THEOLOGY AFTER HOURS
Jesuit School of Theology, SCU
SPRING SEMESTER 2012
Old Testament Prophets
Online with 3 Saturday meetings at JST
Gina Hens-Piazza, Ph.D.
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 close study of these biblical texts in conjunction with relevant outside readings. This course is taught online as well as in conjunction with 3 required Saturday class meetings: 2/4, 3/17, and 5/5; from 9:00am-4:00pm; all meeting in JST 216. It requires that you are an independent learner with good discipline to do on your own the weekly readings, on-line assignments, listen to the lectures, all according to your schedule. The first gathering on 2/4 will clarify the course requirements and how to access the on-line activities, lectures and assignments. An initial assignment that must be completed before the first class will be sent to all those who register for the course. Students are required to be present for all hours, all three weekends, and have access to a computer for weekly on-line assignments and activities.
Course Syllabus for OT 4420: Old Testament Prophets
Women's Spiritual Quest
Monday 7:10-9:40 p.m. at JST
Clare Ronzani, M.A.
What are the dimensions of women’s spiritual quest that contribute to transformation on both personal and societal levels? What are the revelatory elements that shape a woman’s spirituality? These and other questions will be engaged as we explore such elements as women’s religious experience, images of the divine, relationship with nature, heritage of justice, and spiritual practices. Class will include feminist readings, written reflections, discussion, and ritual.
Course Syllabus for SPPS 2526: Women’s Spiritual Quest
Ignatian Discernment
Wednesday 6:30-9:30 p.m. at JST
Frank McAloon, S.J., Ph.D.
This course offers an in-depth introduction to the theory and practice of Christian discernment and decision-making grounded in the writings of Ignatius of Loyola. Students investigate the personal and ministerial applications of Ignatian discernment through commentaries, case studies, classroom discussions, short papers, and a final research project. Format is seminar and lecture. This course meets the requirements of an elective praxis course for 2nd and 3rd year JSTB MDiv curriculum.
Course Syllabus for SP 2612: Ignatian Discernment
Catholic High School: Teaching and Ministry
Thursday 6:10-9:00 p.m. at JST
Lisa Fullam, Ph.D. and Catherine Hennessey, Ph.D. (cand.)
This seminar-style course will use theoretical tools from ethics, spirituality, sociology/social theory and moral development studies to explore issues faced by teachers and ministers in the environment of Catholic education. Topics covered will include the history of Catholic schools, the contemporary identity of Catholic schools, spirituality of the Catholic educator, adolescent moral and spiritual development, sexual education, diversity in Catholic schools, approaches to service learning, liturgy and communal prayer as formation, balancing the spiritual and academic in religious studies classrooms and creative theological pedagogy. Guest speakers working in Catholic education will be a regular feature of this course. Requirements include 2 short critical reflection papers, leading class discussions, visiting a Catholic school, and a final integrative paper of 10-15 pages. Auditors welcome with modified course requirements.
Course syllabus for CESP 3055: Catholic High School Teaching & Ministry
Psalms
Thursday 6:30-9:30 p.m. in San Francisco at St. Agnes Church, 1025 Masonic (at Fell)
John Endres, S.J., Ph.D.
The Psalms have nourished the spiritual and theological life of the Church throughout its life: in the liturgy, in theological studies, in personal spirituality. Psalms have also impacted the cultural life of Christians, especially through music, dance and other artistic media. Students in this course will make connections in many of these areas of study, but begin by studying psalms as part of the Bible, particularly the Old Testament and ways in which psalms impact the life of the early Christian writings in the New Testament. We will explore different "types" of psalms, moods of sadness and joy, hope and disappointment in them. Other literary questions, including their "ordering" in the Book of Psalms will contribute to our study. The course will require and afford opportunities to "experience" psalms and to reflect on them. Evaluation done by way of three short (2 page) papers, a 6-8 page paper on a psalm(s), regular journal of psalm reading, and a class presentation. Students should have some background in study of the Bible. [15 max enrollment; Auditors with Faculty permission]
Course Syllabus for OTSP 2512: Psalms & Spirituality
Methods - Study of the Synoptics
Online
Jean-François Racine, Ph.D.
Gospel literary genre. Synoptic fact. Contents and theological perspectives of the synoptic gospels. Introduction to exegetical methods such as historical criticism, narrative criticism and reader's response. Format: Lectures/discussion. Evaluation: Written assignments/research paper/ participation.
Course syllabus for NT 2530: Methods - Study of the Synoptics
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