Fall 2023 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 2023
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
Trinity/Faith/Revelation
Michael Rubbelke| DOCT 407| 3 credits
2:45-4:15 PM (Monday and Wednesday) Synchronous Course
This course explores the emergence and development of the doctrine of the Trinity. The doctrine of the Trinity represents the Christian way of naming the mystery of God, how this mystery is shared in history, and the pastoral/practical consequences that follow as a result of this sharing. The course surveys the biblical, philosophical, sociological, and theological landscape that has contributed to this doctrine from early Christianity to contemporary times.
Ecclesiology
Kristin Colberg | DOCT 408| 3 credits
8:00-11:10 AM (Wednesday) 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
New Testament Greek II
Rachel Mazzara | SSNT 402 | 3 credits
9:35-1055 AM (Tuesday/Thursday)
Continuation of SSNT 401. The elements of New Testament Greek, with emphasis on reading comprehension with the aid of a dictionary. The study of grammar and its practical application in reading New Testament texts. The course is graded pass/fail.
Pauline Letters
Charles Bobertz | SSNT 422 | 3 credits
6:00-9:15 PM (Tuesday) Synchronous Course
A theological, historical and literary analysis of the Pauline letters. Topics may include the conversion and mission of Paul, the historical situation of the Pauline communities, the literary and rhetorical quality of the letters and major theological themes.
Synoptic Gospels
Michael Patella, OSB | SSNT 420 | 3 credits
8:00-11:10 AM (Monday) Synchronous Course
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.
Prophets
Dale Launderville, OSB | SSOT 410 | 3 credits
8:00-11:10 AM (Tuesday) Synchronous Course
Survey of the writings of the prophets in the Old Testament with special attention given to the historical contexts of the biblical prophets and the language, genres, images, and theological content of various prophetic texts. Further consideration of the relevance of the prophetic message in contemporary church and society.
PASTORAL THEOLOGY
Theology and Practice of Ministry
Daniella Zsupan-Jerome | PTHM 405| 3 credits
8:00-11:10 AM (Tuesday) Synchronous Course
Utilizing practical theology methodology, this course introduces students to theological foundations for ministry, including historical and contemporary theologies of ordained and lay ministry. Students will explore the vocational call to ministry as well as the spiritual, human, and pastoral foundations for ministry. Finally, students will identify the theological principles that are foundational to their ministerial leadership.
Contemporary Spiritual Practice
Kathleen Cahalan| SPIR 416 / PTHM 416 | 3 credits
Asynchronous Course
THIS COURSE IS CLOSED
Why is spiritual practice on the rise? What do contemplation and social justice have to do with each other? Can people from different religions borrow practices from others? Students in this course will examine spiritual practices and ways of thinking about them that have become prominent in recent decades. These movements include the retrieval and redefinition of ancient practices (e.g., lectio divina, centering prayer, and the Jesus Prayer); the intersection of spiritual practice and social issues (e.g., the influence of other religions; the environment; and social justice); and contemporary theological emphases (e.g., work, the body, art, science, and gender). Students will explore recent scholarship on the rise of spiritual practice, the theological foundations as well as the actions and disciplines that comprise these approaches. Cross listed SPIR 416/PTHM 416.
Rural Liturgy and Ministry
Ben Durheim/ Joseph Grabau| PTHM 468 | 3 credits
6:00-9:15 PM (Monday) Synchronous Course
This course examines the cultural contexts and spiritual landscapes in which rural liturgy and ministry take place. Course material focuses on methods for understanding, engaging with, and practicing ministry and liturgy in ethnographically rural areas (most especially in the United States). In particular, the course studies the social makeup of rural contexts as moral communities, including recent cultural and demographic shifts to which churches are responding. The course then moves to methods for understanding and ministering both liturgically and pastorally in rural contexts, engaging insights from moral psychology, contemporary scholarship in liturgical and pastoral theologies as they relate to rural ministry, and case studies in rural liturgical/ministerial practice.
HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY
History of Christianity I
Dale Launderville, OSB | HCHR 402 | 3 credits
1:00-2:30 PM (Monday and Wednesday) Synchronous Course
This course will examine the development of the Christian tradition, including the expression of seminal doctrines within the Christian church, from its origins to the eleventh century. The course will explore the main trends of development of the institution and primary doctrines of the church within the larger philosophical, social, and political contexts of th first millenium, paying attention to the ways in which the lived experience of Christian peoples informs and shapes its thinking.
MORAL THEOLOGY
Structures of Sin and Grace
Daniel Finn | MORL 428 | 3 credits
1:15-4:25 PM (Tuesday) Synchronous Course
Nearly every human decision occurs within a social structure. This course will examine how moral agency is affected by social structure (the classroom,the parish, the global market, a monastery, a bowling league, etc.). It will address the ways that structures alter our decisions--for good or ill--presenting restrictions and opportunities but not cancelling our freedom. Because the decisions of lay and clerical ministers in the Church likewise occur within structures, these insights weill have important pastoral implications.
SPIRITUALITY and MONASTIC STUDIES
Perennial Wisdom in the Rule of Benedict
Abbot Austin Murphy, OSB | MONS 440 / SPIR 440 | 1 credit
On-line Synchronous Course: Instructor and Students will all be on Zoom Conference
7:45-9:00 PM (Tuesdays and Thursdays) Synchronous Course
Seven 75-minute modules:
September 5, September 7, Septempber 12, September 14, September 19, September 21, September 26
This course explores important themes in the Rule of St. Benedict, such as doing good works in order to reach God’s kingdom, being an apprentice in the spiritual life, having the right interior dispositions (e.g., humility), and the usefulness of observances. In addition to reading the Rule, we will look at some materials from the historical context in which St. Benedict wrote and some contemporary treatments of related topics. This course will be valuable for those looking to engage the perennial wisdom of the Rule more deeply.
Early Monastic Lives
Makrina Finlay, OSB | MONS 468 | 3 credits
8:00-11:10 AM (Thursday) Synchronous Course
This course considers the influences of Monastic Lives written between the 4 th and 7 th century, and places them in their literary, historical and theological contexts. It focusses especially on three Lives written by renowned church fathers: Athanasius’ Life of St. Antony, Gregory of Nyssa’s Life of St. Macrina and the Second book of Gregory the Great’s Dialogues. It considers ways in which the authors’ wider theological positions are conveyed in the Lives as well as ways these monastic Lives shed light on how these theologians foresaw their positions being lived out in a concrete way.
Discernment in Prayer
Sam Rahberg | SPIR 437 | 0 credits or 1 credit
5 Wednesdays: August 30, September 6, September 13, September 20, September 27
6:00-8:30 PM Synchronous Course
In support of students’ preparation as ministry leaders, this course engages practices of prayerful discernment. Students will learn ways to cultivate awareness of the Divine Presence with their whole selves (cognitive, affective, and sensory motor dimensions), even as they read, write, and interact with others. Special attention will be paid to Benedictine practices.
Grading S/U.
Contemporary Spiritual Practice
Kathleen Cahalan| SPIR 416 / PTHM 416 | 3 credits
Asynchronous Course
THIS COURSE IS CLOSED
Why is spiritual practice on the rise? What do contemplation and social justice have to do with each other? Can people from different religions borrow practices from others? Students in this course will examine spiritual practices and ways of thinking about them that have become prominent in recent decades. These movements include the retrieval and redefinition of ancient practices (e.g., lectio divina, centering prayer, and the Jesus Prayer); the intersection of spiritual practice and social issues (e.g., the influence of other religions; the environment; and social justice); and contemporary theological emphases (e.g., work, the body, art, science, and gender). Students will explore recent scholarship on the rise of spiritual practice, the theological foundations as well as the actions and disciplines that comprise these approaches. Cross listed SPIR 416/PTHM 416.
LITURGY
Introduction to Pastoral Liturgy
Johan Van Parys | LTGY 407 | 3 credits
6:15-8:30 PM (Friday) ; 8:00-11:15 AM (Saturday) Synchronous Course
Opening Session : Thursday, August 31--ZOOM Conference--6:15-7:30 PM
Weekends: September 8-9; October 6-7; October 20-21; October 29--View or attend 9:30 AM Eucharist at BSM; November 17-18; December 8-9; December 10--Special meeting, Basilica of Saint Mary, Minneapolis (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.
Liturgy of the Hours
Anthony Ruff | LTGY 423 | 3 credits
8:00-11:10 AM (Friday) 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.
Theology of Worship Spaces
Hansol Goo | LTGY 468 | 3 credits
6:00-9:15 PM (Thursday) Synchronous Course
Introductory course examining the meaning of worship space from architectural and theological perspectives. Students will be introduced to various theologies for conceptualizing a worship space through the lens of historical and architectural development. At the same time, students will examine the theological implications of church as an ecclesiae; a gathering of a liturgical body. Students will learn how to “read” worship spaces through a theological lens.
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 A-D | 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, 1:00-4:00 PM
- + Three sessions Theological Reflection -- Schedule TBA
FOCUS AREAS:
- 459A General Parish
- 459B Homiletics
- 459C Spiritual Direction
- 459D Litugical Music
Practicum / Theological Reflection: Spiritual Direction Practicum
Sam Rahberg | PTHM 459C | reserved for those in Spiritual Direction Practicum
MAM Ministry Portfolio
Daniella Zsupan-Jerome | PTHM 598 | 0 credit--registration required
The final formation assessment provides students to review their formational aspirations and ministerial growth during their overall program of study. Reflecting on one's intellectual, human, pastoral and spiritual formation, the student articulates their readiness for ministry by presenting a clearly articulated understanding of the theology of ministry, an understanding of the gifts and skills, strengths and weaknesses, challenges and successes the student presently utilizes and experiences in ministry, and a discussion of future goals and desires for professional and ministerial growth. The format of the assessment is an integrated paper which builds on previous coursework.
MDIV Ministry Portfolio
Daniella Zsupan-Jerome | PTHM 599| 0 credit--registration required
The mid-degree assessment provides the student an opportunity for self-assessment and feedback from others in terms of their ministerial growth. Students are asked to revisit their academic work, ministerial reflections and spiritual practices and make revised claims about learning and events from earlier in the degree program. The assessment involves revisiting the student’s intention for graduate theological education, vocational aspirations and their readiness for ministry. The format of the assessment includes completing a questionnaire, reviewing feedback from formators and peers, and an assessment interview with the Director of Ministerial Formation.
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
Shawn Colberg | THY 598 | 3 credits
Students may register for up to 6 credits of THY 598 Reading for Comprehensive Exams to insure full time enrollment and to earn credit for preparing for Comprehensive Exams: reading 10-book reading list, preparing the annotated bibliography and summary of research or integrated paper, and preparing for the oral exam.
Comprehensive Exams
Shawn Colberg | 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/TBA | 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
Samuel Holmberg| 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 knowledge ably and/or coach others in parish settings.
Applied Voice
Gyehyun Jung | 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
Samuel Holberg | 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.
Eight modules, September 5 to November 2, with the week of October 9 off.
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
Brad Miller | LMUS 430 | 1 credit
Meeting time TBA
Individualized small-group lessons on the basics of conducting techniques such as beat patterns, cueing, expression and dynamics, and score preparation.
LANGUAGES
Reading Ecclesial Latin
Jason Schlude | LANG 401 | 3 credits
1:50-2:45 PM (Monday/Wednesday/Friday)
An overview of the grammatical structure of the language and practice in reading short works. The course is graded pass/fail.
ONLINE COURSES
Contemporary Spiritual Practice
Kathleen Cahalan| SPIR 416 / PTHM 416 | 3 credits
Asynchronous Web Course
THIS COURSE IS CLOSED
Why is spiritual practice on the rise? What do contemplation and social justice have to do with each other? Can people from different religions borrow practices from others? Students in this course will examine spiritual practices and ways of thinking about them that have become prominent in recent decades. These movements include the retrieval and redefinition of ancient practices (e.g., lectio divina, centering prayer, and the Jesus Prayer); the intersection of spiritual practice and social issues (e.g., the influence of other religions; the environment; and social justice); and contemporary theological emphases (e.g., work, the body, art, science, and gender). Students will explore recent scholarship on the rise of spiritual practice, the theological foundations as well as the actions and disciplines that comprise these approaches. Cross listed SPIR 416/PTHM 416.
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.
Eight modules, September 5 to November 2, with the week of October 9 off.