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

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 literary context. 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.

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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COURSE OFFERINGS

TH 150 Introduction to Theology 3 cr.
A broad course for students of all religious backgrounds. Students consider the experience of the sacred and the meaning of faith. The heart of the course is the study of the history of salvation through the texts of the Bible. Core Christian beliefs and the interpretation of the Bible as God’s word written in human language are also analyzed.

TH 171, 271, 371, 471 Workshops 1-3 cr.

TH 191, 192, 193, 194 Selected Topics 1-3 cr.

TH 281, 282 Seminar 1-3 cr.

TH 295, 395, 495 Cooperative Education 1-6 cr.

TH 327 Prayer and Spirituality 3 cr.

A practical course introducing students to spirituality and to ways of praying. Based on Christian tradition and the Bible, the course will also open the riches of prayer and meditation, sacred texts and spiritual giants in world religions. Students will reflect on their own spirituality and practice ways of praying. In short, they will learn how to care for their soul.

TH 321 Old Testament Theology 3 cr.
An historical, literary, and theological study of the Old Testament. Selected writings are studied in relation to the key themes of sacred history: creation, fall, promise, exodus, covenant, land settlement, Davidic kingship, prophecy, wisdom, law, and apocalypse. Students will also apply the wisdom of the biblical message to today’s world. TH 150 recommended.

TH 322 New Testament Theology 3 cr.
New Testament writings in the context of the emerging Church, tracing the literary-historical evolution, societal influences, and themes of the Gospels, Acts, and the Pauline and Johannine writings. Students will also apply gospel wisdom to questions in their own lives. TH 150 recommended.

TH 325 An Arts Approach to the Bible 3 cr.
An exploration of Hebrew and Christian scriptural themes, including creation, suffering and conversion, from two perspectives: literary forms in the Bible and also imaginative expressions in music, visual art, literature and film. This course aims to open up the meaning of biblical stories and to encourage an experience of the Sacred through the arts. No previous background in Scripture or the arts is necessary. Offered in fall of odd-numbered years.

TH 370 Religions of the World 3 cr.
A survey of the major religions of the world in the light of the documents of Vatican II. Included are the teachings, practices and prayer of each religion, together with current developments. TH 150 recommended. Offered every sixth semester.

TH 371 The Pentateuch: Foundations of the
Judaeo-Christian Tradition 3 cr.
A reading and literary analysis of select portions of the Pentateuch, treating theories of authorship, historical and literary settings and main themes, with special emphasis on the place of liturgy in the history of the ancient biblical peoples. TH 150 recommended.

TH 373 The Writings: Judaeo Wisdom, Human
and Divine 3 cr.
A study of the Wisdom Movement in Israel, as seen in the books of Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Sirach, Song of Songs, the Wisdom of Solomon and the Wisdom psalms. The focus is on the relevance of these texts to Christian living today. TH 150 recommended.

TH 374 The Prophets: Spokespersons for God 3 cr.
A study of biblical prophecy from its origins to Malachi with special emphasis on its relation to established religion and government. Attention is given to an indepth study of the literary forms and themes of the major prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel and selected minor voices.TH 150 recommended.

TH 381 Pauline Writings: Life in Christ 3 cr.
A study of Pauline Christianity, its background of Jewish and Hellenistic influences, and its place in the early Church. Reading and analysis of selected passages of the Pauline and the deutero-Pauline letters highlight the great Pauline themes and theology as well as contrast the picture of Paul in the letters and in Acts. TH 150 recommended.

TH 382 Synoptic Gospels and Acts: Different Faces of Christ and the Church 3 cr.
An in-depth reading and analysis of selected passages of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Acts. Special attention is paid to the varying presentations of the Christian message, to literary structure and history, and to the theological concerns of the evangelists in their unique expressions of the traditions about Jesus. TH 150
recommended.

TH 383 Johannine Writings: The Christology
that Overtook the Church 3 cr.
A close reading of the Gospel of John and the Johannine letters to explore their sources, characteristics, motifs, theology, pedagogy, and relation to the synoptic gospels. TH 150 recommended.

TH 391, 392, 393, 394 Selected Topics 1-3 cr.

TH 410 Christian Moral Living 2-3 cr.
A theological approach to Christian moral living which explores fundamental concepts such as personhood, freedom, and conscience, from the viewpoint of Scripture, Catholic tradition, and natural law. The Catholic perspective on issues relevant to students is also clarified. This course is available in a completely online format. See the Theology chairperson for details. TH 150 recommended. Available on-line.

TH 420 The Jesus of History,
The Christ of Faith 3 cr.
A study of the central Christian faith-affirmation that Jesus Christ is truly and fully divine, and truly and fully human. The information provided by the Bible in the gospels and epistles is examined. The theological statements made by the early Councils of the Church are studied. The advances made in the study of the Bible during the twentieth century are employed to assist the student in her personal appropriation of the knowledge about the Jesus of history and the Christ of faith. TH 150 recommended.

TH 450 Social Justice: Issues and Action 3 cr.
Fulfilling the Notre Dame mission, “to educate for global responsibility,” this course introduces students to the Christian principles of social justice and their biblical base. Students will apply these principles to issues such as world poverty, racism, sexism, and other justice issues. Students will then seek out forms of action that are supported by faith-based principles. TH 150 is recommended. Junior status required.

TH 481, 482 Seminar 1-3 cr.

TH 491, 493, 494 Independent Study 1-3 cr. TH 295, 495 Cooperative Education 1-6 cr.

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