theo 106 / cath 106 - theology of the sacraments
Spring 2009
Instructor: The Rev. James E. Hentges, O.S.C., SLD
Days: Wednesdays 3:40-6:10 PM
via del Velabro 19
00186 Roma, Italia
Tel: +39 06 692.045.28
Email: jameshentges@me.com
Website (Blog) for Course:
The professor will communicate details reading and other assignments, as well as post other material essential and helpful to the course at this weblink: http://web.me.com/james1210/James_Hentges/Liturgy/Liturgy.html
Students are required to visit the blog regularly to keep themselves updated on course requirements and helpful resource materials
Course Description:
This course examines the liturgical spirituality of the sacraments of the church from a historical perspective, incorporating the rich environment of the city of Rome as an expression of and influence upon the liturgical developments of the sacraments over the course of history.
A basic introduction to the study of sacraments, including an overview of important anthropological, imaginative, theological and liturgical concepts, as well as a review of the historical background for developments in Christian experience.
A particular focus will be the sacraments of initiation, Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist: an in-depth examination of each of the sacraments of initiation, focusing on their ritual characteristics, Scriptural foundations, historical development, and contemporary liturgical-theological understanding.
Text/Media:
- Osborne, Kenan. Sacramental Theology: A General Introduction, New York: Paulist Press.
- Osborne, Kenan. The Christian Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist.
- New York: Paulist Press, 1998. ISBN: 0809128861.
- Foley, Edward, From Age to Age: How Christians Have Celebrated the Eucharist, Chicago:
- LTP Publications, 1991 [new revised edition expected in late 2008]. ISBN: 0929650418.
- Probably will be only available in the library as reserved material.
- Film(s) and other recommended reading (to be announced via blog).
Course Format:
Lecture, discussion and guided learning: about half of the course sessions will be visits to sites in Rome which will illustrate and hopefully illuminate the students to the spiritual and historical contexts and the artistic and cultural influences at work in the course of the development of the sacraments. Other sessions will be primarily lecture with a regular discussion of assigned readings.
Learning Outcomes:
The primary goal of this course will be to help the student understand the varied traditions of the Church’s liturgy over time and appreciate the contemporary liturgical expression as rooted in scripture, in varied spiritualities and culturally diverse historical traditions.
Students will:
- Learn to identify symbols, images and rituals and describe the historical and cultural context.
- Learn to describe how varied rituals express theological ideas and shape faith (spirituality).
- Be required to demonstrate basic knowledge of the sacramental ritual of the church over the course of history.
- Be encouraged to articulate their perspective on the influences shaping contemporary liturgical life in the church.
Major Course Assignments and Grade Percentages:
Students will be required to write:
- Four essays, 3-4 typed pages in length (absolutely not to exceed 4 pages), on topics selected from a list provided by the instructor. Each essay will determine 17.5% of the final grade (total of essays 70%).
- Final written examination (20%) of the final grade.
- Preparation and participation for class will be 5% of the final grade.
- Extra credit: write an additional essay on a topic of the student’s choosing but must involve a visit to a liturgically relevant site in Rome.. The student will receive credit for the essay in place of any previous essay with the lowest grade if it is of a better grade.
Attendance Expectations/Absence Policy:
Absences from class sessions will affect the student’s final course grade as follows:
- 2 absences – no negative effect on final semester grade.
- 3 absences – final semester grade reduced by 5%.
- 4 absences – final semester grade reduced by 10%.
- 5 or more absences – final semester grade reduced by 15%.
Absence due to University business (academic trip, athletic travel, etc.) or for religious observances will not count against the absence total, but please alert the instructor beforehand. Students who miss a class session for any reason are still responsible for the assignments, handouts or material covered during that session.
Factors concerning the final grade include frequent absences or late appearance in class, leaving class early, failure to respect others’ rights to speak their views, lack of any contribution in discussion, and starting side conversations or failing to pay attention in class.
Late or Missed Assignments and Incompletes:
Late essays lose 5% for each class day they are late, up to the third class day after the due date. Incomplete grades for the semester are only in the event of a major medical or family emergency. In addition, no incomplete grades will be granted unless the student has attended at least 80% of the class sessions and completed 80% of the course work before the end of the semester.
Essay Grading/Plagiarism
All written work will be graded not only on content but also on correct use of English and spelling. Evidence that an assignment, or a portion of an assignment, is not the student’s own work and has been submitted without proper citations, will result in a grade of “0” for that assignment. A second occurrence during the semester will result in a failing grade for the course. Note that if a second occurrence of plagiarism does occur, the dean’s office will be immediately notified, as well the department chair, where the “F” will be entered in the university records.
Class Schedule and Topics (subject to revision – more details later)
14 January Introduction to Ritual and Sacraments
21 January No class
28 January Christian Liturgy over the epochs
4 February Contemporary Worship and Reforms
11 February Word of God
18 February Sacraments of Initiation
25 February Sacraments of Initiation
4 March Field trip
11 March Spring Break – No classes
18 March Eucharist
25 March Eucharist
1 April Field Trip
8 April Marriage
15 April Sacrament of the Sick
22 April Orders
29 April Final Examination
