Online Courses & Descriptions

Theology Major – Requirements (21 hours):

Th 101 Introduction to the Old Testament
This course examines the texts of the New Testament from the perspective of modern biblical scholarship. The historical, literary, theological and spiritual dimensions of the sacred text will be explored.

Th 105 Introduction to the New Testament
This course examines the texts of the New Testament from the perspective of modern biblical scholarship. The historical, literary, theological and spiritual dimensions of the sacred text will be explored.

Th 110 The Catholic Faith: An Introduction to Theology
This course is an introduction to Catholic theology and the faith tradition that will examine how the Church prayerfully receives, seeks to understand, and communicates God’s revelation to humanity. The course will consist of an overview of both important and distinctive Catholic beliefs and practices within the framework of the Catholic tradition articulated in the Catholic Catechism.

Th 210 Theology of the Church
This course is a theological study of the nature and mission of the Church. We will investigate the Church from the following perspectives: its beginnings, as reflected in the New Testament and early Christian literature; the history of Catholic ecclesiology; the models analysis of Avery Dulles; and the documents of Vatican II.

Th 303 Catholic Moral Tradition and Contemporary Issues
This course explores the Catholic moral tradition and its application to personal and social moral issues.  Specific issues discussed will vary according to contemporary moral relevance.

Th 318 Faith and Justice: The Gospel and Social Values
This course examines why a concern for social, economic and political justice is rooted in and demanded by the Gospel and mission of the Church. It presents the problem of structural injustice and possible strategies for alternatives. Issues such as human rights, abortion, poverty, hunger, racism, sexism, pollution, and war are studied.

Th 350 Development of Catholic Doctrine
This is a three credit hour course that explores the development of Catholic doctrine as an historical, cultural, and theological process. Christian worship, the teachings of theologians, the devotions of popular piety, creeds and other official pronouncements of church councils and popes through the ages shape and carry this process forward. Such enculturation and doctrinal development will be analyzed in seminar fashion through the lenses of church teachings on the Trinity, Jesus, and Mary.

Pastoral Studies Requirements (15 hours):

Th 109 Introduction to Ministry
This course provides an overview of ministry in the Church, historically and currently, and its implications for those exploring the call to serve the Church in professional roles of ministry. Field interviews and observations are integral to this course in order to broaden student understanding of ministry and to assist students in assessing their readiness for entering a degree program in ministry studies.

Th 212 Basics of Catechetical and Youth Ministry
This course in catechetics and evangelization is designed for persons who work in or seek to prepare for work in catechetical ministry with adults, young adults, youth or children. The topics include a history of catechesis and youth ministry, the nature and purpose of evangelization and catechesis, the catechetical dimensions of youth ministry, faith development theory, techniques and practice of planning effective catechetical sessions and activities, and the spirituality of those engaged in catechetical ministry.

Th 302 Christian Marriage and Family
This is a three credit hour course which deals with the meaning of marriage as a sacrament, the history of Catholic teaching on marriage and family, and the myths and realities of marriage. This course also
explores practical ways to enrich marriage and foster married and family spirituality.

Th 312 The Sacraments of the Catholic Community
This course examines sacraments within the context of the sacramental/incarnational view of the relationship between humanity and God, which is characteristic of the Catholic vision.  The theological, historical, and pastoral dimensions of the sacraments will be included to contextualize contemporary issues in sacramental practice.  Particular attention will be given to the Sacraments of Initiation.

Th 399 Independent Study (capstone course)
This 1-4 credit hour course is used to designate a course that is not part of the regular curriculum. It is generally offered based on student interests and needs.

Related Subject Requirements (6 hours):

His 339 History of Christianity to 1648
This three credit hour course will survey Christianity from apostolic times through the Reformation with particular emphasis on the role of Christianity in the political, cultural and moral development of the West. Topics include: the early Church Fathers, impact of Islam, medieval papacy, Luther, and Calvin.

Phl 103 Introduction to Philosophy
This three credit hour course is designed to teach a student how to argue, think clearly, improve communication skills, avoid fallacies, classify things, connect events, formulate and test hypotheses, and make reasonable decisions.

Phl 110 Applied Logic: Critical Thinking
This three credit hour course is designed to teach a student how to argue, think clearly, improve communication skills, avoid fallacies, classify things, connect events, formulate and test hypotheses, and make reasonable decisions.