Course Catalogue 2025-2026

Feminist theologies critically reflect on religious traditions from the perspective of persons who identify as women. It challenges ideas and practices that devalue women and retrieves and constructs alternatives to them. The course begins with an introduction to the methods and diverse voices in feminist theologies. Increasingly, the discipline is "intersectional" in recognition of the variety of factors that impact and shape a feminist standpoint- not only of sex and gender identity, but also race, nationality, religion, ability, sexual orientation, age, and other factors. With attention to African American (womanist), Indigenous, mujerista, Asian feminist, and transgender perspectives, we will assess some of the major topics in Christian theology: Who is God? What is the human condition? What is redemption, and are Christian narratives redemptive for women? How do we know? Seeking solidarity between women's movements, this course seeks mutual learning from Jewish, Buddhist, and Muslim feminist thinkers, from interreligious dialogue, and from the religious hybridity that often results from intersectional formations. In addition to the classical loci, the course turns to trends related to coloniality, orthodoxy, theopoetics, materiality, and the connectivity of the virtual world.

The course will introduce students to the text of 1 Corinthians and to issues surrounding its interpretation. These will include exploration of the social context of the Corinthian church and the nature of the divisions within it, the problems of communal behavior and belief to which Paul responds, and the theological perspectives and convictions that shape his instructions and advice. Particular attention will be paid (i) to a diverse range of scholarly approaches to interpreting 1 Corinthians, (ii) to questions concerning the contemporary application of 1 Corinthians, and, above all, (iii) to questions of ecclesial and social identity and ethics. The nature of the church, its common life, and its relationship with Greco-Roman society will provide the principal focus of the class. This course aims to assist students in apprehending the distinctive contribution of 1 Corinthians to reflection upon the nature of the Christian church and the relevance of 1 Corinthians in contemporary contexts.

The Hebrews and the General Epistles, and the reception thereof, have contributed significantly to the development of Christian thought and practice. Due to the emphasis placed upon Paul in recent centuries however, there has been a tendency to neglect these works. This course will consider these works, situating them within their time and place, and also consider what significance they might hold for Christian thought and practice in the contemporary world.

The last book of the Christian biblical canon, the Book of Revelation is often talked about but less often read. It has inspired and continues to inspire a range of persons and groups, from fringe religious movements through to artistic and intellectual titans. This course will consider the Book of Revelation in its own rights, situating it within its time and place, and also consider what it might mean for Christian thought and practice in the contemporary world.

How does pragmatism's central tenet that the meaning and worth of ideas lies in their practical consequences comport with religious forms of life and the understandings of morality they fund? Does pragmatism's suspicion regarding traditional "supernaturalist" theologies leave any space to think alternatively about God and the human relationsip with God? What role do pragmatists see for religion in a democratic society, if any? In addressing these questions, this seminar will focus on the work of John Dewey, Richard Rorty, and Jeffrey Stout.

MTS Synthesis Paper

MTS Synthesis Paper

MTS Synthesis Paper

MTS Synthesis Paper

This course will explore the purposes and distinguishing features of Catholic education. This exploration will be primarily by way of engagement with the several notable authors in the area of the philosophy of Catholic education. The course will also invite reflection on the vocation of the Catholic educator in the contemporary cultural context, considering also how transformation in virtue might be reflected in the work of the Catholic educator.

This course seeks to reinforce and expand the musical capability of pastoral leaders in enlivening worship. This course will delve into the liturgical practice of song leadership surrounding the genre of global hymnody and contemporary worship songs. Broader concerns on theological implications and liturgical context of these materials will be explored.

This is a seminar-type course. Students are expected to demonstrate a high level of engagement in the course. Attention will be given to leadership and administration of the pastoral music ministry practice in a faith community setting.