Requirements for a Major: 30 semester credits in theology including THEO 101, 201 and 202, 215, 307 and 308, one course each in moral theology and systematic theology. Majors must maintain a B average in theology courses with no grade lower than a C.

Recommended for a Major: Two courses in the history of philosophy, and PHIL 330.

Requirements for a Minor: 15 semester credits of theology including THEO 101, one course each in scripture, moral theology and systematic theology.

Requirements for a Concentration in Youth Ministries: THEO 101, 201, 202, 215, 260, 390, 391–399; PSYC 294; SOC 399 (two semester credits); THEO 307 and 308 recommended.

Catholic Studies Minor: See Catholic Studies section.

Peace and Justice Program: See Peace and Justice section.

THEO 101 or one other introductory level course in theology is a prerequisite for all upper-level (300–400) courses. In unusual circumstances, courses can be taken without the prerequisite with the consent of the department chair. More than one introductory level course may be used to fulfill the general education requirement.

Course Descriptions
+THEO 101. Introduction to Theology 3 credits
The course is divided into two parts. The first explores the fundamental issues in Christian theology; revelation and faith, the role of the Bible in theology, the Church and the churches. Part two explores how Christians ought to respond in the moral and spiritual life because of their faith in Jesus Christ.

+THEO 201. Introduction to the Old Testament 3 credits
Interpretation of Hebrew and Septuagint Old Testament, attempting to understand what the ancient writers intended to convey. Emphasis on various authors appearing in Old Testament.

+THEO 202. Introduction to the New Testament 3 credits
Introduction to principles of interpretation of New Testament and survey of themes and theologies of New Testament books.

+THEO 215. Introduction to the Sacraments 3 credits
The life of the Church as expressed in ritual worship is treated from the historical, theological, and pastoral viewpoints. It encompasses the Church’s discipline for the celebration of the seven sacraments as well as the sources and interpretation of sign and symbol within the sacramental system.

+WI-THEO 219. Introduction to Moral Issues 3 credits
Includes theories of moral development, basic principles of moral theology and discussion of current moral issues.

+THEO 240. Introduction to Black Theology 3 credits
Demonstrates historically how Blacks and minorities have appropriated the truth of Christian Gospels given and interpreted for them by their oppressors. It challenges participants, in particular the African-American community, to express their own contemporary theology in a language and way that speaks to their present day needs, experience, values and faith commitments.

+THEO 245. Catholicism in America 3 credits
General history of the Catholic Church in America as an institution and a people. Special emphasis on how Catholics lived their faith and how their faith was affected by the American experience. Recommended: HIST 111, 112. (Same as HIST 245)

+THEO 250. Introduction to Comparative Religions 3 credits
Introduction to five major religions of the world, their cultural/social foundations, spirituality, and contemporary ritual celebrations. Concentration on Buddhism, Judaism, early Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism.

WI-THEO 260. New Directions In Ministry 3 credits
A foundation course in pastoral theology examining significant trends taking place within the Church with regard to ministry, the identity of ordained and non-ordained ministers, as well as various forms of collaborative ministry. It stresses the historical, pastoral, and spiritual foundations of Christian discipleship, emphasizing a vision of ministry for the new millennium.

+THEO 300. Contemporary Theological Issues 3 credits
This course will survey and study examples from five current movements in theology: ecumenical, liberation, Black, feminist, and Christian pacifism. It will focus on how those movements grow out of and challenge the Christian theological tradition.

+THEO 301. Jesus Christ: His Person and Mission 3 credits
Study of Jesus Christ as both divine and human. Sources of revelation as interpreted by contemporary systematic theology and psychology.

+THEO 302. Interdisciplinary Seminar on Peace and Justice 3 credits
This seminar is coordinated by faculty from theology and philosophy with an instructor from another discipline often invited to participate. Part of the interdisciplinary minor in peace and justice. (Same as PHIL 302)

THEO 303. The Theology of St. John 3 credits
John’s theology discovered by a reading and interpretation of his writings. Prerequisite: THEO 202 or instructor permission.

THEO 304. The Theology of the Synoptic Gospels 3 credits
Major themes and detailed interpretation of the first three Gospels: Matthew, Mark and Luke. Prerequisite: THEO 202 or instructor permission.

THEO 305. The Theology of St. Paul 3 credits
Pauline theology discovered by a reading and interpretation of his writings. Application made to modern religious questions. Prerequisite: THEO 202 or instructor permission.

+WI-THEO 307. History of Christianity: Early and Medieval 3 credits
The Church and Western society in the early and medieval periods. (Same as HIST 307)

+WI-THEO 308. History of Christianity: Reformation and Modern 3 credits
The Church and society from the Reformation through the modern age. (Same as HIST 308)

+THEO 309. Prayer, Spiritual Life and Liturgy 3 credits
Examination of the historical patrimony of writing on prayer and the spiritual life. Serious attention is given to the full meaning and process of growth in holiness. Particular emphasis will be placed on the eucharistic liturgy as the source and summit of personal/communal prayer, as well as authentic ways of celebration.

+THEO 310. Music and Liturgy 3 credits
Introduces liturgical music of the past and present and gives a practical knowledge of how, why, and when to use it. Practical experience in liturgical planning. Prerequisite: Instructor permission. (Same as MUS 310)

+THEO 311. Environmental Ethics 3 credits
Discusses environmental issues, analyzes the various philosophical and theological responses, calls for an evaluation of those responses and challenges students to draw their own critical conclusions. Prerequisite: Introductory philosophy or theology course. (Same as PHIL 311, ENVR 311)

+THEO 315. The Church: Its Meaning and Mission 3 credits
Current theological thought on the faith community as it actualizes itself in the modern world.

+THEO 317. Problems of Faith, Theological Anthropology 3 credits
Examination of the human being as the perceiver of God. Takes into account the question of doubt and the historical and cultural development of the person as one open to the transcendent.

+THEO 340. Women Theologians 3 credits
Focus on selected readings from contemporary women who are recognized for their contributions in the field of Christian Theology. It will also look briefly at some women from earlier centuries of Christian history. Class conducted primarily as a seminar with emphasis on class discussion.

+THEO 350. The Protestant Perspective 3 credits
Introduction to spirit and forms of Protestantism, with consideration of historical perspectives and emphasis on theological and ecclesial development.

+THEO 354. The Jewish Perspective 3 credits
Perspectives on Jewish life and thought. Topics may include Jewish theology, worship, writings, personages and the fundamentals of Judaism.

THEO 362. Social Justice 3 credits
Church teaching on social justice since Leo XIII. Application of principles to contemporary issues such as discrimination, capital punishment, warfare, peace and nonviolence, poverty and hunger.

+THEO 365. Theology of Christian Marriage 3 credits
Examines the fundamental factors governing the contemporary experience of married life. It deals with specific principles and beliefs which enhance the Christian understanding of covenant love as celebrated in the Christian/Catholic sacrament of marriage.

THEO 370. Readings in Theology 1–3 credits
For students with special interest in theology. Students organize a reading program with the guidance and approval of the instructor.

THEO 375. Special Topics in Scripture 3 credits
Study of a particular aspect of the thought of the Old or New Testament. May be offered as a class or as individual directed study. Prerequisite: THEO 201 or 202, depending on the nature of the special topic.

THEO 390. Sharing Faith: Contemporary Catechesis 3 credits
Principles of faith sharing according to contemporary catechetical models and methodologies. Examination of materials, structures, and approaches suitable for people at the various stages of faith development from infancy through adulthood.

THEO 399. Ministry Internship 1–12 credits
A semester off-campus experience in ministry with a strong education component. A beginning and ending seminar with a 12-week supervised parish apprenticeship. May be taken as Pass/No Pass or Regular Grade option. (In cooperation with the Diocese of Davenport)

THEO 401. Bioethics 3 credits
Study of the intricate relationship among science, medicine, law, and ethics today. Prerequisite: A basic course in moral theology, ethics, or instructor permission.

THEO 403. The Holocaust 3 credits
A study of the historical event known as the "Holocaust." After a brief overview of the history of anti-semitism, attention will focus on conditions which gave rise to Nazi anti-semitism, the "Final Solution," and Jewish existence in the Nazi ghettos and death camps. Jewish resistance, the help of "Righteous Gentiles," and ethical issues addressed by post-Holocaust theologians will be considered.

+THEO 404. The Catholic Perspective 3 credits
The study of the qualities and characteristics, the philosophy and theology that distinguishes the Catholic perspective from others within the human family, among the religions of the world, and as a part of the broader Christian community. Prerequisites: HIST 307, 308, or instructor permission.

+THEO 409/MPS 571. Christian Mystical Tradition 3 credits
Explores the soul’s process of passing from "ordinary" prayer to the contemplative and mystical life and the characteristic stages of that evolution. Presents a "Summa" of contemplative/ mystical prayer treated in a few of the original sources or writings in the Christian mystical tradition. Prerequisite: THEO 309 or instructor permission.

THEO 411. Seminar 3 credits
Provides small groups of students with opportunity for independent study of a particular theological issue which they may select. Prerequisites: Senior standing and departmental approval.

THEO 444. Art of Christian Pastoral Counseling 3 credits
An introductory survey of the dynamic principles of theology, tradition, and applied pastoral skills and experience within the Christian tradition. Prerequisite: PSYC 342 or instructor permission.

Workshop in Youth Ministry
The following workshops (391–396) are offered at off-campus sites on Saturday and Sunday.

THEO 391. Principles of Youth Ministry 1 credit
Develops practical principles for ministry with youth drawn from psychology, sociology, culture, family, and social trends which are relevant for ministry with youth.

THEO 392. Developing Youth Ministry 1 credit
Deepens and expands understanding of the theological foundations of Christian ministry and of contemporary spirituality for ministry. A contemporary view of the mission and ministries of the Church will integrate theological and historical analysis. Course concludes by exploring the future direction of Church ministries.

THEO 393. Fostering the Faith Growth of Youth Through Evangelization and Catechesis 1 credit
Develops skills for evangelizing and storytelling, organizing a catechetical curriculum for younger and older adolescents, and creating learning experiences that respect the learning styles of adolescents from different cultures.

THEO 394. Fostering the Faith Growth of Youth Through Justice and Service 1 credit
Explores the foundations of fostering a justice and peace consciousness and spirituality in youth drawn from theology and scripture, social analysis, and adolescent development. Develops principles and skills for creating educational programs, service/action projects, and infusion strategies for justice, peace and service.

THEO 395. Fostering the Faith Growth of Youth Through Prayer and Worship 1 credit
Explores the interrelationship of growth in faith and spiritual development. Includes an analysis of adolescent spirituality and spiritual development, and of the contexts and approaches for nourishing the spiritual growth of youth.

THEO 396. Principles of Multi-Cultural Youth Ministry 1 credit
Presents principles for doing youth ministry in a multi-cultural society and church. Special emphasis is given to a basic understanding of culture, the dynamics of cross-cultural contact at the systemic and interpersonal level, cross-cultural communication, and the problem of prejudice. Specific issues facing youth of various cultures in the U.S. and models of multi-cultural youth ministry will be treated so as to enable youth ministers to more effectively work with youth from their own and other cultural groups.

The eight weekend workshops over a two-year period are designed for those desiring specialized knowledge and skills in youth ministry. Two weekends give two credits in SOC 339B (Foundation of Christian Leadership) and SOC 399C (Skills in Leadership). One weekend gives one credit in PSYC 294B (Fostering Faith Growth of Youth Through Pastoral Care). Held in cooperation with the Diocese of Davenport.