Required Foundational Courses

The Eight Required Courses Are as Follows:

  • Theological Foundations PMIN 201
  • Christology PMIN 203
  • Ecclesiology PMIN 205
  • Church History PMIN 206
  • Hebrew Bible PMIN 207 or PMIN 208
  • New Testament PMIN 209 or PMIN 210
  • Theological Ethics PMIN 211 or PMIN 212
  • Sacraments & Liturgy PMIN 213 or PMIN 214

Foundational Courses Descriptions:

PMIN 201 Theological Foundations for Ministry

This course critically examines fundamental concepts of Christian theology in dialogue with cultural practices for the sake of more faithful practice. This inquiry in turn allows us to interrogate how the Christian tradition understands itself. In other words, it brings theology to bear on cultural practices of significance to Christian life in the present, and in that encounter sees theology itself as a culturally and historically contingent and contested practice. A foundational Fundamental Theology course; formerly PMIN 210 and PMIN 288; 4 units.

PMIN 203 Christology

An introduction to contemporary Catholic Christology. This course will examine Jesus Christ as an historical figure and object of faith and, as such, the Christian answer to the human situation. Coursework will center on Jesus’ proclamation of the Kingdom of God and will treat his history through the Resurrection. A foundational Christology course; 4 units.

PMIN 205 Ecclesiology

This course examines the Christian Church, the “meeting place of all mysteries,” from scriptural, historical, doctrinal, and practical perspectives. A foundational Ecclesiology course; formerly PMIN 204; 4 units.

PMIN 206 Church History

A survey of the major theological developments in Christian history against the backdrop of the social and political currents of the periods in question. A foundational Ecclesiology course; formerly PMIN 225; 4 units.

PMIN 207 Studying the Hebrew Bible

A study of Hebrew historical, prophetic, wisdom and apocalyptic literature as the medium of God’s teaching word in Israel and in the Church. A foundational Hebrew Bible course; formerly PMIN 205; 4 units.

PMIN 208 The Hebrew Bible & Social Justice

This course offers an examination of the Hebrew Bible in light of comparative literature from the ancient Near East. The course considers how the biblical writers framed their theology as a response to the ideologies, mythologies, and ritual practices of their age. It will also consider how the encultured character of the Bible can stand in dialogue with contemporary issues of diversity, multiculturalism, and justice. A foundational Hebrew Bible course; formerly PMIN 283; 4 units.

PMIN 209 The Gospels

A study of the four canonical gospels with special attention given to methods of biblical exegesis and the pastoral contexts of the original authors. This will include study of literary genres, source analysis, problems of oral and written transmission, as well as the unique theological contributions of the evangelists as authors. A foundational New Testament course; formerly PMIN 206; 4 units.

PMIN 210 The New Testament

An introduction to the socio-historical contexts, literary characteristics, and theological messages of the New Testament texts, with special attention to the methodology of biblical exegesis. Exploration of the pastoral issues facing the original authors will serve as a resource for theological reflection on how the minister might translate the good news in Christian communities today, in service of justice and peace. A foundational New Testament course; formerly PMIN 214; 4 units.

PMIN 211 Issues in Moral Theology

This course offers an introduction to problems, theories, and pastoral insights of Christian ethics. Its purpose is to explore the meaning of an authentic Christian existence and its ethical and spiritual dimensions. Particular attention is paid to ethical problems for those in pastoral ministries. A foundational Theological Ethics course; formerly PMIN 287; 4 units.

PMIN 212 Catholic Social Teaching

This course examines the vibrant and living tradition of Catholic social thought. It explores key features of Christian social responsibility through analysis of the official encyclicals and pastorals that comprise Catholic social teaching. In addition to surveying the encyclical tradition as it has developed over the past 125 years, its theological foundations, and its function, it explores pastoral implications of its key themes and core commitments. A foundational Theological Ethics course; formerly PMIN 251; 4 units.

PMIN 213 Sacraments & Liturgy

This course will look first at how all people use symbols and ritual to define and create their world and themselves. It will then investigate and experience specific Christian rituals and symbols to learn how they create and recreate a specifically Christian world. A foundational Sacraments & Liturgy course; formerly PLIT 202 and PMIN 297; 4 units.

PMIN 214 Sacramental Theology

An exploration of the history and development of sacramental theology with emphasis on contemporary pastoral issues. A foundational Sacraments & Liturgy course; formerly PMIN 293; 4 units.