moral arguments, we engage classical and contemporary voices in Catholic and Protestant ethics. After engaging the thought of thinkers such as Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Martin Luther, Catholic social teaching, and theologies of liberation and critique, we then address post-Vatican II debates within Catholic moral theology in American and global contexts. We conclude with considerations of conscience as applied to case studies in economics, bioethics, and social ethics. The objective is to analyze critically various theological intersections to understand the theoretical and practical dimensions of theological ethics.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Understand the Scriptural, doctrinal, and experiential dimensions of Christian reflection on the morality.
- Examine different methodological approaches within Christian theological ethics.
- Engage in a critical analysis of the relationship between foundational frameworks of moral theology and contemporary normative problems.
- Explain the basic differences between Catholic and Protestant theological ethics.
- Appreciate the theological and pastoral dimensions of ethical reflection.
- Interpret texts critically and articulate self-reflexively their own positions vis-à-vis the values for church, society, and culture.
PREREQUISITES/RECOMMENDED BACKGROUND
None
REQUIRED TEXTS
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DeCosse, David, and Kristin Heyer, eds. Conscience and Catholicism. Orbis, 2015.
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Hinze, Christine. Radical Sufficiency: Work, Livelihood, and a US Catholic Economic Ethics. Georgetown, 2021.
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Hogan, Linda, and A.E. Orobator, eds. Feminist Catholic Theological Ethics: Conversations in the World Church. Orbis, 2014.
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Kaveny, Cathleen. Law’s Virtues: Fostering Autonomy and Solidarity in American Society. Georgetown, 2012.
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Other readings will be made available via Brightspace.
COURSE WORK/EXPECTATIONS
The course assignments will consist of:
- Active class participation
- Several shorter analysis papers
- Midterm Exam
- Final research paper
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SEMESTER: Spring 2023
COURSE TITLE: Supervised Pastoral Field Education
COURSE NUMBER/SECTION: THST 6078.01
TIMES/DAYS: M 7:20pm-9:50pm - Hybrid
INSTRUCTOR: Michael Horan
COURSE DESCRIPTION/PRINCIPAL TOPICS
Drawing upon an interdisciplinary framework, this contextual (field) education seminar addresses ministerial leadership aimed at the whole person in the service of faith communities for the sake of God’s Reign. It offers foundational concepts and skills required for ministry that is contextual, collaborative, intercultural, and faithful to Christian tradition. In a context that models collaborative ministry, THST 6078 functions to engage students in theological reflection and ministry skill development. Students reflect in an integrated way on required supervised field education experiences, either at their current ministry, or in some other professor-approved ministry environment. The course aims to fortify ministry skills, especially in oral communication, listening skills, and leadership. As present and future leaders in the church, students learn so that they may also be able to teach and influence/form others in what they learn.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
Students who successfully complete this course and all its requirements will be able to:
- identify and elaborate the connections between their experiences of ministry and the theology they are learning;
- articulate key contextual factors—environmental, cultural, psychological, spiritual and ecclesial—that impact particular ministry sites and pastoral challenges;
- facilitate work and learning groups in the context of ministry;
- demonstrate competency in prayer leadership and oral presentation (preaching) skills;
- demonstrate improvement in the interpersonal and leadership skills necessary for effective ministry
PREREQUISITES/RECOMMENDED BACKGROUND
In order to enroll, students must have completed THST 6090 (Graduate Pro-Seminar), THST 6070 (Foundations of Pastoral Theology), and THST 6000 or 6010 (Foundations of New or Old Testament theology). Students must at least be co-enrolled in THST 6060 (Ethics) or 6030 (Systematic Theology). We will bring the curriculum from these courses to bear on our reflection and case studies.
REQUIRED TEXTS
- Anthony J. Gittins, Living Mission Interculturally: Faith, Culture, and the Renewal of Praxis (Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2015).
- Elizabeth A. Johnson, Creation and the Cross: The Mercy of God for a Planet in Peril. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, 2018.
- Jeffrey H. Mahan, Barbara B. Troxell, and Carol J. Allen, Shared Wisdom: A Guide to Case Study Reflection in Ministry (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1993).
- Other readings available on Brightspace.
COURSE WORK/EXPECTATIONS
- Active Class Participation
- Preparation of Case Studies
- Connection with Supervisor at Ministry Site
- Portfolio (serves as the final exam)
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SEMESTER: Spring 2023
COURSE TITLE: Pastoral Synthesis Seminar
COURSE NUMBER/SECTION: THST 6091.01
TIMES/DAYS: Thurs 4:30pm-7:00pm - Hybrid
INSTRUCTOR: Allan Deck
COURSE DESCRIPTION/PRINCIPAL TOPICS
This course supports pastoral theology students in the development and execution of their final capstone project, the Pastoral Synthesis Project or PSP. The PSP is a 14-21 page paper that integrates pastoral experience and inquiry with theological study and pastoral planning. Students review pastoral theological methodologies studied in earlier courses and use them to 1) carefully study a current pastoral problem or concern (inside or outside church ministry); 2) articulate Christian theological perspectives on the issue; 3) develop a practical proposal for addressing the challenge or dilemma. Theological analysis is crucial in completing the PSP.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
Ability to:
Assess pastoral situations from a critical stance and articulate it in the seminar; 2) reflect on ministerial practice in and perfect ministry skills for a multi and interculturally and inter-religiously diverse milieu; 3 ) perform biblical exegesis and/or theological reflection with attention to both the historical and contemporary contexts, to ecclesial tradition and to “the signs of the times;” 4) reflect critically on the praxis of faith and justice within an ecumenically-minded Catholic context; 5) situate contemporary theological developments and pastoral practice in light of historical trends and trajectories; 6) interpret the work of seminal thinkers Christian ethics and analyze contemporary moral problems; 7) establish strategies and habits for the integration of one’s own faith, pastoral practice and theological expertise.
PREREQUISITES/RECOMMENDED BACKGROUND
THST 6070 Foundations of Pastoral Theology, THST 6000 or 6010 (New or Old Testament), THST 6030 Introduction to Systematic Theology (may be currently enrolled)
REQUIRED TEXTS
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Kate L. Turabian, Manual for Writers of Research papers, Theses and Dissertation: Chicago Style for Students and Researchers, 9th ed.
COURSE WORK/EXPECTATIONS
Create and maintain a Portfolio; Write a Theology of Ministry Paper; Develop a Proposal and Case Component; Do a Draft of Context Component; Produce a Draft of a Theology Component; Do a Draft of the Project Pan Component; Give a Formal Presentation of your Project; Submit a Final Draft.
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SEMESTER: Spring 2023
COURSE TITLE: Research and Writing Seminar
COURSE NUMBER/SECTION: THST 6093.01
TIMES/DAYS: T 4:30pm-7:00pm - Hybrid
INSTRUCTOR: Nancy Pineda-Madrid
COURSE DESCRIPTION/PRINCIPAL TOPICS
This is the required research and writing seminar for MA in Theology students. It is the second course of a two course year-long sequence. (The first course is the Comprehensive Exam Seminar.) This course creates a space for students to bring their Capstone Research Project from the proposal stage to completion. Planning, accountability, support, and strategic thinking can help students achieve their goal of completing their project. In this course, students engage in a process with one another and their faculty readers to facilitate the completion of their project.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of the course, a successfully engaged student will . . .
- have acquired the skills needed to conceptualize and complete a larger research project
- be able to evaluate sources for quality and to employ sources both appreciatively and critically
- have learned how to use multiple drafts to write a larger research project
- have demonstrated clear, scholarly, and reflective writing
PREREQUISITES/RECOMMENDED BACKGROUND
Completion of THST 6092: Comprehensive Exam Seminar
REQUIRED TEXTS
- Kate L. Turabian, Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations: Chicago Style for Students & Researchers, 9th ed. (Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press, 2018) ISBN # 978-0-226-43057-7
COURSE FORMAT AND PROCEDURES
This class will meet together twice during the semester. The first time is on Tuesday, January 10 from 4:30 – 7:00pm in person in UH3786. And, the second time is on Tuesday, April 25 from 4:30-7:00pm in person in UH 3786. (See course schedule on p.9) Students are encouraged to set up one-to-one meetings with the professor and/or 2nd faculty reader as needed to discuss their progress on researching, writing, and bringing their Capstone Research Project to completion. I anticipate that I will have a few of a these meetings with each student over the course of the semester. Throughout the semester, students are to devote all class time to research, writing, and consulting, all with the goal of bringing their research project to completion in a timely manner. Students will check-in briefly with one or two fellow students on a regular basis throughout the semester. These check-ins, are for purpose of accountability and support. After submitting drafts of their projects as due, students will receive feedback/grades from the professor and second reader as appropriate. Students will receive feedback on the substance of the research project. Copy-editing work (i.e., grammar, spelling, punctuation, correct formatting of footnotes/endnotes, etc.) on students’ drafts will need to be done by someone other than the professor or second reader, typically by a trusted friend or colleague of the student. Students are to use the required text (above) as their primary authority on all copyediting and formatting matters.