Fall 2024 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 2024
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 remote SYNCH classes.
DOCTRINE
Christology
Michael Rubbelke| DOCT 406| 3 credits
2:45-4:15 PM (Monday and Wednesday) Synchronous Course
Understandings of the person, presence and mission of Christ in scripture, in doctrine and dogma, and in contemporary theology.
Introduction to Systematics
Kristin Colberg | DOCT 401| 3 credits
8:30 AM -3:30 PM Saturdays: 9/7, 9/28, 10/26, 11/16 Synchronous Course
This course provides an introduction to the methods and content of systematic theology, particularly as they play out in three key sub-fields of this discipline: Creation, Revelation, and Eschatology. The class is intended to orient those who are newer to theological study and to help guide students in on-going reflection on major questions in the world of systematics. The semester will begin with an examination of the question "What is theology?" as well as a exploration of theological methods. The subsequent weekends will consider the topics of creation, revelation and eschatology employing a variety of methodological tools.
Suffering and the Vulnerable Rule of God
S. Kathleen McManus, OP | DOCT 468| 3 credits
8:00 -11:15 AM (Tuesday) Synchronous Course
The mission of the Church is to mediate the Reign of God on earth. In this light, we will be asking the question, "How is the Reign of God being revealed through the suffering experience of women and others marginalized because of race, gender, and sexual orientation?" Taking the Lukan image of the "Bent-Over Woman-Standing Up Straight" as the paradigm for all of those thus marginalized, we will explore the ways in which such suffering experience poses an ethical imperative for the Church.
SCRIPTURE
Synoptic Gospels
| SSNT 420 | 3 credits
8:00-11:10 AM (Tuesday) 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.
Reading the Old Testament
Dale Launderville, OSB | SSOT 400 | 3 credits
6:00-9:15 PM (Thursday) Synchronous Course
The Israelites forged their identity as a people and sustained their common bonds through interaction and communication with YHWH. This course will examine the testimony of the Old Testament to this relational dynamic between YHWH, the people, and their leaders through the exegesis of representative texts from the Pentateuch, the Prophets, and the Writings.
Psalms
Dale Launderville, OSB | SSOT 416 | 3 credits
8:00-11:10 AM (Monday) Synchronous Course
Study of the backbone of Jewish and Christian prayer for three thousand years. In addition to the exegesis of selected psalms, topics include: the formation of the Psalter, various translations, the spirituality of the psalms, and the use of the psalms in Christian prayer, especially the Eucharist and the Liturgy of the Hours.
PASTORAL THEOLOGY
Theology and Practice of Ministry
Daniella Zsupan-Jerome | PTHM 405| 3 credits
8:00 AM-3:30 PM (Saturday) Synchronous Course
Class Meetings: Saturdays: 9/14, 10/5, 11/2, 11/23, 12/7
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.
Pastoral Care: Guiding and Reconciling
Hollie Holt-Woehl| PTHM 410 | 3 credits
6:00-9:15 PM (Monday) 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 guiding and reconciling. Guiding pertains to caring for people as they search out their calling and seek spiritual growth and maturity. Reconciling ministry is learning to help people and communities practice seeking and granting forgiveness. Both of these practices take place across a wide range of life experiences. This class will focus on life transitions, discerning callings, trauma and abuse, divorce, addictions, mental health, prison ministry, and community and social conflict. The course is grounded in a theology of Christ the reconciler and savior and future hope
Deepan Rajaratnam| PTHM 468 | 3 credits
8:00-11:15 AM (Friday) Synchronous Course
This course examines the contextual and pastoral challenges of youth ministry, campus ministry, and young adult ministry. Particular attention will be given to the distinct needs and challenges of different cultural groups within the U.S. To prepare students to meet these needs, this course will examine the foundational ecclesial documents that guide youth and young adult ministry - especially as described by Pope Francis - and explore youth ministry through the framework of evangelization, formation, and synodality. As a part of this framework, the course will explore different approaches and models of youth, campus, and young adult ministry. Finally, this course will promote the development of practical skills necessary to meet the needs of the diverse people who constitute the young church.
HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY
History of Christianity I
Ben Durheim | 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
Healthcare Ethics
Mary Ann Kish | MORL 428 | 3 credits
1:15-4:25 PM (Tuesday) Synchronous Course
This course examines how the application of fundamental moral themes informs particular issues of Christian morality: This course will provide a framework in the Catholic tradition for addressing the ethical issues in a wide range of topics in health care. Students will address both individual case studies and general topics in an attempt to gain an understanding of how to analyze contemporary issues that may arise in the course of their subsequent work in ministry or just in their day-to-day lives. The course is primarily discussion-based, with lecture support, case analyses, and a final research paper. It will address such contemporary issues as end-of-life, beginning-of-life, the ethical issues being raised by COVID-19, gender reassignment surgery, physician-assisted suicide, the anti-VAX movement, and others.
SPIRITUALITY and MONASTIC STUDIES
Growing Spiritually with Saint Benedict
Michael Rubbelke | MONS 444 / SPIR 444 | 1 credit
On-line Synchronous Course: Instructor and Students will all be on Zoom Conference
6:00-8:00 PM (Wednesday) Synchronous Course
Wednesdays 10/23, 10/30, 11/6, 11/13, 11/20
Growth is a dynamic process, and the Church’s spiritual traditions envision this with different accents and insights. How does Saint Benedict and the long monastic tradition following him describe spiritual growth? This course will investigate how certain Benedictine authors describe spiritual growth and the practices which accompany it, focusing on lectio divina, community life, and desire for God. Through both ancient and contemporary wisdom, we will explore how Saint Benedict and his followers can contribute to our own journey to God with one another today.
The Rule of Benedict
Carmel Posa, SGS | MONS 410 | 3 credits
6:00-9:15 PM (Thursday)
SYNCH class, all participants and instructor on-line – August 29-October 31
In-person and remote students – November 7, 14, 21, December 5
The Rule of Benedict and its sources; exegesis of the text; issues of interpretation. Rowan Williams, the former Archbishop of Canterbury has remarked that the Rule of Saint Benedict, "touched countless lives by the mere fact that is has shaped personalities who have in turn shaped their societies." The purpose of this course is to help present-day readers and interpreters of the Rule of Benedict (RB) to come to an appreciation of its wisdom in the context of 21st-century in order to shape their own Christian lives, their understanding of leadership, and their involvement in pastoral ministry.
Christian Mysticism
Makrina Finlay, OSB | SPIR 432 | 3 credits
8:00-11:10 AM (Wednesdays and Fridays)
Class meetings:
August 28 ZOOM 8:00-10:00 AM All on zoom
September 4 ZOOM 8:00-10:00 AM All on zoom
in person + SYNCH 8:00-11:10 AM
September 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27
October 2, 4, 9, 11
two other class meetings TBD ZOOM 8:00-11:00 AM All on zoom Synchronous Course
This course focuses on the mystical dimension of Christianity as exemplified in ancient and modern mystics from Gregory Nyssa, Julian of Norwich and Theresa of Avila to Hans Urs von Balthasar and Dorothy Day, considering each from within his or her own historical and theological settings and in relationship to one another. It looks at the influence of this more personal experience of God on the broader church and its teaching, and considers the distinction between true from false mysticism as well as the influence of psychology on studies of mysticism.
Discernment in Prayer
Sam Rahberg | SPIR 437 | 0 credits or 1 credit
5 Wednesdays: 8/28, 9/4, 9/11, 9/18, 9/25
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.
LITURGY
Liturgical Rites
Anthony Ruff, OSB| LTGY 416 | 3 credits
1:15-4:25 PM (Tuesdays) Synchronous Course
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 Year
Hansol Goo | LTGY 421 | 3 credits
1:15-4:25 PM (Thursday) Synchronous Course
The interaction of time-keeping and faith in Christianity. Theology of Sunday, Easter and its seasons, Christmas-Epiphany and their seasons, with study of the prayers for the seasons and feasts in a variety of liturgical books and calendars today. Liturgical time and the rhythms of modern life.
Liturgical Music Seminar
Anthony Ruff, OSB | LTGY 501 | 1 credit
8:00-9:30 AM (Tuesdays and Thursdays)
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
Kelley Deshler | PTHM 412 | 3 credits
Students participate in a basic unit of an accredited Clinical Pastoral Education program.
Practicum/Theological Reflection
Kelley Deshler | 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
TBA | 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 Mid-Degree Assessment
TBA | 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
TBA | 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
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 Holmberg | 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
| 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 ( Tuesdays and Thursdays)
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
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 3 to November 1, with the week of October 14 off.