Course Catalogue 2026-2027

This course introduces the prophets of Israel from their historical contexts, explores developments, genres and theological themes. Attention will be paid to the role of Israelite prophets in the larger ancient Near East context and prophetic contributions to Israelite expressions of God. Basic methods of exegesis will be reinforced as well as attention to a Catholic framework for interpretation. Lectures, quizzes, exams and a final paper.

This course is designed to introduce students to the world of prophetic literature, its origins and evolution, its historical and cultural contexts, its literary and poetic styles, its theological themes, and its pastoral message. Beginning with the roots of prophecy in the earlier books of the OT and moving to the “major” and “minor” prophets, students will gain in-sight into the distinctive forms of speech, imagery, and methodology employed by the prophets, while recognizing their unique contributions to the understanding of Israel’s God and their lasting relevance in every reader’s present.

This course is designed to introduce students to the world of prophetic literature, its origins and evolution, its historical and cultural contexts, its literary and poetic styles, its theological themes, and its pastoral message. Beginning with the roots of prophecy in the earlier books of the OT and moving to the “major” and “minor” prophets, students will gain in-sight into the distinctive forms of speech, imagery, and methodology employed by the prophets, while recognizing their unique contributions to the understanding of Israel’s God and their lasting relevance in every reader’s present.

This course is designed to introduce students to the world of prophetic literature, its origins and evolution, its historical and cultural contexts, its literary and poetic styles, its theological themes, and its pastoral message. Beginning with the roots of prophecy in the earlier books of the OT and moving to the “major” and “minor” prophets, students will gain in-sight into the distinctive forms of speech, imagery, and methodology employed by the prophets, while recognizing their unique contributions to the understanding of Israel’s God and their lasting relevance in every reader’s present.

This course introduces the prophets of Israel from their historical contexts, explores developments, genres and theological themes. Attention will be paid to the role of Israelite prophets in the larger ancient Near East context and prophetic contributions to Israelite expressions of God. Basic methods of exegesis will be reinforced as well as attention to a Catholic framework for interpretation.

This course is designed to introduce students to the world of prophetic literature, its origins and evolution, its historical and cultural contexts, its literary and poetic styles, its theological themes, and its pastoral message. Beginning with the roots of prophecy in the earlier books of the OT and moving to the “major” and “minor” prophets, students will gain in-sight into the distinctive forms of speech, imagery, and methodology employed by the prophets, while recognizing their unique contributions to the understanding of Israel’s God and their lasting relevance in every reader’s present.

This course is designed to introduce students to the world of prophetic literature, its origins and evolution, its historical and cultural contexts, its literary and poetic styles, its theological themes, and its pastoral message. Beginning with the roots of prophecy in the earlier books of the OT and moving to the “major” and “minor” prophets, students will gain in-sight into the distinctive forms of speech, imagery, and methodology employed by the prophets, while recognizing their unique contributions to the understanding of Israel’s God and their lasting relevance in every reader’s present.

This course will explore Christian heretical movements from the fifth century through to the Reformation, with the major focus on European heresies, including those originating in the Near East. Beginning with a brief survey of heresies encountered in the Early Church, the course will then examine such issues as Bogomillsm, Catharism and the Albigensian Crusade, the Waldensian heresy, the poverty controversy, the Spiritual Franciscans, Wyclif and Lollardy, later medieval Eucharistic heresies, and the Hussite movement in Bohemia. The relationship of Christianity to its fellow Abrahamlc faiths, Judaism and Islam, will also form a major point of focus for the course, as "infidels" were often categorised as heretics by medieval Christians. The course will end with a consideration of the role played by medieval heresies and heretics in the polemical engagements and confessional politics of the Protestant Reformation.

This course will explore Christian heretical movements from the fifth century through to the Reformation, with the major focus on European heresies, including those originating in the Near East. Beginning with a brief survey of heresies encountered in the Early Church, the course will then examine such issues as Bogomillsm, Catharism and the Albigensian Crusade, the Waldensian heresy, the poverty controversy, the Spiritual Franciscans, Wyclif and Lollardy, later medieval Eucharistic heresies, and the Hussite movement in Bohemia. The relationship of Christianity to its fellow Abrahamlc faiths, Judaism and Islam, will also form a major point of focus for the course, as "infidels" were often categorised as heretics by medieval Christians. The course will end with a consideration of the role played by medieval heresies and heretics in the polemical engagements and confessional politics of the Protestant Reformation.

This course offers a theological and practical introduction to the discipline of Christian spiritual direction, integrating patristic literature, contemporary scholarship, and lived pastoral experience. Students will explore the nature and purpose of spiritual direction, the role and formation of the spiritual director, and the distinctiveness of spiritual direction in relation to spiritual care, psychotherapy, and sacramental confession. Drawing on foundational texts such as Evagrius Ponticus's Praktikos and Chapters on Prayer, alongside modern works, the course examines interiority, prayer, listening, empathy, and discernment within the director-directee relationship. Special attention is given to the faculties of the soul, the passions, and processes of spiritual healing, as well as to the contributions of women in the tradition. Through weekly reflections, workshops, and case studies, students will develop the ability to apply theological and spiritual principles to concrete pastoral situations while cultivating ethical awareness, discernment, and attentiveness to the movements of grace in everyday life.

This course offers a theological and practical introduction to the discipline of Christian spiritual direction, integrating patristic literature, contemporary scholarship, and lived pastoral experience. Students will explore the nature and purpose of spiritual direction, the role and formation of the spiritual director, and the distinctiveness of spiritual direction in relation to spiritual care, psychotherapy, and sacramental confession. Drawing on foundational texts such as Evagrius Ponticus's Praktikos and Chapters on Prayer, alongside modern works, the course examines interiority, prayer, listening, empathy, and discernment within the director-directee relationship. Special attention is given to the faculties of the soul, the passions, and processes of spiritual healing, as well as to the contributions of women in the tradition. Through weekly reflections, workshops, and case studies, students will develop the ability to apply theological and spiritual principles to concrete pastoral situations while cultivating ethical awareness, discernment, and attentiveness to the movements of grace in everyday life.

This year-long seminar course encourages students to consider the shape and rhythms of the Chrisitan life both individually and in community. The course engages classical and contemporary accounts of Christian spirituality, gives students the opportunity to engage personally with a variety of spiritual practices, and culminates with the writing of a personal 'rule of life' which may contribute to a well-balanced foundation for lifelong ministry and devotion. The seminar meets one hour per week over the course of the academic year and is assessed on a Pass/Fail basis.