PS2064
This course studies some advanced issues in pastoral counseling that include
models and theories of pastoral counseling, approaches to hospital visiting
and emergencies, ministry to the dying, bereavement, suicide, and family
conflict. Consideration is also given to the use of family systems theory
to clarify effective approaches to leadership, supervision, and congregational
life. Systematic training and practice in basic initiating skills are covered
in this second semester of a two-semester sequence. Multi-cultural implications
are included. [PS 1248 or equivalent; 12 max enrollment]
AQUINAS & HIS TIME ON JUDAISM
PHPT4175
Continuing "The Medieval Seminar," this course will examine Thomas
Aquinas' theology of Judaism in the context both of his own Christian contemporaries
(especially Robert Grosseteste, Robert Kilwardby, and John Peckham) and current
Roman Catholic thought. While familiarizing the participants with tools of
contemporary medieval research, the seminar will analyze the variety of theological
views and their commonalities. Special attention will be given to the literary
and theological issues of Thomas' commentary on the Letter to the Hebrews.
Requirements: Class attendance and participation, and 20 pages of written work.
[German recommended; Intermediate Latin; 8 max enrollment]
BIOMEDICAL ETHICS
CEST2518
Students will learn the virtues necessary and the principles helpful in understanding
the ethics of medicine. They will analyze the moral methodology of medical
ethics in the Catholic tradition, highlighting the approach of St. Thomas,
and apply it to a full range of contemporary topics, including beginning/end
of life issues, health care professional/patient relationships, ethics of research/testing,
access to health care, and mental illness. Also, the Catholic tradition will
be compared/contrasted with the currently dominant secular approach to bioethics.
Requirements: Active class participation, a midterm test, two case presentations,
and two responses to case presentations by other students.
CELEBRATION OF THE SACRAMENTS
LSFT2404
Students in this course will integrate sacramental and pastoral theology with
practicalities of celebrating the sacraments in the Latin Rite Church. By studying
the Rites (particularity the praenotandi), the GIRM, and relevant codes from
the CIC, students will understand more clearly how liturgical rubrics express
the deeper theological and symbolic meanings of the sacraments (excluding Rite
of Reconciliation). Half of each session will be devoted to this integrative
analysis, the other half will allow students the opportunity to practice celebrating
the sacraments. Regular quizzes, reflection papers, and a final exam will be
used to determine student grades. Intended for students preparing for ordained
ministry. [An introductory course in liturgy, and course(s) in sacramental
theology; 10 max enrollment]
CHRISTIAN FAITH, HOPE, AND LOVE
ST2211
THEOLOGICAL VIRTUES. The course will be centered on a close reading of the
theological virtues in Aquinas' "Summa Theologiae." Attention will
also be paid to contemporary evaluations of a Christian ethic focused on the
theological virtues.
CHURCH ON THE MOVE
STSP4725
CHURCH ON THE MOVE: REFLECTIONS IN ECCLESIOLOGY. This seminar studies contemporary
ecclesial movements and their pastoral and spiritual contributions. While religious
movements in recent decades have been called "a new Spring" and "a
new Pentecost," they can also raise tension and conflict within the wider
community. This course seeks to understand Christian movements from within
by studying the testimony of leaders and members. Groups considered: Catholic
Action, Catholic Worker, Focolare, Communion and Liberation, Neo-Catechumens,
Basic Ecclesial Communities, Cursillo, Sant'Egidio, Charismatic Renewal (and
others). May be used as an alternative to ST 3035. Format: Lecture to seminar.
Evaluation: Research paper and class presentations.
CONTEMPORARY CHRISTOLOGY
ST3115
This lecture course will trace the modern development of the various "Quests
of the Historical Jesus" (First, Second, Third), with particular emphasis
on Edward Schillebeeckx' Christology, on the one hand, and important "Third
Quest" figures such as Crossan, Borg, Meier, Wright, and Sanders, on the
other. As Schillebeeckx' "Jesus, an Experiment in Christology" is
out of print, prospective students are asked to find used copies on the WWW
(at sites such as www.abebooks.com). Requirements for the class are regular
attendance, and 20 pages of writing (normally to be distributed over two or
three essays assigned by the instructor). [ST 2232, Historical Development
of Christology, or its equivalent (a thorough grounding in Patristic and Thomistic
Christology); Faculty permission required]
CONTEMPORARY PHILOSOPHY
PH2001
Students in this class will learn about late 19th and 20th century philosophy:
idealism, pragmatism, phenomenology, hermeneutics, existentialism, analytic
philosophy, structuralism, postmodernism, deconstruction and leading criticisms
of the same. The lectures are designed to give an overview. Lecture/discussion.
There will be a short mid-term and final exam (non-comprehensive) and a term
paper.
CONTEMPORARY PHILOSOPHY
PH408
FOR DSPT BA STUDENTS ONLY. Graduate students who wish to take this course as
a prerequisite for entry into the MDiv or MA programs must register using the "Undergraduate
Special Reading Course" (SRC 7777). Students in this class will learn
about late 19th and 20th century philosophy: idealism, pragmatism, phenomenology,
hermeneutics, existentialism, analytic philosophy, structuralism, postmodernism,
deconstruction and leading criticisms of the same. The lectures are designed
to give an overview. Lecture/discussion. There will be a short mid-term and
final exam (non-comprehensive) and a term paper.
CONTEMPORARY CINEMA: THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION
RAST4490
Nicknamed "the cinematic salon," this class offers a theological
reflection of contemporary cinema in which students meet after viewing a selected
film and analyze it from a variety of perspectives: theological, spiritual,
and aesthetic. Knowledge of religion and film is a prerequisite. Emphasis on
group discussion with presentations and term paper. [12 max enrollment]
DEATH / JUDGEMENT / HEAVEN / HELL
RAST2332
A theological, cultural, and art-historical study of "The Four Last Things." The
course will chart the human body in the rituals of death and the journey of
the soul into the netherworld. Emphasis on visuals with complementary readings.
Lecture/ discussion; quizzes; term paper or art project. This class is co-taught
by PhD student Jenny Patten-Gargiulo with a Newhall Award.
DON BOSCO BUILDER
HS2442
Critical survey of the life and time of St. John Bosco (Don Bosco, 1815-1888)
in historical context, from the Unification of Italy in 1861 through the period
of the governments of the historic Right (1861-1876)--the taking of Rome, the
end of the Pope's temporal power--and through the period of the government
of the Radical Left (1876-1889). In this political and social context the course
surveys the progress and expansion of the Salesian Society and Don Bosco's
further founding activity and further vocational choices (schools, missions,
etc.). Special attention is given to writing and publishing activity, and to
his educational method and spirituality. [HS 2881 or equivalent; Auditors with
permission of Faculty]
EXPLORING ABORIGINAL SACRED LAND
HRRA1760
This course will begin in Berkeley and will continue with a 12-day trip to
the Australian Outback where students will be introduced by Aboriginal communities
to selected sacred sites. During the spring semester course at GTU in Berkeley,
participants will first take part in lecture/discussions on Australian Aboriginal
religious values and the importance of land in their life and culture. Students
will then fly to Australia in June for a 12-day trip in the Northern Territory
and Kimberly region to visit certain sacred sites and learn from Aboriginal
Elders about their significance for Aboriginal people and all peoples. During
the visit, students from the US will be joined by a few Australian students
from Yarra Theological Union, Melbourne, who will be taking a parallel course.
At the conclusion of the Outback visit, a joint seminar will be held in Darwin
where each participant (US and Australian) will make an oral presentation of
the paper which he or she plans to offer to fulfill the written requirements
of the course. Taking part in the trip to Australia is required for credit
in this course, but participants must make and pay their own travel arrangements
to Australia and pay for accommodations provided in Aboriginal communities.
(Financial help cannot be guaranteed although it can be applied for.) Expectations:
For GTU credit: Attendance at lectures and participation in the visit to selected
to aboriginal communities in Outback Australia, and a seminar paper or project
on an approved topic; for Auditors: Attendance at lectures and visit to the
selected aboriginal communities. Evaluation: A seminar paper or project on
an approved; participation in the seminar discussion in Darwin at the end of
the visit. [10 max enrollment] This course is co-sponsored by CARE and DSPT.
HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY I
HS1105
The history of the Christian community from the end of the NT period to the
fall of Constantinople. Christian institutions. The significance of material
culture and artistic evidence. Book reviews and term paper. Students will be
expected to use electronic resources. [25 max enrollment]
HISTORY OF MEDIEVAL THOUGHT / CULTURE
PHHS310
FOR DSPT BA STUDENTS ONLY. Graduate students who wish to take this course as
a prerequisite for entry into the MDiv or MA programs must register using the "Undergraduate
Special Reading Course" (SRC 7777). Students in this course will survey
the foundational ideas, doctrines, and methods of philosophers who flourished
in Western Europe between the sixth and the fourteenth centuries. Major figures
will include Boethius, Johannus Scottus Eriugena, St. Anselm, Peter Abelard,
Aquinas and Bonaventure, and Ockham. Topics will include: the nature and development
of logic from the 12th to the 14 centuries; proofs for the existence of God;
and significant controversies, both among philosophers themselves, and among
philosophers and the church. Format: Lecture and discussion. Evaluation: Midterm
and final exam; final paper. [Background in classical philosophy]
HISTORY OF MEDIEVAL THOUGHT / CULTURE
PHHS3315
Students in this course will survey the foundational ideas, doctrines, and
methods of philosophers who flourished in Western Europe between the sixth
and the fourteenth centuries. Major figures will include Boethius, Johannus
Scottus Eriugena, St. Anselm, Peter Abelard, Aquinas and Bonaventure, and Ockham.
Topics will include: the nature and development of scholasticism; development
from Platonic to Aristotelian anthropology; the inlfuence of Arabic and Jewish
philosophers; the development of logic from the 12th to the 14th centuries;
proofs for the existence of God; and significant controversies, both among
philosophers themselves, and among philosophers and the church. Format: Lecture
and discussion. Evaluation: Midterm and final exam; final paper. [Background
in classical philosophy]
ISLAMIC PHILOSOPHERS
HRPH4832
This course will survey the development of philosophical thought in Islam and
its impact on medieval Christian theology. In particular, it will investigate
writings from seven philosophers, Al Kindi (d. 866), Ar Razi (d. 932), Al-Farabi
(d. 950), Miskawya (d. 1030), Ibn Sina (Avicenna, d. 1037), Al-Ghazali (d.
1111), who challenged philosophers, and Ibn Rush'd (Averroes, d. 1198), who
challenged the challenger. The course will also explore the way philosophy
found new accomodations in the east with the emergence of philosophic religion
[writings of Suhrawardi (d. 1191)]; mystic teaching [writings of Ibn Arabi
(d. 1240)]; and pantheistic existentialism [writings of as-Shirazi (Mulla sadra,
d. 1640)]. The course format will be lecure and discussion, including weekly
preparations of reading materials. Students will be evaluated on their class
participation and three short papers; two papers will discuss a specific topic
or issue in the work of two different philosophers. One paper will investigate
the way Aquinas may have incorporated a Muslim philosopher's ideas, argument
or discussion in his "Summa theologiae."
JUST WAR & PACIFIST TRADITIONS
CE2558
This course runs the first half of the semester. Students will explore the
Roman Catholic Just War tradition from St. Augustine to John Paul II, as well
as various traditions of Christian pacificism. In particular the course will
explore the Catholic Theory of Peacebuilding by investigating the work of Catholic
theologians, advocates and pastoral ministers who promote education and training
for peace in various areas of the world. The course is designed as a seminar
with occasional student-led discussions. The student evaluation will be based
upon class participation and essays covering these three topics: Catholic Just
War Theory in the 21st Century, a Catholic Peacemaker for All Times, and Projects
Seeking to Foster Peaceable Communities. [Auditors excluded]
LEADERSHIP, MINISTRY, AND THE YOUNG
FTED2620
Leadership is said to be in crisis in our world, especially in religious organizations
today. This course examines present day issues affecting the role of leaders
of apostolic religious communities. Participants will be asked to reflect and
begin to articulate a new style of collaborative leadership for today using
theories from the new science. Finally the course will seek to propose a model
of leadership and ways of empowering the young to begin to shape an effective
leadership style for our contemporary world and ministry within it. Format:
Lecture/discussion/group work; weekly reflection papers; class presentation.
METAPHYSICS
PH2050
A comprehensive introduction to the metaphysics of St. Thomas Aquinas.
Topics will include: the nature of metaphysics as a science and its subject
matter, common being; the transcendentals; the distinction between being and
essence; the relation between creature and creator conceived of as participation;
divine ideas; the analogy of being. Lecture, midterm, final exam, short final
paper. [Aristotelian Logic; Faculty permission required; Auditors excluded]
METAPHYSICS
PH441
FOR DSPT BA STUDENTS ONLY. Graduate students who wish to take this course as
a prerequisite for entry into the MDiv or MA programs must register using the "Undergraduate
Special Reading Course" (SRC 7777). A comprehensive introduction to the
Metaphysics of St. Thomas Aquinas. Topics include: the nature of metaphysics
as a science and its subject matter: common being; the transcendentals; the
distinction between being and essence; the relation between creature and creator
conceived of as participation; divine ideas; the analogy of being. Lecture
format; midterm and final exam; final essay. [Aristotelian logic; Faculty permission
required]
PASSION OF THE WESTERN MIND
PHHS4085
This seminar will center around a careful reading of Richard Tarnas' "The
Passion of the Western Mind", a landmark one-volume narrative intellectual
history of the West, as well as a portion of his recent "Cosmos and Psyche" (a
scholarly retrieval of elements of the astrological tradition which stresses
its archetypal, indicative, and participatory nature). The goals of this course
are for you to attain a broad, synthetic understanding of the western intellectual
tradition from its origins in ancient Greece to the present, and for you to
critically ponder Tarnas' theory of the religious, cultural, philosophical,
and archetypal dynamics that have shaped this history. The requirments for
the course are five focus essays (totalling 20 pages) to be turned in at regular
intervals during the semester and attendance at, and verbal participation in,
all of the seminar sessions. Please email the instructor at <ekrasevac@dspt.edu> for
a copy of the syllabus. [8 max enrollment]
PATRISTICS
HS4903
This seminar is organized around three topics: Christianity and the Late Antique
Ethos, Christian belief and Christian worship, Christian ideals and Christian
theology. Participants are encouraged to work with material and textual evidence.
Final decisions about whom we read and where we put our energy are made after
the first meeting. Greek and Latin useful but not required. [12 max enrollment]
PHILOSOPHICAL ANTHROPOLOGY
PH2040
An examination of Aristotelian and Thomistic understandings of soul, life,
sensation, intellect, will, and the processes of cognition and choice. Philosophical
issues in human conception and evolution. Unity of the human person, mind-brain
and body-soul dualisms. Lecture/discussion, 15-20 page research paper. [PH
330/PH 1056, Philosophy of Nature, or its equivalent]
PHILOSOPHICAL ANTHROPOLOGY
PH322
FOR DSPT BA STUDENTS ONLY. Graduate students who wish to take this course as
a prerequisite for entry into the MDiv or MA programs must register using the "Undergraduate
Special Reading Course" (SRC 7777). An examination of Aristotelian and
Thomistic understandings of soul, life, sensation, intellect, will, and the
processes of cognition and choice. Philosophical issues in human conception
and evolution. Unity of the human person, mind-brain and body-soul dualisms.
Lecture/discussion, take-home exams or paper.
PROCLUS
PHHS4286
Focusing on Proclus' most important metaphysical work, the "Elements of
Theology," students will also study his influential commentaries on Plato's "Timaeus" and "Parmenides." While
attention will be paid to his sources, especially Plotinus and Iamblichus,
most of our work will involve analyzing the logic of Proclus' dialectical divisions
of reality and the various modalities according to which beings participate
in divine reality. Also important will be Proclus' exegetical methods and how
they contribute to his overall philosophical persona. Format: Lecture and discussion.
Evaluation: Midterm paper and final research paper; oral report on secondary
sources. Background in Plotinus helpful. [Background in Plato and Aristotle;
10 max enrollment; Auditors excluded]
READINGS IN THOMISTIC TEXTS
PH4010
Truth, like the words religion, culture or morality, is in constant use and
seems to be a part of the mental furniture of our minds, but examination soon
shows that what we mean by truth is not so clear nor easily arrived at. This
course will examine the meaning of truth in Thomas Aquinas, a philosopher whose
thought still shapes much of what is said about truth today. This course is
designed for students who are interested in a careful and critical analysis
of Thomas Aquinas' understanding of a major problem and its relation to current
issues. The class will begin with a communal reading of portions of Thomas', "Disputed
Quaestion," entitled, "On Truth" ("De Veritate") and
proceed to later major statements. The nature of truth is an important topic
both because it is a witness to Thomas' classical theory of knowledge and because
it raises issues touching so many different areas of his and of contemporary
thought. [One class in classical or medieval philosophy]
ROMAN CATHOLIC SEXUAL ETHICS
CE2003
This course runs the second half of the semester (see below for dates). Students
will examine basic ethical issues in sexuality from the perspective of the
Roman Catholic tradition. It will consider ethical issues concerning human
sexuality and character development in general, as well as particular issues
such as non-marital sex, contraception, and homosexual acts. Included in the
investigation are the positions (and their rationale) of recent popes and the
Roman Catholic Church's tradition in general concerning human sexuality. There
will also be an exploration of contemporary theologians on the topics in discussion.
A prerequisite for this course is a 3-unit course in Roman Catholic fundamental
moral theology. The course is designed as a seminar with occasional student-led
discussions. The students' evaluation will be based upon class participation
and four reflection papers concerning the various issues discussed throughout
the course. [Auditors excluded] Beginning dates: Fall, 10/30/06; Spring, 4/02/07.
SALESIAN IDENTITY AND CHARISM
SP2130
As a platform for understanding specific charism of Don Bosco and the various
branches of the Salesian Family, students unpack the Christian concept of charism
especially with reference to vocation and mission. The course begins with a
survey of biblical concepts and follows the development of the theology of
charism. The emphasis then shifts to consecrated life. Methods for identifying
and rediscovering (refounding) the charisms of the founder will be explored.
Format: Lecture/discussion. Evaluation: Group work, class presentation/paper.
THE SYNOPTIC GOSPELS
NT2235
This seminar-like course will examine the theological specificity, literary
complexity, and historical particularity of the Gospels according to Matthew,
Mark, and John. Close in-class textual analysis will account for one half of
the grade; a final written examination will account for the other.
THEOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY
ST3128
This class will explore historical and contemporary issues in Christian anthropology,
emphasizing especially the theological tradition of Thomas Aquinas. Issues
will include the understanding of the human person and the need for salvation;
original sin and the theory of evolution; actual sin and fundamental option
theories; nature and grace, justification and the contemporary Lutheran/Roman
Catholic dialog. Lecture/discussion; paper.
THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE
PH1065
Using a basically Thomistic approach, examination of basic issues in epistemology;
consciousness; intentionality; sense and intellect; judgement and reasoning;
realism and skepticism; induction and deduction; universals; truth and falsity;
theories of truth; certitude and error; diversity of disciplines. Midterm and
final (non-comprehensive) exams=60% of final mark. Term paper (12-15 pp.) or
class presentation (50+ minutes)=40% of final mark. Lecture/discussion.
THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE
PH420
FOR DSPT BA STUDENTS ONLY. Graduate students who wish to take this course as
a prerequisite for entry into the MDiv or MA programs must register using the "Undergraduate
Special Reading Course" (SRC 7777). This course is a lecture/discussion
course in which we will survey and discuss the classical epistemologies in
the history of philosophy. We will begin with Plato and Aristotle, and then
move to St. Thomas' theory of knowledge. In the second half of the course we
will examine post-Cartesian epistemologies with reference to the subjective
turn in philosophy. We will also look at twentieth century Thomistic theories
of knowledge.
WHAT IS A PERSON?
PH4910
The concept of "Person" has ceased to be of merely theoretical interest.
The development in medical and biological ethics largely hinge on our understanding
of the human person. What, therefore, is a person? In order to gain greater clarity,
we will investigate the history of this concept. This will include its theological
roots in Trinitarian controversies and the notion of the Hypostatical Union as
well as the differences between Boethius and Richard of St. Victor. The later
developments depend largely on Descartes' understanding of the "Cogito," of
thought and self-consciousness as that which constitutes human identity and existence.
John Locke's as well as David Hume's radical conclusions from this are echoed
in the contemporary theories of Derek Parfit and Peter Singer, which reduce a
more substantial and teleological notion of the person to mere acts of consciousness.
Phenomenological approaches as that of Max Scheler oscillate between these alternatives.
This seminar will be a critical reading of the history of the concept of person
in the light of its modern development. 15-20 page research paper.
