Course Descriptions

Theology Prefix: THE

103 World Religions: Spiritual Experiences of Humankind (3)
A survey of the history, beliefs, practices and contemporary influence of the major religions of the world: Primal Spiritualities, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Shintoism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam; a discussion of the basic methods for understanding religions. NOTE: For Freshmen and Sophomores ONLY.

108 Introduction to the Old Testament (3)
Introduction to Old Testament literature, history, and culture in the context of the ancient Near East. Examines methods of biblical interpretation from ancient to modern times in Jewish and Christian communities.

191 Judeo-Christian Doctrine (3)
A  fundamental examination of the Judeo-Christian tradition, beginning with a consideration of the relationship between theology and philosophy. Foundational religious affirmations will be examined from the perspective of both disciplines. NOTE: Honors Program ONLY.

201 Theology: Faith, Beliefs and Traditions (3)
A study of spirituality, religion, faith and theology as significant dimensions of all human life. Particular attention will be given to the anthropological origins of the human desire for spirituality expressed in religions. Beliefs and traditions will be studied, in particular those coming from Judaic origins and finding their expression in Christianity, especially Catholic beliefs and traditions. This course fulfils a general education requirement for the School of Arts and Sciences and is the required first course for this purpose.

231 Judaism (3)
An introduction to Judaism with a focus on beliefs, practices, and ritual. Jewish history and a survey of contemporary Judaism, e.g., Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist are incorporated in an overall examination of Judaic life and faith.

300 Special Topics (3)
Topics of interest to faculty and students.

303 Comparative Religion (3)
An examination of select religious traditions in crosscultural and interfaith dialogue through comparison of scriptures, rituals, beliefs and practices. NOTE: For Juniors and Seniors ONLY.

304 Theology Through Film (3)
An analysis of works of noted fi lm directors/screenwriters (Igmar Bergman, Woody Allen, Denys Arcand, Jack Gold, Lawrence Kasdan, Stuart Rosenberg, Brian Moor, Fraser Heston) and how their respective films provide interpretative frameworks for those perennial issues that have their parallel themes in religion: suffering, alienation, human fulfillment (salvation), mystery, morality (goodness, evil, human perfection),  redemption, trust, and affinity for the Divine.

306 Dynamics of Faith, Beliefs and Theology (3)
This course will explore some fundamental theological concepts, including faith, doubt, belief, doctrine, symbol, evil, sin, ethics and morality. Furthermore the course will explore particular theological beliefs in relationship to culture. It will study and evaluate how these ideas and beliefs are treated in systematic theology and in other contemporary classic sources.

307 Christology (3)
An investigation into the Christian understanding of the person and work of Jesus Christ. The origins of Christology in the New Testament and the development of christological doctrine in the history of the Church will be examined as a basis for a contemporary understanding of Jesus and of the challenge of Jesus and his message for the Christian today. Prerequisite: THE 201.

309 The Old Testament and Its Interpreters (3)
A study of how the Jewish Scriptures have been interpreted in Jewish, Christian, and secular traditions based on detailed examination of how selected texts have been understood in these traditions. Consideration of the Old Testament as Christian Scripture and the problem of Jewish-Christian relations.

311 Sexuality, Sex and Morality (3)
Analysis of the nature of sex and sexuality, according to sources and developments of Christian thought; the integration of those concepts into a contemporary moral and ethical system. Prerequisite: THE 201

312 Freedom and Virtue (3)
An examination of the meaning of human freedom, the nature and search for virtue as a means and goal of human behavior and as a consequence of our actions. Accountability as part of free human action will be considered in the context of decisions of conscience. Prerequisite: THE 201.

315 Christian Spirituality and Prayer (3)
A study of the history, nature and principles of worship and the major spiritual forms in which it finds expression in Christianity. This course will look at important issues in the development of a contemporary spirituality within the context of personal, interpersonal and Church prayer. Prerequisite: THE 201.

321 The New Testament as Christian Scripture (3)
The meaning of inspiration. The history of gradual acceptance of the New Testament documents as part of Scripture. History and methods of interpretation, with application to selected texts. Literary technique as a reflection of theological perspective. Prerequisite: THE 201.

324 The Catholic Imagination in Film (3)
This course is analysis of the Catholic world-view and its cultural sensibilities in the works of noted film directors/screen writers such as: Gabrielle Axel (Barbette’s Feast), Robert Bresson (Diary of a Country Priest), Robert Bolt (The Mission), Nancy Savoca (Household Saints), William Peter Blatty (The Exorcist) Tim Robbins (Dead Man Walking), and M. Night Shyamalan (Wide Awake). Each film reflects a “Catholic vision” that is integral to the plot, mirrors an interpretive scheme rich in theological overtones, and depicts the artist’s perception of the world.

325 Feminist Perspectives in Ethics (3)
An introduction to the theological and moral challenges that the key insights of feminist thinking have raised in academic, social, and church institutions. The critical reading of primary sources of the feminist critique will increase awareness of the oppression of women and the prevalence of patriarchal structures that have traditionally supported that oppression. The importance of an ongoing search for normative standards of morality will be juxtaposed with the multicontextualized norms in the experiences of women. Prerequisite: THE 201.

327 Peace and Justice (3)
This course is meant to explore the issues of Justice, Peace and Reconciliation as fundamental aspects of Christianity. Building on the foundations of Scripture, Catholic Social Teaching and the UN Declaration of Human Rights, students will explore the prophetic role of the Christian in the act of living and promoting Justice and Peace in the micro and macro worlds of church and culture. The ideas presented in this  course are designed to spawn critical questions that could have life altering consequences. Prerequisite: THE 201.

330 Approaches to God (3)
A critical investigation into the reality of God from the perspective of monotheistic religious and philosophical traditions, e.g., Jewish, Christian and Islamic, their interaction with modern culture and the existential response to the divine presence in spirituality. These three elements - the understanding of God, the world and the self - form the framework within which a contemporary response to God in secular culture can be both intelligible and meaningful. Prerequisite: THE 201.

331 Christianity and Culture (3)
This course examines the fundamental relation of the Catholic faith and cultural pluralism. It reviews the historical response of the church to culture and faith issues. It looks at the contemporary experience from a global perspective as well as in the U.S. context. Prerequisite: THE 201

333 Christian Understanding of God (3)
An examination of the Christian doctrine of the trinity and its implications for the human understanding of the world, history, the self, and the Church. After an introduction to the biblical and patristic origins of the doctrine, students will examine a contemporary statement of it in conversation with modern cultural, philosophical, and political sensibilities. Prerequisite: THE 201

334 History of Christianity I (3)
A survey of Christianity from its biblical and apostolic origins through its growth in antiquity and its establishment in the medieval period. Significant social, cultural and intellectual factors will be examined as part of the formative development of this tradition.

335 History of Christianity II (3)
A survey of Christianity beginning with the dividing of Christendom in the Reformation, subsequent developments, the expansion of Christianity through missionary efforts, the challenge posed to the faith in the modern era and its inculturation in secular and nonwestern societies.

338 The Church (3)
An exploration of the meaning of Church as part of the Christian mystery of salvation. Biblical, historical and theological foundations will be surveyed to integrate an understanding of the life, structure, and mission of the Church in today’s world. Special attention will be given to developments in Roman Catholicism in light of the Second Vatican Council as it informs the present ecumenical context of  Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant church life. Prerequisite: THE 201

342 Salvation, Liberation and Politics (3)
 An examination of political and liberation theologies and of their understanding of the relationship between Christian witness and socio-political transformation.  Both critical and sympathetic responses will be evaluated. Prerequisite: THE 201

344 Sacraments (3)
An examination of the Christian sacraments from the perspective of religious experience and symbol, Christ as the primordial sacrament, the Church as the fundamental sacrament and the historical-theological development of each sacrament. Although primary focus will be on the Roman Catholic tradition, attention will also be given to Orthodox and Protestant understanding and practice. Prerequisite: THE 201

345 Liturgy, Feasts and Devotions (3)
An exploration of the worship life of the Catholic Church with a focus on various forms of liturgy, an appreciation of liturgical time and the Church calendar, liturgical spirituality and para-liturgical devotions. Special emphasis will be placed on the nature, results and evaluation of liturgical reform proceeding from the Second Vatican Council. Prerequisite: THE 201

353 Bioethics (3)
An examination of the fundamental theological claims that provide the foundations of ethical decision making and standards of evaluation in healthcare. Claims concerning the gifts of creation and the giveness of human life from the hands of a Creator of God instigate discussions of medical interventions into matters, for example, of access to healthcare, reproduction, chronic and critical care, genetic manipulations, and end of life care. Innocent suffering, in particular, will be considered one of the more compelling issues arising from specifically theological perspectives that challenge high technological medical interventions.

354 Music in Workshop (3)
An in-debt examination of the ways contemporary churches and synagogues both understand and practice the service of music in their worship. Particular attention will be given to the current norms and standards for religious music in the Christian churches and Jewish synagogues in the United States. The course emphasizes how theological interpretations can be derived from the music practices in Christianity and Judaism especially today but also throughout the history of these religions.

360 Women in the Church (3)
This course will examine the role of women in the historical and contemporary Church by retrieval and analysis of the images and history of women and their role throughout the history of religion. This course will explore the role of women in the Church by employing the use of written texts found in Scripture and tradition, as well as examine the narrative passed on by the oral traditions, classical and contemporary art, music and film.

362 Women in the New Testament (3)
An analysis of the books of the New Testament in order to examine the role of women and attitude toward women from the earliest period of the church and as it developed in the later period when the final books of the New Testament were written.

365 Creation and Apocalypse (3)
Detailed study of the biblical traditions of the origin and end of the world and the relationship between these two traditions, including their ancient Near Eastern background, the development of apocalyptic literature in pre-Christian Judaism, and Jewish and Christian apocalyptic writings. The course will also examine the history of interpretation surrounding these biblical traditions in Jewish and Christian communities, including the impact of modern scientific discoveries on the interpretation of selected biblical texts.

370 Protestantism (3)
An introduction to the history, development, and theological perspectives of Protestantism as a major stream of Christian faith and Church life that emerged out of the western Catholic tradition. Prerequisite: THE 201

372 Marriage and Family (3)
A practical treatment of marital union and family organization as seen in its Christian theological, spiritual, psychological, and sociological aspects with an exploration of marriage as a sacrament of Christian life. Prerequisite: THE 201

431 Jesus in the Gospels (3)
The uniqueness of the gospel genre and its relation to other ancient literary forms (e.g., history, biography). The Jesus of History and the Christ of Faith. The gospels as witnesses of the faith, prayer, and ethical behavior of several different early Christian communities. The challenge of the Jesus of the gospels for today. Prerequisite: THE 201

432 Prophetic and Wisdom Writings (3)
The complementarty of the prophetic and wisdom views in ancient Israel. The prophets as heralds of social justice and individual responsibility. The Wisdom Writings as a response to the Israelite covenant. Prerequisite: THE 309

438 Catholic Social Teaching (3)
An examination and evaluation of the teaching on major social issues in the papal encyclicals, conciliardocuments, and episcopal pronouncements from Leo XIII to the present day. Prerequisite: THE 327

487 Theology Seminar (3)
Group research and interchange of ideas on a topic of contemporary significance in the field of theology.

495 Topics in Biblical Hermeneutics and Theology (3)
Topics of interest to faculty and students.

496 Topics in Historical and Comparative Theology (3)
Topics of interest to faculty and students.

497 Topics in Systematic and Sacramental Theology (3)
Topics of interest to faculty and students.

498 Topics in Moral and Spiritual Theology (3)
Topics of interest to faculty and students.

499 Independent Study (3-12)
Opportunity for research in areas of special interest. Prerequisite: Department Chair and Dean approval.

Courses taught by the Archdiocese of Miami and approved by the Theology Department of Barry University:

• 140 Religious Education Methodology I
• 141 Religious Education Methodology II
• 142 Introduction to the Sacraments
• 143 Principles of Christian Morality I
• 144 Principles of Christian Morality II
• 145 Foundations of Catholicism
• 146 Christology
• 151 Introduction to the Old Testament
• 152 Introduction to the New Testament
• 157 Celebrating Liturgy I
• 158 Celebrating Liturgy II
• 161 The Church After Vatican II
• 163 Peace and Justice I
• 164 Peace and Justice II
• 173 Principles of Youth Ministry

Contact Us. If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact us. You can request information or ask us a question online. We can also be reached at 305-899-3469 or 1-800-756-6000, ext. 3469, or by email theology@mail.barry.edu .