Master of Arts in Theology
Multilingual
Courses
Common Core - Biblical Theology
THEB630Advanced Biblical Exegesis I
3 credits
This course allows students to further develop their skills in the analysis and interpretation of biblical texts from the Old Testament, with specific focus on Genesis 1-11, as indicated in the subtitle. As such, it offers an opportunity to explore advanced exegetical methods, understand the historical and cultural context, analyze specific excerpts, and take part in contemporary theological and hermeneutical debates. The course also prepares students for advanced academic research and study in the field of Old Testament biblical exegesis, by providing them with the tools to extend their understanding of biblical texts, as well as their ability to analyze and interpret these texts in their historical and theological context.
THEB635Advanced Biblical Exegesis II
2 credits
This course is intended to help students acquire in-depth expertise in the critical study and interpretation of New Testament texts, with particular emphasis on the book of Luke and its relationship with sinners. The subtitle highlights the importance of this theme in Luke’s work and underlines the thorough exploration to be undertaken. In addition, the course is an opportunity to explore advanced exegetical methods, deepen one’s understanding of New Testament theology, and contribute to contemporary debates in this field. It also prepares students for advanced academic research and study in the field of New Testament biblical exegesis.
THEB645Advanced Biblical Exegesis III
2 credits
This course helps students develop their skills in the analysis and interpretation of Old Testament biblical texts, with a specific focus on a particular issue. In addition to providing the opportunity to explore advanced exegetical methods, it is designed to enable students to understand the historical and cultural context, analyze specific excerpts, and take part in contemporary theological and hermeneutical debates. The course also prepares students for advanced academic research and study in the field of Old Testament biblical exegesis, by teaching them the tools they need to further their understanding of biblical texts, as well as their ability to analyze and interpret these texts in their historical and theological context.
Common Core - Dogmatic and Sacramental Theology
THED645Advanced Dogmatic Theology I
2 credits
This course enables students to develop a thorough understanding of dogmatic theology, cultivate skills of advanced theological analysis, and prepare for further theological research., allowing for intellectual and spiritual growth by examining the fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith and engaging in contemporary theological debates. The subtitle (Christological Issues) highlights the focus of the course, opening students to an in-depth theological perspective on Christology and its implications for dogmatic theology.
THED650Advanced Dogmatic Theology II
2 credits
The course supplies students with the skills to explore history, analyze doctrinal differences, assess progress and challenges, understand recent developments, engage in dialogue and practical collaboration, and cultivate an ecumenical spirituality. In addition to fostering a deeper understanding of the relationship between Lutherans and Catholics, it encourages students to contribute to unity and reconciliation between the different traditions.
THED655Advanced Dogmatic Theology III
3 credits
This advanced course explores the primary areas of systematic theology, giving students a thorough and critical understanding of the central doctrines of the Christian faith, with an emphasis on contemporary theological issues. The purpose is to develop their advanced theological analysis skills, to familiarize them with major current theological trends, and to prepare them to conduct in-depth theological research. Students will have the opportunity to explore different theological perspectives on the topics covered, constructively critique theological arguments, and articulate their own theological understanding in light of contemporary debates.
Common Core - Moral Theology
THEM630Ethics I
2 credits
This course gives students the opportunity for an in-depth exploration and study of the complex questions and ethical issues related to human life. It enables students to analyze complex bioethical issues, study scientific and technological developments, examine ethical and legal frameworks, develop analytical and ethical decision-making skills, delve into religious and spiritual perspectives, and apply life ethics in practical contexts.
THEM635Ethics II
3 credits
This course is intended to broaden the students’ understanding of the ethical aspects of family life and communication. By emphasizing essential values, such as respect, justice, love, and truth, it investigates the ethical fundamentals of family communication. Furthermore, it aims to develop practical family communication skills, including active listening, conflict resolution, and respectful communication, while strengthening the students’ analytical and ethical decision-making abilities.
THEM645Ethics III
2 credits
This course proposes an in-depth exploration of the ethical questions and issues related to human life. It enables students to analyze complex bioethical issues, study scientific and technological developments, examine ethical and legal frameworks, develop analytical and ethical decision-making skills, delve into religious and spiritual perspectives, and apply the ethics of life in practical contexts. The course also addresses the ethical aspects of life and communication within the family. Its distinctive feature lies in the themes chosen and covered throughout the semester.
Common Core - Patristic Theology
THEP635Patrology I
2 credits
This advanced patrology course helps students deepen their knowledge of the Church Fathers and their theological heritage, their theological contributions, and their influence on theology and the life of the Church. Students get to develop a deeper understanding of the spiritual theology of the Eastern Fathers, by reflecting on the theological dimensions of their experience and nourishing their own faith life. Consequently, the course has pastoral implications, enabling students to integrate the spirituality of the Fathers into their own pastoral practice, thereby helping others to cultivate a rich spiritual life firmly rooted in the Christian tradition.
THEP640Patrology II
2 credits
This advanced patrology course helps students deepen their knowledge of the Church Fathers and their theological heritage, their theological contributions, and their influence on theology and the life of the Church. The course prepares students for a deeper study of patristic texts, a broader understanding of the Christian tradition, and the ability to integrate the teachings of the Fathers into their theological and pastoral practice. Its subtitle highlights the central importance given to Christ in the theological reflection of the Church Fathers, providing students with a solid foundation for a deeper understanding of the Christian faith in its historical and doctrinal context.
THEP645Patrology III
2 credits
This advanced patrology course helps students deepen their knowledge of the Church Fathers and their theological heritage, by examining their theological contributions and influence on theology and Church life in general. The course prepares students for a deeper study of patristic texts, a broader understanding of the Christian tradition, and the ability to integrate the teachings of the Fathers into their theological and pastoral practice, thereby providing them with a solid foundation for a deeper understanding of the Christian faith in its historical and doctrinal context.
Seminar
Description
The Pontifical School of Theology through its master program aims to become a center of teaching and research for the Truth. It is called “to offer the decisive contribution of leaven, salt and light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the living Tradition of the Church, which is ever open to new situations and ideas” (Veritatis Gaudium, Preamble, 3). It has a twofold purpose: first, “to deepen and systematically expose, according to the scientific method peculiar to it, the Catholic doctrine drawn from the sources of Divine Revelation, then to seek, in the light of this Revelation, solutions to the problems that men face” (cf. Sapientia Christiana, Art. 66; Art. 3) “in various cultures” (Veritatis Gaudium, Art. 3,1), according to the four criteria of Veritatis Gaudium: a. The prioritized and permanent criterion is that of contemplation and spiritual, intellectual and existential introduction into the heart of the kerygma, i.e., of the new and fascinating joyous proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus; b. Dialogue in all areas: not as a mere experience of the joy of Truth and to deepen its meaning and practical implications; c. Inter and transdisciplinarity exercised with wisdom and creativity in the light of Revelation; d. A fourth and final criterion concerns the urgent need to “forge a network” between various institutions which, throughout the world, cultivate and promote ecclesiastical studies” (Veritatis Gaudium, Preamble, 4).
Program Educational Objectives
1. Graduates will acquire fidelity to the Catholic Church Magisterium.
2. Graduates will consider particularly the great richness of Oriental Traditions.
3. Graduates will communicate the truth of the Gospel in the midst of religious pluralism without renouncing the truth.