Fall 2021 Course Schedule
Search by Focus Area
DOCTRINE | SCRIPTURE |LANGUAGES | PASTORAL THEOLOGY
HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY | MORAL THEOLOGY | SPIRITUALITY
COMPREHENSIVE EXAMS | FIELD EDUCATION | LITURGY | LITURGICAL MUSIC
ONLINE COURSES
FALL 2021:
Most face-to-face courses are available for on-line/Synchronous participation.
Please note your preference by choosing section 01A for face-to-face classes, section 01B for SYNCH classes.
DOCTRINE
Ecclesiology
Please note: This course is closed.
Kristin Colberg | DOCT 408| 3 credits
6:00-9:15 pm (Tuesday) Synchronous Course
This course examines the nature and structure of the Roman Catholic Church from its apostolic origins to the present. Various
models used in understanding the Church will be studied (e.g. the Church as communion, the Church as sacrament, etc.) The
local and universal nature of the Church, and issues related to magisterium, authority, evangelization, ministry, and missiology
will be discussed.
SCRIPTURE
Synoptic Gospels
Michael Patella, OSB | SSNT 420 | 3 credits
8:00-11:10 AM (Tuesday) Synchronous Course
Please note: This course is closed.
A study of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, their history, literary style, and theological vision. Emphasis on hermeneutical questions, text formation, and the interrelation of the four books in forming a unified Gospel tradition.
Wisdom Tradition
Dale Launderville | SSOT 414 | 3 credits
8:00-11:10 AM (Wednesday) Synchronous Course
Introduction to the wisdom material of the Old Testament with special attention given to the historical background of the wisdom tradition, and the structure and content of the wisdom books (especially Proverbs, Job, Qoheleth, Sirach and Wisdom), the development of the OT wisdom tradition in later writings including the New Testament, and the relevance of the wisdom tradition to the present.
PASTORAL THEOLOGY
Pastoral Care: Grief, Illness, Healing
Hollie Holt-Woehl | PTHM 409 | 3 credits
6:00-9:15 PM (Thursday) Synchronous Course
Pastoral care is the ministry of compassion for the well-being of persons and communities. Traditionally the ministry has included four dimensions of care: healing, guiding, sustaining, and reconciling. This class focuses on healing and sustaining in the midst of loss, grief, illness, dying, and in the aftermath of trauma. It is grounded in a theology of Christ the healer and good shepherd, and also a theology of Holy Saturday.
Technology and Ministry
Noreen Herzfeld | PTHM 468 / MORL 468 | 3 credits
1:15-4:25 PM (Monday) Synchronous Course
This course will explore some of the ethical questions and challenges to ministry, particularly with youth, raised by new technologies. We will consider genetic engineering and CRISPER, AI and robotics, social media and video games, examining how these new technologies reframe our conception of what it means to be human and form the ground in which we relate to one another, to ourselves, and to God. Cross Listed PTHM 468 and MORL 468.
Ministry at the Margins
Barbara Sutton | PTHM 468 | 3 credits
Asynchronous Course
This course explores ministry at the margins through the lens of a theology of accompaniment and a practice of interpreting the context of one’s community, workplace and the lives of those we serve through systematic listening. As well the course content will be developed by focusing on the experiential learning students gain in through a short-term ministry on the margin. One’s own privileges and location on the intercultural development continuum will be explored to develop self-awareness of their impact on intercultural and marginal interactions. Our pastoral imagination for effective ministry approaches regarding contemporary mission challenges will be fostered by close study of Pope Francis apostolic exhortation, The Joy of the Gospel. The Christian practices of radical hospitality and listening will be explored as positive options and momentum changers to draw communities towards ministry on the margins.
HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY
History of Christianity I
Shawn Colberg | HCHR 402 | 3 credits
1:15-2:45 PM (Tuesday and Thursday) Synchronous Course
This course is an introductory survey of theology, studying representative texts from the pre-Christian era to the Reformation (100 BCE to 1650). Students will examine figures and issues selected from various historical periods. Offered Synchronous for remote student participation, as well as on campus.
Catholicism in America
Shawn Colberg | HCHR 408 | 3 credits
8:00-11:10 AM (Friday) Synchronous Course
This course examines historical perspectives on what it means to be “Catholic” in a distinctively “American” setting. At the heart of this inquiry will be the question of the mutual influence and relationship between Catholic religious and American political/cultural identities. Our task will be to explore the ways in which “being Catholic in America” may differ from being Catholic in other places, and in doing so, to probe the ways in which American life can be said to shape Catholic perspectives and practices. The course explores American Catholicism from the 16th Century to present day, focusing on questions including religious freedom, social action, cultural diversity.
MORAL THEOLOGY
Virtue Ethics
Nickolas Becker, OSB | MORL 428 | 3 credits
6:00-9:15 PM (Monday) Synchronous Course
Virtue ethics is a rich strand of the Catholic ethical tradition. The discipline begins with a simple, common human question: what is it to be happy? Christianity proposes a distinctive answer. This this course, we will begin with questions about the good life, continue by examining the role of the passions in making us happy, and finally focus on the virtues as constitutive of human happiness/flourishing. Our readings draw from a range of authors -- Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, and contemporary theologians. The point of the course is to help students become conversant in this intellectual tradition and articulate in sharing it with others.
Technology and Ministry
Noreen Herzfeld | MORL 468 / PTHM 468 | 3 credits
1:15-4:25 PM (Monday) Synchronous Course
This course will explore some of the ethical questions and challenges to ministry, particularly with youth, raised by new technologies. We will consider genetic engineering and CRISPER, AI and robotics, social media and video games, examining how these new technologies reframe our conception of what it means to be human and form the ground in which we relate to one another, to ourselves, and to God. Cross Listed MORL 468 and PTHM 468.
SPIRITUALITY and MONASTIC STUDIES
Discernment in Prayer
Sam Rahberg | SPIR 437 | 0 credits or 1 credit
Five evenings : Wednesdays, September 1, 15, 29; October 13, 27 6:00-8:30 PM
An exploration of how our personal image of God evolves as we discern God's ways of being present to us in prayer and in life. By both studying and practicing discernment of spirits we can become sensitive to inner movements, understanding where they come from and where they lead us. The course includes an introduction to the practice of lectio divina applied to our lived experience. Grading is S/U only.
Required: Synchronous class meeting for all students after course modules are done: Dates TBA
Christian Asceticism
Makrina Finlay, OSB| SPIR 435 / MONS 435 | 3 credits
2:30-4:45 PM (Tuesday and Thursday) Synchronous Course
August 30-October 22
This course considers the theological and spiritual bases of Christian asceticism/monasticism in the 4 th-6 th centuries. Lives, Rules, hymns, sayings and letters written to aid practical Christian living are studied in their own specific contexts, in relationship to one another, and through practical application of and engagement with the texts themselves. In particular, the course considers the different forms of instructions and how these writers and practitioners envisioned community, prayer and work to aid them in their spiritual and daily life. Cross Listed MONS 435 and SPIR 435.
LITURGY
Liturgy of the Hours
Anthony Ruff, OSB | LTGY 423 | 3 credits
8:00-11:10 AM (Monday) Synchronous Course
The Liturgy of the Hours historically and theologically considered. An analysis of the origins and evolution of the Office in the patristic and medieval periods. Study of the reformed Roman Liturgy of the Hours and of daily prayer in other traditions.
Introdution to Pastoral Liturgy
Johan Van Parys | LTGY 407 | 3 credits
Synchronous Course
Weekend Course: Friday, 6:15 -8:15 PM; Saturday, 8:00-11:15 AM
September 10-11 ; September 24-25 ; October 22-23 ; November 12-13 ; December 3-4
Special: Basilica of Saint Mary, Minneapolis
Sunday, November 7 9:30 AM-4:00 PM; Sunday, December 12 1:00 PM-5:30 PM
Instructor will coordinate alternative opportunities if not able to attend Basilica events.
Through a critical reflection on the church's tradition of lex orandi, lex credendi, students will be introduced to the theory and practice of good liturgical celebration. Contemporary liturgical practice will be evaluated in its historical, cultural, and theological context. Students will learn how the historical development of Christian liturgy, its anthropological dimensions, and important church documents influence how we worship today.
Liturgical Music Seminar
Anthony Ruff, OSB | LTGY 501 | 1 credit
8:00-9:30 AM (Thursday)
1 credit of classroom study integrated with 1 credit of participation in Chapel Choir for LMUS students; LMUS students in the Seminar register for Chapel Choir for 0 credits. Foundational study of the theology, history, and official documents on music in worship. Principles for the ministry of cantors, choirs, instrumentalists, and ensembles. Practical aspects of music ministry and the management of a parish music program. Liturgical and musical planning of worship services in Emmaus Chapel, including (for Liturgical Music students) lab conducting of the Chapel Choir. Repeatable; offered in a four-semester sequence.
Cross listed with LMUS 501.
FIELD EDUCATION
Clinical Pastoral Education
Daniella Zsupan-Jerome | PTHM 412 | 3 credits
Students participate in a basic unit of an accredited Clinical Pastoral Education program.
Practicum/Theological Reflection
Daniella Zsupan-Jerome | PTHM 459 01A- 09A | 1-6 credits
Students work with an organization, project, or parish in the area of their ministerial interest. The supervised experience requires students to integrate theological competence with pastoral practice in developing vocational identity as a public minister, exploring issues of leadership, power and authority; and gaining facility in articulating the Christian faith and in fostering the development of faith with others. Students will reflect on the practice of ministry in theological reflection groups.
- Theological Reflection dates TBA
- Fridays, 9:00 AM-12:00 Noon
- + Three sessions Theological Reflection -- Schedule TBA
FOCUS AREAS:
- 01A General Parish
- 02A Religious Education
- 03A Social Ministry
- 04A Liturgy
- 05A Homiletics
- 06A Pastoral Care
- 07A Campus Ministry and Young Adult Ministry
- 09A Ministry on the Margins
- 10A Litugical Music
Practicum / Theological Reflection: Spiritual Direction Practicum
Sam Rahberg | PTHM 459 08A | reserved for those in Spiritual Direction Practicum
6:00-8:00 PM (Monday) August 30, September 27, October 25, November 29
MAM Ministry Portfolio
Daniella Zsupan-Jerome | PTHM 598 | 0 credit--registration required
Students preparing for ministerial leadership through the MAM degree are required to document and self-assess their readiness for ministry by developing a Ministry Learning Portfolio and presenting it first to a peer group, and second to faculty review group. The Ministry Learning Portfolios are developed over the duration of one’s degree preparation. MAM degree students are required to present their Ministry Learning Portfolio in their last semester. Offered for S/U grading only.
MDIV Ministry Portfolio
Daniella Zsupan-Jerome | PTHM 599| 0 credit--registration required
Students preparing for ministerial leadership through the MDIV degree are required to document and self-assess their readiness for ministry by developing a Ministry Learning Portfolio and presenting it first to a peer group, and second to faculty review group. The Ministry Learning Portfolios are developed over the duration of one’s degree preparation. MDIV LEM students present mid-degree (39-42 credits), MDIV seminarians (54-60 credits). Offered for S/U grading only.
MDIV Seminary Spiritual Formation
Michael Patella, OSB | SPIR 468 | 3 credits
Times TBA
THM THESIS
Thesis
Shawn Colberg | THY 580 | 6 credits
TBA--Director will arrange meetings with student.
The Thesis is the capstone project for the ThM degree.
COMPREHENSIVE EXAMS
Reading for Comprehensive Exams
| THY 598 | 3 credits
Comprehensive Exams
| THY 599 | 0 credit--registration only
Comprehensive Exams is the capstone project for the MTS and the MAT degrees
LITURGICAL MUSIC
Applied Piano
Robert Koopmann, OSB | LMUS 406 | 1 credit
Students will develop technical skills and knowledge of performance practices at the graduate level, including the ability to play a large variety of repertoire fluently and with understanding. Secondary organ students will develop sufficient techniques and familiarity with the instrument to play knowledgeably and/or coach others in parish settings. Open to Liturgical Music students.
Applied Organ
Kim Kasling | LMUS 407 | 1 credit
Students will develop technical skills and knowledge of performance practices at the graduate level, including the ability to play a large variety of repertoire fluently and with understanding. Major works of significant periods and schools of organ literature will be studied and performed. Secondary organ students will develop sufficient techniques and familiarity with the instrument to play knowledgeably and/or coach others in parish settings.
Applied Voice
Carolyn Finley | Patricia Kent | LMUS 408 | 1 credit
Fundamentals of singing and vocal pedagogy (breathing, efficient use of voice, diction, etc.) addressing differing musical styles and their interpretation based on the performance practices of given periods in music history. Study and performance of significant bodies of solo repertoire. Technique and pedagogical skills appropriate to choral directors, section leaders, and coaches for cantors and song leaders.
Applied Composition
Brian Campbell | LMUS 409 | 1 credit
Individualized coaching in advanced composition of sacred music and music appropriate for liturgical use. Work in various forms and styles, depending on the needs and interests of individual students. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor and the liturgical music program director.
Service Playing
Kim Kasling | LMUS 433 | 1 credit
This course seeks to develop the qualified church organist as leader and enabler of the assembly's singing. The course will require high proficiency levels of assembly leadership and accompanimental skills (hymns, masses, psalm forms) as well as vocal and choral accompaniment. Students will also develop abilities in sight-reading, modulation, transposing, and extemporization. Open to Liturgical Music Students.
Gregorian Chant I: Introduction
Anthony Ruff, OSB | LMUS 410 | 1 credit
Asynchronous web course
Introduction to the basics of Gregorian Chant, with the primary aim of facility and confidence in singing easier Latin chants. Overview of historical development; Latin pronunciation; four-line notation and chant reading skills with text-based interpretation; simple psalm tones; introduction to modality; repertoire for liturgical use; conducting basics. Knowledge of the basics of music theory is expected.
Chapel Choir
Maureen Putnam | LMUS 412 | 0 credits or 1 credit
9:45 -11:15 AM (Thursday)
A liturgical choir open to all graduate students which sings regularly for SOT worship. Choral music in a wide variety of styles including contemporary and world music. Offered every semester. May be taken for 0 or 1 credit.
Liturgical Music Seminar
Anthony Ruff, OSB | LMUS 501 | 2 credits
8:00-9:30 am (Thursday)
1 credit of classroom study integrated with 1 credit of participation in Chapel Choir for LMUS students; LMUS students in the Seminar register for Chapel Choir for 0 credits. Foundational study of the theology, history, and official documents on music in worship. Principles for the ministry of cantors, choirs, instrumentalists, and ensembles. Practical aspects of music ministry and the management of a parish music program. Liturgical and musical planning of worship services in Emmaus Chapel, including (for Liturgical Music students) lab conducting of the Chapel Choir. Repeatable; offered in a four-semester sequence.
Cross listed with LTGY 501.
Conducting Techniques I
Axel Theimer | LMUS 430 | 1 credit
1:00-2:30 PM (Wednesday)
Individualized small-group lessons on the basics of conducting techniques such as beat patterns, cueing, expression and dynamics, and score preparation.
Voice Fundamentals
Axel Theimer | LMUS 468 | 1 credit
August 20: 1:00-4: 00 PM: August 21: 9:00-11:00 AM; August 23, 24, 25 : 9 :00-11:100 AM, 2:00-4:00 PM
Study of the care of the vocal instrument, the education of singers, the role of body language and other communication in conducting and teaching, fostering the learning process based on how the brain learns, children’s voices, the changing (adolescent) voice, and capabilities of older adults.
LANGUAGES
Reading Ecclesial Latin
Scott Richardson | LANG 401 | 3 credits
9:10-10:05 AM (Monday/Wednesday/Friday)
An overview of the grammatical structure of the language and practice in reading short works. The course is graded pass/fail.
Reading Biblical Hebrew
David Calabro | SSOT 401 | 3 credits
TBA--Instructor will arrange meetings with students.
An overview of the grammatical structure of the language and practice in reading short works. The course is graded pass/fail.
ONLINE COURSES
Synchronous-- Offered for remote participation– as well as on campus
(Distance students attend in real time, participating via ZOOM Conference)
Please indicate section 01B for SYNCHRONOUS classes if particpating remotely.
Asynchronous-- no real-time class meetings
Ministry at the Margins
Barbara Sutton | PTHM 468 | 3 credits
Asynchronous Course
This course explores ministry at the margins through the lens of a theology of accompaniment and a practice of interpreting the context of one’s community, workplace and the lives of those we serve through systematic listening. As well the course content will be developed by focusing on the experiential learning students gain in through a short-term ministry on the margin. One’s own privileges and location on the intercultural development continuum will be explored to develop self-awareness of their impact on intercultural and marginal interactions. Our pastoral imagination for effective ministry approaches regarding contemporary mission challenges will be fostered by close study of Pope Francis apostolic exhortation, The Joy of the Gospel. The Christian practices of radical hospitality and listening will be explored as positive options and momentum changers to draw communities towards ministry on the margins.