Audit a Course in Theological Studies
The department of Theological Studies at Loyola Marymount Univeristy offers graduate students an opportunity to study several areas within the discipline, including biblical, historical, systematic, moral and comparative theology, and pastoral ministry with special emphasis on the Roman Catholic tradition.
Each semester, these courses are open to the general public through the Center. Students auditing (referred to as “auditors”) have the opportunity to observe and participate in a graduate level theology course for a fraction of the normal tuition. Auditors are expected to attend courses they enroll in and are required to actively participate in seminar (non-lecture) classes. As no grade or course credit is awarded, auditors are not required to complete the course assignments as set by the instructor.
Prospective auditors are required, however, to submit an application to audit before they can be permitted to enroll in any course marked with an asterisk (*). If your application is accepted by the course instructor, you will be contacted by LMU Extension and enrolled in the course. Please complete and submit the application online:
Fall and Spring term courses are semester long (15 weeks) and traditionally meet once a week in the evenings (this may vary depending on the course). Summer term courses are condensed and meet twice a week. All degree courses are conducted in English. Course and program requirements, schedules and tuition are subject to change; and additional fees may be incurred for books and materials (required text are listed below). Please check the Web site or contact LMU Extension for updated information.
COURSES AVAILABLE FOR AUDIT
Spring 2012 Semester
Buddhism and Jainism*
Course Number: THST 613
Schedule: Mondays, January 9 – May 4; 4:30p-7:00p
Instructor: Christopher Chapple, PhD
In this graduate seminar we will learn the foundational history and theology of two important Asian religions: Buddhism and Jainism. Both originated in India. Buddhism has a long history in all countries of Asia, while Jainism has remained largely on the subcontinent. We will study the lives of the founders (Siddhartha Gautama for Buddhism and the 24 Tirthankaras for Jainism), the key doctrines (suffering, impermanence, no-self for Buddhism; the purification of the soul from karmic bondage for Jainism), historical developments and major sects, and contemporary communities of practice.
Required Text
-Ven. Analayo, “Satipatthana Sutta: The Direct Path to Realization”
-Donald Mitchell, “Buddhism”
-Patrul Rinpoche, “The Words of My Perfect Master”
-Alan Babb, “Ascetics and Kings in a Jain Ritual”
-Shugan Jain, tr. “Tattvartha Sutra”
-Christopher Chapple, “Reconciling Yogas: The Yogadrstisamuccaya of Haribhadra”
-Padmanabh Jaini, “The Jaina Path of Purification”
Jewish/Christian Relations: History and Theology*
Course Number: THST 616.01
Schedule: Wednesdays, January 9 – May 4; 4:30p-7:00p
Instructors: Gil Klein, PhD and Jeffrey S. Siker, PhD
This course will examine the history and theology of Jewish/Christian relations, with a focus on the depiction of Jews and Judaism in Christian theology, and the depiction of Christians and Christianity within Jewish theological reflection. Central to the course is the reading and study of primary sources throughout Jewish and Christian tradition that illustrates the long and often difficult history of the relationships between Jews and Christians. The course will study Jewish/Christian relations from the first through the twenty-first centuries
Required Text
-Bible (modern translation)
-E. Kessler, “An Introduction to Jewish/Christian Relations”
-Reading Packet on Jewish/Christian History & Theology
History of Christian Spirituality*
Course Number: THST 623
Schedule: Tuesdays, January 9 – May 4; 7:15p-9:45p
Instructor: Douglas Burton-Christie, PhD
"A Theologian is one who prays. One who prays is a theologian." This saying from the early Christian monk Evagrius of Pontus points to an important truth long supported by the Christian community: that theological reflection and knowledge must always be rooted in a deep experiential awareness of God. The history of Christian spirituality can be understood as a sustained effort to come to a fuller apprehension of this truth and its significance. This course will focus on the question of what it means to be alive in God within the Christian spiritual tradition and how responses to this question have changed and developed across distinct historical periods. We will engage in a close reading of several classic texts of Christian spirituality from different historical moments in an effort to understand how the Christian community conceived of and worked to facilitate a deep experience of what was commonly known as the "contemplative life." We will also consider how contemplative practice was understood to contribute to the life of the larger community, and to help with the work of healing a broken world.
Required Text
-McGuckin, John, “The Book of Mystical Chapters”
-Augustine, “The Confessions”
-Meister Eckhart, “Selected Writings”
-“The Cloud of Unknowing”
-Teresa of Avila, “The Interior Castle”
-Marilynne Robinson, “Gilead”
Introduction to Systematic Theology*
Course Number: THST 630
Schedule: Tuesdays, January 9 – May 4; 4:30p-7:00p
Instructor: James L. Fredericks, PhD
The purpose of this course is threefold. First, the course provides graduate students with an opportunity for reflection on the contemporary situation that forms the context of both theological inquiry and pastoral ministry. Second, the course provides a survey of basic Christian doctrines (e.g. faith and revelation, God, Christology, ecclesiology, sacramental theology). Third, the course allows students to do research in depth into a particular theological issue.
Required Text
-Francis Schüssler Fiorenza and John P. Galvin, eds. “Systematic Theology: Roman Catholic Perspective” Vol. 1 and 2
-PDF materials
Foundations of Theological Ethics*
Course Number: THST 660
Schedule: Mondays, January 9 – May 4; 7:15p-9:45p
Instructor: Roberto Dell’Oro, PhD
The course will introduce students to the foundations of theological ethics. After a historical introduction dealing with different models of ethical thinking, the course will look at the following: biblical roots of moral theology, the mediation of faith and moral reason -- with special reference to the relation of philosophical and theological ethics, the ecclesial dimension of Christian morality, the debate on normative theories and the integration of virtue ethics, fundamental moral option and action theory. Applications to contemporary issues in the fields of bioethics, social, and sexual ethics, as well as pastoral theology will be used to exemplify the meaning and function of different foundational frameworks and the relation between theory and practice in moral theology.
Required Text
-Klaus Demmer, “Shaping the Moral Life: An Approach to Moral Theology,” transl. by Roberto Dell’Oro
-Richard M. Gula, “Reason Informed by Faith: Foundations of Catholic Morality”
-In addition, a Reader, prepared by the professor, will be available for purchase on the first day of class.
Pastoral Approaches to Religious Education*
Course Number: THST 671
Schedule: Mondays, January 9 – May 4; 7:15p-9:45p
Instructor: Michael Lee, S.J., EdD
A close and careful reading of theories of Religious Education with focus on their biblical and theological foundations, their historical and sociological grounding, and their curricular implications. This course will critically examine the assumptions and arguments presented in recent Catholic Church documents on catechesis. Catechesis is that form of ecclesial action that leads both communities and individuals to theologically-grounded, maturity of faith. An innovative, group project via the Internet simulates pastoral planning for multicultural faith communities in Southern California.
Required Text
-Maria Harris, “Fashion Me a People: Curriculum in the Church”
-Anne Marie Mongoven, “The Prophetic Spirit of Catechesis: How We Share the Fire in Our Hearts”
-Kenneth H. Hill, “Religious Education in the African American Tradition: A Comprehensive Introduction”
Pastoral Leadership: Theory and Practice*
Course Number: THST 674
Schedule: Tuesdays, January 9 – May 4; 7:15p-9:45p
Instructor: Michael Horan, PhD
Leaders in parish ministries, Catholic schools, campus ministries and non-profit settings know that effective leadership is harder to explain than it is to recognize. This course is designed to help lay and ordained leaders in schools, churches and non-profit organizations to probe the questions: What is a leader and what makes for good leadership? We probe these questions by considering still others: How can leadership theories from business, education, or politics inform us as we hone leadership practices? Where do these theories fall short in addressing the particular dynamics of religious leadership? What theological and formational factors impact leadership styles in churches, schools and communities of faith? In addition, the course will examine selected issues that challenge leaders in pastoral settings, including but not limited to: conflict management, right use of money, authority and leadership, overcoming sexism and clericalism in the ministry workplace.
Required Text
-Allen, John, “The Future Church: Ten Trends are Revolutionizing the Catholic Church”
-Carroll, Jackson W., “God’s Potters: Pastoral Leadership and the Shaping of Congregations”
-Daloz Parks, Sharon, “Leadership Can be Taught: A Bold Approach for a Complex World”
Spiritual Formation for Pastoral Ministry*
Course Number: THST 675
Schedule: Mondays, January 9 – May 4; 7:15p-9:45p
Instructor: Wilkie Au, PhD
Union with God, personal awareness, and pastoral sensitivity form the heart of effective ministry. This course will focus on cultivating a holistic spirituality capable of balancing self- possession and self-transcendence, contemplation and action, work and leisure, self-care and care of others. A variety of spiritual disciplines will be explored and experienced, with special attention given to developing one's own personal spiritual practice. The course will include both theoretical and experiential learning.
Required Text
-“Urgings of the Heart: A Spirituality of Integration” by Wilkie Au and Noreen Cannon
-“By Way of the Heart: Toward a Holistic Christian Spirituality” by Wilkie Au
-“Discernment: The Art of Choosing Well” by Pierre Wolff
-“Comforting the Fearful: Listening Skills for Caregivers” by Leroy Howe
-A Course Reader