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.

Understandings of the person, presence and mission of Christ in scripture, in doctrine and dogma, and in contemporary theology.

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.

This course examines the nature and structure of the Roman Catholic Church from its apostolic origins to the present. Various models used in understanding the Church will be studied (e.g. the Church as communion, the Church as sacrament, etc.) The local and universal nature of the Church, and issues related to magisterium, authority, evangelization, ministry, and missiology will be discussed.

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.

Students study the biblical foundations, historical development, systematic theology, and canonical structures of ordained and lay ministry in the Church. Cross-listed with PTHM 413.

Eschatological dimensions of the Christian experience.

Scriptural, Christological and ecclesiological bases of the Church's view of Mary. The development of Marian devotions and their place in the history of spirituality and in contemporary spiritual life.

The roots of Christian worship in symbol, language, and social dynamics. Theological reflection on the sacramental life in the Church. Contemporary approaches to a theology of sacrament especially in relation to Trinitarian, theology, Christology, Pneumatology, Christian anthropology, and ecclesiology. Cross-listed with LTGY 424.

The Second Vatican Council has impacted virtually every area of Catholic life and thought. The council invited and guided the church to know itself and its relation to the world more deeply, and the implications of this enhanced understanding continue to unfold today. This course approaches the Second Vatican Council as a historical and theological event. It examines the development of Vatican II, its final documents and the council's interpretation. Emphasis will be given to seeing the council as a whole and the way that each particular document -- and all the documents together -- are an expression of the council's general aims and overarching goals. Additionally, students will be asked to think independently about the connections between particular documents and how the council's teachings inform contemporary issues.

Various topics offered. See schedule each semester for offerings.