Lake Shore Campus:
Crown Center 302
Phone: 773-508-2350
FAX: 773-508-2386
Water Tower Campus:
Lewis Towers 900
Phone: 312-915-6111
FAX: 312-915-8593
www.luc.edu/depts/theology
Professors Emeriti: E.R. Carroll, O. Carm,
M. DeCock, BVM, T. Foley, W. Hill, J. Powell, S.J., R. Talkin, S.J., F.J.
van Beeck, S.J., E.A. Weis, S.J.
Professors: J. Haughey, S.J., U.C. von Wahlde,
J. White
Associate Professors: E. Breuer, P. Chmielewski,
S.J., R. Costigan, S.J., W. Cotter, C.S.J., R. DiVito,
W. French, M. Hermansen, P. Jung, D. Martin, J. McCarthy (chairperson),
M. McIntosh, G. McCulloh, M.P. McGinty, C.S.J., J. Nilson, J. Phelps, O.P.,
T. Pintchman, T. Ranck, S. Ross, M. Schuck, T. Tobin,
S.J., P. Viviano, D. Williams
Adjunct Professors: J. Kilgallen, S.J.,
T.J. Overbeck, S.J.
OBJECTIVES
The program of the Department of Theology is designed
to provide students with resources for analysis of religion; for investigation
of the sources, historical development and contemporary practice of particular
religious traditions; and for critical appropriation of personal faith
and sympathetic appreciation of the beliefs of others. Although these resources
are drawn principally from the Roman Catholic tradition, attention is directed
to other Christian traditions as well as Judaism, Islam and eastern religions.
Core Curriculum in theology is divided into
four areas which represent the principal fields of study in contemporary
theology: (1) doctrine; (2) Biblical literature; (3) religious traditions;
and (4) Christian life and practice. A student must select three courses
from at least two of the four areas to complete the core requirement of
nine hours in theology. Detailed descriptions of individual sections of
a course are available from the department at the time of registration
each semester.
Major in Theology features an approach with
opportunity for both breadth and depth. The major is declared by application
to the director of undergraduate programs. The major consists of 36 hours
(12 three-credit courses). The Theology Department offers two options within
the major, one emphasizing a core of studies in the Christian theological
tradition and one emphasizing the contemporary field of religious studies.
A minimum of five courses at the 300-level is required. Students are encouraged
but not required to take up to two courses outside the department with
prior approval for the theological studies option and three for the religion
studies option. Theology majors receive faculty advising to facilitate
their progress through the major.
Option
1: theological Studies
The theological studies major option has four components:
-
Entry-Level Courses: one course from each of the four
areas in the core curriculum: a) doctrine; b) Biblical literature; c) religious
traditions; and, d) Christian life and practice.
-
Compulsory Courses: two to four compulsory courses
(depending on choices at entry-level) to fulfill these criteria: a) a Biblical
course focused on whichever of the two Testaments (Old or New) was not
studied at entry-level; b) one 300-level course in the History of Christian
Thought (THEO 317, 318); c) one course in a religious tradition other than
Christianity (if not studied at the entry-level); d) one ethics course
(if not studied at the entry-level).
-
Elective Courses: four to six additional courses to
complete coursework for the major (36 total credits required).
-
In the senior year, majors write a paper, usually
developed from a 300-level course that was part of their program, usually
under the direction of the professor who taught the course.
Although not a requirement for the completion of the
major, the candidate will normally be expected to take part in a colloquium
arranged by the Theology Department in the candidate’s final semester.
The colloquium will consist of a single event in which graduating majors
and faculty members from the Theology Department and other departments
which have contributed to the major’s program will be invited to discuss
the results of the majors’ papers. Such an event is understood to be consistent
with the values of collegiality and academic investigation which mark this
major.
Option
2: Religious Studies
The religious studies major option has five components:
-
One course on the Christian traditions from the following:
100, 103, 104, 112, 171,173, 175, 179, 181, 317 and 318;
-
Three courses on non-Christian traditions from the
following: 195, 196, 197 and 198;
-
Two courses on religious comparisons or themes from
the following: 170, 174, 177, 178, selected 180 courses including "Women
and Religion in India," "Religion and Psychology," "Ancient Community and
Values," "Gender and Values," 192, 353 and 393;
-
Five elective courses which include any other courses
offered by the Theology department, any courses not yet taken from the
above listings, as well as up to three courses from other departments focusing
on religious traditions or dimensions of religious life, if approved in
advance by the student’s advisor. Examples of these courses might be "Sociology
of Religion," "Philosophy of Religion," "Asian Philosophies" and "Medieval
Pilgrimage." In addition, two of the student’s courses may be taken at
the 400 level. In all, at least five out of the twelve courses must be
taken at the 300 level or higher.
-
One required Major’s Seminar, namely Theology 353,
"Studies in Religious Traditions." This course will focus on the methodological
approaches to the study of religion.
Minor in Theology requires six courses: any
three at the core level from the four areas of doctrine, Scripture, life
and practice and religious traditions; and three electives done at the
300-level. Each student’s program is individually tailored to fit his/her
plans in consultation with the director of minors.
COURSES OF INSTRUCTION
Core
Courses: Area 1 (Doctrine)
100. Introduction to Christian Theology.
This course covers studies and sources of Christian
religious tradition. A selection will be made from the following topics:
revelation, inspiration, sacred scripture, Christ and God, authority and
the Church, the nature of religious affiliation, its logic, its method
and its purpose.
101. Theology of Faith.
This course studies the various dimensions of
the nature of religious faith. Included are topics such as the various
forms this faith takes, the human predispositions for faith, the problems
posed by the modern world for the traditional understanding of faith, the
relationship between psychological development and faith, a contemporary
basis for faith.
103. The Christian God.
This course studies the trinitarian God of Christians.
It includes the study of how we come to know God and how we try to name,
share, and celebrate that experience.
104. Jesus Christ.
From among many approaches to the study of the
person of Jesus Christ (through the New Testament, the fathers, great theologians
of the past and present, spiritual writers), teachers of this course will
select one according to their specialization and its aptitude for the religiously
liberating goals of the humanities curriculum.
105. Church in the World. (CATH 105)
This course focuses primarily on the identity
of the Roman Catholic Church and its relation to the secular world; Protestant
and Orthodox traditions may also be included. Possible topics are the historical
processes which have helped to shape the Church’s self-understanding, the
significance of Vatican II, and contemporary challenges facing the Church.
106. Theology of the Sacraments. (CATH 106)
Liturgical celebrations of the Christian community
express and enable a Christian way of life in a pluralistic and secularized
society. A study of the origin, historical development, and contemporary
practice of Christian rituals provides valuable insights into the meaning
and significance of liturgy and symbolism in Christian life.
Core
Courses: Area 2 (Biblical Literature)
110. Introduction to the Bible.
Introduction to the literature and thought of
both the Old and New Testaments. Among the issues treated are the appropriate
methods used for interpreting the Bible. The course also examines the major
theological themes of both Testaments.
111. Old Testament. (RCS
111)
Literary and historical study of the Old Testament,
its cultural background and main themes. Relationship of literary form
and interpretation in selected passages from the Pentateuch, historical
and prophetic books, and wisdom literature.
112. New Testament. (RCS 112)
Introduces the student to the study of the New
Testament. Included will be a study of topics such as: the origin of the
writings, their formation and development, the various types of interpretation,
the distinctive theological views of the New Testament writers about Jesus,
his life, teachings, death and resurrection.
Core
Courses: Area 3 (Religious Traditions and Practices)
170. Introduction to the Study of Religion.
(RCS 270)
The course explores religion as a significant
part of human experience and introduces the student to the description
and analysis of various forms of religion.
171. Great Christian Thinkers.
Portraits of six to eight Christian writers who
by their ideas and lives offer examples of fundamental Christian beliefs,
virtues, and aspirations, with attention to how each person both reflected
and shaped the church and society in which her or she lived. The degree
of emphasis on ideas as compared to biography will vary depending on the
instructor.
172. Introduction to Classical Judaism. (RCS
272)
An investigation of the central affirmations of
Judaism: monotheism, the covenant peoplehood of the Jews, the revelation
of the divine commandment, the ideas of the prophets, as well as the study
of the Sabbath, the festival observances and ritual. The course will also
include a study of modern Judaism_the orthodox, conservative,
reform and reconstructionist traditions.
173. The Orthodox Christian Tradition. (INTS
273) (RCS 273)
A historical-doctrinal examination of the eastern
Church, supplemented by a consideration of Orthodox spirituality. From
the Council of Chalcedon to the early twentieth century, attention to the
relations between the eastern and western churches.
174. Religion in America. (RCS 274)
A survey of the contribution of religion to the
history of the American people, including theological issues that have
been a part of the development of religious freedom, the emergence of new
forms of belief and practice, and the variety of religious issues confronting
American society today.
175. Contemporary Protestantism. (RCS 275)
Introduces the historical development of Protestantism
in its institutions, ethos and theological insight.
176. African-American Religious Experience.
(BWS 288) (RCS 276)
Beginning with the African roots of African-American
religious experience, this course will trace the development of social
institutions, the influence of cultural factors and the emergence of a
theology unique to this religious experience.
177. World Religions. (INTS 277) (RCS 277)
(ASIA 277)
An introduction to the teachings, practices, and
institutions of one or more of the following great religious traditions:
African, Buddhist, Confucian, Hindu, Islamic, Native American, and Taoist.
178. Women and Religion. (RCS 278) (WOST
278)
Explores, in the light of both eastern and western
religious traditions, the nature of women’s religious experiences, the
ways in which women have been perceived and described in the major religious
traditions, the ways in which women have functioned as significant religious
figures and the connections between cultural assumptions and attitudes
toward and beliefs about women.
179. Roman Catholicism. (CATH 179) (RCS
279)
An introduction to the major elements that make
up Catholicism as a distinctive form of Christianity .
180. Theology and Interdisciplinary Study.
This course explores how common issues are raised
and handled within a variety of disciplines. Past offerings have included
topics such as "Psychology and Theology," "Early African Christianity,"
"The Jesuits," and "Contemporary Issues in Judaism."
181. Christianity Through Time. (CATH 181)
(RCS 281)
An introduction to the institutions, rituals,
teachings, and practices of Christians across several major epochs of the
Christian story. Attention will be given to major continuities as well
as historical changes in the interplay between Christianity and cultures.
195. Introduction to Islam. (INTS 295) (RCS
295) (ASIA 295)
An introduction to the religion of Islam through
the study of major religious ideas, movements, and figures prominent in
the development of the tradition. The course covers three major phases:
basic teachings of Islam, the articulation of the classical tradition,
and contemporary developments. Major issues: unity and diversity within
Islam, Islamic government, the role of women, Muslims in America, and Islamic
movements in the contemporary world will also be featured.
196. Introduction to Hinduism. (INTS 294)
(RCS 296) (ASIA 296)
An introduction to various dimensions of the religion
that Western scholarship has labeled "Hinduism" organized around three
spiritual disciplines recognized by the Hindu tradition (action, knowledge,
and devotion). Range of topics: the concept of the person, social structures,
forms of ritual, philosophical and mystical impulses, myths and images
associated with the major gods and goddesses of the Hindu pantheon, devotionalism,
and sectarian divisions, the religious and spiritual lives of both men
and women, and of both high-caste and low-caste Hindus.
197. Introduction to Buddhism. (INTS 297)
(RCS 297) (ASIA 297)
The rise and development of Theravada, Mahayana,
and Vajrayana forms of Buddhism in South Asia, Tibet, and East Asia. The
life and teachings of the founder, Gautama, the establishment of the Buddhist
community, the rise of Buddhist monasticism, the spread of Buddhist ideas
from India to other parts of Asia, and the development of a variety of
Buddhist sects. The various texts, institutions, beliefs, and practices
associated with each of the three main forms on Buddhism.
198. Jews and Judaism in the Modern World. (RCS
298)
The reshaping of Judaism in response to the challenges
of modernity. Focus primarily on one hundred and fifty years of European
Jewish history, from the mid-eighteenth century to the turn of the twentieth
century, in order to study the foundations of religious, intellectual,
and social trends characteristic of modern Judaism. Primary sources in
translation will introduce seminal thinkers and writings. Lectures and
class discussion will aim at providing the conceptual framework by which
to address the continuities and discontinuities of Jewish life in modern
times.
Core
Courses: Area 4 (Christian Life and Practice)
190. Christian Worship.
A study of the origin and development of liturgical
worship with particular emphasis on the Eucharist. Will include a study
of the variety of Christian worship found in various religions, both in
the East and West, and at various times.
192. Moral Problems. (RCS 292)
A critical examination of one or more areas of
moral concern from the viewpoint of Christian ethics. May include: medical
ethics, professional ethics, social justice issues, racism, environmental
concerns, and war and peace studies.
193. Christian Marriage.
A study of the historical development of the institution
of marriage within the Christian tradition as well as an investigation
and evaluation of its condition in contemporary American society.
194. Society and Economics in Christian Thought.
The ramifications of Christian theology in the
business world. Emphasis is placed on the role of Christian ethics both
for those moral issues internal to business organizations and those social-ethical
issues that arise for the business organization within the global community.
Elective
Courses
There is a prerequisite of two theology courses
for all 300-level courses, one of which may be specified below.
301. Prophetic Literature.
Prerequisite: 111.
The nature of prophecy in Israel; attention given
to the historical background of the prophets and the literary aspects of
their books; particular attention to the theological dimensions of the
prophetic message.
302. Wisdom Literature and the Psalms.
Prerequisite: 111.
A study of the wisdom literature of the Old Testament,
attention to the nature of the wisdom tradition in Israel; consideration
of specific wisdom texts, such as Proverbs, Job, Qoheleth, Wisdom of Solomon,
and the Wisdom of Ben Sirach; study of the Psalms as the prayer of Israel;
a look at themes, literary structure, and theology of selected Psalms.
303. The Pentateuch.
Prerequisite: 111.
The literary structure of the first five books
of the Bible; major themes such as creation, flood, the patriarchs, the
Joseph story, Exodus, covenant, law; use of historical critical and literary
critical methods in drawing out the theologies represented in the Pentateuch.
304. Israel From Conquest to Exile.
Prerequisite: 111.
A study of the so-called historical books of the
Bible (Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings); attention given to documentary and
archaeological sources for the history of Israel from conquest to exile;
use of historical critical and literary critical methods in delineating
the theology of history found within the deuteronomistic history.
305. The Gospel and Letters of John.
Prerequisite: 112.
In-depth study of authorship, relation to the
synoptics, the literary and cultural background, Johannine language, miracles
and signs, key concepts, the main theology of John and some special problems.
306. The Epistles of Paul.
Prerequisite: 112.
In-depth study of the person, times and key concepts
of St. Paul. Letters studied in chronological order; special attention
given to the ways in which Paul develops and articulates his positions
and the relationship of those positions to the history of early Christianity.
307. New Testament Greek. (GREK
267)
Prerequisite: GREK 132.
Selections from the Evangelists and/or other writers
of the New Testament.
308. Biblical Hebrew I. (CLST 101)
The sound, forms and grammar of biblical language.
Selected readings from the Old Testament.
309. Biblical Hebrew II. (CLST 102)
Prerequisite: 308.
Further study of biblical language. Selected readings
from the Old Testament.
310. The Parables of Jesus.
Prerequisite: 112.
Study of parables as a literary genre, as an example
of the figurative use of language in theology. Old Testament and rabbinic
parables are studied as a comparative base for interpreting Jesus’ parables.
Attention will be focused on the manner in which the parables embody the
Kingdom of God.
311. The Meaning of Jesus Christ.
Interpretations of the person and work of Jesus.
The role of culture and situation of the church in shaping the variety
of portraits of Jesus, the dogmas of his constitution, and the doctrines
of his salvation. Will include biblical, patristic, and contemporary materials.
313. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke.
Prerequisite: 112.
An in-depth analysis of the development of the
synoptic tradition (the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke). The literary
relationship of the three gospels to one another. Attention will also be
given to the theologies of the three gospels and, in particular, to how
their understandings of Jesus are to be compared and contrasted.
315. Mary and the Church. (CATH 315)
The biblical teaching on Mary; the role of Mary,
the new Eve, as developed in patristic literature and tradition; Mary and
the Church in contemporary theology, especially in ecumenical aspects.
317. Christian Thought: Ancient and Medieval.
(CATH 317) (MSTU 360)
The development of various Christian doctrines
in light of their historical milieu during the first fourteen centuries
of Christian thought. The doctrines examined may include: God, Christ,
grace, anthropology, ecclesiology, soteriology, scriptural exegesis, Mariology,
eschatology, and sacraments. The major ecumenical councils of the early
Christian centuries (e.g., Nicea, Constantinople, Ephesus, Chalcedon, Lateran)
and their teachings on theological issues will be considered.
318. Christian Thought: Reformation and Modern.
The development of various Christian doctrines
in light of their historical milieu during the last six centuries of Christian
thought. The doctrines examined may include: God, Christ, grace, anthropology,
ecclesiology and sacraments. The major ecumenical councils of the later
Christian centuries (e.g., Constance, Florence, Lateran V, Trent, Vatican
I and Vatican II) and their teachings on theological issues will be considered.
330. Liberation Theology. (INTS 330) (LASP
330) (PAX 332) (RLS 330)
An introduction to the contemporary theologies
of liberation emerging in Latin American, African, and Asian Christian
reflection on social injustice and the need for the Church to stand in
solidarity with the poor and the oppressed. The scriptural and Marxist
influences on liberation theology will be examined and its general impact
will be explored.
331. Theology of Secularization.
An exploration of the history of secularization
and the context it establishes for American Christianity. Focus on practical
issues of Christian living.
332. God in the Modern World.
Study of modern scientific, intellectual and practical
atheism as reflected in particular authors, e.g., Nietzsche, Kierkegaard,
Comte, Marx, and Dostoyevsky, evaluating their influence on today’s world.
340. Foundations of Christian Morality.
A survey of theological and philosophical issues
which shape the articulation of specific moral principles. Among the topics
to be discussed: the nature of the moral agent, the implications of the
scriptures and systematic theology for the moral life, the teaching function
of the Church, the relationship of Christian ethics to philosophical ethics.
342. Perspectives on Life and Death.
Genetic experimentation, human transplants, abortion,
new medicinal processes, new situations in living and dying. Necessity
for exploring our perception of the life range for possible reevaluation
and rearticulation, in view of modern scientific developments.
344. Theology and Ecology. (ESP 344)
An exploration of ecological, ethical and theological
analyses of humanity’s relationship to the natural world by examining issues
of air and water pollution, endangered species, nuclear warfare, and the
moral claims animals and future human generations have upon us. Ancient
Greek, Jewish, Christian, Enlightenment, Marxist, and feminist views on
our "domination" of nature will be consulted.
345. Roman Catholic Social Thought. (CATH
345)
This course presents the argument of Roman Catholic
social thought as articulated in the wide array of papal and episcopal
documents. The philosophical and theological principles of this thought
are outlined and related to various social and institutional contexts.
347. Creative Ministry.
This course is intended to meet the needs of those
who seek to move beyond ordinary ministry into the area of professional
and pastoral work. It will examine the philosophy and theology of this
field and a variety of forms that can be expected to grow from the future
lifestyle of the Church.
348. Supervised Ministry.
This course provides a focused experience for
students interested in the integration of theological understanding and
practical experience in ministry. The course will involve a preparatory
session, placement in a ministerial position, on-site supervision, and
biweekly individual or group meetings with the course director. A comprehensive
paper or case study will demonstrate the student’s ability to articulate
and integrate theory with actual ministerial practice.
350. Topics in Islam. (INTS 387) (RCS 350)
(ASIA 350)
A deeper and more focused study of significant
aspects of the religion of Islam. Varying content, with topics such as:
Islamic mysticism, the South Asian Muslim experience, women and gender
in Islam, the Qur’an, and Islamic ethics.
351. Topics in Hinduism. (INTS
388) (RCS 351) (ASIA 351)
A deeper and more focused study of significant
aspects of Hinduism. Varying content, with topics such as: Hindu devotional
traditions, ethnographies of Hindu experience, world renunciation in Hinduism,
women in the Hindu tradition, and Hindu ethics.
352. Topics in Buddhism. (INTS
352) (RSC 352) (ASIA 352)
A deeper and more focused study of significant
aspects of Buddhism. Varying content, with topics such as: Zen Buddhism,
Buddhism in Southeast Asia, Buddhist biographies, women in the Buddhist
tradition, and Buddhist ethics.
353. Studies in Religious Traditions.
This course will investigate the historical, social,
ritual and reflective positions of one or more religious traditions. It
will likewise develop the student’s abilities to use contemporary methods
of historical, theological, and social scientific analysis of religious
traditions.
356. Topics in Judaism. (RCS
356)
An interdisciplinary seminar course that explores
various themes and issues in the history of Judaism, alternating between
rabbinic, medieval, and modern periods. Topics may include Rabbinic interpretations
of Scripture, Medieval Jewish Literature, Jewish philosophy, and modern
Jewish thought.
379. Ecumenism in the Twentieth Century. (CATH
379)
Investigation of the principles of ecumenism as
formulated in Vatican II. Study of the agreed statements of bilateral discussions
between Christian communities.
381. Readings in Theology.
Study of representative and significant theologians
of various theological persuasions, e.g., Augustine, Thomas, Rahner, Lonergan.
Oral and written evaluations of theologians required.
382. Readings: Liturgy.
Examination of the readings, prayers, songs, rites
of contemporary liturgies. Comparison of these materials with those of
traditional liturgies and evaluation of the underlying principles.
383. Theology, Arts and Literature.
Study of theological and religious symbols and
themes in modern literature and/or in the arts. This course will focus
on one or more artistic media—poetry, novels, painting,
music to examine how the selected writers or artists
view the human condition, sin, and possibilities for redemption.
384. Protestant Theologians.
Various Protestant theologians, e.g., Tillich
in his mediation of faith and culture, Barth and his biblical confrontation
with the world, and Bonhoeffer and his concept of the church in the world.
385. Readings: Theology and Philosophy.
Influence of major philosophical systems, both
ancient and modern, on theology.
386. Readings: Theology and Psychology.
Study of general scientific methods of psychology
and their relationship to Christian anthropology.
393. Seminar.
An undergraduate seminar course for majors and
minors in the Theology department; variable content, addressing topical
issues that are not covered by the regular offerings at the 300 level.
395-397. Theology Tutorials.
Tutorials for seniors on selected topics in biblical,
systematic, historical or moral theology.
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