Undergraduate Catalog 2008-2010 - Immaculata University

addresses its fundamental themes: Jesus Christ as the source and
model of moral values, humanity’s dignity and destiny, human
freedom, the formation and role of conscience, the discernment of
good versus evil, and conversion. It also introduces students to the
practical components of ethical decision-making which can be
applied to contemporary ethical issues.
THE 220 The Gospel of Life (3)
This course examines Pope John Paul II’s encyclical The Gospel
of Life (Evangelium Vitae). It explores the issues of present day
threats to life, the Christian message in response to these threats, the
moral law, and the vision of a new culture of life.
THE 222 Faith Alive: Catholic Belief and Practice (3)
The course seeks to examine the essential elements of the
Catholic faith and to foster deeper understanding of the beliefs and
practices which lie at the heart of the distinctively Catholic
understanding of the Christian faith. It explores the “Four Pillars”
of the Catholic faith upon which the Catechism of the Catholic
Church is built: 1) the Creed – the Faith professed; 2) the
Sacraments – the Faith celebrated; 3) the Commandments – the
Faith lived; and 4) Christian Prayer – the Faith prayed.
THE 223 Urban America and the Roman Catholic Church (3)
Explores the role that the Roman Catholic Church played in
influencing governmental policy in relation to urban affairs at the
local, state and federal levels, and how these events, in turn, caused
the church itself to change. Particular attention will be paid to the
development of Catholic social doctrine- specifically its commentary
on human work, economic life and the political community and
individuals who played significant roles in developing church
doctrine and responding to the problems of urban America such as
Msgr. Geno Baroni and Msgr. George Higgins. (See POL 223)
THE 225 John Paul II: A Remarkable Life (3)
This course will explore the life and literary legacy of John Paul II.
Content will include perspectives on John Paul II’s personal witness,
theological thinking, and the prophetic humanism that situates his
teaching at the heart of Catholicism in the contemporary world.
THE 226 A Thematic History of Spirituality (3)
Students will study the history of spirituality as an interdisciplinary
enterprise. Students will be exposed to primary and
secondary sources that will trace the evolution of the schools of
Christian spirituality in light of the specific political, geographical,
cultural, literary, and economic context.
THE 230 Forgiveness (3)
This course will explore the biblical and theological foundations
of the Christian understanding of forgiveness. Spiritual and pastoral
applications will focus on the craft of exercising the virtue of
forgiveness in daily life.
THE 236 The History of the Papacy (3)
This course will survey the history of the papacy from the time
of the French Revolution to the present, with particular emphasis on
the relationship between the theological development and papal
policy and diplomacy. Students of both theology and history will
discover a deeper understanding of the changing role of the Roman
Catholic Church in the modern period. (See HIS 236)
THE 302 C.S. Lewis: Mentor and Model (3)
This course provides an instructive and inspirational study of the
writings of the influential and prophetic Christian: C.S. Lewis. The
exploration will develop theological, ethical, spiritual, and pastoral
implications in a variety of his works.
THE 303 Theology of the Church (3)
Exploration of the nature and mission of the Church. The course
will examine models of the Church: community, herald, institution,
pilgrim, sacrament, and servant. Focus on contemporary ecclesial
issues.
THE 306 Sacraments: the Church at Prayer (3)
Focusing on the liturgy as the way in which the work of salvation
is accomplished, this course will examine the nature of ritual prayer
in the life of the Church and its sacramental celebrations.
THE 311 Exploring the Gospels (3)
The course offers a survey of the Gospels of Mark, Matthew,
Luke and John, highlighting the unique theological perspective of
each evangelist and the distinctive facets of the life and ministry of
Jesus which each Gospel writer emphasizes. It examines the
structure, plan, and major themes of each author and invites
reflection on the meaning of the Gospel for our contemporary
world. (Suggested preparation: THE 110)
THE 312 The Heritage of St. Paul (3)
This course delves into the life and letters of St. Paul in order to
understand his importance as a missionary and as a theologian.
Some contemporary social issues are examined in the light of St.
Paul’s teachings. (Suggested preparation: THE 110)
THE 314 World Religions (3)
This course surveys the major world religious traditions. It
presents an overview of Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity,
and Islam. It seeks to broaden awareness of religious diversity and
develop attitudes of understanding and respect for the beliefs and
practices of others. (Meets cross-cultural course requirement.)
THE 315 Search for Meaning (3)
This course will introduce the study of religion through the
exploration of the human phenomenon of a person’s search for
meaning in life, with a special emphasis placed on meaning-related
issues in the Christian religion, particularly theology and its
application in the lives of Christians. Throughout the course, various
themes from Logotherapy, the Third Viennese School of
Logotherapy - will be integrated with Christian theology.
THE 317 Catholic Social Teaching (3)
This course will examine the rich tradition of Catholic Social
teaching with special emphasis on the encyclicals of John Paul II.
Application will focus on such issues as the dignity of the human
person, human rights and responsibilities, and the common good.
THE 321 Old Testament Themes (3)
This course examines selected themes in the Hebrew Scriptures.
The writings in the Wisdom collection (Proverbs, Qoheleth, Job,
Wisdom) are the special focus. (Suggested preparation: THE 110)
THE 325 The Psalms as Christian Prayers (3)
This course is a biblical, literary, experiential exploration of the
Psalms. Interpretation of the Psalms with a practical focus on the
psalms as prayer. (Suggested preparation: THE 110)
THE 328 Saints Rediscovered (3)
An inquiry into the nature of Christian living through an
examination of the lives and influence of classical and
contemporary saints.
THE 331 Theology of the Body (3)
This course explores John Paul II’s integrated vision of the
human person’s call to love according to the truth of their sexuality.
Students will explore the specific ways that the human body, male
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