Master of Arts (Summer)

Summer 2008 Course in Tantur, Israel
THEO 64208 Jerusalem, the Desert and Galilee: A Theological Inquiry Syllabus
3 credits, Virgilio Elizondo (S.T./S.S.)
CRN: 3777
June 1-11, 2008

Summer Session Office Information: (Click here)
The summer session is fully described in the Summer Session Bulletin and on the Summer Session Web site. Sometimes referred to as Summer School, the summer session is one of three academic terms at Notre Dame.

2008 Class Schedule
View the Summer 2008 Calendar - Summer Theology Events, times, and dates. Graduate-level courses are arranged within two three-week modules:
Module 1: June 16 - July 4, 2008 & Module 2: July 7 – July 25, 2008 Student on camel in Tantur.

Students may choose to attend either or both of these, but may not take more than two courses for credit within any given module.   Requests to audit courses in excess of this limit need the approval of the area coordinator.

Degree-seeking students should normally plan to take no more than nine or ten credits in any summer.  Normally all graduate courses will meet daily for 2 1/4 hours. For further details, see the individual course description.

Summer 2008 Course Descriptions

(All courses meet Monday through Friday)

Biblical Studies Courses

THEO 60108 - WISDOM LITERATURE (B.S.) Syllabus
3 credits, (The Rev.) Hugh R. Page, Jr., DMin, PhD
2:00 to 4:20 MTWHF July 7 to July 25, 2008
This course will examine writings found in the Hebrew Bible and Apocrypha that scholars commonly assign to the wisdom genre. The primary canonical exemplars of this type of literature are Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes. To this group, some have added Esther and the Song of Songs. Ecclesiasticus, Wisdom, and (in the opinion of certain commentators) Judith -- all of which are extra-canonical works -- also belong to this genre. In addition to these books, the presence of wisdom motifs has also been detected in other parts of the Bible (e.g., Genesis, the Psalter, and Daniel).

 

THEO 60114. Pauline Writings (B.S.)
3 credits, Jerome Murphy-O'Connor
10:40-1:00 MTWRF July 7-July 25, 2008
The purpose of this course is to restore his real personality to Paul, who is most often understood as fountain of theological ideas. This will involve a somewhat detailed reconstruction of the world in which he lived, with specific concern for the influences that formed him, and the controversies that forced him to think more deeply. His letters will be studied in the order in which they were written with a view to dating and explaining the emergence of his key theological ideas. The required readings are: J. Murphy-O'Connor, Paul. A Critical Life (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1996). Paperback edition ISBN 0-19-285342-2. The Cambridge Companion to St Paul (ed. J.D.G. Dunn; Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2003). Paperback edition ISBN 0-521-78694-0.

The course requirements are: (a) two short (4-5 pages double-spaced), the first to be presented on Monday 14 July, and the second on Monday 21 July. (b) active class participation.

THEO 60136 Genesis (B.S.)
Syllabus: http://www.nd.edu/~ganders2/Genesis/theo_60136.html
3 credits, Gary Anderson
10:40-1:00 MTWRF June 16-July 4, 2008
The book of Genesis is arguably the most commented upon book in the Old Testament. Nearly all of the theological themes most dear to the Bible are the subject of considerable narrative elaboration: Creation, fall, redemption, and election. This course will consider how the various stories in Genesis raise the profoundest of questions and what sort of answers it has provided the theological reader. The focus of the course will be on a close reading of the entirety of the book with the goal of mastering the whole.

THEO 60145 New Testament Ethics (B.S./M.T.)
3 credits, Gregory Sterling
8:10-10:30 MTWRF June 16-July 4, 2008
This course is an overview of the ethical values that are expressed in the writings of the New Testament. The course will concentrate on three aspects of ethical exhortation in the New Testament. First, we will examine the criteria by which different New Testament authors reach moral judgments. What is the relevance of the law? What happens when a Christian author rejects the validity of the law? Do later texts in the New Testament betray Christian values by accepting Greco-Roman ethical values? Second, we will explore specific issues that are of contemporary relevance, e.g., divorce, sexual ethics. Finally, we will probe the suitability of the criteria used by New Testament authors for making moral judgments today. How do we explain the variations in criteria among different authors? Does one approach offer more help than others?

Theology – Catechesis Studies Courses

THEO 60221. Catechesis: History and Theory (H.C./S.T.) Syllabus
3 credits, Gerard Baumbach
10:40-1:00 MTWRF June 16-July 4, 2008
 Catechesis aims “‘to put people not only in touch but in communion, in intimacy, with Jesus Christ’” (National Directory for Catechesis 19B, quoting Catechesi Tradendae 5; cf. General Directory for Catechesis 80). What is catechesis and how does catechesis pursue this aim in contemporary parish life? What are some dimensions of the Church’s understanding of catechesis during selected periods in the history of the Church (e.g., influence of the baptismal catechumenate)? This course will enable students to explore catechesis from selected historical and contemporary perspectives, to gain awareness of developments in practice and in theoretical approaches, and to acquire and demonstrate a working familiarity with contemporary catechetical literature. Readings will include a variety of sources from antiquity to the present. Students will be encouraged to apply these sources to issues in parish catechetical leadership today.

THEO 60222. Christian Doctrine for Catechists (H.C./S.T.)
3 credits, John Cavadini
8:10-10:30 MTWRF July 7 to July 25, 2008
This course is intended to serve as a resource for catechists and religious educators. It provides a basic theological introduction to the material represented in Pillars I and II of the Catechism of the Catholic Church: the Creed and the Sacraments. The course is specifically designed to cover this material in a way that will provide facility in teaching it in a variety of contexts. Readings will come not only from the Catechism , but from various primary sources, both traditional and contemporary illustrative of the theology that forms its background. The course will be especially useful for anyone wishing to acquire an understanding of the basic doctrines of the Catholic faith and of the theological integration of these doctrines.

History of Christianity Studies Courses

THEO 60232 Reformation History (H.C.) Syllabus
3 credits, David Steinmetz
8:10-10:30 MTWRF June 16-July 4, 2008
An examination of the theology of such major Protestant figures as Luther, Zwingli, Calvin, Melanchthon, Menno Simons and Thomas Cranmer in the context of competing Catholic visions of reform. Requirements: Three 4-page papers and a final exam.

For textbooks, get the paper editions of David Bagchi and David Steinmetz, eds., The Cambridge Companion to Reformation Theology . Cambridge, 2004. Hans J.
Hillerbrand, ed., The Protestant Reformation . Harper Torchbooks, 1968. David C.Steinmetz, Reformers in the Wings, 2 ed., Oxford, 2001.

THEO 60237 Introduction to Judaism (H.C./S.T.) Syllabus
3 credits, Michael Signer
10:40-1:00 MTWRF June 16-July 4, 2008
Religious practice helps us order and orient ourselves within the world and community. Judaism is a religion of practice and commitment to a life lived in the presence of God. It speaks of covenant rather than salvation and focuses on practice rather than dogmatic formulae. This course examine the various cycles of Jewish practice including rites of passage, daily, weekly, and yearly observances. Within the structure provided by personal, ritual, and holiday celebration we find the essential theology of Judaism: a life built around the study and practice of Torah. Course Requirements: Preparation and Attendance is required. Students are expected to prepare readings and appropriate texts for class discussions. Students will prepare two reflection papers which will be due at the midpoint and the end of the course. These papers will focus on student analysis of the readings and texts synthesized with their own reflections on the experience. All students are invited to attend Jewish worship services on Friday night.

THEO 60250 Introduction to Early Christianity: Cultures, Beliefs, and Teachings (H.C.)
3 credits, Robin Darling Young Syllabus
2:00-4:20 MTWRF June 16-July 4, 2008
From its origins in the Judaism of first-century Palestine, early Christianity spread quickly into Aramaic-, Greek-, and Latin-speaking communities of the Roman Empire. This course will introduce the institutions created by Christianity as it separated from Judaism, as well as its interaction with the cultures into which it spread around the Mediterranean basin and into Mesopotamia and the Caucasus. From these interactions came an articulated church structure, with literary and liturgical cultures specific to particular territories, and a cluster of beliefs both shared with and differentiated from Graeco-Roman and eastern cultures. Along with the history of these cultures, the course will consider the book cultures of early Christianity and its catechists, who gave rise to a web of teachings modulated in controversy and ecumenical councils. The resultant theology, particularly teachings about the divine nature of Jesus and the related doctrine of the triadic godhead, is an important philosophical legacy of early Christianity, and will be the focus of inquiry as the course progresses.

THEO 60251 Aquinas: Spiritual Master (H.C./S.S./S.T.) Syllabus
3 credits, Keith Egan
2:00-4:20 MTWRF July 7-July 25, 2008
1. This course is an introduction to the texts and major themes in the theology of Thomas Aquinas. It is also an introduction to the development of those skills needed in the interpretation of the theology of this saint and doctor of the church. Special attention is paid to Aquinas’ ability to integrate his theology and what, in modern times, we call spirituality. For Aquinas his theology is his spirituality, Walter Principe, CSB, has called this integrated doctrine Aquinas’ “Theological Spirituality.” Special attention is also given to the use of scripture by this Master of the Sacred Page.

2. This course is especially meant for those who have not had an opportunity to be introduced to the theology of Thomas Aquinas. There is an unfounded presumption that the theology of Aquinas is too complex for the non-expert. This hesitation to consult Thomas Aquinas, saint and doctor of the church, is unfortunate because it deprives one of contact with a theologian who has composed some of the great classics of Christian Theology. Only Saint Augustine (87 times) is cited more than Aquinas (61 times) in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. But, Thomas Aquinas’ importance to the theological tradition goes well beyond numbers and titles. This Dominican theologian gathered up much of the theological tradition that preceded him, and he melded that tradition into a new synthesis that has created a genuine benchmark for Christian theology. The theology of Thomas Aquinas by no means has all the answers to great religious questions. Yet, the theology of Thomas Aquinas is a unique substantial theological resource that serves as a great storehouse of theological wisdom for the Christian community. Anyone interested in Christian theology should be able to consult with confidence the wisdom of this Dominican friar.

3. In addition, Thomas Aquinas has much to offer students for the Master’s degree at Notre Dame University. To become an able conversation partner with Thomas Aquinas means that one is befriended by one Christianity’s truly great minds, a mind with an uncommon gift for order, clarity, precision, incisiveness and synthesis, “virtues” that serve well anyone who seeks to practice fides quaerens intellectum, faith seeking understanding. As friar Thomas wrote: “…it is characteristic of the wise person to bring about order in all things.” As Bernard Lonergan, SJ, has put it, I spent my whole life reaching up to the mind of Thomas Aquinas and what happened was that I was changed by that reaching. Lonergan would call that change intellectual conversion. We shall try to reach up to the mind of Thomas Aquinas. Befriend that mind and you shall have a intellectual friend like no other.

4. The daily sessions of this course will be divided into two parts--A: background lectures on major themes in the study of Thomas Aquinas B: Working sessions in which short texts, e.g., articles from the Summa theologiae taken from the writings of Thomas Aquinas, will be prepared by students for discussion in class. Each student is responsible for bringing written notes on these assigned texts. These working sessions are meant to provide experiences that lead to confidence in the interpretation of Thomas Aquinas. This course is very brief—only fifteen sessions, so we can sample only some of the texts of Thomas Aquinas, but we shall attempt to choose sample texts judiciously so that, when we finish this course, each of us will have developed considerable confidence in consulting the theology of Thomas Aquinas.

THEO 60253 Christological Doctrine: Development and Contemporary Questions (HC/ST) Syllabus
3 credits, Khaled Anatolios
2:00-4:20 MTWRF July 7-July 25, 2008
The question that the evangelist Mark reports Jesus as addressing to his disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" (Mk 8:29) received a definitive response in Church doctrine only through a long and sometimes tumultuous process of development. This question is also addressed to all Jesus' disciples through the ages. In seeking to formulate our own responses to this question, we need to take account of the process and rationale by which the early Church struggled toward an adequate proclamation of who Jesus is. Moreover, the development of christological doctrine in our own time raises new questions, such as those posed by the feminist critique and religious pluralism. The project of this course is to integrate our questions with those that generated the development of christological doctrine, so that we may delve deeper into the mystery of the human-divine identity of Jesus Christ.           

Liturgical Studies Courses

THEO 60404. Eucharist 
(LS) Syllabus (Updated 4/29/08)
3 credits, Michael Driscoll
2:00-4:20 MTWRF July 7-July 25, 2008
The church makes the Eucharist and the Eucharist makes the church. A biblical, historical, systematic and liturgical treatment of the eucharistic liturgy with a special emphasis on pastoral considerations. Two brief reports and a final examination are required.

THEO 60413. The Theology of Liturgical Ministries (LS) Syllabus
2 credits, Nathan Mitchell
8:15-10:30 MTWHF, July 7-July 18, 2008
This course examines the historical development and theological significance of ministries, lay and ordained, which serve the Church when it gathers for liturgical celebration. Particular emphasis will be given to those lay ministries-e.g., readers, servers, leaders of song, pastoral musicians, extraordinary ministers of communion-that have emerged within the Roman Catholic community since the II Vatican Council. The relation between lay and ordained ministers within the one priesthood of Christ will also be discussed. Finally, the course will focus attention on the liturgical assembly itself as a primary minister whenever the Church prays, sings, proclaims the Word of God, or celebrates the sacraments.
(SummerSong Program - Two-week course.)

THEO 60414. Liturgical Year for the Pastoral Musician (LS) Syllabus
2 credits, Donald LaSalle
8:10-10:30 MTWRF, July 7-July 18, 2008
This course is an overview of Sunday and the major seasons of the year for liturgical musicians. It considers key principles of the liturgical year and applies a basic historical and theological understanding of each season to liturgical planning and the selection and evaluation of liturgical music repertoire.
(SummerSong Program - Two-week course.)

THEO 60416. Liturgical Theology (LS) Syllabus

3 credits, David Fagerberg
8:10-10:30 MTWRF July 7-July 25, 2008

This course will detail how Christian theology is rooted in the liturgy’s lex orandi. We will begin by defining the method and scope of liturgical theology (especially using Schmemann, Kavanagh and Taft). We will then apply this to catechetics, asceticism, ecclesiology, and spirituality. Looking at specific topics in liturgical theology and some of the influential authors in the liturgical movement of this century, the student will arrive at a framework for relating the liturgical life of the body of Christ with ministry that leads to and flows from it.

THEO 60417. Christian Initiation (LS) Syllabus (Updated 4/29/08)
3 credits, Maxwell Johnson
10:40-1:00 MTWRF 
June 16-July 4, 2008
This course will trace the historical development of the liturgies and theological interpretations of Christian Initiation in East and West from the New Testament period to the modern period of ecumenical convergence. In light of this historical investigation some modern forms of these rites (e.g., RCIA, LBW, BCP, etc.) will be considered theologically and ecumenically with an eye toward pastoral appropriations and implications.

THEO 60421. Liturgical Year (LS) Syllabus
3 credits, Patrick Regan
10:40-1:00 MTWRF July 7-July 25, 2008
An exploration of the origins, development and present significance of Sunday and Ordinary Time; Lent, Paschal Triduum and Easter Season; Advent, Christmas and Epiphany; feasts of Mary and the Saints. Special attention will be paid to comparing and contrasting the Missal of Pius V (1570) following the Council of Trent with the third typical edition of the Missal of Paul VI (2002). Though academic, the course provides a highly desirable foundation for pastoral practice and spirituality.

Required Reading: Thomas J. Talley, The Origins of the Liturgical Year. Collegeville: The Liturgical Press, 1991. 
Maxwell E. Johnson, ed., Between Memory and Hope. Collegeville: The Liturgical Press, 2000.

Other Requirements: Three reflection papers on required reading, each three pages in length, and a fifteen minute oral exam on selected class lectures at end of course.

THEO 60422. Liturgical Prayer 
Syllabus
3 credits, Paul Bradshaw
8:10-10:30 MTWRF June 16-July 4, 2008

A study of the theology and practice of liturgical prayer in the Christian tradition past and present.

Moral Theology Courses

THEO 60609 Christian Ethics and Pastoral Practice (MT) Syllabus
3 credits, Paulinus Odozor
10:40-1:00 MTWRF July 7-July 25, 2008
Faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and savior has practical implications for the way believers construe the world and organize their lives. What are these implications for Christian life in some specific areas of life and what are the tensions that arise from the attempt of the Christian community to remain faithful to the teachings of the Lord Jesus, all the while trying to live a fully human life. This is at the core of our course. Therefore, in this course, we will (a) study the ethical stance of the Christian (Catholic) community on a number of issues as well as the pastoral challenges arising from the position of this community on these matters; (b) explore the ways the pastoral worker can help to translate effectively Church teaching and moral theology in these areas; (c) look at the moral demands that arise from the exercise of any pastoral ministry in the Church today.

THEO 60619. 60619. Faith, Morality and Law (MT) Syllabus
3 credits, Cathleen Kaveny
2:00-4:20 MTWRF June 16-July 4, 2008
This course will look at the relationship between faith, morality and law in the Christian tradition. Section One will look at the relationship between the moral law and the Christian life, looking at relevant scriptural passages, as well as classic Protestant and Catholic views on the subject. Section Two will consider the proper relationship of civil law and morality in civil society. Students will be introduced to the prevailing secular views on the topic, as well as the Catholic view expressed in Evangelium Vitae. In Section Three, we will look at the responsibilities of Christians in the face of unjust laws or legal systems. We will consider whether and when there is an obligation to civil disobedience, looking at St. Thomas More, the Berrigans, and Martin Luther King Jr.

Systematic Theology Courses

THEO 60806. Ecclesiology (ST) Syllabus
3credits, Richard P.McBrien

2:00-4:20 MTWRF June 16-July 4, 2008
An examination of the nature and mission of the Church, with special emphasis on the Second Vatican Council; its theological and doctrinal antecedents and post-conciliar developments.

THEO 60841 Doctrine of the Triune God (ST) Syllabus (Canceled 5/9/08)
3 credits, Gerald O'Collins
2:00-5:45 MTWRF June 23-July 4, 2008
This course will first examine the biblical roots for the doctrine of the Trinity and the development of this doctrine in the teaching and theology of the Church. Then the course will take up systematic questions, such as the viability of the language of “one nature and three persons,” the personal existence of the Holy Spirit, the actions of the Trinity, and naming or re-naming the Trinity. The course will end with reflections on the Trinity in art, literature and liturgy.
(Two-week course)

THEO 60847. Pastoral Theology
2 credits, Janice Poorman
2:00-4:20 TR
(Echo 1st-Year participants only.)
This course is designed to assist newly selected apprentice catechetical leaders within the ECHO/Faith Formation Leadership Program in their preparation for lay ecclesial ministry. Participants learn fundamental pastoral/ministerial skills and processes involved in theological reflection, facilitation of growth in faith, pastoral counseling, parish administration, spiritual direction, and ministry to distinct groups by age and culture. Class sections include interactive lectures and small group work, as well as introductions to pastoral utilization of case study method, learning covenants, and formalized professional mentoring relationships. Class sessions also afford participants opportunities for in-class panel presentations on topics pertinent to catechetical leadership in the Roman Catholic Church.

THEO 60848. Theological Integration 

2 credits, Janice Poorman

(Echo 2nd-Year Participants Only.)
This course represents a continuation of Theology 60847 and is designed to assist apprentice catechetical leaders in the ECHO/Faith Formation Leadership Program in their ongoing integration of theological studies and professional ministerial praxis. Having completed a full academic year of parish ministry, participants nurture their emerging ministerial identities and skills while utilizing class sessions for advanced work in theological reflection based on case study method and for seminar facilitation of conversation on theological topics pertinent to catechetical leadership in the Roman Catholic Church. In addition to deepened exploration of ministerial skills and processes emphasized during their first year in ECHO, participants engage in facilitated appropriation of leadership skills such as ministerial collaboration, mutual empowerment, delegation, community building, conflict resolution, volunteer management, parish needs assessment, and effective pastoral communication.

THEO 60855 Prayer and Transformation in Christian Spirituality: Theology, History and Practice (SS) Syllabus
3 credits, Philip Sheldrake
2:00-4:20 MTWRF July 7-July 25, 2008
The course explores varied understandings of prayer in the Christian spiritual tradition from theological, historical and pastoral perspectives. It also relates prayer to the purpose and process of spiritual transformation. While the Christian tradition of prayer embraces a range of practices and methods, personal and collective, “prayer” embodies how the human relationship with God is understood. The first part of the course considers theological understandings of prayer, a historical overview of Christian prayer, theories of spiritual transformation, contemporary contexts and questions. The second, major part of the course, examines five contrasting Christian spiritual traditions and how these address the relationship of prayer to spiritual transformation. Course requirements: daily readings, class discussion, a paper and a written summary supporting a class presentation.

THEO 60856 Three Who Shaped Contemporary Catholic Theology: De Lubac, Congar, and Rahner (S.T./H.C.) Syllabus
3 credits, Thomas Ryba
8:10-10:30 MTWRF July 7-July 25, 2008
Henry de Lubac (1896-1991), Karl Rahner (1904-1984), and Yves Congar (1904-1995), all born at the beginning of the twentieth century, grew to intellectual maturity at precisely the opportune moment to shape the content of Vatican II as well as to influence subsequent Roman Catholic theology. But this influence was made possible only after a complex dialectic had played itself out.

The intellectual lives of these three thinkers illustrate a dialectic between Church and theologian not uncommon in the lives of the Roman Catholic tradition’s subtlest, most original and disciplined thinkers. Having clearly grasped the lacunae in and limitations of classical theology, each attempted to provide more adequate (and, hence, more truthful) theological formulations based upon the ressourcement of theological history. Because they so forcefully stretched the limits of the theological horizon that enveloped the pre-Vatican II Church, they suffered the rancor and retribution of those who interpreted their projects as dangerous examples of formal or material heresy. But, like the greatest theologians who preceded them, they their fidelity and their thought were eventually exonerated, and they went on to profoundly influence subsequent theological development.

The purpose of this course is to lead students on an exploration of two key works (of each author) leading to an appreciation of the three’s unique thematic contributions to Roman Catholic theology and to Christian theology, in general.

Among the theological themes explored will be: the unity of nature and grace, the meaning of revelation, the role of the laity in the Church, the universality of salvation, the nature and meaning of life after death, and the identity of the economic and immanent Trinity and the meaning of Trinitarian personhood, among other topics. The impact of these themes on Vatican II and post-Vatican II theology will also be surveyed.

Chiefly, Seminar Presentations with occasional lectures. During the first week of class, Dr. Ryba’s lectures will provide an introduction to the tangled nest of late 19th and early 20th century theological and ecclesiastical concerns as well as a biographical sketch of each of the three thinkers. During this period, the student presenters will ready their seminar papers/outlines. During the second and third weeks of class, students will read and discuss the expository and critical essays they’ve written on the three thinkers.

THEO 60857 Augustine and the Christian Life
3 credits, Lawrence Cunningham
8:00-10:40 MTWRF June 16-July 4, 2008
This course will focus on a close reading of some of Saint Augustine's shorter works with a precise concentration on what the great Father of the Church considers to be a life lived under the grace of God in faith. Our readings will concentrate on some treatises found in the volume, On Christian Belief, ed. Boniface Ramsey (Hyde Park: New City Press, 2005) {ISBN for paperback edition: 1-56548-234-4]. We would concentrate on the "Enchiridion of Faith, Hope and Charity> but also read "The Advantage of Believing", and "Faith and the Creed" and a few others as time permits. A short essay will be required at the end of each week and class discussion will be part of our close reading of Augustine's texts. In the first week of the course we will read Books 1-9 of Augustine's <Confessions> as preparation for reading the shorter treatises. Students may begin to read that work before our class begins as preparation. I will use the new translation of <The Confessions of Saint Augustine> trans. Boulding. (New City Press). [ISBN 1-56548-084-8]

Theo 60858 Theology of Ministry Syllabus
3 credits, Edward Hahnenberg
10:40-1:00 MTWRF July 7-July 25, 2008
This course studies the theology of ecclesial ministry-lay and ordained. Taking into account the biblical background and historical developments, the course focuses on the discussion of ministry in the Roman Catholic Church following the Second Vatican Council. Students will work together to (1) understand church teaching and recent theological debate on the theology of ministry and priesthood and (2) gain a vocabulary and principles for articulating their own ministerial identity.

THEO 60956.Theology of Family in Ecclesial Life: Implications and Applications in Pastoral Ministry Syllabus
2 credits, George and Judy Clark
2:00-7:00 W July 30, 2008
9:00-6:00 RF July 31-August 1, 2008
Family life is a privileged locale for encountering God in everyday life experiences. The domestic church is the initial training ground for faith growth and forming disciples, profoundly shaping religious identity among its members. Thus, the larger Church stresses the importance of bringing a family perspective to all ministry efforts. This course addresses the foundational principles of a family perspective through theological, scriptural and historical background. It stresses the role of parish/diocese in empowering the family to live out its mission and tasks as church of the home.

THEO 64208 Jerusalem, the Desert and Galilee: A Theological Inquiry Syllabus
3 credits, Virgilio Elizondo (S.T./S.S.)
CRN: 3777
TBA MTWRF June 1-11, 2008
(To take place in Tantur, Israel, June 1-11, 2008. Students should plan to arrive on May 30 to get over (a little) the jetlag. There are 15 places available. Please let Matt Zyniewicz know if you plan to register for this course. Once there are 8 or more students confirmed for the course, the students may then make their own travel arrangements.)

This two-week course through the land of Jesus will seek to explore the theological themes of the gospel narratives informed by the socio-cultural and historical perspectives. The journey through the land organizes the theology, which is a reflection on the deeper meaning of the journey. In keeping with the tradition of the earliest followers of Jesus and of subsequent generations of Christians, by returning to the places of origins, we will seek a better understanding of the foundational words, persons, events and places mentioned in the gospels so as to probe their redemptive value for us today.

Costs for the course:

1. Tuition (about $348 per credit hour; it will be a 3-credit course)
2. Travel (about $1,200 for a flight)
3. Room and board, including fees for field trips ($1,200)

 

Intensive Course

THEO 63203. The Intensive Course: Hans Urs von Balthasar Syllabus
4 credits, Cyril O’Regan
9:45-12:00 & 2:00-4:15 MTWRF July 7-July 18, 2008
This intensive course serves as an introduction to the wide-ranging thought of the Swiss Catholic theologian, Hans Urs von Balthasar. It has three major foci: (1) His attempt to relink theology and spirituality, a link that has been broken in the modern period, including his reflections on the intrinsic relation of holiness and theology, on the non-scientific practice of biblical interpretation, and on prayer; (2) his fundamental option for an essentially christocentric rather than anthropocentric point of view. Here his difference in fundamental starting point from much of modern and contemporary Catholic theology will be examined; (3) his innovative concentration on the centrality of beauty to theology, and the necessity for thinking of God as beautiful as well as good and true. Although it will not be a specific focus, the ecumenical context and orientation of von Balthasar's work, and specifically its relation to Protestantism and the Eastern Orthodoxy, will be kept to the fore.

Comprehensive Review Course

THEO 68802. Comprehensive Review
1 credit, J. Matthew Ashley, Michael Driscoll, Randall Zachman
TBA MTWRFJuly 7-July 18, 2008
A review course open only to those taking comprehensive examinations in July 2008. This course meets MWF in the first week and TH in the second. Monday is dedicated to finalizing comprehensive topics, Wednesday and Friday to the written portion of the exams. The second week, Tuesday and Thursday, focuses on the oral portion of the exams.


Dates for M.A. Theology Exams Summer 2008
M.A. Written Exams: Monday, July 21, 2008
M.A. Oral Exams: Wednesday, July 23, 2008 and Thursday, July 24, 2008
(Echo M.A. Oral Exams: Tuesday, July 22, 2008 and Wednesday, July 23, 2008)

Past Summer Course Descriptions