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Boston College,
Clough School of Theology & Ministry
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMST8555
Latin West and Greek East: From Nicaea to the Fall of Constantinople
BTI Category
Semester
Systematic Theology & Philosophy (Western)
SP25
The course is based upon reading and informed discussion of source texts referring to the main events and topics in theological relations between Latins and Greeks from the fourth to the fifteen century: from the “golden” conciliar age to early debates/schisms, especially on the filioque and azymes; iconoclasm; the so-called “Schism of 1054”; the Gregorian reforms; early scholastic theologians and their attitudes towards Greeks; Pope Innocent III and the establishment of the Latin Empire in Constantinople (1204); scholastic theologians of the “classical era” and their attitudes towards Byzantine theology and culture; Byzantine humanists and latinophrones of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries and their appeal for Christian unity; the Council of Florence (1439), its achievements and failures. The course will focus on ecclesial self-understanding of the emerging Churches, and their respective perception of a theological and cultural “other.” Special emphasis will be placed upon the developments in attitudes to sacraments, doctrine, and authority. The course will conclude with reflection on the implications for ecumenical dialogue and current ecclesiology.
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
Brian Dunkle, S.J.
T
12:30PM-03:20PM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
Y
Prerequisites Req'd?
Y
Notes
One graduate course in historical theology; DEPT PERMISSION REQ
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMST8562
The Theology of Johann Baptist Metz
BTI Category
Semester
Systematic Theology & Philosophy (Western)
SP25
This seminar will unfold by first examining Johann Metz's early relationship and subsequent break with the theology of Karl Rahner. Next we will explore Metz's critical dialogue with the thinkers of the Frankfurt school and the manner in which this encounter led to the formulation of Metz's early political theology. We will then turn to Metz's mature political theology as a "theology after Auschwitz." Some of the themes to be considered include Metz's assertion of the need for "anamnestic rationality," his focus on "the theodicy question," his apocalyptic eschatology, and his articulation of a mystical-political spirituality.
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
O. Ernesto Valiente
R
06:30PM-09:00PM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
Y
Prerequisites Req'd?
Y
Notes
a course in theological foundations or fundamental theology; DEPT PERMSISSION REQ
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMCE7164
Call and Response: an Introduction to the Moral Life
BTI Category
Semester
Ethics (all traditions)
SP25
This course introduces the primary sources of the Catholic moral traditions from the Commandments and Beatitudes to the moral and theological virtues as a call and response to Christian discipleship. Attention will be given to the tradition's warrants aligned with moral thought and the philosophical traditions of the virtues and the natural law. Key subjects considered are freedom, authority, sin, conscience, and virtue as well as discernment of the ways to be in a world paradoxically coherent with and contrary to the invitation God extends to all, development of those skills and practices that contribute to growth as a moral agent, and recourse to the remedies of failures encountered along the pilgrim's way.
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
Mary Jo Iozzio
ASYN
ASYN
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
Y
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites Req'd?
Y
Notes
Two moral/ethics (two graduate or one graduate & one advanced undergrad)
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMCE8118
Healthcare Ethics
BTI Category
Semester
Ethics (all traditions)
SP25
This course explores contemporary Catholic health care ethics. The course begins by examining the sources, methods, and influential documents of the Catholic medical ethical tradition. The syllabus traces the development of the tradition from the 16th to the 21st century. Prominent secular approaches in the field are studied as well. The course then takes up: 1) clinical, case-based medical ethics; and, 2) ethics at the institutional level. Applied topics include: abortion; access to health care and the distribution of medical resources; end of life ethics; mergers among Catholic and non-Catholic health institutions; and international recruiting of health care workers.
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
Daniel J. Daly
T
06:30PM-09:00PM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites Req'd?
N
Notes
N
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMHC7179
History of Western Christianity III: Catholicism from the French Revolution to Vatican II
BTI Category
Semester
Church History/History of Religions
SP25
What John O'Malley, S.J. calls the Church's "long nineteenth century," from the French revolution to the 1950's, although often considered a period of secularization, was also a great age of renewal for the Roman Catholic Church. It witnessed a tremendous institutional growth of the Church, the assertion of doctrinal and administrative control from Rome known as ultramontanism, the flowering of spirituality and devotional life, and the spread of the faith from Europe throughout the world by means of extensive missionary activity. This course will consider the institutional and intellectual transformation of the Church in the nineteenth century, but will also pay close attention to changes in popular piety and the social role of the Church. Focus will be both topical and regional.
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
Jeffrey von Arx, S.J.
T
12:30PM-03:20PM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites Req'd?
N
Notes
N
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMHC7285
"Where Two or Three are Gathered": A History of Religious Life in the West
BTI Category
Semester
Church History/History of Religions
SP25
This course will consider broadly and in narrative fashion the existence of religious life and religious communities in the history of the church, primarily in the West. From the early days of the church, intentional communities have existed. Eventually, communities of desert monastics arose and monastic rules developed. Religious life came to be ordered in particular ways, eventually in what we would think of as religious orders with governing structures, but also in the form of confraternities and lay movements. This course will explore instances of religious life lay, vowed, and clerical from the deserts to the cities, from patristic times through the medieval, modern, and postmodern periods. The course will consider not only arrangements and institutions, but also the spirituality of various groups and the attempt to follow Christ more closely by Christian women and men throughout time.
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
Stephen Molvarec, S.J.
W
04:00PM-06:20PM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
Y
Prerequisites Req'd?
Y
Notes
A course in either Liturgy or Sacraments/Eucharistic Theology
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMHC8067
The Book of Job in the Middle Ages
BTI Category
Semester
Church History/History of Religions
SP25
Throughout the Middle Ages the Old Testament Book of Job attracted the attention, scholarly acumen, and artistic insight of a number of Christian clerics, exegetes, theologians, philosophers, historians, poets, and painters. This course surveys some of the most important medieval Christian engagements with and interpretations of Job, both in exegetical and theological works (e.g., the Moralia of Gregory the Great; the commentaries of Thomas Aquinas, Albertus Magnus, and Nicholas of Lyra; and commentaries on the Sentences of Peter Lombard), on the one hand, and in vernacular and popular works (e.g., artistic depictions, Old English literature, the sermons of John Wycliffe and his followers), on the other.
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
Franklin T. Harkins
M
02:00PM-04:50PM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites Req'd?
Y
Notes
a course in history of Christianity
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMTM2003
New Testament Greek II
BTI Category
Semester
Languages
SP25
The main objective of the course is to be able to read the New Testament in the original. This is the second part of the two semester course where we will finish all Croy's lessons, provided that a good understanding and working knowledge of the material has been attained. We will cover a chapter every two class meetings and the third meeting we will have a review, a quiz and may introduce a new chapter depending on the progress. The students will be expected to master the basic grammar and most common vocabulary of the New Testament Greek, complete all assignments on time and participate actively in class.
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
Maria Kakavas
MW
02:00PM-02:50PM
Grading Option
P/F
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites Req'd?
Y
Notes
TMNT2002 New Testament Greek I (or its equivalent)
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMPS7186
Leadership for Ministry
BTI Category
Semester
Leadership Formation & Ministry Skills
SP25
In this one-credit module, students will engage with leadership models, styles, and skills that are essential for effective leadership in a variety of ministerial settings. Particular attention will be given to the spirituality of leadership, identifying one's own strengths and areas of growth, team development, collaboration, the art and skill of dialogue, the role of discernment and data in decision-making, and leading for change.
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
Jacqueline Regan
F
10:00AM-12:00
Grading Option
P/F
Credits
1
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites Req'd?
N
Notes
N
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMNT7046
The Apostle Paul
BTI Category
Semester
Scripture & Biblical Studies
SP25
A study of Paul's life, an investigation of all thirteen letters attributed to him, and an examination of the key theological themes of these letters.
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
Matthew Monnig, S.J.
TR
08:00AM-09:20AM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites Req'd?
N
Notes
N
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMOT8101
Job and Suffering
BTI Category
Semester
Scripture & Biblical Studies
SP25
This course examines how the Hebrew Bible addresses questions around human suffering. After surveying different biblical perspectives, we will immerse ourselves in the Book of Job, in which Job and his friends (and, ultimately, YHWH) consider the meaning of Job's suffering. While this course is primarily interested in the theologies of the Book of Job, we will also take into account the book's literary artistry, redaction history and historical context. By the end of this course I hope you will have a better understanding of this important book, which is as timeless, complex, and inexhaustible as the mystery it contemplates.
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
Andrew R. Davis
M
10:00AM-12:20PM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites Req'd?
Y
Notes
Graduate-level introductory course in OT
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMOT8100
Women in Scripture
BTI Category
Semester
Scripture & Biblical Studies
SP25
This course will begin with an overview of feminist biblical hermeneutics - its history and variety and then we will examine depictions of women throughout the Christian Bible. Part of this analysis will consist of looking at these depictions from different feminist perspectives. Another part of our analysis will be a consideration of the stories' social and cultural contexts, especially what archaeology can tell us about women's lives in antiquity.
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
Jaime L. Waters
T
12:30PM-03:00PM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites Req'd?
Y
Notes
Graduate-level introductory course OT or NT
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMPS8006
Confessional Ministry
BTI Category
Semester
Leadership Formation & Ministry Skills
SP25
A practicum designed to prepare ordination candidates in the Roman Catholic Church for the liturgical ministry of confessor in the celebration of the Rite of Penance.
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
Joseph Weiss, S.J.
T
09:30AM-12:20PM
Grading Option
P/F
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites Req'd?
Y
Notes
Fund. Moral AND Canon Law of Marriage & Sacraments
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMPS7090
Ministry in a Diverse Church
BTI Category
Semester
Practical/Pastoral Theology
SP25
Catholicism in the United States is presently shaped by rich cultural traditions that demand creative approaches to ministry in the midst of diversity. Nearly 45% of all Catholics in the country are Hispanic, 40% Euro-American, 4% Asian-American, 3.7% African-American, among others. Students in this course explore key questions and discuss ministerial strategies that will help them develop cultural competencies for effective ministry today. The course builds on the U.S. Latino/a Catholic experience as a case study while addressing core issues in ministry that affect everyone in the Church. Ecumenical and international perspectives are welcomed into this conversation.
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
Hosffman Ospino
W
06:30PM-09:00PM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites Req'd?
N
Notes
N
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMPS7078
Pastoral Care of the Family
BTI Category
Semester
Practical/Pastoral Theology
SP25
This course presents specific topics that are important for effective and compassionate pastoral care of families today. We will examine challenging realities that may shape and/or disturb families and lead members to seek pastoral care, such as domestic violence, substance abuse, imprisonment of a family member, grief and loss, and family caregiver stress. We will consider the specific needs of families affected by injustices and harsh difficulties such as poverty and immigrant/refugee status. We will consider the specific roles and strategies of the pastoral caregiver and the faith community in helping families to negotiate challenges and create stability and well-being.
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
Melissa Kelley
W
10:00AM-12:30PM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites Req'd?
N
Notes
N
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMPS7312
The Music of Christ's Passion: Survey and Application
BTI Category
Semester
Preaching, Liturgy, & Ritual
SP25
This course explores music inspired by Christ's Passion. Historically, it traces this repertoire's development from the liturgy to its diversity of modern expressions in concert halls, films, and popular media. Theologically, it examines the extent music can create space for God's presence; and ministerially, this course invites questions and issues relating to music's pastoral application. Some questions include: How might Passion music broaden and strengthen the knowledge and experience of Christ, especially through communal worship? What repertoire can educators or preachers draw upon to inspire their curriculum or animate their homilies? And how can such music help people pray?
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
Phillip Ganir, SJ
T
06:30PM-09:30PM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites Req'd?
Y
Notes
Students will need to have or be willing to learn how to read music at the level of basic chant and the vocal score of a Bach chorale. Resources will be provided to help students learn these skills.
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMPS8046
Identity: From Discovery to Integration
BTI Category
Semester
Practical/Pastoral Theology
SP25
This course considers the process of identity formation, which comes to the fore in adolescence and is refined and integrated throughout adulthood. This course examines the questions and concerns that surround that discovery and integration process, particularly attending to how identity is problematized within postmodern contexts. Participants in this course pursue the question: how might we attend ministerially to young people growing through this process? Conducted in seminar format, participants are responsible for conducting topic discussions for the class. Prior coursework in youth and young adult ministry and/or developmental theory is required for registration. Permission required.
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
Theresa A. O'Keefe
W
10:00AM-12:50PM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites Req'd?
Y
Notes
TMPS7041 or coursework in adolescent development
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMPS8151
Resisting Anti-Judaism: Practices for the Church
BTI Category
Semester
Practical/Pastoral Theology
SP25
The purpose of this class is to develop practices by which the anti-Judaism endemic to Christian traditions can be recognized, resisted, and replaced. As part of a commitment to anti-oppression work, this course will begin with an examination of the development and workings of Christian anti-Judaism with connections drawn to relationships between racism and antisemitism. Attention will then turn to how church teachings require examining preaching, worship, catechesis, and pastoral ministry for manifestations of anti-Judaism and antisemitism in North American and global contexts. The course will conclude with workshopping approaches to resisting anti-Judaism in Christian contexts and public spaces.
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
Daniel Joslyn-Siemiatkoski
T
03:30PM-06:20PM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites Req'd?
Y
Notes
Fundamental Theology or Theological Foundations in Practical Perspective, or similar course.
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMPT7315
Mitigating Trauma
BTI Category
Semester
Practical/Pastoral Theology
SP25
Traumatization occurs at the interrelated social, psychic, and physiological boundaries of life and death. This course offers an introduction to trauma healing and prevention for contexts of pastoral and spiritual care. It surveys approaches to trauma developed in peacebuilding, public health, and psychology, as well as the emerging subfield of trauma theology. Assignments include a book review, a presentation, and a research paper. This is a discussion-based (not lecture-based) class. Close reading is required.
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
Heather M. DuBois
R
03:30PM-05:30PM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites Req'd?
N
Notes
N
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMRE7161
Mission, Curriculum, and Pedagogy: Teaching High School Religion
BTI Category
Semester
Religious Education and Youth Ministry
SP25
This course is designed to assist students in developing religion curriculum for adolescents, particularly within the setting of Catholic secondary schools. It considers the place of religious instruction within the larger ambit of the Catholic school's mission, including interaction with campus ministry and service learning. It attends to frameworks of faith development within adolescence. It includes the development of learning outcomes and assessment tools; pedagogy; curricular maps; units and lesson plans. Finally, it calls participants to be self-aware of the teacher's role through the development of a pedagogic creed.
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
Theresa A. O'Keefe
R
06:30PM-09:00PM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites Req'd?
N
Notes
N
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMST8126
Synodality and Reforms in the Church Today
BTI Category
Semester
Systematic Theology & Philosophy (Western)
SP25
This Course explores the theological and pastoral roots of Synodality as a consequence of the process of reception and deepening of the Ecclesiology of the People of God in the Second Vatican Council. In this context, Pastoral conversion and Synodal conversion are key to understand today`s ecclesial proposal of an inverted pyramid that overcomes clericalism and leads to a new way of proceeding in the Church that starts from below, from the sensus fidei fidelium, and then upwards. From this perspective, we are entering in a new phase in the reception of the Council and a renewed ecclesiology, an event that involves the reform of structures and processes. This demands a conversion in the ecclesial mentality, a revision of lifestyles, practices of communal discernment, and structural reform. Therefore, the course will present synodality as a constitutive and constituent note of the Church that embraces a major reform.
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
Rafael Luciani
ASYN
ASYN
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
Y
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites Req'd?
Y
Notes
A course in Church or Ecclesiology
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMST8565
Advanced Seminar in Spirituality Studies: Foundations and Methodology
BTI Category
Semester
Systematic Theology & Philosophy (Western)
SP25
Offered every year as a required doctoral level seminar for ThM, STL, STD students with a concentration in Spirituality, and open to PhD and advanced graduate students according to availability.
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
André Brouillette, S.J.
M
02:00PM-04:20PM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
Y
Prerequisites Req'd?
Y
Notes
Department Permission Required; DOCTORAL
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMST8115
Latin American Theology of Liberation
BTI Category
Semester
Systematic Theology & Philosophy (Western)
SP25
Latin American liberation theology traces its origins to the grassroots Christian communities that struggled for social justice in the 1960s. This course explores the distinctive way in which Latin American liberation theologians correlate their interpretation of their social context with the Christian tradition and praxis in a mutually-critical manner. We will critically examine their fundamental presuppositions, their contribution to theology, and their efforts to articulate the Christian message as an effective response against oppression and on behalf of a full human liberation. We will also incorporate some of the liberationist voices that emerge from other social and cultural situations.
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
O. Ernesto Valiente
R
03:30PM-06:20PM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites Req'd?
Y
Notes
A course in theological foundations or fundamental theology
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMST7024
Christology
BTI Category
Semester
Systematic Theology & Philosophy (Western)
SP25
This course seeks to clarify what it means to confess that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ, and why this is a significant claim. The course examines the New Testament, the early councils of the Church, the writings of early and medieval Christian theologians, the dogmatic teachings of the Church and the contributions of contemporary theologians. Two main questions will be addressed: Who is Jesus? How does Jesus save us?
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
Benjamin Valentin
W
04:00PM-06:20PM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites Req'd?
Y
Notes
Fundamental Theology reccomended
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMST7088
Theology of Culture
BTI Category
Semester
Systematic Theology & Philosophy (Western)
SP25
This course explores the relationship between theology and culture through the following questions: How do particular cultures shape Christian faith? How has the Church, for better or worse, changed (or failed to change) the various cultures into which it has been received? How are rapid advances in technology shaping culture and how should the Church respond? How do theologians navigate between their local context and global economic realities that influence all locales? How does the study of culture, which integrates the various branches of inquiry into human meaning, challenge and invigorate theological reflection?
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
Dominic F. Doyle
W
10:00AM-12:00
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites Req'd?
N
Notes
N
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMST8017
Ecclesial Ministry
BTI Category
Semester
Church Polity/Canon Law
SP25
This course explores the theology, history, and spirituality of ministry in the church. The emphasis will be on the ecclesial foundations for ministry and the relationship between ministry and the mission of all the baptized. The course will examine current issues in the theology and practice of ministry as well as the implications of ministry for the faith and practice of the minister.
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
Richard Lennan
F
09:00AM-12:00
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites Req'd?
Y
Notes
The Church; prereq
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMST8110
The Mystery of the Trinity
BTI Category
Semester
Systematic Theology & Philosophy (Western)
SP25
The course will offer the Scriptural sources, the dogmatic development and the works of contemporary theologians that have contributed to the Church's reflection on God, One and Triune, as revealed through the life and praxis of Jesus of Nazareth. This fundamental path will permit us to offer a systematic Trinitarian theology of God as Mystery of salvation and liberation of all.
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
Vicente Chong, S.J.
R
09:30AM-11:30AM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites Req'd?
Y
Notes
One course in Christology prereq
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMST8559
Seminar: The Theology of Elizabeth Johnson
BTI Category
Semester
Systematic Theology & Philosophy (Western)
SP25
An introduction to the theological corpus of Elizabeth Johnson, one of the foremost women's voices in theology today. The course will examine Johnson's writings, turning a keen eye turned toward the methodologies, source materials, and commitments apparent in her work. It will explore Johnson's expansive reading of the Christian tradition, as evident in her presentation of God, Christ, the human, and the world.
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
Colleen M. Griffith
W
01:00PM-03:50PM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
Y
Prerequisites Req'd?
Y
Notes
Foundations or Fundamental prereq; DEPT PERMISSION REQ
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMST8571
Theological Aesthetics
BTI Category
Semester
Systematic Theology & Philosophy (Western)
SP25
This course is a study of the mystery of God from the perspective of aesthetics and art. In other words, we will try to understand God’s saving presence and action in our lives, in the world, and in history, based on the transcendental and liberating experience of art, and we will try to speak about God – who has revealed God’s self in Christ – using aesthetic categories. We will also explore different ways to establish a conversational relationship between theology and the arts.
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
Vicente Chong, S.J.
T
04:00PM-06:00PM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
Y
Prerequisites Req'd?
Y
Notes
At least two courses in Systematic Theology; DEPT PERMISSION REQ
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMCE8082
Social Sin, Responsibility, and Justice
BTI Category
Semester
Ethics (all traditions)
SP25
This course builds on Catholic social teaching found in the magisterial documentary history and brings the insights on social sin to bear on responsibility, accountability, and justice. Attention will be given to primary sources in light of the contemporary critique of abusive/sinful practices among persons with institutionalized power and authority exposed in anti-racist, post-colonial, and liberation thought. The course a) presents the common good as justice developed in these traditions, b) explores responsibility for the social, economic, educational, health, legal, and political status of vulnerable persons, and c) considers accountability by realizing the preferential option for the poor.
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
Mary Jo Iozzio
W
01:00PM-03:50PM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites Req'd?
Y
Notes
One course in Christian Ethics, biotethics or medical ethics
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMHC7027
History of Western Christianity II, 850-1650
BTI Category
Semester
Church History/History of Religions
SP25
General survey of Western Christianity, with special emphasis on institutional, theological, pastoral and spiritual issues. Lays the foundation for understanding many features of the Church today. Topics include monasticism, establishment of the modern papacy, lay apostolic movements (e.g. beguines), religious orders (e.g., Franciscans, Jesuits), heresies, crusades, inquisitions, scholasticism, saints (e.g., Hildegard of Bingen, Francis of Assisi, Ignatius of Loyola), popular devotions, women in church, mysticism, Protestant Reformation, church councils (e.g., Trent), overseas evangelization. Lectures, readings in primary sources, focused discussion.
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
Stephen Molvarec, S.J.
TR
10:00AM-11:30AM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites Req'd?
N
Notes
N
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMHC7228
Introduction to Thomas Aquinas
BTI Category
Semester
Church History/History of Religions
SP25
This course provides an introduction to the theology of Thomas Aquinas (c. 1225-1274) in its historical, intellectual, and institutional contexts, with a focus on reading and understanding the primary texts of Thomas (in English translation). The course considers Thomas's treatment of central theological topics including the nature and extent of theology, the status and interpretation of Sacred Scripture, the existence and essence of God, divine providence and predestination, God's triune nature, creation, human nature, evil and sin, grace and its effects, merit, faith and its relationship to reason, the Incarnation, Christ's passion and death, His resurrection and ascension, and the sacraments. Throughout attention will be given to Thomas's assumptions and working method as a scholastic master and the uses he makes of various authorities (scriptural, patristic, philosophical, etc.) in the development of his theology.
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
Franklin T. Harkins
F
09:00AM-12:00
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites Req'd?
Y
Notes
A previous church history or historical theology course is desirable but not required.
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMHC8010
Medieval Liturgy
BTI Category
Semester
Church History/History of Religions
SP25
Liturgy in the West from Gregory the Great to the eve of the Reformation. Focus will be on the Eucharist and the Liturgical Year.
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
John F. Baldovin, S.J.
T
12:30PM-03:20PM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites Req'd?
Y
Notes
Knowledge of Latin is desirable, but not required.
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMHC8144
The Spiritual Theology of Ignatius of Loyola
BTI Category
Semester
Systematic Theology & Philosophy (Western)
SP25
Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556), primary founder of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), produced the largest collection of writings of any sixteenth-century figure, excepting only Philip Melanchton (1497-1560). In this seminar course, students will examine the entire Ignatius corpus with regard to salient themes to assess their development over the course of Ignatius' life and how they should be reinterpreted (or not) for twenty-first century Christians. This course is recommended for those intending advanced studies in Jesuit history and spirituality.
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
Barton Geger, S.J.
W
10:00AM-10:50AM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites Req'd?
Y
Notes
At least one year of graduate theology OR a previous class on Ignatian spirituality/Jesuit history.
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMTM2004
Intermediate Greek II
BTI Category
Semester
Languages
SP25
The purpose of the course is to teach fluent reading while reviewing grammar, syntax and vocabulary as needed. It presupposes that the student has taken one full-year course of Greek and that the student has a working knowledge of the elements of Greek morphology and syntax. In accomplishing the course's purpose, the student is introduced to a variety of NT and LXX texts as well as other texts by Greek authors.
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
Maria Kakavas
W
04:00PM-05:15PM
Grading Option
P/F
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
Y
Prerequisites Req'd?
Y
Notes
TMNT2001 (Intermediate Greek I) or its equivalent; DEPT PERMISSION REQ
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMNT7023
Introduction to New Testament
BTI Category
Semester
Scripture & Biblical Studies
SP25
The New Testament is a collection of diverse writings that are central to Christian faith and life. This course will introduce students to the literary characteristics, historical context, and theological content of these writings and to the methods and approaches associated with the modern discipline of biblical studies.
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
Matthew Monnig, S.J.
MW
08:30AM-09:50AM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites Req'd?
N
Notes
N
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMNT7092
Gospel of Matthew
BTI Category
Semester
Scripture & Biblical Studies
SP25
Our study of Matthew's Gospel will attend to its literary features, social context, and theological content. In addition to helping us understand how the Matthean author used various sources to write his distinct narrative of Jesus' ministry, Passion and Resurrection, historical-criticism will assist in contextualizing both author and community within a late first-century multi-cultural context. As the most commented upon Gospel in the early Church, we will also consider how Matthew's emphasis on the OT and understanding of Jesus were received by early Christians who sought to articulate Christianity in light of the controversies at that time (e.g., Marcionism).
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
Angela Kim Harkins
W
10:00AM-12:50PM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites Req'd?
N
Notes
N
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMOT7067
Introduction to Old Testament
BTI Category
Semester
Scripture & Biblical Studies
SP25
A literary, historical, and theological introduction to the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) the Pentateuch, Historical Books, Wisdom Literature and Psalms, and Prophets.
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
Andrew R. Davis
TR
10:00AM-12:00
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites Req'd?
N
Notes
N
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMOT8055
Apocalypses: Visions and Otherworldly Journeys
BTI Category
Semester
Scripture & Biblical Studies
SP25
The word apocalypse comes from the Greek word for 'revelation.' This course seeks to understand the conceptual worldview and theological perspectives found in ancient Jewish and Christian apocalypses and representative writings from the Old Testament, New Testament, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and Pseudepigrapha (e.g., Daniel, Book of Revelation, Book of the Watchers, 4th Ezra, and others). Emphasis is placed on a close reading of texts and the application of a variety of methodological approaches.
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
Angela Kim Harkins
F
09:00AM-12:00
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites Req'd?
Y
Notes
a course in Bible
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMPS8008
Liturgical Presiding for Ordained Ministry
BTI Category
Semester
Preaching, Liturgy, & Ritual
SP25
A practicum designed to prepare ordination candidates in the Roman Catholic Church for the ministry of liturgical presidency. Students will meet twice a week (once for theory and once for practice) as well as in small groups and for videotaping.
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
Joseph Weiss, S.J.
W
01:00PM-03:50PM
Grading Option
P/F
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites Req'd?
Y
Notes
Intro to Liturgy; Sacraments; Eucharistic Theology
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMPS7018
Death and Dying
BTI Category
Semester
Practical/Pastoral Theology
SP25
The study of death and dying is a complex, multidimensional, and evolving field. This course draws on contemporary theory and research to explore death and dying from multiple perspectives, including religious, theological, pastoral, and psychological. Topics include societal attitudes toward death; facing one's own death; cultural features of death and dying; end-of-life issues; children and death; funerals and the use of ritual in ministry to the dying; pastoral sensitivities and skills for ministering to the dying; and pressing contemporary concerns, such as death in the workplace, institutional death, violent death, and death in global perspective.
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
Melissa Kelley
F
09:00AM-12:00
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites Req'd?
N
Notes
N
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMPS7279
Conflict Transformation
BTI Category
Semester
Practical/Pastoral Theology
SP25
Conflict theory can enable constructive responses to situational disagreements and long-term relationship building. This course combines resources from secular conflict theory and Christian theology and ministry to foster transformation of micro (interpersonal), meso (communal), and macro (societal, international) level conflicts. Most texts reference the U.S. context, but other cultural perspectives are welcome. Assignments include regular short papers and a presentation. This is a discussion-based (not lecture-based) class. Close reading is required.
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
Heather M. DuBois
W
04:00PM-06:20PM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites Req'd?
N
Notes
N
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMPS7313
Theology and Practice of Ignatian Spiritual Accompaniment
BTI Category
Semester
Practical/Pastoral Theology
SP25
The key question of this course is, how can we listen well to our brothers and sisters? While the skills we train in this course are particularly relevant for the context of spiritual care or spiritual accompaniment, they will also make us better listeners to our family, friends, colleagues, students generally. In the course we bothpractice actual listening, thus training a set of skills, andreflect theologically on our listening: what are the theological grounds for doing that? Ignatian spirituality will be a major source of inspiration for the course, with an openness to other voices also.
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
Jos Moons, SJ
F
01:00PM-04:00PM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites Req'd?
Y
Notes
While the course is in a 4-hour block, each student will spend 2.5 hours in class each week.
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMPS8122
Canon Law of the Sacraments
BTI Category
Semester
Church Polity/Canon Law
SP25
This course examines Book IV of the 1983 Code of Canon Law, the sanctifying munus of the Church. It presents a canonical study of the Sacraments of the Catholic Church, other Acts of Divine Worship, and Sacred Places and Times. Special emphasis is placed on the Sacrament of Marriage, not only on substantive norms (cann. 1055 - 1165) but also on Book VII as regards the Process for Declaration of Marriage Nullity. A comparison with selected norms of the 1990 Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches will highlight some specificities of Sacramental Law of the Eastern Catholic Churches.
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
Andrea Ponzone
T
04:00PM-06:20PM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites Req'd?
Y
Notes
"One year of graduate level theology.Reccommended, but not required: TMPS8121 Introduction to Canon Law or its equivalent" Students who have not completed an introductory course in Canon Law are required (prior to the beginning of the course) to submit a preliminary essay to the instructor demonstrating basic knowledge and appropriation of the essential elements of the Code of Canon Law and insights from the work of Martin De Agar, Joseph T., A Handbook on Canon Law (Wilson & Lafleur, 2007).
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMPT7248
Screening Theology: Theology in and through Film
BTI Category
Semester
Practical/Pastoral Theology
SP25
Highlighting the possibility and potential of a theology of culture, this course explores the ways in which recent Hollywood movies can be used as resources to think about and even to rethink the meaning of key theological concepts such as ideas of God, human nature, sin, Christ/human redemption, and eschatological hope. Through brief lecture presentations, reading materials, the viewing of movies, and class discussions, students will be encouraged to consider how an appreciative and critical engagement with popular culture can allow for a relevant and contemporary practical theology.
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
Benjamin Valentin
R
03:30PM-06:20PM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites Req'd?
N
Notes
N
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMRE7076
Education of Christians: Past, Present, and Future
BTI Category
Semester
Religious Education and Youth Ministry
SP25
The history of the church's educational ministry serves to enlighten its present pastoral praxis. Students in this course read original and classical documents as a treasury of wisdom for religious education and pastoral ministry. The course will closely parallel the history of theology, of the church, and of Western education.
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
Phillip Ganir, SJ
R
09:30AM-11:50AM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites Req'd?
N
Notes
N
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMRE7252
What Makes Education Catholic?
BTI Category
Semester
Religious Education and Youth Ministry
SP25
When a school presents itself to the world as offering Catholic education, it signals, at a minimum, that it is committed to educating from and for faith. It is to educate from deep spiritual convictions that are core to Catholicism and for a Transcendent as well as an immanent perspective on life, preparing students to live well into an Ultimate Horizon - God as revealed in Jesus Christ. What does this ask of the curriculum of a Catholic school, of its faculty and administrators? We once took for granted our response to such questions, for example when 95% of faculty and staff were vowed religious and all students were decidedly Catholic. That era has passed, bringing new challenges and opportunities. Note, for example, the growing number of students from other or no faith tradition attending, likewise an often diverse faculty and staff, and many Catholic students who are more cultural than affiliated in their faith. This changed reality, coupled with the secular and postmodern culture of our time, offers new opportunity for a fresh address of what makes education Catholic.
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
Thomas H. Groome
T
6:30-9:00
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites Req'd?
N
Notes
N
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMST8141
Theology of Mission
BTI Category
Semester
Systematic Theology & Philosophy (Western)
SP25
This seminar surveys diverse theologies of mission and examines how these theologies have informed and transformed the Church's understanding of mission and missionary activity in the 20th and 21st centuries. Attentive to the contributions of selected biblical scholars, theologians, church historians and social scientists as well as the corpus of Roman Catholic documents on mission, along with documents of the World Council of Churches and the Lausanne Movement, the seminar traces the evolution of critical theological thinking on mission and assesses the ecclesiological relevance of theologies of mission in a religiously pluralistic world.
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
Margaret Eletta Guider, O.S.F.
R
03:30PM-06:20PM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites Req'd?
N
Notes
N
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMST8041
Theological Anthropology & the Body
BTI Category
Semester
Systematic Theology & Philosophy (Western)
SP25
Issues of embodiment relating to theology, spirituality, and ministry form the substance of this course. We will probe understandings of the body found in the historical Christian tradition and draw insights regarding human bodiliness from contemporary theology, philosophy, psychology, and social theory. Finally, we will examine the role of the body in lived Christian faith with a particular emphasis on spirituality, education, and pastoral care.
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
Colleen M. Griffith
R
09:30AM-11:50AM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites Req'd?
Y
Notes
Foundations or Fundamental
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMST7020
The Church
BTI Category
Semester
Church Polity/Canon Law
SP25
The ecclesial dimension of Christian faith is the focal point of this course. The course will locate the church within both a Trinitarian theology and a theological anthropology. Specific topics for exploration include the place of the church in the Creed, the sacramentality of the church, a theology of mission, and of structure and authority. The course will also explore current issues shaping the church's life and its place in the wider culture.
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
Margaret Eletta Guider, O.S.F.
W
01:00PM-03:50PM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites Req'd?
N
Notes
N
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMST7051
The Development of Christological Doctrine
BTI Category
Semester
Systematic Theology & Philosophy (Western)
SP25
Jesus' question to his disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" (Mk 8:29) received a definitive response in Church doctrine only through a long and tumultuous process of development. In seeking to formulate our own responses to this question, we need to appropriate the contents of this process. The project of this course is to integrate contemporary questions with those that generated the development of christological doctrine so that we may delve deeper into the mystery of the human-divine identity of Jesus Christ.
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
Brian Dunkle, S.J.
MW
08:30AM-09:50AM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites Req'd?
N
Notes
N
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMST7091
Eucharistic Theology
BTI Category
Semester
Systematic Theology & Philosophy (Western)
SP25
This course will reflect on the theology of the Eucharist as it has developed throughout the history of the Church, and will seek a contemporary understanding of traditional doctrines in light of Vatican II and the reformed ritual for the Eucharistic liturgy.
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
John F. Baldovin, S.J.
TR
08:00AM-09:20AM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites Req'd?
N
Notes
N
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMST8061
Theological Approaches to the Holy Spirit
BTI Category
Semester
Systematic Theology & Philosophy (Western)
SP25
he 20th century has witnessed a renewed interest in the theological understanding of the Holy Spirit (i.e., pneumatology) in Western Christianity. Great theologians, such as Yves Congar, Jürgen Moltmann or Hans Urs von Balthasar, have devoted important works to this enterprise. Unlike Christ, who, as the Image of God, can more easily be represented and grasped, the Holy Spirit remains an elusive—though powerful—figure of God...
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
André Brouillette, S.J.
W
04:00PM-06:20PM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites Req'd?
Y
Notes
Fundamental Theology; prereq
School
Boston College, Clough School of Theology & Ministry
TMST8506
Seminar: Thomas Aquinas on God
BTI Category
Semester
Systematic Theology & Philosophy (Western)
SP25
A close reading and systematic examination of Aquinas' doctrine of God in the prima pars of the Summa theologiae. Concurrent readings from other parts of the Summa theologiae and from other texts of St. Thomas will also be used. In addition, modern interpretations and criticisms will accompany each week's reading from Aquinas. This seminar is an advanced course intended primarily for students in doctoral, STL, and ThM programs, as well as senior M.Div. and MTS students preparing for further research.
Professor
Class Day
Class Time
Dominic F. Doyle
T
09:30AM-11:30AM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
Y
Prerequisites Req'd?
Y
Notes
One course in Systematic theology; DEPT PERMISSION REQ; DOCTORAL
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