| Theology Major | Minor In Theology | Minor In Biblical Studies |
| Minor In Youth Ministry |

Notre Dame College’s mission and purposes emphasize the value of exploring one’s own religious tradition and deepening one’s spirituality. For at the heart of each person, and also at the heart of the world, is the relationship between the human and the Divine, between nature and Mystery.

Students are encouraged to take as many theology courses as they can. At least one course in Scripture is required to broaden the student’s exposure to the basic text of the Judaeo-Christian tradition, as well as to learn how to read any sacred text in its historical and literarycontext. The one required course, TH 450 Social Justice: Issues and Action, introduces all students to the rich body of modern Catholic Social Teaching and to the principles and application of liberation. Today, it is not enough to know one’s faith intellectually. The suffering in the world calls all believers to respond in action for healing and flourishing in the global community.

A theology major affords the student both professional and personal benefits. A graduate with a major in theology is ready for graduate level studies in the field as well as for employment in the field of pastoral ministry. On a personal level, the theology major will deepen the student’s appreciation of and response to all dimensions of divinely created reality. In this respect, the theology major serves as an excellent complement to other majors when pursued as a second major.

Students can pursue minor fields in theology and in Scripture, and can prepare for teaching religion on the elementary or secondary level. The Center for Pastoral Theology and Ministry prepares persons for ministry in the Catholic Church. Ministry and theology courses and field experience provide the academic qualifications for basic and for advanced certification in pastoral ministry and for the teaching of religion by the Diocese of Cleveland, and for an Associate of Arts degree.

Pastoral Ministry courses with theology content fulfill theology requirements.

A student earning a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in theology will :

1. Understand and appreciate the renewal prompted by Vatican Council II in the areas of scriptural interpretation, doctrine, liturgy and moral theology

2. Be an articulate spokesperson for critical thought in theological matters and for spiritual growth 3. Live out a commitment to respect the earth and all peoples, to care for those in need, and to fulfill his/her mission in this world.

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THEOLOGY MAJOR

36 Credits
Requirements:
TH 321 Old Testament Theology
TH 322 New Testament Theology
TH 327 Prayer and Spirituality
TH 410 Christian Moral Living
TH 420 The Jesus of History, The Christ of Faith
PM 301 Sacraments in Christian Life
PM 311 Church History
PM 332 Nature of the Church
TH 495 Cooperative Education
Plus additional credits in Upper Biennium Theology or Pastoral Ministry to total 36 credits. TH 450 is included in the 36 credits.

Students desiring to teach religion in high school should consult with the Director of the Center for Pastoral Theology and Ministry for current diocesan requirements.

THE THEOLOGY MAJOR is well complemented by the following minors. We also encourage any minor that a student wishes to pursue.

• Philosophy: A “must” for any student planning to go to graduate school in theology. Theological thinkers are responding to the thought forms of the past and of the present; thus it is essential that a student know those thought forms.

• Information Systems is a very marketable minor that will enable a theology major to understand computer systems in the work of church ministry, education, business, volunteer areas or any career today.

• Women’s Studies gives a student a feminist perspective in her theology studies.

• Fine Arts Minor provides a theology major with theory and skills in creative expression, an important aspect of the religious imagination.

• Communication Minor benefits a student with a theology major who plans on writing for publication, working in Christian broadcasting, or pursuing the developing field of Communication Theology.

• Biology Minor provides a scientific application for theological insights.

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MINOR IN THEOLOGY

18 Credits
Requirements:
TH 150 Introduction to Theology
TH 321 Old Testament Theology
TH 322 New Testament Theology
TH 420 The Jesus of History, The Christ of Faith
Plus additional credits in Upper Biennium Theology to total 18. TH 450 is included in the 18 credits.

Courses taken through the Pastoral Ministry program, if in the content areas above, fulfill the requirements for a minor in theology. PM courses can also be taken as theology minor electives.

If the student wishes to use the minor as a teaching field, the student also is encouraged to take PM 318 and PM 319 or PM 340. These courses fulfill beginning certification requirements for teaching religion in the Diocese of Cleveland.

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MINOR IN BIBLICAL STUDIES

18 Credits
Requirements:
TH 150 Introduction to Theology
TH 321 Old Testament Theology
TH 322 New Testament Theology
Plus additional credits in upper biennium Scripture
courses to total 18 credits. TH 450 is not included in
these 18 credits.

Courses taken through the Pastoral Ministry program,
if in the area of Scripture, fulfill the requirements for a
minor in Biblical Studies.

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MINOR IN YOUTH MINISTRY

26 Credits
This minor is a good complement to a theology major or an education licensure for youth and young adults. The internship or cooperative education experience should be in an office of youth ministry in a church or parish.

Requirements:
PM 340 Adolescent Catechesis (1 cr.)
PM 318 Basic Beliefs and Faith Formation (2 c.r)
TH 382 Synoptic Gospels and Acts (3 cr.)
OR
PM 324 The Gospels (2 cr.)
TH 495 Cooperative Education (2-6 cr.)
PY 201 General Psychology (3 cr.)
PY 254 Psychology of the Young Adult (3 cr.)
ED 204 Educational Psychology (3 cr.)
SO 222 Problems of Contemporary Society (3 cr.)
SO 320 Marriage and Family in a Diverse Society (3 cr.)
SO 425 Conflict Management and Resolution (3 cr.)

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