Spring 2021 Course Schedule
SPRING 2021:
Most face-to-face courses are available for on-line/Synchronous participation.
Please note your preference by choosing section 02A for SYNCH courses and/or noting on the Registration Form Notes.
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
Trinity/Faith/Revelation
Shawn Colberg | DOCT 407 | 3 credits
8:00-11:10 AM (Wednesdays) 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.
Introduction to Systematic Theology
Kristin Colberg | DOCT 468 01A | 3 credits
Weekend course--Saturdays Synchronous Course
8:30 AM -3:00 PM (Saturdays) | January 23; February 20; March 20, April 24
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.
SCRIPTURE
Pauline Letters
Vincent Smiles | SSNT 422| 3 credits
1:15-4:25 PM (Wednesdays) 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.
New Testament Greek ll
Jason Schlude | SSNT 402 | 3 credits
BLOCK SCHEDULE TBA
Continuation of SSNT 401, with particular focus on New Testament texts as primary translation sources.
Pentateuch
Dale Launderville | SSOT 410| 3 credits
WEB COURSE
Pentateuch tells a story about the origins of the cosmos and of humans that provides a framework for the origins of the Israelite nation. Through an examination of the Books of Genesis, Exodus, and Deuteronomy, this course will not only try to understand the message of these books for their original audiences but will also be attentive to how this message has been received through the generations. A special focus of this course will be on how this message has been received in light of scientific theories of evolution and the origin of the cosmos.
PASTORAL THEOLOGY
Theology and Practice of Ministry
Jeff Kaster | PTHM 405 | 3 credits
6:00-9:15 pm (Mondays) 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.
Ministry Through the Life Cycle
Barbara Sutton | PTHM 454 01A | 3 credits
Hybrid: Web work and class meetimgs Synchronous Course
Saturdays, 8:30 AM-3:00 PM
February 6; February 27; March 27; April 17
Church leaders attend with care to faith growth, challenges, and pastoral care of the entire Christian community. Ministry through the lifecycle attempts to give students basic proficiency in a family perspective to ministry, family systems, human and faith development, and lifecycle theory for individuals, families and the minister as well as an ecological understanding of families, churches and communities resulting in a more relevant and holistic ministry. This course draws on resources to examine the way in which we can support the fundamental activity of meaning making for persons of faith at each point of the lifecycle. The challenges and tasks associated with each stage will be investigated as well as the role ministry should play at those critical times in one’s life. The course will allow the student to concentrate attention on the periods of family or individual development that are of greatest pastoral or personal significance. Attention will also be given to the ministers own developmental tasks and need for care in relation to the varied demands of care giving.
Theological Research Seminar
Kathleen Cahalan | PTHM 465 01A / THY 465 01A | 3 credits
1:15-4:25 PM (Tuesdays) 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
Patristics
Charles Bobertz | HCHR 400 | 3 credits
8:00-11:10 AM (Tuesdays) 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.
History of Christianity II
Bill Cahoy | HCHR 404 | 3 credits
1:15-2:45 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.
The Age of the Cloister: Monasticism C 800-1540 AD
Colman O'Clabaigh, OSB | HCHR 415 / MONS 404 | 3 credits
8:30-11:15 AM (Thursdays) 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.
MORAL THEOLOGY
Christian Social Ethics
Bernard Evans | MORL 422 | 3 credits
8:00-11:10 AM (Mondays) 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.
Survey of Moral Topics: Health Care Ethics
Mary Ann Kish | MORL 428 | 3 credits
1:15-4:25 PM (Mondays) Synchronous Course
This course is designed to 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
Discernment in Prayer
Becky Van Ness | 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.
Required: Access to computer with built-in camera OR attached web cam.
Course ASYNCHRONOUS ON-LINE January to April
Group ZOOM meeting either Tuesday, April 20, 7:00-9:00 PM or Thursday, April 22, 7:00-9:00 PM
The Age of the Cloister: Monasticism C 800-1540 AD
Colman O'Clabaigh, OSB | HCHR 415 / MONS 404 | 3 credits
8:30-11:15 AM (Thursdays) 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.
The Spirituality of World Religions
Chris Conway | SPIR 468 | 3 credits
6:00-9:15 PM (Wednesays) Synchronous Course
This course will provide an introduction to several world religious traditions [including Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism] through a focus on spiritual practices. Alongside historical and theological engagements with these traditions, we will explore also the ways they are lived and practiced today with special attention to the communities and contexts relevant to class participants. Rather than strive for general breadth, we will focus instead on particular depth. In doing so students will gain the skills necessary to carry on interreligious and comparative theological reflection on their own and in their particular ministries.
LITURGY
Liturgcial Presidency
NOTE: Not available for SYNCHRONOUS PARTICIPATION
Johan Van Parys | LTGY 426 | 3 credits
Friday, 6:30-8:45 PM
Saturdays, 8:00-12:00 noon
January 30, February 6, February 13, March 13, April 10
Training in all aspects of liturgical presiding for those who will lead worship, including study of directives and rubrics in the relevant official documents. Use of gesture and voice, including singing, to relate well to the assembly and to other liturgical ministers. For future priests, emphasis on celebrating Mass. For future deacons, emphasis 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 lay students, emphasis on Sunday Celebrations in Absence of a Priest, and other rites such as funeral vigils. Prerequisite: LTGY 407 Introduction to Pastoral Liturgy or permisson of Associate Dean
Initiation and Eucharist
Anthony Ruff, OSB| LTGY 405 | 3 credits
3:00-4:25 PM (Tuesday and Thursday) Synchronous Course
The origins of rites of initiation and eucharist, East and West, and their historical development. Theological and doctrinal perspectives. Examination of the postconciliar Roman rite and its attendant documents, with some treatment of other Christian traditions. Issues in contemporary pastoral practice.
Liturgical Music Seminar
Anthony Ruff, OSB | LTGY 501 | 1 credit
8:30-10:00 AM (Thursdays) Synchronous Course
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
Barbara Sutton | PTHM 412 | 3 credits
Students participate in a basic unit of an accredited Clinical Pastoral Education program.
Practicum/Theological Reflection
Barbara Sutton | PTHM 459 01A- 10A | 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
- 08A Spiritual Direction (limited to Spiritual Direction Cohort)
- 09A Ministry on the Margins
- 10A Liturgical Music Ministry
Practicum / Theological Reflection: Spiritual Direction Practicum
Becky Van Ness | PTHM 459 08A |
6:00-8:00 PM (Mondays)
January 25; February 22, March 22; April 19
Note: Limited to those in the Spiritual Direction Program
MAM Ministry Portfolio
Barbara Sutton | 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
Barbara Sutton | 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 | 12973 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
TBA | THY 598 | 3 credits
Comprehensive Exams
TBA | 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
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
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
Caleb Wenzel | LMUS 412 | 0 credits or 1 credit
10:15-11:15 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. Spring 2021: offered entirely online. May be taken for 0 or 1 credit.
Liturgical Music Seminar
Anthony Ruff, OSB | LMUS 501 | 2 credits
8:30-10:00 AM (Thursdays) Synchronous Course
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 Interpretation Seminar
Anthony Ruff, OSB | LMUS 468 | 1 credit
WEB COURSE
Prerequisite: Basic competence in singing four-line Latin chant notation and basic familiarity with lineless St. Gall neumes.
Required text: Graduale Novum (recommended) or Graduale Triplex.
Course cost: $450.00 tuition and $150.00 Student Fee
Advanced seminar on singing Latin chant expressively, based on scholarly investigation of genre, modality, rhythm, and liturgical spirituality. Students will do selected readings each week, submit an scholarly analysis of the chant of the week, submit a video of their singing of that chant, and offer feedback to one another. Each week will take up a genre of chant (introit, gradual, hymn, etc.). Optionally, if all students agree, the instructor’s end of the week video commentary will be replaced by a synchronous online conference of all students.
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LANGUAGES
Reading Ecclesial Latin ll
Scott Richardson | LANG 402 | 3 credits
BLOCK SCHEDULE --TBA
An overview of the grammatical structure of the language and practice in reading short works. The course is graded pass/fail.
Reading German ll
Charles Bobertz | 17092 LANG 406 | 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.
Biblical Hebrew II
David Calbro | SSOT 468| 3 credits
TBA--Instructor will arrange meetings with students.
Through a combination of rapid reading of selected OT Hebrew texts and a more methodical analysis of grammar and syntax, this course aims to assist the student in her/his skill in interpreting Old Testament texts. 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 video camera)
All regular three-credit courses are available in SYNCHRONOUS format (except LTGY 426 Liturgical Presidency)
Asynchronous--Course is offered entirely on the WEB platform
Pentateuch
Dale Launderville, OSB | SSOT 410 | 3 credits
WEB COURSE
The Pentateuch tells a story about the origins of the cosmos and of humans that provides a framework for the origins of the Israelite nation. Through an examination of the Books of Genesis, Exodus, and Deuteronomy, this course will not only try to understand the message of these books for their original audiences but will also be attentive to how this message has been received through the generations. A special focus of this course will be on how this message has been received in light of scientific theories of evolution and the origin of the cosmos.
Discernment in Prayer
Becky Van Ness | 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.
Required: Access to computer with built-in camera OR attached web cam.
Course ASYNCHRONOUS ON-LINE January to April
Group ZOOM meeting either Tuesday, April 20, 7:00-9:00 PM or Thursday, April 22, 7:00-9:00 PM
Gregorian Chant Interpretation
Anthony Ruff, OSB | LMUS 468 | 1 credit
WEB COURSE
Prerequisite: Basic competence in singing four-line Latin chant notation and basic familiarity with lineless St. Gall neumes.
Required text: Graduale Novum. Recommended text: Graduale Triplex.
Advanced seminar on singing Latin chant expressively, based on scholarly investigation of genre, modality, rhythm, and liturgical spirituality. Students will do selected readings each week, submit an scholarly analysis of the chant of the week, submit a video of their singing of that chant, and offer feedback to one another. Each week will take up a genre of chant (introit, gradual, hymn, etc.). Optionally, if all students agree, the instructor’s end of the week video commentary will be replaced by a synchronous online conference of all students.