Spring 2023 Course Schedule
SPRING 2023:
Most face-to-face courses are available for remote/Synchronous participation.
Please note your preference by choosing section 01A for face-to-face courses or 01B for remote/Synchronous courses.
Search by Focus Area
DOCTRINE | SCRIPTURE |LANGUAGES | PASTORAL THEOLOGY
HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY | MORAL THEOLOGY | SPIRITUALITY
COMPREHENSIVE EXAMS | FIELD EDUCATION | LITURGY | LITURGICAL MUSIC
ONLINE COURSES
DOCTRINE
Christian Anthropology
Kristin Colberg | DOCT 411 | 3 credits
1:15-4:25 PM (Mondays) Synchronous Course
This course undertakes a Christian exploration to the question: What does it mean to be human? As a theological discipline, Christian theological anthropology draws from a wide range of sources. These sources include the doctrine of creation, the doctrine of sin and grace, the doctrine of the Trinity, Christology, ecclesiology, and eschatology. This course examines these sources and underscores the historical evolution of Christian theological anthropology.
Theology and Film
Chris Conway | DOCT 468 | 3 credits
2:45-4:15 PM (Tuesdays and Thursdays) Synchronous Course
This course will offer an introduction to thinking critically and theologically about and with film. Alongside developing and sharping our skill as film re/viewers, we will be focusing on the theological dimensions of film as well as the theological themes that our films present (ex. Creation, Anthropology, Christology). Weekly screenings will be held, and featured films will be available in the library.
SCRIPTURE
The Gospel of Luke/Acts of the Apostles
Charles Bobertz | SSNT 419 | 3 credits
6:00-9:15 PM (Tuesdays) Synchronous Course
A study of the major themes of the Lucan corpus through an historical critical examination of selected passages. Special attention will be given to Luke's soteriology.
New Testament Greek l
Schlude| SSNT 401 | 3 credits
8:00-9:20 AM (Tuesdays and Thursdays)
The instruction emphasizes reading Comprehension of New Testament Greek, with the aid of a dictionary. It includes the study of grammar with an eye towards its practical application. Biblical resources will be utilized for reading proficiency preparation. Graded A-F or pass/fail.
Pentateuch
Laszlo Simon, OSB | SSOT 419| 3 credits
8:00- 11:10 AM (Mondays ) Synchronous Course
Survey of the books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy in the Hebrew Bible, introducing the student to their content, the traditions of interpretation and the methods employed in their exegesis. Themes of creating, liberating, and covenanting are emphasized. Note: This course will be fully SYNCHRONOUS, with ALL students and instructor on line.
PASTORAL THEOLOGY
Theology and Spirituality of Vocation
Kathleen Cahalan | PTHM 414 \ SPIR 414 | 3 credits
8:15 AM-3:00 PM (Weekend Course--Saturdays) Synchronous Course
Saturdays: January 21, February 25, March 25, April 22
This course will address the theological, spiritual, and practical dimensions of Christian vocation. Students will examine the history and development of Catholic and Protestant theologies of vocation, with attention to creation, providence, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The course emphasizes vocation both as general, the calling Christians share together, and as particular, the unique ways God calls each person. We will study callings as they pertain to the whole of life, across the lifespan (children, teens, young adults, adulthood and the elderly), and in regards to work and professions. We will examine practices of discernment as well as interfaith perspectives on vocation. Cross listed PTHM 414 / SPIR 414.
Teaching Sacraments
Daniella Zsupan-Jerome | PTHM 457 | 3 credits
8:15 AM-3:00 PM (Weekend Course--Saturdays) Synchronous Course
Opening Zoom Meeting on Wednesday, January 18 6:00-7:00 PM
January 18 – February 4 Asynchronous work on Canvas
Four Saturdays: February 4, February 12, March 11, April 15
This course addresses catechetical methods for initiation into the sacramental life of the church
and discipleship, including the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, Eucharist, reconciliation,
and marriage. Issues of liturgical catechesis, readiness of candidates, preparation of the
community and families will be incorporated.
Theological Research Seminar / Integration Seminar
Kathleen Cahalan | PTHM 465 / THY 465 | 3 credits
9:00 AM- 12:00 noon (Fridays) Synchronous Course
THY 465
The research seminar is designed to direct and guide students in advanced theological research for writing a paper or thesis. The course will focus on types of theological research and audiences; how to make a persuasive case and argument; how to conduct research, identify sources, use them critically, and cite in footnotes and bibliographies; how to organize and construct a major paper; and how to write in a clear and persuasive way. Students will read and engage other student projects in order to enhance their understanding of theological research and writing. This course is open to graduate students in all degree programs.
PTHM 465
Students enrolled in the Master of Divinity program are required to complete a capstone integration project at the conclusion of their degree. The project utilizes a fourfold method of practical theology that guides pastoral practice : description, interpretation, theological reflection, and constructive response. Students will engage in theological research to write a paper and present an oral presentation. The course will focus on theological research and audiences in ministry; how to make a persuasive case and argument; how to conduct research, identify sources, use them critically, and cite in footnotes and bibliographies; how to organize and construct a major paper; and how to write in a clear and persuasive way. Students will read and engage other student projects in order to enhance their understanding of theological research and writing.
HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY and MONASTIC STUDIES
History of Christianity II
Michael Rubbelke | HCHR 404 | 3 credits
1:00-2:30 PM (Tuesdays and Thursdays) Synchronous Course
This course will examine the development of the Christian tradition, including the expression of seminal doctrines within the Christian church, from the twelfth century to the present day. The course will explore the main trends in the development of the institution and primary doctrines of the church within the larger philosophical, social, and political contexts of the second millennium, paying attention to the ways in which the lived experience of Christian peoples informs and shapes its thinking.
Patristics
Charles Bobertz | HCHR 400 | 3 credits
8:00-11:10 AM (Wednesdays) Synchronous Course
Survey of church history from the apostolic age to the Council of Chalcedon in 451, with special emphasis on the Apostolic Fathers, the Christianization of the Roman Empire, and the formation of Christian doctrine.
The Age of the Cloister
Colman O'Clabaigh, OSB | HCHR 415 / MONS 404 | 3 credits
8:00-11:10 AM (Tuesdays) Synchronous Course
This survey course examines the remarkable developments in male and female Christian Monasticism(s) that occurred in Western Europe between the ninth and the sixteenth centuries. In addition to a chronological overview, the course also situates medieval monasticism in its architectural, artistic, economic and intellectual contexts and examines how medieval monastics both shaped and were shaped by their cultural milieux. Note: This course will be fully SYNCHRONOUS, with ALL students and instructor on-line .
MORAL THEOLOGY
Christian Social Ethics
Durheim| MORL 422 | 3 credits
1:15-4:25 PM (Wednesdays)
Synchronous Course
The implications of Christian faith and theological reflection for contemporary society. The social dimensions of biblical ethics and the social teachings of the Catholic Church.
Healthcare Ethics
Mary Ann Kish| MORL 428 | 3 credits
6:00-9:15 PM (Thursdays)
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
Theology and Spirituality of Vocation
Kathleen Cahalan | PTHM 414 \ SPIR 414 | 3 credits
8:15 AM-3:00 PM (Weekend Course--Saturdays) Synchronous Course
Saturdays: January 21, February 25, March 25, April 22
This course will address the theological, spiritual, and practical dimensions of Christian vocation. Students will examine the history and development of Catholic and Protestant theologies of vocation, with attention to creation, providence, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The course emphasizes vocation both as general, the calling Christians share together, and as particular, the unique ways God calls each person. We will study callings as they pertain to the whole of life, across the lifespan (children, teens, young adults, adulthood and the elderly), and in regards to work and professions. We will examine practices of discernment as well as interfaith perspectives on vocation. Cross listed PTHM 414 / SPIR 414.
Discernment in Prayer
Sam Rahberg | SPIR 437 | 0 credits or 1 credit
WEB COURSE
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.
Course ASYNCHRONOUS ON-LINE January 17 to February 24
Group ZOOM meeting Friday, February 24, 4:30-6:00 PM
Spiritual Biography, Spiritual Journey
Shawn Colberg | SPIR 428 / HCHR 428 | 3 credits
6:00-9:15 PM (Wednesdays) Synchronous Course
This course involves critical and reflective reading of works that might be classified as "spiritual autobiography" in the Christian theological and spiritual tradition. Examining these "self-presentations" as theological fonts, the course introduces students to this genre and an understanding of each work in its historical and theological context. Particular attention is given to presentations of life as a "journey" with emphasis on those experiences which advance the person in his or her relationship with God. Themes such as grace, sacramental action, self-examination, prayer, and good works inform the way in which the course considers progress in the life stories, and the course will invite students to think about how biography might shape on-going insights into current Christian thought and practice.
The Age of the Cloister
Colman O'Clabaigh, OSB | HCHR 415 / MONS 404 | 3 credits
8:00-11:10 AM (Tuesdays) Synchronous Course
This survey course examines the remarkable developments in male and female Christian Monasticism(s) that occurred in Western Europe between the ninth and the sixteenth centuries. In addition to a chronological overview, the course also situates medieval monasticism in its architectural, artistic, economic and intellectual contexts and examines how medieval monastics both shaped and were shaped by their cultural milieux. Note: This course will be fully SYNCHRONOUS, with ALL students and instructor on-line .
LITURGY
Initiation and Eucharist
Anthony Ruff, OSB | LTGY 405 | 3 credits
6:00-8:00 PM (Mondays) Synchronous Course
The origins of rites of initiation and eucharist, East and West, and their historical development. Theological and doctrinal perspectives. Examination of the post-conciliar Roman rite and its attendant documents, with some treatment of other Christian traditions. Issues in contemporary pastoral practice.
Liturgical Presidency
Johan Van Parys | LTGY 426| 3 credits
Required IN-PERSON course
Weekend course: 6:30-8:30 PM; 8:15 AM-12:00 noon (Fridays and Saturdays )
January 27-28 , February 17-18 , March 3-4, March 17-18, March 31-April 1, April 28-29
Training in all aspects of liturgical presiding for those will lead worship as priests and deacons,
including study of rubrics and directives in the relevant official documents. Use of gesture and
voice to relate well to the assembly and to other liturgical ministers. Training in singing the
ministerial chants in the liturgical books. For future priests, focus on celebrating Mass. For
future deacons, focus on their role at Mass, as well as presiding at Sunday Celebrations in the
Absence of a Priest and other rites such as baptism. For non-ordination candidates, Sunday
Celebrations in Absence of a Priest, and other rites such as funeral vigils.
Prerequisite: LTGY 407 Liturgical Celebration or permission of instructor/dean.
Liturgical Music Seminar
Anthony Ruff, OSB | LTGY 501 | 1 credit
8:00-9:30 AM (Thursdays)
1 credit of classroom study integrated with 1 credit of participation in Chapel Choir. Students in the Seminar do not register separately for Chapel Choir. 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. Practica in liturgical 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- 11A | 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:
- 01A General Parish
- 02A Religious Education
- 03A Social Ministry
- 04A Liturgy
- 05A Homiletics
- 06A Pastoral Care
- 07A Campus Ministry and Young Adult Ministry
- 08A Spiritual Direction (limited to Spiritual Direction Cohort)
- 09A Ministry on the Margins
- 10A Liturgical Music Ministry
- 11A Liturgical Space Analysis (limited to Liturgical Art and Architecture Cohort)
Practicum / Theological Reflection: Spiritual Direction Practicum
Sam Rahberg | PTHM 459 08A | Variable 1-6 credits
TBA on Zoom
Note: Limited to those in the Spiritual Direction Program
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
Charles Bobertz | 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
Comprehensive Exams
Shawn Colberg | THY 599 | 0 credit--registration only
LITURGICAL MUSIC
Applied Piano
Robert Koopmann, OSB | LMUS 406 | 1 credit
Times TBA
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
Times TBA
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 | Guehyun Jung | LMUS 408 | 1 credit
Times TBA
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
Times TBA
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
Times TBA
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.
Chapel Choir
Maureen Putnam| LMUS 412 | 0 credits or 1 credit
9:45-11:15 AM (Thursdays)
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 (Thursdays)
1 credit of classroom study integrated with 1 credit of participation in Chapel Choir. Students in the Seminar do not register separately for Chapel Choir. 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. Practica in liturgical 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.
Gregorian Chant II: Advanced
Anthony Ruff, OSB | LMUS 411 | 1 credit
WEB COURSE
Expanded treatment of historical development, modality, solemn psalm tones, Latin pronunciation, and repertoire for liturgical use, with extensive study of lineless notation (St. Gall, Laon) and its application to the interpretation of advanced chant repertoire; advanced conducting. Prerequisite: Gregorian Chant I or equivalent.
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LANGUAGES
Reading Ecclesial Latin ll
Rachel Mazzara | LANG 402 | 3 credits
9:10-10:05 AM (Monday/Wednesday/Friday)
Continuation of 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)
Nearly all regular three-credit courses are available in SYNCHRONOUS format (except LTGY 501/LMUS 501)
Asynchronous--Course is offered entirely on the WEB platform
Discernment in Prayer
Sam Rahbeg | SPIR 437 | 0 credits or 1 credit
WEB COURSE
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.
Course ASYNCHRONOUS ON-LINE January 17 to February 24
Group ZOOM meeting Friday, February 24 (4:30-6:00 PM)
Gregorian Chant II -- Advanced
Anthony Ruff, OSB | LMUS 411 | 1 credit
Asynchronous Course
Expanded treatment of historical development, modality, solemn psalm tones, Latin pronunciation, and repertoire for liturgical use, with extensive study of lineless notation (St. Gall, Laon) and its application to the interpretation of advanced chant repertoire; advanced conducting. Prerequisite: Gregorian Chant I or equivalent.