Theology (THEO)

THEO 101  T1:FD:The Judeo-ChristianTrad    3 sem. hrs.

This course introduces students to the theological foundation of Walsh University’s mission. It explores the distinctive contributions of Judaism and Christianity to spiritual life, human dignity, and pursuit of the common good within the context of global religious diversity. Special attention is given to the example and teachings of Jesus Christ.

THEO 102  FD:TheCatholicIntellectualTrad    3 sem. hrs.

Building on their orientation to the Judeo-Christian Tradition (THEO 101), this course explores the core characteristics of the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, including the continuity between faith and reason, the integration of truth from all academic disciplines, and the application of the sacramental principle to intellectual thought. Special attention will be given to topics within social justice and ethics.

THEO 105  TH3:DV:CIT ComparativReligions    3 sem. hrs.

This course studies the history, practices, and teachings of Christianity and other major religions of the world (e.g., Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism).

Prerequisite: THEO 101 or 102.

THEO 200  H2a:TH3:CIT:ChristiaTheoTo1500    3 sem. hrs.

This course examines the development of Christian thought from the time of the New Testament to the Protestant Reformation. The development of Christian theology will be surveyed through various historical arcs that will reinforce critical thinking skills, reflect upon the connection between politics and theological development, and deepen their awareness of the Church's continual pursuit of truth through faith and reason.

THEO 201  H2a:TH3:CIT:ChrisTheo/1500-Pre    3 sem. hrs.

This course examines the development of Christian thought from the time of the Protestant Reformation to the present day. Special attention will be given to the development of Christian theology in the wake of the Renaissance Period, the Enlightenment Period, and following the two world wars. In addition, the course will review the Catholic traditions evolving theology on sexuality, immigration, and race relations

THEO 202  H2a:TH3:CIT: Christology    3 sem. hrs.

This course studies the person, being and activity of Jesus of Nazareth in depth through an examination of biblical testimonies, early Church Councils, and contemporary theological methods. Students will reinforce their understanding of Catholic biblical hermeneutics, theological anthropology, and Church teaching. They will also critically address the question of Jesus' contemporary relevance. Offered every fall.

Prerequisites: THEO 101 or 102.

THEO 203  H2a:TH3:CIT:ChristianMoralLife    3 sem. hrs.

This course examines traditional notions of conscience, responsibility, authority, freedom and value in light of the Gospel. In addition to reinforcing their understanding of Catholic biblical hermeneutics, theological anthropology, and Church teaching, students will critically discuss contemporary moral issues. Offered every semester.

Prerequisites: THEO 101 or 102.

THEO 206  H2a:TH3:CIT:ChristianLifeSpir.    3 sem. hrs.

This course explores the meaning of the Christian life and spirituality in light of Catholic Church teachings and the primary concept of Christian vocation. Students will be initiated into the main forms of Christian prayer and be entrusted with theological tools to better discern God's will for their lives. Offered every semester.

THEO 207  H1:TH1:TH3:DV:African-AmeRel    3 sem. hrs.

This course is designed to introduce students to the history and development of the African American Christian Church in America. The course will provide an introduction to African American spirituality in both Protestant and Catholic traditions. In addition, the course will spend a considerable amount of time articulating the connection between African American spirituality, the theology of the human person, and social justice.

THEO 215  H2a:TH1:CIT:OldTestamentScript    3 sem. hrs.

This course explores the literature and theology of the Old Testament: the Pentateuch, the Histories, the Poetical/Wisdom books, and the Prophets, including the Deutero-canonical literature unique to the Catholic Bible. Students will learn about modern scholarly theories concerning the formation of these texts. They will also deepen their knowledge of Catholic biblical hermeneutics and of the Church's dogmatic constitution on divine revelation. Offered every fall.

Prerequisite: THEO101 or 102.

THEO 216  H2a:TH3:CIT:NewTestamentScript    3 sem. hrs.

This course explores the literature and theology of the New Testament: the Gospels and Acts, the Epistles, and the Apocalypse of the formation of these texts. They will also deepen their knowledge of Catholic biblical hermeneutics and of the Church's dogmatic constitution on divine revelation. Offered every spring.

Prerequisite: THEO 101 or 102.

THEO 217  H2a:TH1:TH3:CIT:The Torah    3 sem. hrs.

This course surveys the first five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Collectively referred to as the Torah, these books narrate the origin of the Israelite people against the backdrop of creation. Special attention is given to the principles of human dignity and social justice expressed through the covenants of Noah, Abraham, and Moses. Gen-Ed designations: CIT; TH 1 & 3.

THEO 218  H2a:TH1:TH3:CIT:The Prophets    3 sem. hrs.

This course surveys the primary historical and prophetic books of the Bible. Also known as the Former and Latter Prophets, these books recount and interpret the experience of the Israelite people from their settlement of the land of Canaan through the early post-exilic period. Special attention is given to the development of the prophetic vocation and eschatological hope. Gen-Ed designations: CIT; TH 1 & 3

THEO 219  TH1:TH3:CIT:DV:The Writings    3 sem. hrs.

This course surveys the poetic, sapiential, and other late post-exilic literature of the Bible. Collectively referred to as the Writings, these books reveal the spiritual and intellectual vitality of early Judaism. Special attention is given to the Deuterocanonical books included within the Tridentine canon. Gen-Ed designations: DV; CIT; TH 1 & 3.

THEO 220  TH1:TH3:The Gospels    3 sem. hrs.

This course surveys the four canonical gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. These books are the primary sources for the example and teachings of Jesus Christ. Special attention is given to the models of servant-leadership presented in these books. Gen-Ed designations: CIT; TH 1 & 3.

THEO 221  The Book of Acts/Ltrs of Paul    3 sem. hrs.

This course surveys the thirteen canonical letters attributed to Paul of Tarsus and the Acts of the Apostles that describe his missionary career. Together, these texts comprise our primary evidence for the early history and theology of the Christian Church. Special attention is given to models of community presented in these texts. Gen-Ed designations: CIT; TH 1 & 3.

THEO 222  Catholic Letters/Book of Revel    3 sem. hrs.

This course surveys the letters of the New Testament not written by Paul (Hebrews, James, 1-2 Peter, 1-3 John, Jude) and the Book of Revelation. Traditionally referred to as the Catholic (or “Universal”) Letters because their intended audience is not restricted to a specific locale, these texts, together with the Book of Revelation, grapple with challenges faced by the second generation of the Christian Church. Special attention is given to models of the relationship between church and society. Gen-Ed designations: DV; CIT; TH 1 & 3.

THEO 271  H2a:TH1:CIT:CatholBeliefinPrac    3 sem. hrs.

This course surveys the theological concepts and spiritual practices that most distinguish Catholics within the diverse expressions of Christianity. Topics may include the Mass, the sacraments, sexual ethics, social ethics, types of prayer, and pilgrimage and forms of popular piety. Students will deepen their knowledge of Church teaching. They will also reflect upon the work of the Holy Spirit in the Church and deepen their awareness of the Church's continual pursuit of truth through faith and reason. Offered every semester.

Prerequisites: THEO 101 or 102.

THEO 302  H3:TH3:CIT: Liturgy/Sacraments    3 sem. hrs.

This class studies Christian liturgy and sacraments as signs and instruments of divine grace in the life of the Church. Attention is given to the connection between the practical practice of ritual and the evolving sacramental theology that resulted from changes to ritual practice. Time is given to compare the sacramental theologies among various Christian traditions in order to provide students with a developed summative understanding of Catholic sacramental theology.

THEO 309  H2a:TH1:CIT:SL:Theology&SocaJ    3 sem. hrs.

This course considers justice and peace as core principles of the Gospel. By applying Catholic social teaching to the contemporary world, students will develop a summative understanding of theological anthropology and the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church. Offered every semester.

Prerequisite: THEO 101 or 102.

THEO 406  Theology Internship    1-6 sem. hrs.

The internship experience is mandatory for all Theology majors. The aim of the internship is to integrate theological theory and pastordal practice. It is a custom-designed internship with a wide variety of possible ministry venues. The internship is determined and arranged with the student's advisor. Offered every semester.

Prerequisite: THEO 101 or 102.

THEO 408  Seminar: Topics in Theology    3 sem. hrs.

This course examines essential topics in theological studies, for example, the mystery of suffering, the development of doctrine, theological method, and Mariology. The chosen topic varies according to student and faculty interest. Offered every spring.

Prerequisite: THEO 101 or 102.