| Theology Course Descriptions
JP Catholic will endeavor to offer the courses as outlined below; however, unforeseen circumstances sometimes require a change of scheduled offerings. Students are strongly advised to check the Schedule of Classes before relying on the schedule below.
THEO 100 Introduction to Scripture I:
In this course the student explores the Scriptures, particularly the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) to discover and get to know Jesus. The Scripture course serves as the foundation of the religion curriculum because it explores God’s completed plan of salvation for mankind. Students, through a study of the Gospels, review the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and learn to apply these principles to their lives. The course is taught using a variety of approaches including lecture, group discussion, and student presentations. Students use the business planning process and tools to develop student group plans to apply the teachings of Jesus Christ that are revealed in the Gospels, to demonstrate the living of the Gospel in their lives.
THEO 101 Introduction to Philosophy:
This course will help guide the students as they inquire what it is to ask a philosophical question, to think philosophically, and how one learns to think in this way. One studies how philosophy grows out of wonder and marveling; why it is important for a fully human life; and what it can contribute to the development of one’s faith. Philosophy of the human person studies what it is to say that human beings are persons and have freedom and subjectivity; the different powers of the human person, including the powers of understanding, willing, feeling, and loving; the difference between body and soul in human beings, and the unity of the two; and the question of the immortality of the soul.
THEO 200 Introduction to Scripture II:
This course is a continuation of THEO 101, and explores further the books of the New and Old Testaments to help the student to get to know Jesus. The course aims to use selected readings from Scripture to illustrate the teachings of Jesus Christ and the interpretation of early followers such as St. Paul and St. James. The course is taught using a variety of approaches including lecture, group discussion, research, student presentations, and cooperative activities. Students use the business planning process and tools to develop student group plans to apply the teachings of Jesus Christ that are revealed in the New Testament, to demonstrate the living of the Gospel in their lives.
THEO 201 Fundamentals of Catholicism:
This course introduces the student to the teaching of the Catholic Church as it is rooted in Sacred Scripture, in Tradition and in the Magisterial teaching of the Church. In addition to a thorough introduction to Catholic doctrine as set forth in the Catholic Catechism, the course includes discussions of significant Church history, major figures and Church institutions, global Catholic life, and introduces Catholic theology.
THEO 300 The Sacraments, Liturgy and Prayer:
This course provides: a systematic survey of Roman Catholic beliefs and practices; a basic understanding of Catholic Theology; and its principle teachings. Students explores: the biblical foundations of the Catholic Church; some significant figures and events of Church history; various branches of Christian authority; principles underlying church worship practices; global church-state relationships; and ecumenism.
THEO 301 Moral Theology and Ethics:
The principles of Catholic moral theology are studied, as they are found rooted in the New Testament documents, Sacred Tradition, and articulated by the magisterial teachings of the Catholic Church. Students examines these principles as they provide a basis for a moral compass for today’s business leader. Topics covered include: the history and current state of business ethics; Catholic teachings on business ethics; the role of societal and organizational culture and power on business ethics; the moral responsibility of corporations; economic policy, business practices, and social justice; rights and obligations of employers and employees; meaningful work, motivation, and the worker; affirmative action and reverse discrimination; environment and natural limits of capitalism. Classroom discussion and exercise role-play students in recent business controversies.
THEO 400 Catholic Social Teaching:
This course is a broad study of general Church teaching on social questions with strong emphasis on the papal encyclicals and other Church documents. Major issues explored are poverty and the distribution of wealth, prejudice and racism, war and peace, criminal justice, the Gospel and the State, and international community and business ethics.
THEO 401 Marriage and Family:
This course introduces the student to the teachings of the Catholic Church on the sacramental understanding of marriage. It examines marriage from a biblical, historical, and doctrinal viewpoint. The course provides a Catholic understanding of human sexuality and the issues that arise in premarital and marital love-relationships. It contrasts the current societal norms with church expectations. The implications of commitment and the realities of today’s external forces on marriage and the family are analyzed. Students will learn the significant implications of parenthood and the spiritual and financial duties of raising children.
BIB 501 BIBLICAL HERMENEUTICS:
One of the fundamental issues involved in the study of Scripture is the issue of hermeneutics, that is, the issues involved in reading and interpreting texts. In this course
students will learn about some of the key issues involved in reading and understanding Scripture, carefully following the teachings of Catholic magisterial documents. Special
attention will be paid both to the history of interpretation, the post-modern challenge and the use of the various synchronic and diachronic methods. Necessary background courses: PHIL100, PHIL 103 or PHIL 106, THEO 100, THEO 200, THEO 201.
BIB 508 NEW TESTAMENT GREEK I:
In this course students will gain an understanding of the basic grammar and vocabulary of the language in which the New Testament was originally written. This class help students
begin to read the New Testament books the way they were originally written. Necessary background courses: THEO 100.
BIB 509 NEW TESTAMENT GREEK II:
This class builds on what was learned in New Testament Greek I (BIB509). In particular, students will focus their work on the Johannine Epistles (1–3 John). Necessary background courses: THEO 100, BIB 508.
BIB 511 PENTATEUCH:
The first five books of the Old Testament, known by ancient Jews as the Torah, provide the principle backdrop for the rest of salvation history. Covering Creation, the Fall, God’s covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the Passover and Exodus, the giving of the Law, the institution of the Levitical cult, Israel’s wilderness wanderings and Moses’ final words to Israel on the plains of Moab, students will gain an in-depth of knowledge of these books and the critical literary, historical and theological issues involved with studying them. Necessary background courses: PHIL 100, PHIL 103 or PHIL 106, THEO 100, THEO 200, THEO 201, BIB 501.
BIB 512 HISTORICAL BOOKS OF THE OLD TESTAMENT:
In this course students will be exposed to those books of the Old Testament which tell the historical story of Israel after the time of Moses. Students will examine what has been come to be called the Deuteronomic History as it is laid out in Joshua, Judges, 1 & 2 Samuel, and 1 & 2 Kings. Students will also study other works such as 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah which recount the history of the people of Israel. Students will examine the literary, historical and theological significance of these books. The class will not only cover the debates within contemporary scholarship concerning these works but also to the way they have been read within Jewish and Christian tradition. Necessary background courses: PHIL 100, PHIL 103 or PHIL 106, THEO 100, THEO 200, THEO 201, BIB 501.
BIB 513 PROPHETS:
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “Through the prophets, God forms his people in the hope of salvation, in the expectation of a new and everlasting Covenant intended for all, to be written on their hearts” (CCC 64). In this class, students will be exposed to the key literary and historical issues involved in the study of the prophetic corpus. In addition, this course will explore the key tenants of Old Testament eschatological hopes, addressing the implications of a canonical reading of these books. Necessary background courses: PHIL 100, PHIL 103 or PHIL 106, THEO 100, THEO 200, THEO 201, BIB 501.
BIB 514 PSALMS AND THE WISDOM LITERATURE:
Thomas Aquinas once wrote that the book of Psalms represents “the entire Scripture abbreviated.” Indeed, the authors of the New Testament allude to the Psalms more than any
other Old Testament book. This course will provide students with the critical tools needed for an in-depth analysis of both the individual psalms and the overall canonical shape of the Psalter, as well as its significance within the larger canon of Scripture. In this class students will also study the literary, historical and theological issues involved with the understanding the Wisdom Literature. Necessary background courses: PHIL 100, PHIL 103 or PHIL 106, THEO 100, THEO 200, THEO 201, THEO 202, BIB 501.
BIB 521 SYNOPTIC GOSPELS:
Because they are our principle source for the life and teaching of Jesus, the Catechism of theCatholic Church describes the Gospels as the “heart of all the Scriptures” (CCC 125). In this course students will gain an understanding of the relationship of the Synoptic Gospels (=Matthew, Mark and Luke) to the historical Jesus and to one another. Particular attention will be paid to the way the Gospels make use of the Old Testament. Students will also gain a working knowledge of the distinct focuses and emphases of each of the individual evangelists. In addition to being exposed to the historical and literary issues involved in their study, students will also examine patristic interpretation of the Gospels. Necessary background courses: PHIL 100 or PHIL 105, PHIL 103 or PHIL 106, THEO 100, THEO 200, THEO 201, THEO 202, BIB 501. It is preferable to enroll in this course only after completing BIB 508, BIB 509.
BIB 522 GOSPEL OF JOHN:
From the earliest times, Christians have noted that the Fourth Gospel is markedly different from Matthew, Mark and Luke. In this class students will study the important literary, historical and theological issues relating to the study of the Gospel of John. In addition to learning about contemporary work on the book, students will also be exposed to patristic readings of this important Gospel. Necessary background courses: PHIL 100, PHIL 103 or PHIL 106, THEO 100, THEO 200, THEO 201, THEO 202, BIB 501. It is preferable to enroll in this course only after completing BIB 508 and BIB 509.
BIB 523 PAULINE EPISTLES:
This course looks at the literary, historical and theological issues relating to the Pauline
epistles. Necessary background courses: PHIL 100, PHIL 103 or PHIL 106, THEO 100, THEO 200, THEO 201, THEO 202, THEO 301, BIB 501. It is preferable to enroll in this course only after completing BIB 508 and BIB 509.
BIB 524 CATHOLIC EPISTLES AND HEBREWS:
Rounding out the study of the New Testament, this course will focus on James, 1-2 Peter, 1-3 John and Jude as well as the book of Hebrews. Students will look at the literary, historical and theological issues involved with these epistles, with an introduction to both the history of interpretation, contemporary critical issues and their relevance today. In particular, the study of the book of Hebrews will prepare students for issues discussed in the Liturgical Theology course. Necessary background courses: PHIL 100, PHIL 103, THEO 100, THEO 200, THEO 201, THEO 202, BIB 501. It is preferable to enroll in this course only after completing BIB 508 and BIB 509.
BIB 525 APOCALYPTIC LITERATURE:
Among all of the biblical books none are more challenging to interpret than those classified as “apocalyptic literature”. In this course students will examine such literature through focusing on examples from both the Old Testament (Ezekiel, Daniel, Zechariah) and the New Testament (Revelation). In addition to learning about the critical literary and historical issues involved with their study, students will focus on how a liturgical and anagogical reading of apocalyptic literature relates to both ecclesiology and liturgical theology. Necessary background courses: PHIL 100, PHIL 103 or PHIL 106, THEO 100, THEO 200, THEO 201, THEO 202, THEO 300, BIB 501, BIB 513, BIB 521. It is preferable to enroll in this course only after completing BIB 508 and BIB 509.
THEO 501 FUNDAMENTAL THEOLOGY:
This course will examine the relationship between faith and reason, the role of natural theology, divine revelation and the sources of divine revelation (Scripture and Tradition) as well as the role of the Magisterium. In particular, students will carefully read the Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation (Dei Verbum), promulgated by Vatican II. Necessary background courses: PHIL 100, PHIL 101 or PHIL 105, PHIL 102, PHIL 103 or PHIL 106, PHIL 104, THEO 100 or THEO 200, THEO 201, THEO 202.
THEO 503 TRINITY AND THE DIVINE ECONOMY:
The highest of all the mysteries of faith is that of the Trinity. While the other mysteries describe what God has done for us, the doctrine of the Trinity focuses our attention on who God is in Himself. Among other things, this course will discuss the unity and simplicity of God, the distinct relations and personal properties of the three divine persons, and the relationship of the divine persons and the processions of the Trinity to the economy of salvation. Necessary background courses: PHIL 100, PHIL 101 or PHIL 105, PHIL 102, PHIL 103 or PHIL 106, PHIL 104, THEO 200, THEO 201, THEO 202, THEO 300, THEO 501.
THEO 504 CHRISTOLOGY AND SOTERIOLOGY:
After an analysis of some of the key issues arising from the specific biblical texts, students will work through the Christological debates of the early Church. Drawing on the early fathers (e.g., Athanasius, Anselm) and councils (e.g., Nicea, Chalcedonas, Ephesus) well as latter sources (the writings of Aquinas, the Council of Trent, the Catechism of the Catholic Church), students will examine they theological issues, such as questions dealing with the relationship of Christ’s human and divine nature. In addition, students will seek a deeper understanding of the meaning and application of Christ’s salvific work. Necessary background courses: PHIL 100, PHIL 101 or PHIL 105, PHIL 102, PHIL 103 or PHIL 106, PHIL 104, THEO 100, THEO 200, THEO 201, THEO 202, THEO 300, THEO 301, THEO 501, BIB 521, BIB 522.
THEO 505 ECCLESIOLOGY AND ESCHATOLOGY:
Having undertaken the study of Christology, students move on to examine the Mystical Body of Christ, the Church. Students will learn how the union of the divine and human
natures in Christ provide a template for ecclesiology. In addition, this course will cover the four marks of the Church, the Petrine ministry, the Church’s hierarchical structure, the various roles of the religious and the laity, and the communion of saints. In particular, special attention will be paid to fundamental biblical issues relating to ecclesiology, in particular the relationship of the Church and the Kingdom. Finally, this course will examine Catholic teaching regarding eschatology, with special focus on a biblical approach as well as the eschatological nature of the Church. Necessary background courses: PHIL 100, PHIL 101 or PHIL 105, PHIL 102, PHIL 103 or PHIL 106, PHIL 104, THEO 100, THEO 200, THEO 201, THEO 202, THEO 300, THEO 501, THEO 503, THEO 504, BIB 521, BIB 522, BIB 525. It is preferable to enroll in this course only after completing THEO 541 and THEO 542.
THEO 511 LITURGICAL THEOLOGY:
According to the Second Vatican Council, the Eucharistic celebration marks the “source and summit” of the Christian life. In this course students will explore the significance of “liturgical” and “sacramental” theology. In particular, students will explore the implications of the axiom that the lex orandi (law of prayer) establishes the lex credendi (law of belief). In addition, students will discover how the divine economy relates to the sacramental life of the Church (mystagogy). Moreover, students will examine the liturgy as the locus for the Church’s Sacred Tradition. Necessary background courses: PHIL 100, PHIL 101 or PHIL 105, PHIL 102, PHIL 103 or PHIL 106, PHIL 104, THEO 100, THEO 200, THEO 201, THEO 202, THEO 501, THEO 503, THEO 504, BIB 521, BIB 522, BIB 524, BIB 525. It is preferable to enroll in this course only after completing THEO 541 and THEO 542.
THEO 521 MORAL THEOLOGY:
This course examines the philosophical, biblical and theological principles of moral theology. Throughout this course students study the section on the moral life in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. In addition, students pay special attention to the way particular aspects of Catholic moral teaching relate to contemporary issues, particularly those relating to bioethics. Necessary background courses: THEO 100, THEO 200, THEO 201
THEO531 CONTEMPORARY THEOLOGICAL DEBATES:
This course assumes the knowledge gained from all the other classes offered in the Graduate Theology program. Students will examine in particular issues surrounding the nouvelle teologie and the nature of the relationship of grace and nature. In addition, students will be learn how the “new theology movement” of the twentieth century affected trajectories in dogmatic, biblical, moral and liturgical theology as well. Necessary background courses: Students should enroll in this course only after all of the other courses aside from Practicum I and II have been taken.
THEO 541 LATIN I:
This course equips students with the basic grammar and vocabulary of ecclesiastical.
THEO 542 LATIN II:
This course builds on the knowledge gained in Latin I and aims at helping students read official magisterial Catholic documents in their original language. Necessary background courses: THEO 541.
THEO551 PRACTICUM I:
In addition to their in-class work, two practica (THEO551, THEO 552) are also required in which students will learn how to communicate what they have learned effectively to others at the parish level. The practica involves teaching a course on Catholicism at the parish level which integrates Scripture as well as constructive discussion and criticism with faculty and fellow students. Students are encouraged to consider using the ready-made Parish Bible Study Programs offered by St. Paul Center of Biblical Theology (Genesis to Jesus, The Bible and the Mass, The Bible and Mary, The Bible and the Church). Necessary background courses: PHIL 101 or PHIL 105, PHIL 102, PHIL 103 or PHIL 106, PHIL 104, THEO 100, THEO 200, THEO 201, THEO 202, THEO 300, THEO 301, THEO 501, THEO 503, THEO 541, THEO 542, BIB 501, BIB 508, BIB 509, BIB 511, BIB 512, BIB 521, BIB 522, BIB 523
THEO 552 PRACTICUM II:
(See the description of THEO551.) To enroll in this class students must have taken Practicum I.
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