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Spring 2024 Course Descriptions

  • SEMESTER: Spring 2024

    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

    1. Bible – New Revised Standard Version
    2. David Carr, An Introduction to the Old Testament: Sacred Texts and Imperial Contexts of the Hebrew Bible
    3. Additional readings on Brightspace

    COURSE WORK/EXPECTATIONS

    1. Reading – students are expected to complete all readings prior to each class session (assessed by weekly reading quizzes)
    2. Participation – students are expected to lead and engage in discussion of readings and research
    3. Written assignments, research paper, and presentations

  • SEMESTER: Spring 2024

    COURSE TITLE:  Introduction to Systematic Theology Graduate Seminar

    COURSE NUMBER/SECTION: THST 6030.01

    TIMES/DAYS: M 4:30-7:00pm

    INSTRUCTOR:  Cecilia González-Andrieu, PhD.  

    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

    1. Familiarity with the constructive character of theological thought as it develops within diverse human communities.
    2. Development of skills to interlace questions of doctrine with their particular context, expressions, applications and relevance to contemporary ministry, scholarship and advocacy.
    3. Practice and growth in critical reading, skillful writing, constructive conversation and presentation.
    4. 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

    • Systematic Theology: Roman Catholic Perspectives. Francis Schussler Fiorenza and John P. Galvin, editors. 2nd edition, Fortress Press, 2011. ISBN-13: 978-0800662912 (704 pages)
    • Systematic Theology: Perspectives from Liberation Theology. Jon Sobrino and Ignacio Ellacuria, editors, Orbis Books, 1996. ISBN-13: 978-1570750687 (302 pages)
    • Catholic Women Preach: Raising Voices, Renewing the Church (Cycle B). Elizabeth Donnelly and Russ Petrus, editors, Orbis Books, 2023. ISBN 978-1-62698-536-0 (310 pages).

    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. The course meets on the Westchester campus three times and the rest of the meetings are synchronous online using the Zoom platform.

  • SEMESTER: Spring 2024

    COURSE TITLE:  Foundations of Theological Ethics

    COURSE NUMBER/SECTION: THST 6060

    TIMES/DAYS: T 7:15pm-9:45pm

    INSTRUCTOR:  Roberto Dell’Oro

    COURSE DESCRIPTION/PRINCIPAL TOPICS

    The class will introduce students to the foundations of theological ethics. After an introductory part, dealing with different models of ethical thinking, the class comprises different parts. It looks at the biblical sources of moral theology, the mediation of faith and moral reason, with special reference to the relation of philosophical and theological ethics, the ecclesial dimension of Christian morality, the debate on normative theories and the integration of virtue ethics, the place of conscience and discernment in moral decision-making, fundamental moral option and action theory. Applications to contemporary issues in the fields of bioethics, social, and sexual ethics, as well as pastoral theology will exemplify the meaning and function of different foundational frameworks, and the relation between theory and practice in moral theology.

    STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

    1. To introduce students to basic methodological questions in fundamental moral theology

    2. To learn critical tools for ethical decision making

    3. To relate foundational frameworks to concrete normative problems

    4. To understand how theological themes inform and shape moral arguments and ultimately moral life.

    PREREQUISITES/RECOMMENDED BACKGROUND 

    Undergraduate degree

    REQUIRED TEXTS

    • Maureeen Junker-Kenny, Approaches to Theological Ethics: Sources, Traditions, Visions (T&T Clark: London, 2019)
    • Richard M. Gula, Reason Informed by Faith: Foundations of Catholic Morality (New York: Paulist Press, 1989)
    • Klaus Demmer, Shaping the Moral Life: An Approach to Moral Theology, transl. by Roberto Dell’Oro (Washington, D.C.: Georgetown University Press, 2000)

    Work expectations:

    This graduate course is a combination of lectures and student participation through discussion sessions. Assignments include one written in-class presentation, two regular essays, and a research paper (15-20 pages) by the end of the semester. The midterm will be a take home exam. There is no final exam.

     

  • SEMESTER: Spring 2024

    COURSE TITLE: Pastoral Synthesis Seminar

    COURSE NUMBER/SECTION: THST 6091.01

    TIMES/DAYS: Thursdays, 4:30-7:00 pm (irregular meeting pattern), UH 3786

    INSTRUCTOR:  Dr. Brett C. Hoover

    COURSE DESCRIPTION/PRINCIPAL TOPICS

    In this course in the final year of study, pastoral theology students develop and execute their final capstone projects, each designed so that students can reflect on what they have learned and accomplished across the MA in Pastoral Theology. There are three capstone projects:

    • A Theology of Ministry Paper (TMP), which allows the student to present their own theology of ministry as informed by critical reflection on both ministry experience and theological theory about pastoral ministry.
    • An Assessment Portfolio, a required but ungraded assignment in which students draw upon previous academic work to show how they have met program learning outcomes for the MA in Pastoral Theology (PLOs 3-6 below).
    • A Pastoral Synthesis Project (PSP) is project in which students study in depth a pastoral challenge from their own context, making use of pastoral/practical theology methodology and integrating pastoral inquiry with theological study and pastoral planning.

    STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

    Students will be able to:

    1. Assess pastoral situations from a critical stance;
    2. Reflect on ministerial practice in and perfect ministry skills for a culturally and religiously diverse society;
    3. Perform biblical exegesis with attention both to historical contexts and contemporary pastoral contexts
    4. Reflect critically on the praxis of faith and of justice within an ecumenically minded Roman Catholic context;
    5. Situate contemporary theological developments and pastoral practice in light of historical trajectories;
    6. Interpret the work of seminal thinkers in 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 concurrently enrolled)

    RECOMMENDED TEXTS

    • Kate L. Turabian, Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations: Chicago Style for Students & Researchers, 9th ed.

    COURSE WORK/EXPECTATIONS

    Expectations for this class include a Theology of Ministry paper, a portfolio, a proposal, and the different sections of a Pastoral Synthesis Project.  

  • SEMESTER: Spring 2024

    COURSE TITLE: Supervised Pastoral Field Education

    COURSE NUMBER/SECTION: THST 6078.01

    TIMES/DAYS: W 4:30pm (Synchronous via Zoom , and On Line Asynchronous Work)

    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 practice 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:

    1. Identify and elaborate the connections between their experiences of ministry and the theology they are learning;
    2. Articulate key contextual factors—environmental, cultural, psychological, spiritual and ecclesial—that impact particular ministry sites and pastoral challenges;
    3. Facilitate work and learning groups in the context of ministry;
    4. Demonstrate competency in prayer leadership and oral presentation (preaching) skills;
    5. 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).
    • Richard Rohr, The Universal Christ (portions only) .

    COURSE WORK/EXPECTATIONS

    Active Class Participation

    Preparation of Case Studies

    Regular meeting with Supervisor at Your Current (or Chosen) Ministry Site Portfolio, drafted in stages during the course, serves as the final exam.