2009-11 Marian University Course Catalog, fall 2010 edition

THL 176/177, 276/277, 376/377
Internship in Ministry 0.5 credit
Pastoral Leadership majors are expected to participate in a
formal internship for no less than two hours each week
throughout the first three years. Internship may be waived
for persons concurrently working 10 or more hours in a
formal ministry role. This course does not apply toward the
general education requirement in the theological and
philosophical reasoning category. (SEM)
THL 205
Studies in Jesus the Christ 3 credits
Exploration of the various portraits of Jesus found in the
Gospels and the writings of Paul. One objective is to begin to
formulate one’s own Christology in the light of such key
concepts as Incarnation, Passion, and Resurrection. This
course partially fulfills the general education requirement in
the theological and philosophical reasoning category. (2SO)
THL 208
The Church 3 credits
The nature and structure of the Church. A consideration of
the images of the Church in the Scriptures provides the
context for the study of later controversies, theologies, and
declarations by popes and church councils. A thorough study
of the documents of Vatican Council II with consideration to
their ecumenical significance. Study of contemporary Roman
Catholic theologies of the Church. This course partially fulfills
the general education requirement in the theological and
philosophical reasoning category. (2FO)
THL 216
Moral Issues 3 credits
A study of moral theology in relationship to current moral
issues with a particular emphasis on the dignity of the human
person, conscience formation, and the struggle to live
authentically in our culture. Moral issues concentrate on a
consistent ethic of life encompassing the personal, social,
economic, and ecological dimensions. This course partially
fulfills the general education requirement in the theological
and philosophical reasoning category. (SEM)
THL 226
Old Testament 3 credits
A study of the literature of the Old Testament with particular
emphasis on the gradual development of the Biblical nation
of Israel and its theology. Texts are discussed in light of their
historical settings and as their messages apply today. This
course partially fulfills the general education requirement for
a second theology course. (FAL)
THL 228
New Testament 3 credits
A study of the literature of the New Testament. The course
focuses on the variety of ways in which the message of Jesus
was interpreted by the early Christian communities. This
course partially fulfills the general education requirement in
the theological and philosophical reasoning category. (SPR)
THL 232
History of Christian Thought 3 credits
A study of how the Christian community has attempted to
articulate its belief through the thought patterns current at
various moments of its history. Specifically stresses the
patristic, scholastic, and reformation periods, with application
to contemporary issues. This course partially fulfills the
general education requirement in the theological and
philosophical reasoning category. (2SE)
THL 236
Liturgy and Spirituality 3 credits
A study of the nature and use of symbol in worship and
sacraments. The course is directed toward understanding
liturgy and sacraments as expressions of the heart of the
Gospel message—healing, reconciliation, entering into the
new life and mission of Jesus. A unit of this course deals with
classical and contemporary spirituality. This course partially
fulfills the general education requirement in the theological
and philosophical reasoning category. (2SE)
THL 241
Introduction to the Art
of Spiritual Direction 3 credits
Prerequisite: This course is offered externally through the
Benedict Inn and requires acceptance by the appropriate
director. A course in spiritual formation and the first step
toward an internship in spiritual direction. As such, it has a
twofold goal and structure. Class presentations are intended
to introduce and explore the history of spirituality, ways of
praying, faith development, and the meaning of spiritual
direction as reflected in the Christian tradition. The
corresponding group sessions focus on each person’s spiritual
journey by actual time spent praying together and processing
the material presented in the input sessions through group
discussion. This course does not apply toward the general
education requirement in the theological and philosophical
reasoning category. (2FE)
THL 242
The Spiritual Journey 3 credits
Prerequisite: 241. The second course of a four semester
Spiritual Direction Internship Program. The class
presentations are intended to introduce and explore the
spiritual journey through the eyes of the Desert
Fathers/Mothers, Julian of Norwich, Teresa of Avila, and John
of the Cross. The corresponding group sessions are the
practicum component of the internship. This course is offered
externally through the Benedict Inn. This course does not
apply toward the general education requirement in the
theological and philosophical reasoning category. (2SO)
THL 258
Asian Religions 3 credits
A study of the major traditional Asian religions of India, China,
and Japan as seen in their historical settings. Emphasis is
upon Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Shinto, and
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