Master Courses

Cultural and Historical Studies

CH 6310 Apostolic Patristic Era to the Reformation

The emergence of Christianity in the Roman World; Gnosticism and the development of a theological system; the Church and Roman government; the Church as preserver of culture; development of the medieval Papacy; Church-State struggles of the middle ages; the Crusades; the Avignon Papacy; the Western Schism; Conciliarism; the Renaissance and humanism.

CH 6311 History of Christianity from the Reformation

This course shall address the precursors to the Reformation, the actions of Luther, Calvin, and Zwingli, the struggle to contain Lutheran ideas, the English Reformation and Anglicanism, The Catholic Reformation, The Council of Trent, the Counter-Reformation, Wesley and Methodism, Jansenism, the suppression of the Society of Jesus and its implications, the French Revolution, developments in the Americas, Pius IX and Italian Unification, Leo XIII, Pius X and Modernism, the World Wars, The First Vatican Council, Developments in Pastoral Theology, John XXIII, the Second Vatican Council to the present. It will begin with a brief development of historical critical methodology and the use of history in theology.

CH 7140/8140, 7240/8240, 7340/8340 Selected Topics in Church History

CH 7220 United States Religious History

A survey of the history of the various faith traditions within the economic and multicultural realities of a developing “American” identity, from colonial times to the present. While a primary focus is upon the Catholic Church in the U.S., including the presence of various Catholic ethnic groups, especially the Irish and Hispanic, there is also consideration of the place and displacement of the first native peoples and their religions, the predominant role and diversity of Protestantism, the emergent Black Church in the U.S., and the presence of non-Christian religions.

CH 7231 Historia Religiosa de México/Religious History of México

Estudio historico de los procesos que han contribuido a la presente realidad religiosa de México, y en particular de las regiones central y norteña. Emphasis on the Church’s sense of mission, relations to indigenous cultures and the emergent mestizo population, Church-State relations, the twentieth century “social revolution,” and the Protestant presence. Ofrecido en espanol y/o inglés, segun los participantes.

CH 7235 History of Hispanic/Latino Christianity in the United States

This course studies the development of Hispanic Christianity in the territory of what is now the mainland United States from the 1500s to the present. The purpose is to gain an understanding of that experience and its diversity and thus of the heritage and traditions of U.S. Latino/a Christians today. The Catholic experiences are the primary focus, with secondary attention to Protestant ones. Major themes include spiritualities; sense of mission; Church-State relations; geographic expansion; relations with non-Hispanic populations; institutional development including organizational structures, personnel, and finances; the various Hispanic/Latino/a social and ethnic experiences; and the shifting status of Hispanics within the Christian institutions themselves. Presented in English and/or Spanish, depending on the participants. A regional and ethnic perspective on CH 6311 History of Christianity from the Reformation, CH 7231 Historia Religiosa de México/Religious History of Mexico, and CH 7220 United States Religious History.

Non Credit

NC 9002 MAPM Pastoral Practicum - Proposal
NC 9003 MAPM Pastoral Practicum - Project
NC 9005 MAPM Pastoral Practicum Continuation Status
NC 9025 MA (Theology) Scholarly Paper
NC 9026 MA (Theology) Scholarly Papers Continuation Status
NC 9027 MA (Theology) Thesis Continuation Status
NC 9028 MA (Spirituality) Thesis Continuation Status
NC 9030 MDiv Integration of Theological Studies Continuation Status

Pastoral Studies

PS 6310 Hispanic Minsitry in the 21st Century (at the Mexican American Catholic College - MACC)

PS 7160 Family Systems and Pastoral Care

Family systems approach offers the opportunity to study perspectives from Freud to the present in helping families cope with life issues. The course includes the study of youth ministry and church documents; psychology and religious development of youth and young adults; developing a vision of youth ministry; and collaborative planning and leadership development with adult, youth and young adult leaders in ministry.

LITURGY
CHURCH LAW
PREACHING
CATECHETICS
PASTORAL CARE
PASTORAL FORMATION

PS 7109/8109, 7209/8209, 7309/8309 Selected Topics in Liturgy

PS 8100/8101 Practicum in Presidential Leadership at Liturgy

A special two-semester practicum/seminar for candidates for Roman Catholic priesthood (ordinarily in the last year of course work) with special emphasis on the skills and art for presiding at the celebration of Eucharist and other liturgical acts. (PS 8100 - A - First semester; PS 8101 – B - Second Semester)

PS 7125 Divorce/Annulment/Remarriage

From the perspective of Vatican II, the 1983 Code of Canon Law and current pastoral practice, this course will address the breakdown of marriage and its effects in society, families and individuals. There will be a study of: the Church’s current annulment procedures, dissolution of the marriage bond, marriage cases in the R.C.I.A. and pastoral care of divorced and remarried Catholics.

PS 7225/8225, 7325/8325 Selected Topics in Church Law

PS 7320 Church Law

This course provides the student with an opportunity to examine canonical issues useful to those preparing for pastoral ministry. Rather than an abstract outline of principles of law, the study focuses on an interpretation and application of canon law for ministry in the southwestern U.S.A. The basic content includes an overview of the 1983 Code of Canon Law and, in particular, a treatment of Book II, The People of God, and of Book IV, The Sanctifying Office of the Church. Topics covered relate to Ecclesiology (TS 7315), Theology of Priesthood (TS 7236), Ecumenism (TS 7223), Christian Initiation (TS 7331), Penance and Anointing of the Sick (TS 7332), and Eucharist (TS 7333).

PS 7138, 7238, 7338 Selected Topics in Preaching

PS 7334 Introductory Preaching/Predicación Introductória

This course explores the basic homiletical process, including hermeneutics, communication strategies, ecclesial expectations, and ritual. Students will begin development of a theology of preaching and will seek to establish a discipline for preparation. Students will craft and preach several homilies. Critiques will be made by the professor and peers. Audio visual recordings will be used as aids. (Prerequisite: RS 4125 Rhetoric and Proclamation)

PS 7235 Liturgical Preaching/Predicación en la Liturgica

This course will be a practical application of the art of communication in English and Spanish to the unique, multifaceted social, cultural and psychological environment of the assembled worshiping Hispanic/Latino community for the purpose of engaging that community in experiencing the Word of God. The emphasis will be on the pastoral settings and liturgical contexts for homilies. (Prerequisite: PS 7334 Introductory Preaching/Predicación Introductória)

PS 7142/8142, 7242/8242, 7342/8342 Selected Topics in Catechetics

PS 7240 Pastoral Catechesis

This course pursues the foundational issues relevant to catechesis in the context of religious education. It seeks to help participants to clarify their theoretical, theological, and social-psychological foundations in the role as Christian educators and to propose an educational approach which is responsive to the challenges and needs of U.S. Christians.

PS 7260 Youth Ministry

The course includes the study of youth ministry and church documents; psychology and religious development of youth and young adults; developing a vision of youth ministry; and collaborative planning and leadership development with adult, youth and young adult leaders in ministry.

PS 6350 Basic Pastoral Care

A preparatory course to provide foundation for pastoral care in the context of family and parish; history of pastoral care; early Christian writings, the hermeneutics of pastoral care, life cycle of individuals and families; theoretical, practical and theological considerations.

PS 7159/8159, 7259/8259, 7359/8359 Selected Topics in Pastoral Counseling

PS 7160/8160, 7260/8260, 7360/8360 Selected Topics in Pastoral Studies

PS 7351 Pastoral Counseling

An introduction to basic concepts and skills of pastoral counseling (both theological and psychological aspects), including relationships to general pastoral care and spiritual direction. Emphasis is on the person of the counselor and practice through role playing of cases and peer counseling. (Prerequisite: PS 6350 Basic Pastoral Care)

PS 8252 Marriage and Family Counseling

An introductory course to understanding the dynamics of marriage and family relationships from the perspectives of depth psychology and systems theory. Focus will be upon concepts which help the minister deepen his/her ability to make appropriate pastoral responses in the counseling situation and in pastoral care. Will address the world of feelings, the role of anxiety and defense mechanisms, pre-marital counseling, the family as a system, the stages of family life and the ministry of referral. Students will apply these concepts to an examination of their family of origin. (Prerequisites: PS 6350 Basic Pastoral Care and PS 7351 Pastoral Counseling)

MDiv and MAPM – Seminarians

PS 6192 Orientation to Supervised Ministry I (.5 cr. hr.)

An orientation course which aims at understanding the nature of Theological Field Education and Internship at Oblate School of Theology. The focus will be on developing an awareness of the process of learning through supervision and theological reflection on experiences in ministry. (1st semester)

PS 6193 Orientation to Supervised Ministry II (.5 cr. hr.)

This is a continuation of the orientation course. Upon completion of PS 6192, the student is required to be in a supervised ministry placement. At that placement the student will engage in the practice of ministry with a designated supervisor and theological reflection in a peer reflection group. The goal of the reflection is to develop a method of reflection that leads to integration. (Prerequisite: PS 6192 Orientation to Supervised Ministry I)

PS 9195 (Year 2 Theology - 1st sem.) Theological Field Education(1.5 cr. hrs.)
PS 9295 (Year 2 Theology - 2nd sem.)Theological Field Education(1.5 cr. hrs.)
PPS 9196 (Year 3 Theology - 1st sem.)Theological Field Education (1.5 cr. hrs.)
PS 9296 (Year 3 Theology - 2nd sem.)Theological Field Education(1.5 cr. hrs.)

The student is required to engage in the practice of ministry in a supervised placement and theological reflection. Theological reflection takes place on site with a ministry supervisor and in peer reflection groups at Oblate School of Theology. The goal of the reflection is to develop a method of reflection that leads to integration. (Prerequisite: Orientation to Supervised Ministry, two semesters)

PS 9699 Ministerial Internshipg

Full-time involvement in ministry under supervision includes training for field instructors, professional consultancy services, growth groups, lay committee involvement, and structured evaluations. Internship calls for extensive theological reflection. Twelve credit hours may be earned over two semesters but not applied to the MDiv degree at OST. (Prerequisite: two years in graduate theology)

MDiv Lay Students

PS 6177 Pastoral Formation Seminar I (. 5 cr. hrs.)
PS 7178 Pastoral Formation Seminar II (. 5 cr. hrs.)
PS 7179 Pastoral Formation Seminar III (. 5 cr. hrs.)
PS 7180 Pastoral Formation Seminar IV (. 5 cr. hrs.)

These seminars are the formation component for those students in the Master of Divinity degree who are not engaged in a formation process elsewhere. It addresses three areas: Spirituality, Developing a Life of Prayer, and Effective Structures for Ministry. They include communal prayer, retreats, and spiritual reading among the requirements.

MAPM Lay Students

PS 6177 Pastoral Formation Seminar I (1 cr. hr.)

This course provides a context for both formation and theological reflection for students in the MA in Pastoral Ministry program. They include a supervised ministry component.

PS 7181 Theological Reflection for Pastoral Leadership 1st semester (1 cr. hr.)
PS 7182 Theological Reflection for Pastoral Leadership 2nd semester (1 cr. hr.))

General

PS 7198/8198, 7298/8298, 7398/8398 Selected Topics in Supervision in Ministry
PS 9895 Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)

The minister in training works in the basic CPE program at an accredited center. Three credit hours may be earned and applied to the MAPM. Three credit hours are given for a unit of CPE, but not applied to the Master of Divinity degree.

Scriptural Studies

SS 6300 Introduction to Sacred Scripture

The objectives of this course are: 1) to prepare the student for further study of the Bible at the level required of a religious professional; 2) to help the student acquire an historical perspective and an awareness of the cultural and literary aspects of the formation of the bible; and 3) to encourage students to develop their own critical approach to scripture. The student will be ushered into the world of historical critical exegesis. The contributions of philology and archaeology to our understanding of the Bible will be studied, as well as the progress made in discerning the history of the text, its sources, its setting in the life of the people and the way in which historical traditions have been re-worked by succeeding generations. The tools of modern Bible study, such as bibliographic resources, dictionaries, concordances, comparative material, histories, synopses, introductions, commentaries, maps, etc., will be examined. (A prerequisite for most other Sacred Scripture courses.)

SS 7110/8110, 7210/8210, 7310/8310 Selected Topics in Sacred Scripture

SS 7124/8124, 7224/8224, 7324/8324 Selected Topics in the Old Testament

SSS 7129 The Psalms

The Psalter: its composition and development; various literary devices used. Special attention will be given to the categories and nature of the Psalms. In the Psalms we meet the Israelite/Jew in his attitudes towards God, the covenant, the world.

SS 7130/8130, 7230/8230, 7330/8330 Selected Topics in the New Testament

SS 7208 Biblical Roots of Justice

This course will explore the roots of justice and determine what this foundational concept meant in the lives of our biblical ancestors. The meaning of biblical justice will be determined by studying the concept in various sections of Scripture, e.g., the creation accounts in Genesis, the Exodus and sections of covenant legislation in the Torah, prophetic literature, wisdom literature, the gospel of Luke, Pauline and apocalyptic literature. Implications of biblical justice for the church and world today will be discussed.

SS 7211 Qoheleth and the Cowboy: Introduction to the Cultural Context of the Bible

A look at the differences between North-American and Mediterranean (Ancient Near-Eastern) approaches to life. The clash between American rugged individualism and Mediterranean group-centeredness creates static that interferes with our reception of biblical communication. This course compares and contrasts American and Mediterranean approaches to value, relationships, education, status, roles and time-orientation in order to be able to understand the Bible in its own context.

SS 7212 Prophetic Literature of the Old Testament

General introduction to Old Testament prophecy. Its origins and role. Special introduction to the prophets Amos, Hosea, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Deutero-Isaiah. (Prerequisite: SS 6300 Introduction to Sacred Scripture)

SS 7213 Wisdom Literature of the Old Testament

General introduction to the Wisdom Literature of the Ancient Near East and of Israel especially. Introduction to the individual authors and books, with the accent on their active role in the growth of Israel’s religious thinking and in the opening up of new vistas. (Prerequisite: SS 6300 Introduction to Sacred Scripture)

SS 7215 Storyteller’s Art in the Bible

A recent trend in Bible study has been the fruitful application of modern studies of the art of storytelling (narratology) to the stories told in the Bible. This course will read Bible stories using the tools provided by this recent approach. We will also sample some representative authors who use this technique in order to shed new light on both the Old and the New Testament narratives.

SS 7230 Models of Discipleship in the New Testament

The course will explore the rich, varied, and challenging models of discipleship that appear in the books of the New Testament including the gospels, the letters of 1 Corinthians, Philippians, Colossians, James, Hebrews, and the book of Revelation. We will identify the various aspects of Christian discipleship as understood by the various early Christian communities and discuss how each first century model can be re-appropriated in Christian life and ministry in the Church and world today.

SS 7233 The Gospel of John

An introduction to the literature produced by the “Beloved Disciple” and his followers, i.e., The Gospel of John, the Johannine Letters and the Apocalypse. Proposed reconstructions of the history of the Johannine community will be examined for their value in illuminating the background of these writings, their audience and purpose. The distinctive themes of this literature, such as Light and Life, Signs, the Hour, and Glory as well as the techniques of irony and misunderstanding will be examined. (Prerequisite: SS 6300 Introduction to Sacred Scripture and SS 7331 Synoptic Gospels)

SS 7234 New Testament Letters

This course will provide the opportunity to study New Testament letters that furnish us with a first hand look at the development of Christian communities in the first century world. An overview of three groups of letters will be given: Ephesians, Colossians, 2 Thessalonians (called by many “Deutero-Pauline” Letters); 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus (Pastoral Letters); Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Jude (General or “Catholic” Letters). Representative letters in each group will be studied in exegetical detail. The significance of these letters for contemporary Christian life will be discussed.

SS 7235 The Apocalypse

This course aims at familiarizing students with the Book of Revelation (the Apocalypse). Introductory issues such as sources, genres, structure, authorship, provenance, date, intended audience are looked at as well as proposed reconstructions of the social and religious setting of the Johannine community as reflected in the work. The Apocalypse is looked at against the background of the Old Testament as well as pseudoepigraphical and apocryphal writings, the Dead Sea Scrolls and Targums. Contemporary interpretations of the Book of Revelation (does it tell us that the world is soon to end?) are also examined.

SS 7236 Pauline Literature

This course will provide an overview of Pauline literature as well as an in-depth discussion of 1 Corinthians, Galatians, and Philippians. Theological themes that emerge from the texts of the letters will be discussed with emphasis on Christology and ecclesiology. The relevance of Paul’s work for contemporary faith communities will be addressed with attention to social location. (Prerequisite: SS 6300 Introduction to Sacred Scripture)

SS 7237 Acts of the Apostles

This course will explore Luke’s second volume, the Acts of the Apostles. Attention will be given to: 1) reviewing various hermeneutical approaches that will be used during the semester; 2) establishing historical and literary context for Acts; 3) discussing the text of the Acts of the Apostles by way of an exegetical/literary approach; 4) identifying and studying the theological themes that emerge from the study of the text; 5) discussing the impact of Lucan theology found in the Acts of the Apostles on 21st century Christian life and ministry with attention given to social location.

SS 7242 The Parables of Jesus

In order to appreciate the parables in the synoptic gospels, this course will begin by exploring the role of storytelling and the nature of narrative theology. The history of parable interpretation and contemporary approaches to interpretation will be examined. Individual parables will be studied with attention to the challenging invitation to conversion and Christian commitment that these stories offered to the original audiences and continue to extend to us today. (Prerequisite: SS 6300 Introduction to Sacred Scripture)

SS 7311 The Torah

Introduction to the Pentateuch. Exegesis of Genesis 1-11. The Covenant and the Ten Words of Yahweh. (Prerequisite: SS 300 Introduction to Sacred Scripture)

SS 7331 Synoptic Gospels

This course is designed to introduce the student to the synoptic gospels and their background in the first century world. Attention will be given to various approaches to interpretation (e.g., historical, narrative, reader-response/social location). Time will be spent on exegesis of passages in major sections of the gospels highlighting similarities and differences. Consideration will be given to the theological aspects of each gospel with emphasis on Christology and the theology of discipleship/ecclesiology. The significance of the synoptic gospels for contemporary faith life will be addressed with emphasis on social location. (Prerequisite: SS 6300 Introduction to Sacred Scripture)

Biblical Languages

SS 7260 Biblical Hebrew I
SS 7261 Biblical Hebrew II

(Prerequisite: SS 7260 Biblical Hebrew I)

SS 7250 Biblical Greek I
SS 7251 Biblical Greek II

(Prerequisite: SS 7250 Biblical Greek I)

Theological Studies

Systematic Theology
Sacramental Theology
Moral Theology
Spirituality

TS 6301 Theology of Revelation and Faith

Foundational theology in its historical contexts from the Patristic era to the present. Treatment of Deposit of Faith, apologetics, Revelation, Dei Filius (Vatican I), Dei Verbum (Vatican II), Sacred Scripture, symbolism, faith, credibility, reason, Tradition, Magisterium, and ecumenical/interreligious dialogue. Attention throughout to theological methodology.

TS 6301 Revelación y fe

Una síntesis de la teología fundamental y sistemática sobre la revelación divina y la fe cristiana. Se desarrolla el entendimiento y los criterios de la vida de fe (inclusa la teología) por medio de la reflexión sobre el encuentro personal con Dios (el creyente) dentro de la larga experiencia de la comunidad cristiana (la tradición viva de la Iglesia). Esta reflexión arranca del proceso histórico de la tradición cristiana, incluso las Sagradas Escrituras y los decretos claves de los concilios ecuménicos, y desemboca en una visión sistemática en torno al símbolo cristiano.

TS 6305 Culture and Religion

An interdisciplinary introduction to the relations among culture, religion, and social groups, with a view toward Christian mission in the United States. Through a guided process of discernment, the participants study and share their own cultural origins, the varieties of intercultural relations, the development of the question of Gospel and culture within Christianity, philosophical and theological approaches to culture in recent church pronouncements, and the relations of Christianity and culture in the dominant and Hispanic United States cultures.

TS 7125/8125, 7225/8225/ 7325/8325 Selected Topics in Systematic Theology)

TS 7213 Christian Anthropology: The Transformation of Humanity

An examination of what it means to be human from a Christian perspective. Our current condition leads us inevitably to seek to penetrate the mystery of our ancient origins, our history, and our future destiny. The principal themes are thus those of human being as divinely created and graced, sinful and redeemed, and called to fulfillment in God. Attention to the contemporary dimensions of culture will be offered during the course.

TS 7220 Elements of Mission

This course is an introductory overview of the history and theology of the Christian mission from its earliest beginnings to the present. It will include discussion on topics ranging from the vital questions raised by inter-religious dialogue, the ecumenical movement, and their relationship with modern approaches to missionary activity. It incorporates an emphasis of the analytical tools provided by cultural anthropology as an important aspect of the “inculturation of the faith.” In each of these ways, a sound general understanding of the present status of missionary activity and modern missionary approaches become a basis for future understandings of mission in the life of the Church. (Prerequisite: An introduction to theology)

TS 7222 Marian Theology

A biblical, historical, and contemporary investigation of the devotional and doctrinal place of Mary in the life of faith, with attention to cultural and gender issues. A Roman Catholic focus with ecumenical and interfaith perspectives. Mary in the New Testament, the Eastern and Western traditions, Marian apparitions.

TS 7223 Ecumenism)

A study of the movement for Christian unity, with particular attention to the participation of the Roman Catholic church. It includes such items as historical survey of the movement, theology, issues, developments in theological dialogue and activity, models of unity, relationships with particular churches and religious groups, practical ecumenism at the local level. (Prerequisite: Ordinarily presumes some background in Ecclesiology)

TS 7224 World Religions

Surveys the histories, personalities, sacred texts, rituals, devotions, and customs of the world’s major non-Christian religions. Particularly addresses Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Hinduism. From theological and pastoral perspectives, considers the importance of understanding, appreciating, and respectfully assessing such faiths in light of Christian revelation, ecumenism, and evangelization.

TS 7225 Vatican Council II

A theological study of Vatican Council II (1962-1965) as the major constitutive event of the Roman Catholic Church in the twentieth century. Designed as an experience of “re-living” the Council, the course examines the historical and theological situation leading up to the Council, the leadership dynamics and theological discussion which brought about the final documents, and how the Council has since been implemented and received.

TS 7226 Toward a Contemporary Theology of Religious Life

This course explores scriptural, historical and theological elements of religious life with attention to the signs of the times for religious life in a contemporary and global context. Topics include: 1) various forms of religious life and the historical situations that gave rise to them, 2) the understanding of the vows and how these are expressed in different contexts, and 3) religious life in the world and church today.

TS 7311 Christology: Jesus Christ and Human Redemption

A systematic and critical study of the central Christian belief in Jesus as the Christ. The study explores the New Testament basis for this belief and conciliar developments of Christological doctrines, and attempts to retrieve critically these traditions in order to mediate them to contemporary faith experiences. Also, included in the study are representative contemporary Christologies. (Prerequisite: ordinarily taken subsequent to the Synoptic Gospels.)

TS 7314 God in the Christian Tradition: The Mystery of the Triune God

A systematic and critical study of the basic Christian belief in the Mystery of God - One and Three. The study traces the theology and doctrine of God from its biblical foundations through the Western philosophical traditions to the present. The God question in the present day is examined in the face of contemporary atheism and secularism and in relation to its implication for personal and communitarian faith.

TS 7315 Theology of Church and Ministry

This course is a systematic study of the reality of church and of ministry in the church. The method of the course will involve critical examination of important historical models and visions of church and ministry in biblical, patristic, magisterial and conciliar sources. The purpose of the course is to assist participants in the development of their own ecclesiology and theology of ministry and pastoral office especially as these are experienced in the environment of the southwest United States.

TS 7137/8137, 7237/8237, 7337/8337 Selected Topics in Sacraments

TS 7236 Theology of Ministerial Priesthood

A fascinating history and a much-debated contemporary question with connections to ecclesiology, pastoral ministry, and the human sciences of psychology and sociology, the issue of the Roman Catholic ministerial priesthood. This course provides a beginning insight in a life-long journey of self - Church - God - understanding. Contemporary questions with connections to ecclesiology and pastoral ministry will be discussed in relation to Roman Catholic ministerial priesthood. (Prerequisite: TS 7311 Christology: Jesus Christ and Human Redemption)

TS 7331 Liturgy and Theology of Christian Initiation: Baptism and Confirmation

An examination of the experience of Christian conversion as it is sacramentalized in Baptism and Confirmation. Historical, sacramental, and liturgical sources will be used in the study, and special emphasis will be given to the reformed Roman Catholic Rites of Adult Catechumenate and Initiation. This course also serves as the introduction to sacramental theology and should normally be taken first in that sequence.

TS 7332 Liturgy and Theology of the Sacraments of Healing: Penance and Anointing of the Sick

An examination of the theology, processes, liturgy and pastoral reality of sacramental healing in the church. The study will involve consideration of historical and contemporary perspectives and will lead to critical pastoral reflection on the demands of this ministry. Special attention will be given the revised rites of Penance and Pastoral Care and Anointing of the Sick.

TS 7333 Liturgy and Theology of Eucharist

A systematic, historical and liturgical study of the meaning and content of the Church’s Eucharistic faith and the pastoral, social and ecclesial implications of the present teaching and practice of Eucharist within the context of the renewal of liturgical life in the Roman communion. (Ordinarily presumes a previous course in Sacramental Theology).

TS 7335 Christian Marriage: Theological and Canonical Aspects

This course treats the sacrament of marriage from both theological and canonical perspectives. The study begins with a survey of the development of the theology of marriage, with particular emphasis on the contributions of Vatican II and subsequent church documents. Students will study current theological writings, along with a discussion of some contemporary theological and pastoral issues. The course also examines the canonical norms on marriage, including those which relate to: the nature of marriage, pastoral preparation, impediments to marriage, matrimonial consent and canonical form. Special pastoral concerns are: marriage in the Mexican-American culture and the procedures of the marriage tribunal. Issues treated relate to PS 8252 Marriage and Family Counseling. (Prerequisite: PS 7320 Church Law)

TS 6350 Foundations of Moral Theology

This course studies the nature and methodology of Christian ethics and its historical development within the Roman Catholic tradition. Through an exploration of foundational concepts and of contemporary thought within moral theology, students are helped to understand the human person as a moral agent.

TS 7157/8157, 7257/8257, 7357/8357 Selected Topics in Moral Theology

TS 7252 Theology of Human Sexuality

A survey of the theology and psychology of human sexuality including the meaning of intimacy and of human genital sexuality; theological-pastoral considerations of the various manifestations of human sexuality and the expression of human genital sexuality and the integration of sexuality in the totality of the human person. (Prerequisite: TS 6350 Foundations of Moral Theology)

TS 7253 Bioethics/Healthcare Ethics

This course is a basic introduction to the critical issues raised by the development of bioethics, medical technology and the health care system as it exists in the United States. The use of case studies will enable health care professionals and those in ministry to develop a methodology to understand these issues. Recent church documents on bioethics and medical ethics will also be studied.

TS 7256 Ministerial Ethics

In the past, society chose to give special recognition and unique privileges to the members of the traditional professions -- law, medicine, and ministry. In return, professionals recognized that they had a fiduciary responsibility to individuals and to society and developed their own ethical standards. In recent years, political, economic and social forces have converged which have caused society to re-examine the status of the professions. Levels of trust have eroded and society often questions the motivation of professional persons and the ability of the professions to develop their own ethical standards.

TS 7257 Theological Ethics of Thomas Aquinas

This course addresses the major aspects of St. Thomas’ understanding of moral theology, including his sources, method and themes. Special attention will be given to his treatises on happiness, grace, virtues and vices, and law. Students will make a short presentation applying one aspect of the Thomistic legacy to a contemporary ethical issue. (Prerequisite: TS 6350 Foundations of Moral Theology)

TS 7259 Sound Bytes or Sound Decisions: Political Responsibility

In an era when the political process has come to be characterized by curt rhetoric and jingoism, this course will examine the theological and philosophical issues of the relationship between public life and Christian responsibility. Through readings and analysis of social issues in American Culture, the participants will come to a better understanding of the Church’s call for full political responsibility.

TS 7350 Catholic Social Thought

This course is a basic presentation of Catholic Social Morality, covering the theoretical, historical and practical aspects of the social teaching of the Church, especially through its encyclicals and documents. Emphasis is placed on the theological and ethical foundations which are necessary for a pastorally sensitive social ethics. When possible, experts in fields which pertain to contemporary social issues are invited to engage with students. One component of the course learning is devoted to the study of the method of “reading the signs of the times” and its application in collaborative groups to a contemporary social problem in San Antonio. Due to the global nature of the Roman Catholic church and the increasingly global dimensions of contemporary U.S. life, this course will also engage various global moral concerns. (Prerequisite: TS 6350 Foundations of Moral Theology)

TS 6260 Introduction to Christian Spirituality

An introduction to the terminology, issues, and challenges pertinent to the practice of and the theological reflection on spirituality in the Christian tradition. A survey of the main elements of spirituality in the Hebrew Scriptures, the Synoptics, the Pauline and Johannine corpuses. Aspects of spirituality in Christian Antiquity, the Middle Ages, the Reformation Period and contemporary times. Special attention given to the spirituality of Benedict of Nursia, Francis of Assisi, Ignatius of Loyola, Teresa of Jesus, John of the Cross and Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. A theological synthesis of the personal spiritual journey.

TS 7183/8183, 7283/8283, 7383/8383 Selected Topics in Spirituality

TS 7365 Reading Religious Experience & Discernment of Spirits

TS 7369 Overview of History of Christian Spirituality

A survey of the history of Christian spirituality from the early apostolic period through the patristic, medieval, modern and contemporary eras. The course offers a more in-depth examination of certain key moments and persons and their lasting contribution to the ongoing Christian tradition. Students will also be expected to read and critically appraise one classical work of Christian spirituality from a provided list.

TS 7370 Fundamental Principles of Spiritual Direction

This introductory graduate course will enable the student to explore the process of Spiritual Direction. It will involve one in the skills needed to help others with their religious experience, including prayer. Basic listening and counseling skills will be practiced. Selected related topics including the theological contexts of spirituality, integration, ministry and professional ethics as related to Spiritual Direction, the difference between Spiritual Direction and Pastoral Counseling, and the complex issues of when and how to refer one to counseling will be discussed.

TS 7371 Classical Christian Writers I

TS 7372 John of the Cross

An introduction to the spirituality of the Spanish mystic, John of the Cross. The course will be a commentary on his two major works, The Ascent to Mount Carmel and The Dark Night of the Soul, with special explication on John’s concepts of prayer, spiritual direction, and religious experience of spirits, loving without exploitation, and healing.

TS 7373 Classical Christian Writers II

TS 7374 Mysticism

This course will investigate the highest stage of spirituality which is mysticism. Although comparisons will be made with Eastern Mysticism, emphasis is placed on the historical, theological and psychological aspects of mysticism.

TS 7375 Christian Discipleship Today: Call to Holiness

The first Christian communities knew a fire of the Spirit that caused them to live in a radically new way. They risked both their beliefs and traditions in order to see with new eyes and chart a different course. What does the call to “follow me” demand today? This is an examination of the cost of responding to the Soul’s invitation.

Interdisciplinary Studies

TS 8296 MDiv Integration of Theological Studies

Final qualifying project for candidates for the MDiv degree. The topic is selected by the participants with a view toward the pastoral integration of the major areas of the MDiv curriculum focused upon a particular pastoral concern.

Practicum / Thesis

TS 9377 MA (Spirituality) Thesis/Project

TS 9379 Practicum in Theological Education and Scholarship

Supervised praxis-oriented theory and methods of teaching, evaluation, research, and creative expression in the setting of graduate theological study and ministerial formation. Prerequisites: 30 graduate credit hours of theology or related areas. Approval of the instructor required prior to registration. Student’s schedule must be open during the periods of the instructor’s other courses. (For OST students only.)

TS 9681 MA (Theology) Thesis

Masters Level Courses