Course Descriptions - School of Theology

PTHO 1504	Conversion Processes and the Catholic Community A discussion of the call to conversion as lived in the Catholic community and the fundamental vocation of all Christians to turn from sin and to grow in holiness, a mission given in a special way to those preparing for ordained ministry. Part of the Pretheology Formation Program, for undergraduate credit only. 3 credits.
PTHO 1505	Social Institutions and the Call to Holiness A continuation of PTHO 1504. Undergraduate credit only. 3 credits.
PTHO 1506	Human Spiritual/Pastoral Development and Integration Part of the Pretheology Formation Program, an introduction to the vision of formation contained in Pastores Dabo Vobis. An analysis of this papal exhortation and its four measures of human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral development in the seminarian. 3 credits.
PTHO 6007	Pastoral Spanish I Beginning Spanish for non-Spanish speakers, focusing on building communication skills and addressing language situations encountered in pastoral ministry. 2 credits.
PTHO 6008	Pastoral Spanish II A continuation of PTHO 6007. 2 credits.
PTHO 6009	Pastoral Spanish III An intermediate Spanish course for those with elementary knowledge of Spanish, continuing to build communication skills for use in pastoral ministry settings. 2 credits.
PTHO 6010	Pastoral Spanish IV A continuation of PTHO 6009. 2 credits.
PTHO 6011	Oral Interpretation Basic skills in public speaking, including the ability to proclaim a text. Students work with Biblical passages to develop attention to voice, articulation and principles of interpretation. 1 credit.
PTHO 6109	Introduction to Preaching A broad introduction to homiletics, laying the theological and historical foundations for preaching. An examination of the biblical, doctrinal, and liturgical factors to be considered in formulating homiletic content. An exploration of various preaching styles and of the general principles of homiletic organization and effectiveness. 2 credits.
PTHO 6112	Preaching Practicum I A continuation of homiletic instruction where students will deliver homilies for various occasions, subject to self, peer and professional criticism. 2 credits.
PTHO 6113	Preaching Practicum II A continuation of PTHO 6112, with special attention to the practical delivery of homilies. Particularly designed for deacons. 2 credits.
PTHO 6201	Pastoral Psychology Reviews several current models of personality and human development theory. Case studies are employed to illustrate the theological models of Freud, Jung, Mahler and Piaget. Themes include personality growth and sexuality; separation-individuation; and the relationship of psychology to theology. 3 credits.
PTHO 6202	Pastoral Counseling Nature of counseling; responsibility of the counselor; goals in counseling; resistance and termination. Particular attention to ethical and religious issues in counseling. 3 credits.
PTHO 6211	Addiction Counseling Directed to persons who are in positions of counseling and/or dealing with individuals/families with alcohol or drug abuse problems. Combines two integrated training components: up-to date information and micro-counseling. Presentation of case histories required. 3 credits.
PTHO 6213	Addiction and Community Attitudes and values, up-to-date information about alcohol and drug abuse, misuse, abuse and addiction. Prevention and education, identification and intervention techniques, referral, pre- and post-treatment; counseling and special population group issues (clergy, religious, seminarians); pastoral care dimensions of addiction work. 3 credits.
PTHO 6301	Parish as Learning Community A consideration of the parish as a learning community and its catechetical approaches to adults, along with the shifts and trends affecting contemporary catechesis. Contemporary approaches to catechesis/religious education as well as the relationship of catechesis/religious education to liturgy, social justice and human development. Developmental psychology as it pertains to faith development. Current trends in the Church particularly supportive of adult faith growth. 3 credits.
PTHO 6315	Hispanic Catechesis A survey of basic principles of catechesis, with special attention to the pastoral and cultural situation of and resources available to Hispanic communities. 3 credits.
PTHO 6323	Adult Catechesis The history of adult education and adult religious education; psychological and sociological considerations; adult faith development; principles of adult education; learning styles; adult spirituality; program planning; and integration with other ministries. 3 credits.
PTHO 6325	Liturgy and Catechesis The theological relationship between liturgy and catechesis: historical perspectives, implications of conversion for worship and catechesis; liturgical and personal spirituality; the role of the sacraments, the RCIA and prayer; models of effective integration/collaboration between liturgists and catechists. 3 credits.
PTHO 6327	Catechetical Ministry: History, Principles, Issues History and development of catechetics and central theological issues such as revelation and faith; a phenomenology of religious knowledge; nature of conversion; approaches to catechesis; integration of message, community, prayer and worship; justice and service; ministry of the catechist; issues in contemporary catechesis. 3 credits.
PTHO 6338	Issues in Hispanic Ministry An introduction to ministry in Hispanic circles, focusing on the sociological and psychological contexts of American Hispanics and the Catholic Church. Contemporary Church documents on ministry to Hispanics and practical helps for effective sacramental, social and counseling ministry in Hispanic communities. 3 credits.
PTHO 6339	Catechetical Administration A study of catechetical administration within parochial settings. After an initial survey of contemporary research on parishes and catechesis, focus will be on two areas: catechetical leadership (including spirituality of leadership, leadership theories and strategic planning) and catechetical administration (including human resources, effective program management, marketing/public relations and finance). 3 credits.
PTHO 6340	Exploring Catechetical Partnerships Using catechetical and organizational theory, an exploration of old and new catechetical partnerships between parishes and families. Preparation of a three to five year plan to create catechetical partnerships meeting the needs of people and parishes for: an integrated approach to total parish catechesis; enspiriting true family involvement in the faith development of all its members; and establishing a parish faith mentoring program especially for youth, young adults and young families. 3 credits.
PTHO 6401	General Canon Law Church law and its role in the Church today; history of canon law, particularly the 1983 Code. The character of the 1983 Code of Canon Law is considered as well as certain general institutes of law as they appear in Book I and certain canons in Books II and VII with reference to the status of laity and clerics. 3 credits.
PTHO 6405	Canon Law of Marriage Canonical and pastoral aspects of current Church legislation on the sacrament of matrimony. Aspects of the 1983 Code having practical and innovative impact on the marital state, particularly in the area of tribunal jurisprudence. 3 credits.
PTHO 6408	Canon Law for Parish Ministry For those engaged in parish ministry, clergy and laity, a discussion of what is necessary and useful in the Church's law regarding the parish community. An analysis of the sources of relevant legislation, the law and its proper application and pastoral interpretation to enable those involved in parish ministry to integrate better the Church's discipline and their service to the People of God. 3 credits.
PTHO 6503	Liturgical Practicum Demonstration and practical exercises for priesthood candidates in the ministries of celebrating Eucharist and other sacramental liturgies, including the RCIA and Baptism of children, marriage, funerals, sacramental ministry to the sick and dying, Benediction and the Liturgy of the Hours in parishes. 2 credits.
PTHO 6505	Liturgy, Music and Psalms The nature of psalmody and its use in the Roman liturgy, especially the Eucharist and the Liturgy of the Hours; an overview of the historical use of psalmody followed by the various types of Psalm settings. Criteria are developed for effective selection of texts and melodies in light of current Church documents. Emphasis on a balance of liturgical, pastoral and musical factors. 3 credits.
PTHO 6513	Integrating Project Until further notice this course is replaced by PTHO 9101.
PTHO 6518	Integrating Music and Liturgical Celebration Principles of Vatican II and subsequent Church teaching on liturgical/musical integration. An overview of the history of liturgical music is provided emphasizing the proper balance of liturgical, pastoral and musical factors. Consideration also is given to topics as: liturgical year; effective selection of music for particular celebrations; copyright issues. 2 credits.
PTHO 6644	Youth Ministry I First section: focus on justice, peace and service, drawing from theology and Scripture, social analysis and adolescent development. Development of educational programs, service/action projects and infusion strategies. Second section: focus on pastoral care, examining principles and methods in the context of family systems and adolescent development. 3 credits.
PTHO 6645	Youth Ministry II First section: an examination of the interrelationships of growth in faith and adolescent spiritual development, building the student's understanding of the theology of sacraments, worship and prayer, and developing skills needed for designing prayer services, liturgical celebrations and retreat programs. Second section: an exploration of the theological and multicultural foundations of faith growth in adolescence as well as the purposes, scope and approaches for evangelization and catechesis. 3 credits.
PTHO 6646	Youth Ministry III Overview of youth ministry in light of theology, psychology, developmental theory, culture and sociology. Focus on profiles of early, middle, and late adolescence drawn from the various developmental and social sciences; and exploration of family systems; and an analysis of American social trends facing youth. 3 credits.
PTHO 6647	Youth Ministry IV First section: an exploration of the role of the leader in Christian ministry, combining theory presentation with experiential learning. Emphasis on skills for planning, implementing, developing resources in and evaluating youth ministry programs. Second section: an examination of the student's own ministry style, along with a discussion of conflict management, problem solving, stress management, effective communication, and team building. 3 credits. Note: Descriptions for PTHO 6644-67 sometimes changes. Contact the associate dean for final information.
PTHO 6702	Faith Formative Leadership The roles of the catechist and catechetical leaders in nurturing and supporting the development of faith; leadership styles and teaching strategies to assist faith development. 3 credits.
PTHO 6706	Leading the Catechetical Learning-Teaching Process A review of the theory and practice of various models of teaching, and an application of these models to the catechetical classroom. Designed for leaders concerned with enriching catechetical learning-teaching situations. 3 credits.
PTHO 6710	Women Mystics An exploration of the phenomenon and meaning of mysticism. A study of the lives, times, and spirituality of such women mystics as Theresa of Avila, Therese of Lisieux, Edith Stein, Catherine of Siena, Faustina, Elizabeth of the Trinity, and Julian of Norwich. An analysis of their major writings, including autobiographies, letters, and poetry. [Cross-referenced to HSTD 6710]. 3 credits.
PTHO 6712	Christian Decision-Making Designed for those engaged in helping the laity to integrate gospel values into their work, an examination of the process of Christian decision-making as it pertains primarily to the laity's moral and spiritual development in the workplace. Emphasis on the Catholic context for moral decision-making, contemporary understanding of the natural law, the process of spiritual discernment, and the dynamics of theological reflection. 3 credits.
PTHO 6715	Spiritual Direction Human and psychological bases for sound spiritual growth; relation of growth to the direction, relationship and journey toward freedom through awareness and discernment. 3 credits.
PTHO 6718	Spirituality and Contemporary Culture An investigation of the correlation between Christian spirituality and contemporary American culture, seeking to achieve sensitivity to both prevailing cultural ideas and norms of the Christian tradition. Focus on helping students develop a spirituality that integrates the best of both realities. 3 credits.
PTHO 6724	Jewish Roots of Christian Spirituality Survey of the Jewish roots of Christian spirituality, with special attention to prayer (personal and communal) and liturgy (particularly the Eucharist). Theological roots of Jewish spirituality. Psalms. Catholic-Jewish dialogue today. 3 credits.
PTHO 6726	History of Spirituality See HSTD 6310. 3 credits.
PTHO 6728	Theology of Spirituality Theology of the Christian spiritual life: Biblical foundations; Patristic writings; classical sources; contemporary writings; anthropological foundations; progress in the spiritual life and its various stages; and mysticism. Both classical and contemporary writers are read. Cross-referenced as STHO6728.
PTHO 6732	Prayer: Jewish/Christian A study of the theology of prayer in Judaism, particularly the Old Testament (especially the Psalms); Jewish roots of Jesus' prayer; Jewish roots of the personal and communal prayer life of the early Christians; common theological convergences and contemporary reflections on prayer in Judaism and Christianity. 3 credits.
PTHO 6735	The Priest Today A contemporary look at theological and spiritual perspectives on the priesthood, presenting growth and development in priesthood as a profoundly human experience which finds its source and intelligibility only in the living Christ; love, self-esteem and rediscovery of ministry in the priesthood. 3 credits.
PTHO 6736	Spirituality of Ministry An overview of principles of spirituality for those in ordained ministry, with particular emphasis on Pastores Dabo Vobis and other recent Magisterial documents. 3 credits.
PTHO 6738	Augustine's Spirituality See HSTD 6422.
PTHO 6741	Spirituality and Psychology For students seeking to study the theological [spiritual] dimension of human personality and growth. Relationship between psychological and spiritual growth; growth patterns of human beings who choose to say yes to God. 3 credits.
PTHO 6742	Benedictine Spirituality The role of St. Benedict as founder of Western monasticism; the Rule of Benedict; development and permanent influences of Benedictine spirituality on the Church. 3 credits.
PTHO 6743	Spirituality of St. Francis The life and spiritual rule of St. Francis of Assisi; early Franciscanism; development of the Franciscan spirit through Church history and permanent influences of Franciscan spirituality on the Church. 3 credits.
PTHO 6744	Ignatian Spirituality The life of St. Ignatius of Loyola; Ignatius' spiritual doctrine and a close reading of the Spiritual Exercises; hallmarks of Jesuit spirituality, its development and permanent influences on the Church. 3 credits.
PTHO 6746	Carmelite Spirituality Origins of Carmelite spirituality; development of the Carmelite charism; expressions of Carmelite spirituality in Sts. John of the Cross, Teresa of Avila and Therese of Lisieux; permanent influences on the Church. 3 credits.
PTHO 6751	American Self-Criticism The search for community in American society; using the dynamics of the Paschal Mystery as a guide, an attempt to discover which forces in our society impede and which forces promote growth in authentic community living. 3 credits.
PTHO 6753	The Cloud of Unknowing A study of this medieval classic and its relevance to spiritual needs in the modern world, with special attention to the Cloud's understanding of human relationships with self, others and God in light of contemporary hunger for intimacy; the Cloud's ongoing influence as revealed in the centering prayer movement with its renewed call for contemplative living. 3 credits.
PTHO 6754	The Spiritual Exercises A close reading of St. Ignatius of Loyola's Spiritual Exercises, especially its theology of discernment, seeking to understand Ignatius intentions; the permanent influence of the Exercises on Christian spirituality in general; subsequent development of and reflection on the Exercises in the ongoing Jesuit tradition; relevance and significance of the Exercises for Christians today. 3 credits.
PTHO 6756	Introduction to Work-Life Ministry See CETH 6425. 3 credits.
PTHO 6758	Theology of Work See CETH 6421. 3 credits.
PTHO 6759	John Paul II on Solidarity The meaning of solidarity as a core concept in the spiritual teaching of Pope John Paul II, using his major encyclicals, an effort to discover the relationship between Catholic dogma and social action as understood by Pope John Paul II. 3 credits.
PTHO 6811	Confrontation/Death A consideration of the personal, theological and pastoral dimensions of death and dying. Death in reference to all age groups and illnesses and the new ethical questions posed by modern technology. 3 credits.
PTHO 6819	Healing Passages An exploration of the various psychological and spiritual passages that individuals may be helped to experience through counseling. Special emphasis on realistic expectations for growth and development. 3 credits.
PTHO 6823	Transformations/Ministry Emphasizing Christian spirituality and transformation in Christ, a study of the integration of prayer and ministry, along with the importance of detachment, contemplation, and discernment. 3 credits.
PTHO 6827	Bereavement Counseling The bereavement process and principles of bereavement counseling, applicable to work of physicians, nurses, clergy and religious. Emphasis on the needs of the bereaved and the emotional support systems available to them and their caregivers. 3 credits.
PTHO 6832	Conflict Management and Pastoral Ministry Conflict and the pastoral minister: strategies for coping and non-coping; avoidance and confrontation; creative and destructive conflict; practical exercises in addressing conflict in pastoral ministry settings. 2 credits.
PTHO 6870	Catholic Education: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow An overview of the history of the ministry of teaching in the Christian tradition and of Catholic schools in the United States. An examination of the multiple tasks of the school in fostering faith development and an exploration of the norms for the school of the future. 3 credits.
PTHO 6871	Principal as Spiritual Leader An exploration of the role of the principal with a particular focus on the vocation of teaching and leadership. Topics: leadership, the school as an ecclesial system and a community of faith, and the work of formation of faculty, students and program. 3 credits.
PTHO 6872	Catholic Identity, Ethos and Culture An examination of key aspects of Catholic identity and belief, and an overview of some components of "Catholicism," including aspects of Catholic history, doctrine, culture, juridical system, moral teaching and institutional life [Cross-referenced to STHO 6872.] 3 credits.
PTHO 6921	Theological Bases of Administration The nature, functions and structure of Christian ministry to appreciate Spirit-filled forms of ministry present in the Church today; the gift of administration; exercise of power and authority in the Church; differences in Church polity. 3 credits.
PTHO 6925	Ministry of Administration A theological and behavioral consideration of the foundations of administrative ministry and issues related to its practice such as leadership style, authority, power and influence. Extensive and intensive use of the student's ministerial experience. 3 credits.
PTHO 6929	Spirituality of Administration Reflections on the dynamics and development of Christian spirituality, an analysis of the relationship between Christian discipleship and the task of administration. The nature of caring relationships, the paradox of Christian growth and conflict situations and the need for celebrating wholeness in life. 3 credits.
PTHO 6933	Organizational Behavior Individual and group behavior, interrelationships and conflicts in an organization; management practices to promote organizational effectiveness; basic concepts such as motivation, leadership, communication and application techniques for individual/organizational growth. 3 credits.
PTHO 6937	Leadership Skills Examination of theories of leadership, sacred and secular, evaluated in the light of Christian ministry; leadership and spirituality; issues in Christian leadership-authority, power, communication; practical exercises in the development and critique of students' leadership skills. 3 credits.
PTHO 6938	Basic Parish Management The universal theory of management and the actual, day-to-day application of the theory. Daily parish decisions are where difficulties arise. Topics include: organization of people; working with volunteers; time management; stress management; decision-making; conflict; team building management; and change dynamics. 3 credits.
PTHO 6942	Pastoral Planning A continuation of the process mode of interaction, examining the theory of planning and its application in church settings. A study of specific tools for implementation of a planning process, the role of research, shortcomings of planning, strengths and limitations. 3 credits.
PTHO 6943	Strategic Parish Planning For collaborative parish leaders and/or pastoral teams who want to create with their parishioners a long term plan for transforming the parish into a true community. Different transformational planning processes will be outlined so that each participant can select and adapt one or more for use in a particular parish. These processes can also be applied by individual parish directors to their particular parish ministry or program(s). 3 credits.
PTHO 6953	Legal Issues in the Parish A study of various legal issues - canonical, civil and criminal - encountered in Church settings: liability; insurance; torts; criminal matters; counseling responsibilities; seal of confession; marriage; schools; personnel. An introduction to civil and criminal legal aspects of ministers' professional duties. 3 credits.
PTHO 9101	Integration Seminar Integration of the various theological and pastoral disciplines encountered in the M.A. in Pastoral Ministry program using Pastoral Project or Case Study methodologies. The seminar is completed upon submission and approval/acceptance of the final project completing M.A.P.M. degree requirements. 3 credits.
PTHO 9102	M.Div. Comprehensive Seminar I A case study method, along with a class presentation, designed to foster integration of the various theological and pastoral disciplines presented in the M.Div. curriculum. Lay ministry candidates may enroll with approval of the instructor. 1 credit.
PTHO 9103	M.Div. Comprehensive Seminar II Completed upon submission and approval/acceptance of the final M.Div. Project. Required of M.Div. candidates. Lay ministry candidates may enroll with the instructor's approval. 2 credits.