SIENA HEIGHTS UNIVERSITY               Program in Theological Studies

Level I

THEOLOGICAL INQUIRY (RST 301)
This course provides a contemporary overview of the foundational concepts in theology. It examines such topics as faith, reason, and the human person, God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, Scripture, Church, and Redemption as essential elements of the Christian life.

INTRODUCTION TO THE HEBREW SCRIPTURES (RST 302)
Through exploration of the English text of the Old Testament students will discover the theological and cultural context of ancient faith communities. Essential selected concepts from the stories, metaphors, and poetry of the Old Testament will be studied using a critical method in light of contemporary scholarship.

INTRODUCTION TO THE CHRISTIAN SCRIPTURES (RST 303)
Through exploration of the English text of the New Testament students will discover the theological and cultural context of first century faith communities proclaiming Jesus as the Christ. Selected texts and essential concepts of the gospels and letters will be studied using a critical method in light of contemporary scholarship.

THEOLOGICAL ETHICS (RST 305)
This course will explore the relationship between Christian social ethics and Christian moral development, and how a believer manifests both as fundamental for participation in a faith community.

SACRAMENTAL THEOLOGY (RST 320)
The central focus of this course is the history and tradition of the seven sacraments and a contemporary understanding of symbols in light of the positions formulated by Vatican II.

THEOLOGY OF MINISTRY (RST 335)
This course examines the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ from which Christian ministry in all its forms has evolved. It will include scriptural and ecclesial sources as background for the development of contemporary post-conciliar forms of ministry.

Revised 10.29.03

Level II

CHURCH HISTORY (RST 312)
This course will study the history of the church from the Apostolic Age to the present. It will emphasize structure, expansion, worship, theological developments, important persons and movements.

CHRISTOLOGY (RST 319)
The person of Jesus will be examined from biblical, conciliar and historical-critical perspectives.

THEOLOGY OF THE CHURCH (RST 312)
Students will study the origin, nature, mission, and models of the Church. While exploring the relationship of the Church to the Reign of God emphasis will be given to the development of Ecclesiology since Vatican I and II.

LITURGICAL CATECHESIS (RST 345)
Through a pastoral study of the traditions of liturgical worship, students will apply their understanding of the rites of the church. An extensive examination of the Catechumenate, principles and techniques for effective preparation, and execution of liturgical celebrations will be featured.

MINISTRY, MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP (RST 355)
Theological models of leadership and management will be studied in order to develop specific ministerial skills. Personalized field work experiences will be included.

CATECHETICAL METHODOLOGY (RST 365)
This course will focus on the principles of catechetical theory and praxis as articulated in Church documents. Emphasis will be placed on the catechetical process as it relates to specific ministries and an examination of the process of faith development as it integrates with the psychological, moral and cognitive stages of human development.

Revised 10.29.03