Chapter 11: 2023-2024 JST Faculty Course Offerings

Below is a sample of courses offered by Jesuit School of Theology faculty this year. The entire list of courses offered at JST and the other schools within the Graduate Theological Union is available at the following website: https://www.gtusonis.net/GENSRsC.cfm

BS-2002: Intermediate Hebrew

BS-2090: Bible Study for the Community

Course addresses curriculum development, pedagogies, and resources for building a Bible Study Program with attention to the needs and culture of a community. A study of the Elijah/Elisha narratives will provide the sample texts for educational planning. Each student will teach a four week Bible Study course on various OT or NT texts in a community site (parish, prison, campus setting etc.) during the Advent season. These will be assigned or negotiated per student.

BS-4750: Ecological Readings of the Bible

This hybrid seminar course will survey ecological approaches to biblical literature (both OT/HB and NT) with particular attention to their relevance in addressing the actual environmental crisis. Discussions: in class and online; reflection papers. MDiv, MA/MTS, STL/STD, PhD.

BS-6000: Area Foundation Seminar

An examination of a selection of interpretative methods current in the field of Biblical Studies. Scholarly analyses and research of the Hebrew traditions of the Elijah/Elisha stories (I Kgs. 18 - II Kgs. 10) will serve as basis for our understanding and discussion of these approaches when applied to texts.

CE-2056: Fundamental Moral Theology

This course explores fundamental concepts of Roman Catholic moral theology, including: moral anthropology; the use of Scripture in morals; the nature and function of moral norms; conscience and its formation; natural law; fundamental option and sin; virtue and the telos of human life, and modes of moral reasoning. Moral theology is fundamentally a discipline of practical reasoning: these concepts will be addressed in the context of concrete cases and issues as well as at the abstract and theoretical level. Format is lecture/discussion, and student evaluation will be based on 3 essay examinations, with the option of writing a research paper in place of second two exams. This course meets the requirements of an Introductory course in the JST MDiv curriculum.

CE-5002: Methods in Ethics

This doctoral seminar will explore the predominant methods used in ethics today and apply them to contemporary issues. This course will draw upon the core bibliography in Ethics and Social Theory to help the student prepare for comprehensive exams. Format uses lecture, discussion, and independent research. Evaluation is by weekly reflection papers and a final major paper. Intended audience: PhD/Thd; STL/STD

CEST-3261: Feminist Theology and Ethics

A consideration of major voices in feminist theology and ethics. Will treat both constructive and ethical questions, emphasizing the dialogue between sex and gender studies and theology. Format is seminar with minimal lecture. Student evaluation to be based on participation, weekly reading response papers, and a final project.

CEST-4130: Ethics of Social Reconciliation

This seminar will consider theological and ethical questions connected to social reconciliation: How is the reconciliation of peoples related to themes of justice, liberation, reparation, and forgiveness? How are reconciliation efforts shaped by christology, theological anthropology,and ecclesiology? How does one morally assess genocide, war, racism, incarceration, slavery, human rights violations of migrants, and sexual violence? How have Christians contributed to efforts for common ground dialogue, reconciliation, and restorative justice? What virtues, skills, and theological perspectives might need to be cultivated for future efforts? Seminar. Requirements: regular preparation for participation in seminar discussion; final project. MDiv, MA/MTS, PhD/ThD, STL/STD.

FE-1152: MDIV Integration Seminar I

This two-term course is required of all first year M.Div. students at JST. The M.Div. Integration Seminar provides an opportunity for students to integrate their academic studies and ministerial experience. During the course students will reflect upon their vocational and ministerial identity within the church; students will be introduced to pastoral theological methods for reflecting upon ministerial experience; and students will prepare for their ministry placement for the Second Year of the M.Div. program.

FE-2152: MDIV Integration Seminar II

This course consists of a two-semester supervised field practicum and a concurrent two-semester supervision and theological reflection group. Second year JST MDiv. students only. Seminar format: reflection papers/presentations.

FE-4400: STL Research Practicum

In conjunction with the monthly program seminar, this course enables students enrolled in the STL and Th.M degree programs to fulfill their program requirement of complementing their studies with supervised ministry in a parish, school or other setting. Students must perform twenty to twenty-four hours of ministry per semester. Through reflection on this practical experience, students will deepen their understanding of how faith is inculturated and how culture shapes one's approach to ministry. This course is offered on a P/F basis. Students must enroll for .5 credit hours each semester during their degree program. There will be some readings assigned by the instructors.

FE-4401: STD Research Practicum

In conjunction with the monthly program seminar, this course enables students enrolled in the STD degree program to fulfill their program requirement of complementing their studies with supervised ministry in a parish, school or other setting. Students must perform twenty to twenty-four hours of ministry per semester. Through reflection on this practical experience, students will deepen their understanding of how faith is inculturated and how culture shapes one's approach to ministry. This course is offered on a P/F basis. Students must enroll for .5 credit hours each semester during their degree program. There will be some readings assigned by the instructors.

FE-4402: ThM Research Practicum

In conjunction with the monthly program seminar, this course enables students enrolled in the ThM degree program to fulfill their program requirement of complementing their studies with supervised ministry in a parish, school or other setting. Students must perform twenty to twenty-four hours of ministry per semester. Through reflection on this practical experience, students will deepen their understanding of how faith is inculturated and how culture shapes one's approach to ministry. This course is offered on a P/F basis. Students must enroll for 1 credit hour each semester during their degree program. There will be some readings assigned by the instructors.

FTLS-4725: Celebrational Style

This course is designed to acquaint students preparing for presbyteral ordination in the Roman Catholic Church with the principle rites of the Church's liturgy. Its goal is to develop prayerful leaders of prayer and to develop in presiders the necessary skills for gathering the ecclesial body and celebrating the sacramental rites of the Church. Students will prepare and preside at rites and will also work together on larger liturgical rites.

FTST-2336: Canon Law: Introduction & Marriage

This course is a combination of two aspects of the field of canon law. The first half of the course presents an overview of the 1983 Code of Canon Law, giving its origins and the legal traditions on which it is built. Special emphasis is on the pastoral application of the foundational principles of law and an examination of the rights and obligations of the Christian Faithful. The second half of the course covers the seven sacraments with an extended time on the sacrament of marriage. Both the celebration of marriage as the law prescribes and the work of marriage tribunals when a marriage ends in divorce are studied in detail.

MDV-4401: MDIV Integration Seminar

The principal focus will be on working through various "cases" as a means of appropriating theological study (ethics, systematics, biblical, liturgics, etc.) and developing ministerial skills in addressing these cases. Limited to 3rd year JST MDiv students.

MTS-3000: MTS Proseminar

MTS Proseminar, for JST students in the last semester of their MTS program, occasions a "look back" in the fall with a view that synthesizes one's theological studies and a "look forward" in the spring with a vision that imagines the next step integrated with one's past theological work. The contextual nature of all theology as well as approaches for doing theological reflection inform the synthesis. How various theological disciplines inform one another as well as how theological studies can shape and impact one's work in life crafts the integration.

NT-8270: Paul’s Letters: Context and Theology

Exegetical and theological study of Paul's letters as expressions of an early Christian contextual theology. Location of each letter in the whole Pauline corpus. Survey of theological themes with emphasis on their contemporary relevance. Audio podcasts. Discussion forums/assignments/research paper. (Online)

NTFT-2500: God’s Migrant Caravan: The Bible, Global Migration, & Ministry

This course is co-taught by Eduardo Fernandez and Roberto Mata. As the current migration crisis at the U.S. Mexico border and Southern Europe shows, the planet is experiencing massive waves of migrations or displacement of persons from the Global South to the Global North. In a quest for human freedom and survival, people from the Northern Triangle and Sub-Saharan nations, are feeling neocolonialism, war, economic hardship, and the quest for human freedoms. Given the intolerance, racism, and exploitation that characterizes the reaction towards migrants, this course aims to explore possible pastoral responses and equip students to offer a constructive and human response to the migrant crisis. It focuses on the biblical, theological, ethical, and pastoral issues surfacing from these situations. Beginning with a review of the theological, case studies, and political literature which has surfaced in recent decades about this phenomenon, the course will put a human face to migrant others. Engaging a lecture-seminar format, it will include films, guest speakers, and an approximately 3 day visit to the U.S. Mexico border. It includes a final research paper/project, along with a few minor assignments. Students may upgrade for certain programs and auditors are welcome with the permission of the instructors

OT-2095: Methods: Pentateuch and Histories

This course introduces students to literary, socio-historical, and theological study of Genesis through 2 Kings plus 1-2 Chronicles (the Pentateuch, Deuteronomistic History and Chronicler's History). Students experiment with several critical methods of study of the Hebrew Bible, with focus on the Pentateuch/ Torah, Deuteronomistic History and Chronicler's History. Students learn exegesis by engaging in a series of exegetical workshops and developing an exegetical study of one text they have chosen. (MDiv/MA; midterm exam; short exegetical papers; research paper)

OT-4000: Literary Criticism & the Old Testament

A survey of the history of literary criticism and an overview of modern literary theory itself, with special attention to its various systems and approaches. An examination of methods for biblical study that have developed with reference to these literary approaches. An examination of how these methods are applied in the criticism of actual biblical texts.

OT-4420: Old Testament Prophets

An investigation of the historical, compositional, and literary dimensions of the prophetic books of the Hebrew Bible. An exploration of how the message of the biblical prophets integrates the theological traditions of the past with the distinctive socio-cultural realities of their own context. Central to these investigations will be our study of these biblical texts in conjunction with relevant outside readings as well as contemporary ministerial issues and challenges with which they intersect.

OT-4900: Book of Daniel: Court Tales and Visions

The Book of Daniel is considered part of the prophetic corpus in Christian tradition, and part of the Writings in Jewish tradition. It has been considered in scholarship, moreover, as a sapiential and apocalyptic text. This course considers the Book of Daniel from this variety of perspectives, paying particular attention to its literary and theological themes. Special attention will be given to themes such as empire and colonialism. Sessions will include both lecture and seminar formats. Primary and secondary readings are in English, but there will be an optional Hebrew/Aramaic reading group for students with facility in these languages. Evaluation is based on participation, short response papers, a presentation, and a final paper.

PS-1015: Pastoral Care and Counseling

Highlighting pastoral case material and interpersonal process, the course introduces students to the basic interviewing skills of pastoral counseling and provides an overview of clinical psychopathology. This course understands psycho­logical distress within the context of pastoral counseling from a biopsychosocial and spiritual perspective. The challenges of trauma, addiction, and recovery are especially highlighted. Through interviewing and group facilitation, students will hopefully experience themselves as pastoral agents of healing. Taught from a clinical psychodynamic perspective with attention to professional ethics for pastoral ministers, direct experience with underserved populations is required – students will be offered short term pastoral opportunities with homeless populations recovering from trauma and/or addiction. These community engaged learning opportunities are scheduled for some late afternoons on Friday and/or two Saturdays during the semester. Intended audience: MDiv, MA, MTS.

RS-2092: Culture, Context and Lived Religion

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the much-discussed (but less often understood) concept of culture and its implications for theological study and pastoral ministry today. After attending to more theoretical concerns, we will investigate the manner in which a nuanced construal of culture is essential for better understanding such things as secularization, religious change, and the salience of religiosity in shaping people’s perceptions, identities and strategies of action. By attending to these (and other) topics, students should acquire the theoretical and methodological tools necessary for becoming more sophisticated observers of religion as it is actually lived out as well as for deepening their studies in theology and ministry.

RS-4077: Religion and Social Transformation

How does one go about changing the world? What difference do religious ideas and values make in a society that so often seems resistant to them? How does one move beyond an ideal (and/or idealistic) vision in order to bring about a new social reality that is more propitious of human flourishing? These are the sorts of questions that animate this class. In responding, we will investigate, among other critical topics, the efficacy of religious ideas and constituencies with respect to understanding and challenging institutional power, engendering civic discourse and engagement, and contributing to social movement activism.

RS-5515: Religion and Social Theory

The purpose of this course is to introduce advanced students to important works in classical and contemporary social theory that enable scholars (and others) to better understand the complexities of contemporary religion. Secularization; social conflict and change; identity theory; globalization; rational choice theory – we will read the most crucial texts on such topics with an eye to how they shed light on how religion gets consolidated and enacted today. Course is available for 1.5-3 units.

RSCE-2701: Sociology of Religion

Religion is an enormously important and, despite all the talk about us living in a ""secular"" society, persistent component of human experience. This course will introduce students to the sociological study of religion and provide them with the requisite theoretical tools for assessing the ongoing (and ever changing) salience and functions of religion in the modern world. Among the topics to be addressed are: the ways in which religion shapes individual meaning systems; processes of religious conversion and commitment; types and dynamics of religious collectivities (e.g., denominations, cults, sects, etc.); secularization theory; the impact of religion on social cohesion, conflict and change; and the connection between religion and popular culture. Format: Lecture and discussion sections. Requirements: Classroom participation, short papers and a written final exam.

RSCE-4294: Ethics of Social Reconciliation

This seminar will consider theological and philosophical questions posed by the ethics of reconciliation in the social and political realms: In what respects is the reconciliation of peoples related to the themes of justice, liberation, reparation, and forgiveness? What are the appropriate forms of moral discourse invoked in assessing genocide, ""ethnic cleansing,"" institutional racism, or the systematic rape of victims? In what respects are distinctively theological interpretations possible or necessary? We will first explore the ethical dimensions of reconciliation, examining the interrelated aspects of justice, reconciliation, reparation, historical memory, and forgiveness. We will then examine and assess recent attempts at public reconciliation. Regular attendance and participation in seminar; final research paper of 20 pages. Intended audience MDiv, MA/MTS, PhD/ThD, STL/STD.

RSST-3710: Mission, Church and Culture

This course is an introduction to mission and world Christianity which seeks to contribute to a new missiology for our churches. We will survey Biblical, historical, cultural and theological resources for the theory and practice of mission, with particular emphasis on current concerns and perspectives. Among the issues to be treated are: the interaction between global and local mission; evangelism and witness; gospel and cultures; religious pluralism and inter-religious dialogue; mission and ecumenicity; justice, peace and liberation; and the spirituality of mission. The course will emphasize the critical interaction between theology and practice in mission. Lectures and discussions will be combined with small group interaction, videos and multi-media presentations. A mid-term exercise, a field visit and a final paper/project will be required. This course counts as a praxis, multicultural or intercultural engagement course for MDiv, MTS, and MA students. ThM and STL students will have additional requirements.

SP-2492: Experiments Prayer and Meditation

To explore ways of prayer and meditation within the western Christian tradition. Through these experiments in prayer one hopes to develop his or her relationship to God and one's sensitivity to the religious dimension of one's everyday life. The course aims to help people notice and articulate their religious experience as a ground and test of their theological reflection. Class participation, practices and journaling required. Combination audience with varying requirements.

SP-2495: Spiritual Direction Practicum

To refine a focus on religious experience in spiritual direction for those engaged in or preparing for this ministry. This course will enable participants to identify, articulate and develop religious experience. Each class will combine theory and practical application to ministry through presentations, verbatims, role plays, case studies, journal exercises and group discussion. Requirements: Two verbatims; assigned readings; two reflection papers; two worksheets. Combination of students with varying requirement.

ST-2014: Foundations of Theology

This course examines the nature and function of theology through a systematic inquiry into the dynamics of faith and revelation, the role of scripture and tradition, the use of religious language and symbols, the genesis of doctrine, the operation of theological method, and the relationship of theology to praxis. This course introduces basic theological concepts and terms, exposes students to a range of major theologians and theological styles, and situates the study of theology in the life and ministry of the Church. For these reasons, this course can serve as an introduction to the study of theology. It is designed for MDiv students and others in first degree programs (MA, MTS, etc.). This course will use a lecture/discussion format. Evaluations will be through short papers, class presentations and two exams.

ST-2458: Introducing Ecclesiology

This lecture course is an introduction to ecclesiology. We will survey biblical, historical, cultural, and theological resources for the understanding of the Christian churches, with particular emphasis on ecumenical concerns and global perspectives. By considering the social and cultural contexts, we will survey the various ways in which the Christian community has understood itself historically, and the polar tensions that have perdured into the present. Among the issues to be discussed are the purpose or mission of the Church, its relationship to the world, and the interaction between global and local churches. The class is taught from a Roman Catholic perspective with cross reference to Protestant and Orthodox ecclesiologies. Foundation course for MDiv and MTS students.

ST-2645: Theological Anthropology

Theological Anthropology studies the reality and mystery of our human existence in light of Christian traditions of philosophy, theology and scripture, with a particular focus on the Catholic tradition. It attempts a foundational theological inquiry into human self-understanding, including concepts of person, affectivity, sexuality, individuality and community. This examination will also be informed by what we know from contemporary social and natural sciences. A major portion of the course will examine the human-divine relationship through the Christian narratives of creation-redemption, grace-sin, and the final fulfillment of human existence. Discussions in the course will invite dialogue with perspectives on the human person offered by non-Christian religions.

ST-2661: Introduction to Eschatology

This foundational course takes as its starting point Monika Hellwig’s definition of eschatology as “the systematic reflection on the content of our Christian hope.” In addition to examining the scriptural sources and classical patristic and medieval developments of theologies of “the last things” (death, judgment, heaven, hell, and purgatory, and the general resurrection), we will explore contemporary pastoral and social dimensions of eschatology in terms of liturgy, ecclesiology, and social justice. The course is intended for MDiv students and others in first-degree programs (MA, MTS, etc.). This course will use a lecture/discussion format. Assessment is based on class presentations, short writing assignments, and a final paper.

ST-4152: Vatican II: Theological Import

Lecture/seminar studying the theological importance of the Second Vatican Council by careful reading of the council documents, as well as of historical and critical commentaries, and its influence on ecumenical and inter-religious dialogue. More than fifty years after the council, its full impact and implementation are still being realized. Weekly papers, brief class presentations, final research paper. Intended for advanced MDiv, MA/STL, PhD/STD students.

ST-4184: Cross-Cultural Christologies

This seminar course is a cross-cultural approach to Christology. By considering the social and cultural contexts of Latin American, African, and Asian Christians, we will survey the various ways that these communities have experienced the person and work of Jesus Christ. In addition, we will look at the non-Christian views of Christ (e.g., Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish and Muslim). With an emphasis on ecumenical concerns and global perspectives, we will bring new perspectives and responses to the old question that Christ posed to his followers: "Who do you say that I am?"

ST-8391: Christology: Ancient and Modern

The first sessions of the course will explore the formative developments of Christology in the early centuries of the church, exploring how the Christological diversity of the New Testament is constrained towards the more metaphysical debates leading to Chalcedon (451). We shall then examine the extent to which the definition of Chalcedon truly answers the questions it seeks to settle, and briefly considers the later fate of ""Antiochene"" and ""Alexandrian"" emphases in Scholastic and Protestant Christology, focusing especially on the communication of idioms. We will then turn to the ""liberal"" Protestant critique of Chalcedonianism and compare it with a variety of modified Chalcedonian positions in the contemporary period, including feminist/ liberationist approaches. The course will conclude with a discussion of black/Asian/Latin American approaches, emphasizing the need to reinterpret the Chalcedonian idiom in different cultural contexts. (Online)

STHS-4188: Trinitarian Theology

The purpose of the course is to provide an overview of the development of Trinitarian theology, from its gradual emergence in the early Christian period all the way to the present. The first sessions of the course will explore the Cappadocian contribution to the understanding of Trinity as well as Augustine's Trinitarian teaching and its reception. We will then explore the Scholastic and Palamite rendition of early Trinitarian theology and continue with a sample of modern and contemporary approaches, including feminist and contextual appropriations of the traditional teaching. The course will conclude with a discussion of interreligious approaches to Trinitarian theology, emphasizing the need to reinterpret the Trinitarian idiom in different cultural contexts. This lecture/seminar course is geared towards MDiv/MA/STL students, though doctoral students may also attend.

STRS-4220: Tibetan Buddhism and Christianity

A Theological Encounter. The purpose of the course is to introduce students to a theological dialogue between Tibetan Buddhism and Christianity, encouraging them to become familiar with the points of contact, as well as the distinctive character of the two religious traditions. After a general introduction to Tibetan Buddhism and to the fundamental principles of interreligious dialogue and comparative theology, students will engage in a series of textual comparisons where a Christian and a Buddhist text are read and discussed together. Readings will touch on Scriptural interpretation, cosmology, anthropology, soteriology, divine embodiment, and different approaches to spiritual practice. The course is primarily geared to advanced Masters students, but doctoral students are also welcome. Previous classes in interreligious dialogue are helpful, but they are not required.