This curriculum is intended to form candidates to the ordained ministry into the requirements of their future apostolate. It seeks to inculcate in the students a deeper and more comprehensive grasp of the Christian doctrine and the contemporary theological-pastoral issues, a basic competence in doing theological reflection in context as well as a sufficient proficiency in the performance of their pastoral and ministerial responsibilities.

Course Structure
Curriculum for the Ordained Ministry (School Year 2012)
SCHEDULE

CURRICULUM FOR ORDAINED MINISTRY (M.A. In Theology)
FIRST YEAR

CODE	FIRST SEMESTER	units	CODE	SECOND SEMESTER	units
MAT101	Introduction to Scriptures	3	MAT102	Pentateuch	3
MAT201	Fundamental Systematic Theology	3	MAT202	Theology and Cultures	3
MAT301	Fundamental Moral Theology	3	MAT302	Christian Sexual Morality	3
MAT601	Church History 1: Ancient and Medieval	3	MAT602	Church History 2: Modern and Contemporary	3
MAT802	Essential Latin	3	MAT803	Biblical Greek and Hebrew	3
MAT804	Research Methods 1: Theological Research	3	MAT805	Research Methods 2: Approaches	3
MAT801	Basic English Communication	3	MAT504	Poverty and Development Studies	3
TOTAL		21	TOTAL		21

SECOND YEAR

CODE	FIRST SEMESTER	units	CODE	SECOND SEMESTER	units
MAT103	Historical and Prophetic Writings	3	MAT104	Wisdom Literature	3
MAT203	Christology	3	MAT204	Ecclesiology	3
MAT304	Catholic Social Tradition	3	MAT303	Life and Biomedical Ethics	3
MAT501	Pastoral Theology 1	3	MAT502	Pastoral Theology 2	3
MAT401	Fundamental Sacramentology	3	MAT402	Sacraments of Initiation (B-C-E)	3
MAT503	Theology of Mission	3	MAT205	Triune God	3
MAT105	Synoptics and Acts	3	MAT508	Ministries in the Church	3
TOTAL		21	TOTAL		21

THIRD YEAR

CODE	FIRST SEMESTER	units	CODE	SECOND SEMESTER	units
MAT107	Pauline and Catholic Epistles	3	MAT106	Johannine Writings	3
MAT206	Creation and Eschatology	3	MAT207	Theological Anthropology	3
MAT403	Sacraments of Healing: (R-A)	3	MAT405	Inculturation of Sacraments and Liturgy	3
MAT402	Sacraments of Vocation (M-O)	3	MAT210	Contextual Theologies	3
MAT505	Homiletics 1	3	MAT506	Homiletics 2	3
MAT701	Canon Law 1	3	MAT702	Canon Law 2	3
MAT305	Special Moral Questions	3	MAT306	Contemporary Issues in Moral Theology 1	2
TOTAL		21	TOTAL		21

FOURTH YEAR

CODE	FIRST SEMESTER	units	CODE	SECOND SEMESTER	units
MAT208	Theologies of Liberation	3	MAT510	Spirituality and Spiritualities	3
MAT406	Ad Audiendas and Liturgical Presidency	3	MAT512	Contemporary Pastoral Approaches 2	3
MAT511	Contemporary Pastoral Approaches 1	3	MAT209	Marian Theology and Popular Religions	3
MAT703	Canon Law 3	3	MAT810	Comprehensives Exams
MAT509	*Vincentian Popular Missions	3
MAT809	Thesis/ Synthesis Paper Writing/Defense	(3)
MAT810	Synthesis Course (Review)	(3)
TOTAL		15(6)			9

 

A. ELECTIVES AND SEMINARS.  Electives can be chosen from subjects of other majors depending on what is offered during the semester and what is relevant to one’s field of specialization. Seminar Courses vary annually (see Course Offerings for the Academic Year)

B. CHOICE OF MAJOR

1. All students enrolling for the ordained ministry shall also enroll in the MA in Theology program.
2. Upon enrollment, the student is made to choose which of the three majors s/he is going to take.
3. S/he will program his/her Elective Courses to be able to cover for courses not taken in the Curriculum for the Ordained Ministry.

C. END-REQUIREMENTS

1. At the end of the first year of the course work (preferably as part of the requirements of the course on Research Methodology), the student submits to the Office a thesis/project proposal (depending on the requirements of the major one is pursuing).
2. Upon approval of the proposal by the Academic Council, s/he chooses a professor-adviser of this thesis or project with whom s/he will communicate regularly in the process of writing.
3. Upon submission of the paper, the student will defend it in public, in front of a designated panel.

ADAMSON UNIVERSITY MANILA Graduate School   Master of Pastoral Ministry Master of Arts in Theology   COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
BIBLICAL STUDIES     MAT101 Introduction to Scriptures  3 units   Outlines the fundamentals of professional biblical study. It expounds the formation of the bible, the questions of inspiration and inerrancy; its different literary genres and stages of their composition, redaction; discusses the historicity of the Gospels, their differing contexts and their individual theologies. It also provides an introductory overview of the modern and contemporary issues in biblical research.
MAT102 Pentateuch 3 units Pre-requisite: Introduction to Scriptures   Orients and provides students with an ample overview of the development of Israel ’s faith, history and theology through the perspective of the Pentateuch and in the context of the development in contemporary biblical scholarship.
MAT103 Historical and Prophetic Writings 3 units Pre-requisite: Introduction to Scriptures   Examines the socio-historical origins of the historical books and the prophetic writings of ancient Israel . It studies the major/minor prophets of the Old estament as well as the basic theological themes and relevance of the historical and prophetic books.
MAT104 Wisdom Literature   3 units Pre-requisite: Introduction to Scriptures   Examines the socio-historical origins of the Jewish wisdom tradition. It studies the Books of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, the Song of Songs, Wisdom, and Sirach in the Old Testament as well as the basic theological themes and relevance of Israel ’s wisdom tradition.
MAT105 Synoptics and Acts  3 units Pre-requisite: Introduction to Scriptures                                                                                                             Studies the socio-historical context, content, literary relationships and theological themes in the Synoptic Gospels (Mark-Matthew-Luke) and Acts of the Apostles.
MAT106 Johannine Writings 3 units Pre-requisite: Introduction to Scriptures                                                                                                             Studies the context, structure, content and theological themes in the Fourth Gospel, the Letters of John and the Book of Revelation based on contemporary exegetical scholarship on Johannine literature.
MAT107 Pauline and Catholic Epistles   3 units Pre-requisite: Introduction to Scriptures                                                                                                             Examines the exegetical and theological themes of Paul’s letters and the ‘Catholic Epistles’ in their individual socio-historical contexts.
MAT108 Contemporary Issues in Biblical Studies 1 3 units Pre-requisite: Introduction to Scriptures   Reflects on and explores the complex contemporary developments, issues and debates in biblical scholarship.
MAT109 Contemporary Issues in Biblical Studies 2 3 units Pre-requisite: Introduction to Scriptures   Reflects on and explores the complex contemporary developments, issues and debates in biblical scholarship.
MAT110 Contemporary Issues in Biblical Studies 3 3 units Pre-requisite: Introduction to Scriptures   Reflects on and explores the complex contemporary developments, issues and debates in biblical scholarship.
SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY
MAT201 Fundamental Systematic Theology   3 units   Presents theological reflection as a dialectical relationship between human experience and Christian tradition. It explores the contemporary notions of ‘experience’ in the social and human sciences and how it impacts into theological reflection. It presents the socio-analytic, hermeneutic and pastoral mediations of doing theology.
MAT202 Theology and Cultures   3 units Pre-requisite: Fundamental Systematic Theology   Explores into the relationships between the church and cultures, exploring the paths towards a theology of inculturation. It focuses on the different understanding of ‘culture’ in philosophy, sociology, anthropology and the Church’s reception of these developments. It intends to assess the appropriateness of these theories in the search for an effective way of doing contextual theologies.
MAT203 Christology 3 units Pre-requisite: Fundamental Systematic Theology                                     Reflects on the work and person of Jesus of Nazareth. The course examines the contemporary images of Jesus present in the Christian experience, tries to reflect on them from the lens of the experience of the first disciples and the early Christian community, and its subsequent dogmatic developments in the tradition of the church. This course is designed as to facilitate personal and contextual re-appropriation to the challenges of present day discipleship.
MAT204 Ecclesiology           3 units Pre-requisite: Fundamental Systematic Theology                                                                                                 Explores into theology(ies) of the Church rooted in contemporary socio-historical ecclesial experience and in the reflections in the Scriptures, the Councils and contemporary theology. It also attempts to think out a theology of the Church appropriate to the Philippine and Asian contexts.
MAT205 Triune God  3 units Pre-requisite: Fundamental Systematic Theology                                                                                                 Seeks to recover the rich tradition on the doctrine of the Trinity, starting from the ancient Near Eastern and Jewish roots, spanning through the New Testament and the patristic development and ending with an attempt at an inculturated re-appropriation in the contemporary context.
MAT206 Creation and Eschatology       3 units Pre-requisite: Fundamental Systematic Theology                                                                                                 Studies the theology of creation and the ‘last things’ in the Judaeo-Christian tradition vis-à-vis contemporary developments in the natural, anthropological, socio-political sciences. It also aims to re-appropriate these theological themes into the contextual understanding of created realities and human destiny within the Filipino/Asian psyche and cultures.
MAT207 Theological Anthropology   3 units Pre-requisite: Fundamental Systematic Theology                                                                                                 Reflects on the understanding of the human person as the “image of God’ in the Judaeo-Christian tradition. It traces the biblical foundation, patristic reflection, medieval debates and contemporary theological models of the relationship between human freedom and divine initiative as it also explores into the inculturated understanding of this central theological theme.
MAT208 Theologies of Liberation   3 units Pre-requisite: Fundamental Systematic Theology                                                                                                 Traces the history and roots of this theology, its development in the minds of several of its proponents, the attitude of the Magisterium towards it, and its contemporary debates.
MAT209 Marian Theology and Popular Religions   3 units Pre-requisite: Fundamental Systematic Theology   Examines the socio-historical context and exegetical interpretation of Mary in the Scriptures, traces the development of Marian dogmas throughout the centuries and the contemporary developments in Mariology from Vatican II onwards. It also links this theme with recent reflections on popular religions where the Marian devotion also plays a prominent role.
MAT210 Contextual Theologies    3 units Pre-requisite: Fundamental Systematic Theology   Explores some contemporary attempts to do contextual theologies in different continents and contexts.
MAT 211 Theologians and Theological Methods 1     3 units Pre-requisite: Fundamental Systematic Theology   Examines some medieval or contemporary theologians and their contributions to theological method and systematic theology.
MAT212 Theologians and Theological Methods 2   3 units Pre-requisite: Fundamental Systematic Theology   Examines some medieval or contemporary theologians and their contributions to theological method and systematic theology.
MAT213 Theologians and Theological Methods 3   3 units Pre-requisite: Fundamental Systematic Theology   Examines some medieval or contemporary theologians and their contributions to theological method and systematic theology.
MAT214 Contextual Theologies 2       3 units Pre-requisite: Fundamental Systematic Theology   Explores some contemporary attempts to do contextual theologies in different continents and contexts.
MAT215 Contextual Theologies 3    3 units Pre-requisite: Fundamental Systematic Theology   Explores some contemporary attempts to do contextual theologies in different continents and contexts.
MAT216 Contemporary Issues in Systematic Theology 1       3 units Pre-requisite: Fundamental Systematic Theology   Considers the contemporary debates, questions and issues in systematic theology and the positions of the Magisterium and contemporary theologians.
MAT217 Contemporary Issues in Systematic Theology 2      3 units Pre-requisite: Fundamental Systematic Theology   Considers the contemporary debates, questions and issues in systematic theology and the positions of the Magisterium and contemporary theologians.
MAT218 Contemporary Issues in Systematic Theology 3       3 units Pre-requisite: Fundamental Systematic Theology   Considers the contemporary debates, questions and issues in systematic theology and the positions of the Magisterium and contemporary theologians.
MORAL THEOLOGY
MAT301 Fundamental Moral Theology  3 units Deals with the fundamental principles of Christian ethics and their concrete applications in the socio-economic, political and cultural aspects of life in the individual and societal level. Against the background of different ethical perspectives, it asserts the specific character and role of Christian morality in the formation of individual character and in the transformation of the social order.
MAT302 Christian Sexual Morality        3 units Pre-requisite: Fundamental Moral Theology                                                                                                 Discusses the dynamics of human sexuality and sexual love, in the differing context of single life, conjugal relationships and celibate commitment. Starting from an examination of traditional and contemporary views of sexuality and marriage in the Philippines , it proceeds by examining them from the lens of the Church’s reflection on these issues as found in the historical development of its living tradition. It also deals with the some complex moral and pastoral issues related to sexual identity, gender relations, sexual development and education, the changing role and notions of family, relationships, intimacy in contemporary times and the complex moral questions and debates these issues engender.
MAT303 Life and Biomedical Ethics         3 units Pre-requisite: Fundamental Moral Theology   Examines the Christian ethical positions on ‘life’ – the questions of reproduction, preservation, termination or prolongation of the same; the issues of suicide, murder and euthanasia; and the complex medical interventions involved. It aims to dialogue the positions of the Magisterium on these issues and those of contemporary theologians from different traditions.
MAT304 Catholic Social Tradition                    3 units Pre-requisite: Fundamental Moral Theology   Explores on the long tradition of the Church’s response to socio-political and economic issues propounded in the magisterial teachings as in the practice and reflections of Christian communities. This course focuses on the social teachings of the Church as it has been proposed from Leo XIII to the present Pope. These documents are presented vis-à-vis their own socio-economic, historical and ideological contexts. The course’s main objective is to lead the students to a balanced appreciation of the contributions and limitations of the Church’s responses to social problems of our contemporary globalized world.
MAT305 Special Moral Questions    3 units Pre-requisite: Fundamental Moral Theology                                                                                                 Explores into some particular themes and questions in moral theology: the role of the Christian in the state and in the political arena; the problems of war and violence; the morality of contemporary technology; the question of ecology; concrete feminist and postcolonial challenges to morality; and other complex contemporary issues.
MAT306 Contemporary Issues in Moral Theology     3 units Pre-requisite: Fundamental Moral Theology                                                                                                 Considers the contemporary debates and questions in moral theology in local and international contexts, the positions of the Magisterium and contemporary moral theologians on these issues.
MAT307 Contemporary Issues in Moral Theology 2    3 units Pre-requisite: Fundamental Moral Theology                                                                                                 Considers the contemporary debates and questions in moral theology in local and international contexts, the positions of the Magisterium and contemporary moral theologians on these issues.
MAT308 Contemporary Issues in Moral Theology 3       3 units Pre-requisite: Fundamental Moral Theology                                                                                                 Considers the contemporary debates and questions in moral theology in local and international contexts, the positions of the Magisterium and contemporary moral theologians on these issues.
SACRAMENTAL AND LITURGICAL THEOLOGY
MAT401 Fundamental Sacramentology   3 units Explores the sacraments in general from the perspective of the socio-anthropological and philosophical reflections on the significance of signs, symbols and rituals in the act of becoming human. It discusses the biblical, historical, liturgical and pastoral dimensions of the Sacraments in general.
MAT402 Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism-Confirmation-Eucharist   3 units Pre-requisite: Fundamental Sacramentology   Presents the sacraments of initiation into Christian life: baptism, confirmation and Eucharist. It offers a general treatment of their biblical foundation, the patristic understanding of these sacraments, and the theological, canonical and pastoral reflections with a view to a meaningful celebration of these sacraments in the local contexts.
MAT403 Sacraments of Healing: Reconciliation-Anointing   3 units Pre-requisite: Fundamental Sacramentology                                                                                     Discusses the sacraments of ‘healing’ in the Church: sacrament of penance and anointing of the sick. It offers a general treatment of their biblical foundation, the patristic understanding of these sacraments, and the theological, canonical and pastoral reflections with a view to a meaningful celebration of these sacraments in the local contexts.
MAT404 Sacraments of Vocation: Marriage and Holy Orders   3 units  Pre-requisite: Fundamental Sacramentology                                                                                                 Studies the sacraments for the different states of life: marriage and holy orders. It offers a general treatment of their biblical foundation, the patristic understanding of these sacraments, and the theological, canonical and pastoral reflections with a view to a meaningful celebration of these sacraments in the local contexts.
MAT405 Inculturation of Sacraments and Liturgy          3 units Pre-requisite: Fundamental Sacramentology                                                                                                 Explores into the methods of liturgical inculturation, the Church’s attitude towards it as gleaned from its documents and official pronouncements, and the different local attempts with which liturgical-sacramental inculturation is done in the Philippines and Asia . This course also leads students to appreciate and assess the different ways of doing inculturation in liturgy so as to enable them to do it in their own local contexts.
MAT406 Ad Audiendas Confessiones and Liturgical Presidency   3 units Pre-requisite: Fundamental Sacramentology   Focuses on the ministry of hearing confessions and presiding in the liturgy. Emphasis shall be done on the moral and canonical requirements for valid and licit reception/administration of this Sacrament, as well as the pastoral care of penitents. The course also aims to enable the priestly candidate to effectively preside in liturgical services, particularly the celebration of the Eucharist and other sacraments.
MAT407 Theologies of the Eucharist   3 units Pre-requisite: Fundamental Sacramentology   Explores into the biblical foundation of the Eucharist, the plural theologies on it which developed in the history of the Church up to Vatican II and beyond, the historical liturgical development of the Eucharistic celebration, the relevant pronouncements of the Magisterium and the different theological positions. These reflections shall lead to the discussion on the inculturation and contextualization of the Eucharistic theology and celebration in the Philippine context.
MAT408 Liturgical Year and Divine Office     3 units Pre-requisite: Fundamental Sacramentology   Focuses on the theological, liturgical and pastoral reflections on the liturgical year and the Divine Office.
MAT409 Contemporary Issues in Liturgical Studies 1    3 units Pre-requisite: Fundamental Sacramentology   Discusses and reflects on the contemporary issues in liturgical and sacramental studies.
MAT410 Contemporary Issues in Liturgical Studies 2  3 units Pre-requisite: Fundamental Sacramentology   Discusses and reflects on the contemporary issues in liturgical and sacramental studies.
MAT411 Contemporary Issues in Liturgical Studies 3          3 units Pre-requisite: Fundamental Sacramentology   Discusses and reflects on the contemporary issues in liturgical and sacramental studies.
PASTORAL AND MISSIOLOGY STUDIES
MAT501 Pastoral Theology 1: Basic Processes    3 units Explores the action-reflection-action dynamics of pastoral practice through exposure to different grassroots communities (BECs or sectoral groups), assessing their pastoral dynamics and community organizing processes so that students themselves can later come up with appropriate pastoral responses in their own contexts.
MAT502 Pastoral Theology 2: Pastoral Management   3 units Explores the biblical and theological foundation of pastoral management, the different leadership/management paradigms critically appropriated in pastoral contexts, and the development of concrete skills and pedagogies in pastoral settings.
MAT503 Theology of Mission   3 units Reflects on the theology of the missionary enterprise in the thinking of the Church throughout its history. It intends to evolve a paradigm of mission sensitive to contemporary sensibilities and our global multi-religious contexts.
MAT504 Poverty and Development Studies    3 units Presents some contemporary studies on poverty in the global and local levels as well as the different efforts to alleviate it as shown in emerging field of development work. This course attempts to ground Vincentian response to poverty with the findings of the human, social and economic sciences.
MAT505 Homiletics 1              3 units Deals with the structure of Christian discourse, embracing all that pertains to the preparation and delivery of the homily, sermon and all sorts of talks that involve the Word of God. As the Word of God is preached as Good News to humankind, homiletics studies the dynamic relationship between the proclamation and study of the Word of God and the human condition that it addresses.
MAT506 Homiletics 2        3 units Deals with the practical aspects of preaching, i.e., the immediate preparation, the actual writing, and delivery of the homily.
MAT507 Homiletics 3   3 units Deals with actual preaching of homilies to different groups and contexts.
MAT508 Ministries in the Church     3 units Reflects on the historical development and plural theological paradigms of ‘ministry’ in the church up to Vatican II and beyond; the specific ministries of the members of the people of God – episcopate, presbyterate, diaconate and the lay people – and the contemporary questions and challenges to the predominant concepts in this field.
MAT104 Wisdom Literature   3 units Includes an actual participation in a popular mission conducted by Vincentian mission teams and a subsequent reflection on its programs and processes. This course intends to enable the students to assess and evolve a program for grassroots communities in his/her own context.
MAT510 Spirituality and Spiritualities     3 units Explores into the meaning of the students’ spiritual experience, reflects on the meaning of spirituality in the Christian tradition and surveys the different spiritualities in the history of the church. This course leads to a deeper appreciation of different expressions of our relationship with God from our different personal and social contexts.
MAT511 Contemporary Pastoral Approaches 1          3 units Deals with different pastoral approaches and pedagogies in contemporary contexts.
MAT512 Contemporary Pastoral Approaches 2   3 units Deals with different pastoral approaches and pedagogies in contemporary contexts.
MAT513 Contemporary Pastoral Approaches 3    3 units Deals with different pastoral approaches and pedagogies in contemporary contexts.
MAT514 Media and Ministry     3 units  Studies the contemporary technologies and means of social communication in order to be able to critically assess their significance to theology and evangelization. This course also deals with the Magisterium’s pronouncements on media and the reactions to them; it also aims to develop practical skills in the effective use of media in spreading the Good News.
MAT515 Theology of World Religions   3 units Deals with the history, theologies and forms of major world religions especially those present in the Asian contexts – Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Confucianism, Taoism and others. This course aims to facilitate reflection on the relationship of these religions with Christianity.
MAT516 Ecumenism & Interreligious Dialogue     3 units Traces the development of ecumenical spirit from Vatican II documents to its contemporary discussions. Beside theoretical reflection, this course also intends to expose the students to actual ecumenical groups and their programs. It also reflects on the theology of interreligious dialogue and looks into the attempts and learnings of the local Churches (Philippines/Asia) in the practice of interreligious dialogue among the grassroots communities.
MAT517 Migration: Theological and Pastoral Challenges    3 units Explores into the phenomenon of migration and its theological, ethical and pastoral challenges.
MAT518 Pastoral Counseling      3 units Explores into the dynamics and processes of pastoral counseling especially in the context of grassroots communities. This course also includes actual exposure and counseling sessions to marginalized groups.
MAT519 Retreat Giving         3 units Deals with the spirituality,dynamics, processes and skills of retreat giving. This course also includes actual retreat or recollection sessions with specific groups during the semester.
MAT520 Religious Education 1        3 units Deals with the principles, processes, learning pedagogies and skills in handling religious education in different levels and contexts.
MAT521 Religious Education 2          3 units Treats on the principles, processes, learning pedagogies and skills in handling religious education in different levels and contexts.
MAT522 Religious Education 3       3 units Treats on the principles, processes, learning pedagogies and skills in handling religious education in different levels and contexts.
MAT523 BECs and Community Organizing    3 units Consists in actual exposure to established BECs or other community organizing initiatives as well as a structured reflection on these experiences in order to enable students to assess and evolve a program for grassroots communities in their own contexts.
MAT524 Community Projects Management    3 units Presents and reflects on the processes and dynamics of project management for community development in its different phases: community needs assessment, feasibility studies, doing project proposals, funding application, implementation and evaluation. This seminar course also includes exposures into the workings of viable community projects, their funding schemes and actual services.
MAT525 Cooperatives: Theory and Practice      3 units Presents and reflects on the dynamics, processes and theories of the cooperative movement as learned from actual working cooperatives. This course also includes other basic skills in community-based financial management, e.g., accounting for non-accountants, community saving schemes, strategies of collaboration with other interested sectors, etc.
MAT526 Group Communication and Processes     3 units Explores the principles and processes of group communication with a view to improving the students’ skills in facilitation and group dynamics. This course includes a practicum on facilitating sessions, group planning, monitoring, evaluation meetings, etc.
MAT527 Spiritual Traditions: East and West        3 units Deals with different spiritual traditions both in Western and Eastern cultures and religions. This course focuses not on the structures of institutional religions but on the spiritualities that these religions promote.
MAT528 Lay, Religious and Priestly Spirituality    3 units Reflects on the spiritualities based on different life vocations – lay, religious and priestly – all equal but unique ways of the radical following of Jesus.
MAT529 Family Spirituality      3 units Explores on the specificity of radical following of Jesus as lived in the context of family life.
MAT530 Theology of Consecrated Life    3 units Explores on the specificity of radical following of Jesus as lived in the context of religious life.
MAT531 Theology of the Laity     3 units Explores on theology of lay people in the church from its biblical foundation, its development in the history of the church up to Vatican II and beyond.
MAT532 Sexuality and Spirituality            3 units Discusses the central place of sexuality in living out one’s relationship with God, with others and with God’s whole creation.
CHURCH HISTORY
MAT601 Church History 1: Ancient and Medieval        3 units Covers the journey of the Catholic Church from its birth within the Judaeo-Greco-Roman world into its establishment as the all-encompassing institution in the Middle Ages. The ancient part traces the growth from the community of apostles to its adoption as the religion of the Roman Empire , together with the controversies that shaped the doctrine and practice of the church for the subsequent centuries. The medieval part looks into the changed situation brought about by the migration of nations and the consequent union of church and state that explain the events of the Crusades, the Inquisition and the flourishing of the Universities in medieval times.
MAT602 Church History 2: Modern and Contemporary   3 units Pre-requisite: Church History 1                                                                                     Resumes the journey of the church from the period of the Reformation to the convocation of Vatican II Council. It studies the face of the church of the Council of Trent, the establishment of world-wide missions following the age of explorations, and the hardening of positions in the period of the Enlightenment, Socialism and Modernism. The course ends with the examination of the conditions that usher its aggiornamento and the understanding of its mission to the contemporary world.
MAT603 Church History 3: The Philippines    3 units Pre-requisite: Church History 2                                                                                                 Offers a cursory look at the principal stages of the establishment of the Church in the Philippines . It examines the conditions of the introduction of Christianity from the time of the Spaniards and its implications on the sense of nationhood and destiny of the Filipino people.
MAT604 Philippine Studies and Theology     3 units Studies some specialized issues, themes and events in social, cultural and historical research within the Philippines with a view to their re-appropriation into an inculturated theological discourse.
MAT605 Patristic Studies 1         3 units Orients students to the different works, theologies and reflections of the “Fathers of the Church” in their specific times and contexts in order to locate their relevance to present-day questions and realities.
MAT606 Patristic Studies 2        3 units Orients students to the different works, theologies and reflections of the “Fathers of the Church” in their specific times and contexts in order to locate their relevance to present-day questions and realities.
MAT607 Patristic Studies 3      3 units Orients students to the different works, theologies and reflections of the “Fathers of the Church” in their specific times and contexts in order to locate their relevance to present-day questions and realities.
MAT608 Contemporary Issues in Church History 1     3 units Considers the contemporary debates, questions and issues in church history and the positions of contemporary historians and theologians.
MAT609 Contemporary Issues in Church History 2      3 units Considers the contemporary debates, questions and issues in church history and the positions of contemporary historians and theologians.
MAT610 Contemporary Issues in Church History 3      3 units Considers the contemporary debates, questions and issues in church history and the positions of contemporary historians and theologians.
CANON LAW STUDIES
MAT701 Canon Law 1       3 units Introduces the nature of the Church Law, its history, its outline, structure, etc. It also presents the principles of its interpretation and application. It studies Book l of the code of Canon Law.
MAT702 Canon Law 2     3 units Pre: Canon Law 1   Presents Book ll, lll and lV of the Code of Canon Law dealing with the laity clergy and the hierarchy; the local Churches and Church structures; authorities; Institutes; authorities; Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life; the Church’s duty to teach and sanctify; other acts of divine worship, sacred places and times.
MAT703 Canon Law 3       3 units Pre: Canon Law 2   Studies the acquisition of properties, crimes and penalties, and the judicial processes in Book V, VI, and VII of the Code of Canon Law.
MAT704 Development in Canon Law 1   3 units Considers the contemporary debates, questions and issues in Canon Law relevant to our times and context.
MAT705 Development in Canon Law 2      3 units Considers the contemporary debates, questions and issues in Canon Law relevant to our times and context.
MAT706 Development in Canon Law 3      3 units Considers the contemporary debates, questions and issues in Canon Law relevant to our times and context.
LANGUAGES AND METHODOLOGY
MAT801 Basic English Communication     3 units Offers students a review of their basic communication skills in the English language – grammar, composition and speech – so as to equip them with suitable competencies to handle scientific theological research and pastoral practice.
MAT802 Essential Latin      3 units Provides students with basic knowledge of the Latin language as it is used in theological sciences and the ecclesiastical field.
MAT803 Biblical Greek and Hebrew   3 units Presents the Hebrew and Greek grammar and vocabulary as used in the Old and New Testament writings, so as to enable the student to have a ready tool for an in-depth study of the scriptures.
MAT804 Research Methods 1: Theological Research  3 units Orients students to the fundamentals of theological research as it is practiced in different theological fields. It aims to equip new students with theoretical and practical skills in order to cope with the demands of doing research papers, project papers and theses in the graduate level.
MAT805 Research Methods 2: Approaches   3 units Pre-requisite: Research Methods 1                                                                                                 Provides basic knowledge and skills on the different approaches to theological research, both in its quantitative (statistical) and qualitative (historical, philosophical, ethno-linguistic, participative, case studies, ethnographic) forms. It also seeks to explore inculturated ways of doing scientific research outside Western paradigms.
MAT806 Contemporary Theological Methods 1      3 units   Orients students to different theological methods in contemporary times in order to equip them with processes and skills to do theology in context.
MAT807 Contemporary Theological Methods 2       3 units  Orients students to different theological methods in contemporary times in order to equip them with processes and skills to do theology in context.
MAT808 Contemporary Theological Methods 3       3 units Orients students to different theological methods in contemporary times in order to equip them with processes and skills to do theology in context.
VINCENTIAN STUDIES
MAT901 History of the Vincentian Family    3 units  Studies the historical, socio-economic, political, religio-cultural context of 17th century France which is immediate context of Vincent de Paul and Louise de Marillac. It also studies the relevant responses Vincent and Louise had to the challenges of their times.
MAT902 Vincentian Spirituality 1     3 units  Explores the basic directions of Vincentian spirituality by in-depth reflection on the writings of the Founders, read both from the perspective of their own contexts and their possible relevance to contemporary sensibilities. Based on historical studies by Vincentian experts, the main course’s focus is on how the Founders responded ‘to the cries of the poor’ as the way to follow Jesus, the evangelizer of the poor. It also attempts to orient students to a basic methodology with which to evolve a contemporary Vincentian spirituality.
MAT903 Vincentian Spirituality 2    3 units Deals with particular themes, issues and problems relevant to contemporary sensibilities and reflected on in the light of the lives and writings of the Founders and of the traditions of the Vincentian Family. The course aims to search for the contemporary relevance of Vincentian spirit.
MAT904 St. Vincent de Paul     3 units  Provides a detailed historical overview of the life, times and works of Vincent de Paul as found in available historical sources.
MAT905 St. Louise de Marillac and Vincentian Saints      3 units Provides a detailed historical overview of the life, times and works of Louise de Marillac and other Vincentian saints as found in available historical sources.
MAT906 The Charisms of the Vincentian Family   3 units Reflects on the specific charisms of different groups belonging to the Vincentian family – discussing their history, founders, different works and their place in the church of today.
MAT907 Vincentian Initiatives in the 20th Century    3 units Explores into the different initiatives of the Vincentian family to creatively respond to needs of the poor in our contemporary global contexts.

This academic degree is aimed at preparing individuals involved in the practice of theological reflection and theological education to have a basic and comprehensive grasp of the Christian doctrine as well as the contemporary theological issues and development in order to better equip them to do and teach theology in their own contexts, e.g., priestly pastoral ministry, college or secondary education, seminary/religious formation or the formation of grassroots communities. This degree is open to all teachers of Theology Courses, religious education teachers, catechist formators, etc., religious sisters and brothers, candidates to the ordained ministry and all who are qualified and interested.

Course Structure

(Thesis Program/ Academic Degree)
BASIC COURSES (6units) UNITS     Research Methods 1: Theo Research           3 Research Methods 2: Approaches 3     CORE COURSES (12 units)   (Fundamentals)       Introduction to Scriptures 3 Fundamental Systematic Theology 3 Fundamental Moral Theology 3 Theology and Cultures 3     MAJOR COURSES (18 units)   Christology      3 Ecclesiology 3 Triune God 3 Creation and Eschatology 3 Theological Anthropology 3 Theologies of Liberation 3     ELECTIVES/PRACTICUM (12 units)       Seminar 1 3 Seminar 2 3 Elective 1 3 Elective 2 3     [In addition, the student chooses any of the subjects below]:         Pentateuch 3 Historical and Prophetic Writings 3 Wisdom Literature 3 Synoptics and Acts 3 Johannine Writings 3 Pauline and Catholic Epistles 3 Marian Theology and Popular Religions 3 Contextual Theologies  3 Contextual Theologies 2 3 Contextual Theologies 3 3 Christian Sexual Morality 3 Life and Biomedical Ethics 3 Catholic Social Tradition 3 Special Moral Questions 3 Contemporary Issues in Moral Theology 3 Contemporary Issues in Moral Theology 2 3 Contemporary Issues in Moral Theology 3 3 Fundamental Sacramentology 3 Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism-Confirmation-Eucharist 3 Sacraments of Healing: Reconciliation-Anointing 3 Sacraments of Vocation: Marriage & Holy Orders 3 Inculturation of Sacraments & Liturgy 3 Ad Audiendas Confessiones & Liturgical Presidency 3 Pastoral Theology 1: Basic Processes 3 Pastoral Theology 2: Pastoral Management    3 Theology of Mission   3 Poverty and Development Studies    3 Homiletics 1    3 Homiletics 2    3 Homiletics 3    3 Ministries in the Church 3 Vincentian Popular Missions 3 Spirituality and Spiritualities 3 Contemporary Pastoral Approaches 1 3 Contemporary Pastoral Approaches 2 3 Contemporary Pastoral Approaches 3 3 Church History 1: Ancient & Medieval 3 Church History 2: Modern & Contemporary 3 Church History 3: Philippines & Asia  3 Canon Law 1 3 Canon Law 2   3 Canon Law 3   3 Development in Canon Law 1 3 Development in Canon Law 2 3 Development in Canon Law 3 3 Basic English Communication 3 Essential Latin            3 Biblical Greek and Hebrew 3 Contemporary Theological Methods 1 3 Contemporary Theological Methods 2 3 Contemporary Theological Methods 3 3 Contemporary Issues in Biblical Studies 1 3 Contemporary Issues in Biblical Studies 2     3 Contemporary Issues in Biblical Studies 3 3 Theologians and Theological Methods 1        3 Theologians and Theological Methods 2         3 Theologians and Theological Methods 3         3 Contemporary Issues in Systematic Theology 1 3 Contemporary Issues in Systematic Theology 2 3 Contemporary Issues in Systematic Theology 3 3 Patristic Studies 1 3 Patristic Studies 2 3 Patristic Studies 3 3 Contemporary Issues in Church History 1 3 Contemporary Issues in Church History 2 3 Contemporary Issues in Church History 3 3 Theologies of the Eucharist    3 Liturgical Year and Divine Office 3 Contemporary Issues in Liturgical Studies 1 3 Contemporary Issues in Liturgical Studies 2  3 Contemporary Issues in Liturgical Studies 3  3 Media and Ministry 3 Theology of World Religions   3 Ecumenism & Interreligious Dialogue 3 Migration: Theological and Pastoral Challenges 3 Pastoral Counseling 3 Retreat Giving             3 Religious Education 1 3 Religious Education 2 3 Religious Education 3 3 BECs and Community Organizing 3 Community Projects Management 3 Cooperatives: Theory and Practice 3 Group Communication and Processes 3 Spiritual Traditions: East and West 3 Lay, Religious and Priestly Spirituality 3 Family Spirituality 3 Theology of Consecrated Life 3 Theology of the Laity   3 Sexuality and Spirituality 3 History of the Vincentian Family 3 Vincentian Spirituality 1 3 Vincentian Spirituality 2           3 St. Vincent de Paul                 3 St. Louise de Marillac and Vincentian Saints  3 The Charisms of the Vincentian Family         3 Vincentian Initiatives in the 20th Century 3 Thesis Writing/ Thesis Defense 3     Total   54 units

This professional degree is aimed at preparing individuals involved in pastoral ministry to have some basic knowledge of theology and appropriate pastoral skills necessary to do ministry in their own pastoral contexts. This degree is open to all religious education, teachers, catechist formators, etc., pastoral workers/community formators and organizers, religious sisters and brothers and all who are qualified and interested.

Course Structure

(Non-Thesis Program/ Professional Degree)
BASIC COURSES (3units) UNITS     Introduction to Scriptures 3 Fundamental Systematic Theology 3 Fundamental Moral Theology 3 Theology and Cultures 3 Christology 3     MAJOR COURSES (18 units)       Ecclesiology 3 Pastoral Theology 1: Basic Processes 3 Pastoral Theology 2: Pastoral Management 3 Theology of Mission    3 Ministries in the Church 3 Poverty and Development Studies 3     ELECTIVES/PRACTICUM (12 units)       Seminar 1 3 Seminar 2 3 Elective 1 3 Elective 2 3
[In addition, the student chooses any of the subjects below]:
BASIC COURSES (3units) UNITS     Pentateuch 3 Historical and Prophetic Writings 3 Wisdom Literature 3 Synoptics and Acts 3 Johannine Writings 3 Pauline and Catholic Epistles 3 Triune God 3 Creation and Eschatology 3 Theological Anthropology 3 Theologies of Liberation 3 Marian Theology and Popular Religions 3 Contextual Theologies  3 Contextual Theologies 2 3 Contextual Theologies 3 3 Christian Sexual Morality 3 Life and Biomedical Ethics 3 Catholic Social Tradition 3 Special Moral Questions 3 Contemporary Issues in Moral Theology 3 Contemporary Issues in Moral Theology 2 3 Contemporary Issues in Moral Theology 3 3 Fundamental Sacramentology 3 Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism-Confirmation-Eucharist 3 Sacraments of Healing: Reconciliation-Anointing 3 Sacraments of Vocation: Marriage & Holy Orders 3 Inculturation of Sacraments & Liturgy 3 Ad Audiendas Confessiones & Liturgical Presidency 3 Homiletics 1    3 Homiletics 2    3 Homiletics 3    3 Vincentian Popular Missions 3 Spirituality and Spiritualities 3 Contemporary Pastoral Approaches 1 3 Contemporary Pastoral Approaches 2 3 Contemporary Pastoral Approaches 3 3 Church History 1: Ancient & Medieval 3 Church History 2: Modern & Contemporary 3 Church History 3: Philippines & Asia  3 Philippine Studies and Theology 3 Canon Law 1 3 Canon Law 2   3 Canon Law 3   3 Development in Canon Law 1 3 Development in Canon Law 2 3 Development in Canon Law 3 3 Basic English Communication 3 Essential Latin            3 Biblical Greek and Hebrew 3 Research Methods 1: Theological Research 3 Research Methods 2: Approaches 3 Contemporary Theological Methods 1 3 Contemporary Theological Methods 2 3 Contemporary Theological Methods 3 3 Contemporary Issues in Biblical Studies 1 3 Contemporary Issues in Biblical Studies 2     3 Contemporary Issues in Biblical Studies 3 3 Theologians and Theological Methods 1        3 Theologians and Theological Methods 2         3 Theologians and Theological Methods 3         3 Contemporary Issues in Systematic Theology 1 3 Contemporary Issues in Systematic Theology 2 3 Contemporary Issues in Systematic Theology 3 3 Patristic Studies 1 3 Patristic Studies 2 3 Patristic Studies 3 3 Contemporary Issues in Church History 1 3 Contemporary Issues in Church History 2 3 Contemporary Issues in Church History 3 3 Theologies of the Eucharist    3 Liturgical Year and Divine Office 3 Contemporary Issues in Liturgical Studies 1 3 Contemporary Issues in Liturgical Studies 2  3 Contemporary Issues in Liturgical Studies 3  3 Media and Ministry 3 Theology of World Religions   3 Ecumenism & Interreligious Dialogue 3 Migration: Theological and Pastoral Challenges 3 Pastoral Counseling 3 Retreat Giving             3 Religious Education 1 3 Religious Education 2 3 Religious Education 3 3 BECs and Community Organizing 3 Community Projects Management 3 Cooperatives: Theory and Practice 3 Group Communication and Processes 3 Spiritual Traditions: East and West 3 Lay, Religious and Priestly Spirituality 3 Family Spirituality 3 Theology of Consecrated Life 3 Theology of the Laity   3 Sexuality and Spirituality 3 History of the Vincentian Family 3 Vincentian Spirituality 1 3 Vincentian Spirituality 2           3 St. Vincent de Paul                 3 St. Louise de Marillac and Vincentian Saints  3 The Charisms of the Vincentian Family         3 Vincentian Initiatives in the 20th Century 3     Total   45 units

 

(Thesis Program/ Academic Degree)
BASIC COURSES (6units) UNITS     Research Methods 1: Theo Research           3 Research Methods 2: Approaches 3     CORE COURSES (12 units)   (Fundamentals)       Introduction to Scriptures 3 Fundamental Systematic Theology 3 Fundamental Moral Theology 3 Biblical Hebrew and Greek 3     MAJOR COURSES (18 units)   Pentateuch           3 Historical and Prophetic Writings 3 Wisdom Literature 3 Synoptics and Acts 3 Johannine Writings 3 Pauline and Catholic Epistles 3     ELECTIVES/PRACTICUM (12 units)       Seminar 1 3 Seminar 2 3 Elective 1 3 Elective 2 3     [In addition, the student chooses any of the subjects below]:         Theology and Cultures 3 Christology 3 Ecclesiology 3 Triune God 3 Creation and Eschatology 3 Theological Anthropology 3 Theologies of Liberation 3 Marian Theology and Popular Religions 3 Contextual Theologies  3 Contextual Theologies 2 3 Contextual Theologies 3 3 Christian Sexual Morality 3 Life and Biomedical Ethics 3 Catholic Social Tradition 3 Special Moral Questions 3 Contemporary Issues in Moral Theology 3 Contemporary Issues in Moral Theology 2 3 Contemporary Issues in Moral Theology 3 3 Fundamental Sacramentology 3 Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism-Confirmation-Eucharist 3 Sacraments of Healing: Reconciliation-Anointing 3 Sacraments of Vocation: Marriage & Holy Orders 3 Inculturation of Sacraments & Liturgy 3 Ad Audiendas Confessiones & Liturgical Presidency 3 Pastoral Theology 1: Basic Processes 3 Pastoral Theology 2: Pastoral Management    3 Theology of Mission   3 Poverty and Development Studies    3 Homiletics 1    3 Homiletics 2    3 Homiletics 3    3 Ministries in the Church 3 Vincentian Popular Missions 3 Spirituality and Spiritualities 3 Contemporary Pastoral Approaches 1 3 Contemporary Pastoral Approaches 2 3 Contemporary Pastoral Approaches 3 3 Church History 1: Ancient & Medieval 3 Church History 2: Modern & Contemporary 3 Church History 3: Philippines & Asia  3 Canon Law 1 3 Canon Law 2   3 Canon Law 3   3 Development in Canon Law 1 3 Development in Canon Law 2 3 Development in Canon Law 3 3 Basic English Communication 3 Essential Latin            3 Contemporary Theological Methods 1 3 Contemporary Theological Methods 2 3 Contemporary Theological Methods 3 3 Contemporary Issues in Biblical Studies 1 3 Contemporary Issues in Biblical Studies 2     3 Contemporary Issues in Biblical Studies 3 3 Theologians and Theological Methods 1        3 Theologians and Theological Methods 2         3 Theologians and Theological Methods 3         3 Contemporary Issues in Systematic Theology 1 3 Contemporary Issues in Systematic Theology 2 3 Contemporary Issues in Systematic Theology 3 3 Philippines Studies and Theology 3 Patristic Studies 1 3 Patristic Studies 2 3 Patristic Studies 3 3 Contemporary Issues in Church History 1 3 Contemporary Issues in Church History 2 3 Contemporary Issues in Church History 3 3 Theologies of the Eucharist    3 Liturgical Year and Divine Office 3 Contemporary Issues in Liturgical Studies 1 3 Contemporary Issues in Liturgical Studies 2  3 Contemporary Issues in Liturgical Studies 3  3 Media and Ministry 3 Theology of World Religions   3 Ecumenism & Interreligious Dialogue 3 Migration: Theological and Pastoral Challenges 3 Pastoral Counseling 3 Retreat Giving             3 Religious Education 1 3 Religious Education 2 3 Religious Education 3 3 BECs and Community Organizing 3 Community Projects Management 3 Cooperatives: Theory and Practice 3 Group Communication and Processes 3 Spiritual Traditions: East and West 3 Lay, Religious and Priestly Spirituality 3 Family Spirituality 3 Theology of Consecrated Life 3 Theology of the Laity   3 Sexuality and Spirituality 3 History of the Vincentian Family 3 Vincentian Spirituality 1 3 Vincentian Spirituality 2           3 St. Vincent de Paul                 3 St. Louise de Marillac and Vincentian Saints  3 The Charisms of the Vincentian Family         3 Vincentian Initiatives in the 20th Century 3 Thesis Writing/ Thesis Defense 3     Total   54 units

END COURSE REQUEIREMENTS ,  6 units

Thesis Writing / Thesis Defense

          

(Thesis Program/ Academic Degree)
BASIC COURSES (6units) UNITS     Research Methods 1: Theo Research           3 Research Methods 2: Approaches 3     CORE COURSES (12 units)   (Fundamentals)       Introduction to Scriptures 3 Fundamental Systematic Theology 3 Fundamental Moral Theology 3 Fundamental Sacramentology 3     MAJOR COURSES (18 units)   Sacraments of Initiation         3 Sacraments of Healing 3 Sacraments of Vocation 3 Liturgical Year and Divine Office 3 Inculturation of Sacraments and Liturgy 3 Contemporary Issues in Liturgical 3     ELECTIVES/PRACTICUM (12 units)       Seminar 1 3 Seminar 2 3 Elective 1 3 Elective 2 3     [In addition, the student chooses any of the subjects below]:         Pentateuch 3 Historical and Prophetic Writings 3 Wisdom Literature 3 Synoptics and Acts 3 Johannine Writings 3 Pauline and Catholic Epistles 3 Theology and Cultures 3 Christology 3 Ecclesiology 3 Triune God 3 Creation and Eschatology 3 Theological Anthropology 3 Theologies of Liberation 3 Marian Theology and Popular Religions 3 Contextual Theologies  3 Contextual Theologies 2 3 Contextual Theologies 3 3 Christian Sexual Morality 3 Life and Biomedical Ethics 3 Catholic Social Tradition 3 Special Moral Questions 3 Contemporary Issues in Moral Theology 3 Contemporary Issues in Moral Theology 2 3 Contemporary Issues in Moral Theology 3 3 Ad Audiendas Confessiones & Liturgical Presidency 3 Pastoral Theology 1: Basic Processes 3 Pastoral Theology 2: Pastoral Management    3 Theology of Mission   3 Poverty and Development Studies    3 Homiletics 1    3 Homiletics 2    3 Homiletics 3    3 Ministries in the Church 3 Vincentian Popular Missions 3 Spirituality and Spiritualities 3 Contemporary Pastoral Approaches 1 3 Contemporary Pastoral Approaches 2 3 Contemporary Pastoral Approaches 3 3 Church History 1: Ancient & Medieval 3 Church History 2: Modern & Contemporary 3 Church History 3: Philippines & Asia  3 Canon Law 1 3 Canon Law 2   3 Canon Law 3   3 Development in Canon Law 1 3 Development in Canon Law 2 3 Development in Canon Law 3 3 Basic English Communication 3 Essential Latin            3 Biblical Greek and Hebrew     3 Contemporary Theological Methods 1 3 Contemporary Theological Methods 2 3 Contemporary Theological Methods 3 3 Contemporary Issues in Biblical Studies 1 3 Contemporary Issues in Biblical Studies 2     3 Contemporary Issues in Biblical Studies 3 3 Theologians and Theological Methods 1        3 Theologians and Theological Methods 2         3 Theologians and Theological Methods 3         3 Contemporary Issues in Systematic Theology 1 3 Contemporary Issues in Systematic Theology 2 3 Contemporary Issues in Systematic Theology 3 3 Philippines Studies and Theology 3 Patristic Studies 1 3 Patristic Studies 2 3 Patristic Studies 3 3 Contemporary Issues in Church History 1 3 Contemporary Issues in Church History 2 3 Contemporary Issues in Church History 3 3 Theologies of the Eucharist    3 Contemporary Issues in Liturgical Studies 2  3 Contemporary Issues in Liturgical Studies 3  3 Media and Ministry 3 Theology of World Religions   3 Ecumenism & Interreligious Dialogue 3 Migration: Theological and Pastoral Challenges 3 Pastoral Counseling 3 Retreat Giving             3 Religious Education 1 3 Religious Education 2 3 Religious Education 3 3 BECs and Community Organizing 3 Community Projects Management 3 Cooperatives: Theory and Practice 3 Group Communication and Processes 3 Spiritual Traditions: East and West 3 Lay, Religious and Priestly Spirituality 3 Family Spirituality 3 Theology of Consecrated Life 3 Theology of the Laity   3 Sexuality and Spirituality 3 History of the Vincentian Family 3 Vincentian Spirituality 1 3 Vincentian Spirituality 2           3 St. Vincent de Paul                 3 St. Louise de Marillac and Vincentian Saints  3 The Charisms of the Vincentian Family         3 Vincentian Initiatives in the 20th Century 3 Thesis Writing/ Thesis Defense 3     Total   54 units

 

(Thesis Program/ Academic Degree)
BASIC COURSES (6units) UNITS     Research Methods 1: Theo Research           3 Research Methods 2: Approaches 3     CORE COURSES (12 units)   (Fundamentals)       Introduction to Scriptures 3 Fundamental Systematic Theology 3 Fundamental Moral Theology 3 Theology and Cultures 3     MAJOR COURSES (18 units)   Christian Sexual Morality      3 Life and Biomedical Ethics 3 Catholic Social Tradition 3 Special Moral Questions 3 Contemporary Issues in Moral Theo 1 3 Contemporary Issues in Moral Theo 2 3     ELECTIVES/PRACTICUM (12 units)       Seminar 1 3 Seminar 2 3 Elective 1 3 Elective 2 3     [In addition, the student chooses any of the subjects below]:         Pentateuch 3 Historical and Prophetic Writings 3 Wisdom Literature 3 Synoptics and Acts 3 Johannine Writings 3 Pauline and Catholic Epistles 3 Christology 3 Ecclesiology 3 Triune God 3 Creation and Eschatology 3 Theological Anthropology 3 Theologies of Liberation 3 Marian Theology and Popular Religions 3 Contextual Theologies  3 Contextual Theologies 2 3 Contextual Theologies 3 3 Fundamental Sacramentology 3 Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism-Confirmation-Eucharist 3 Sacraments of Healing: Reconciliation-Anointing 3 Sacraments of Vocation: Marriage & Holy Orders 3 Inculturation of Sacraments & Liturgy 3 Ad Audiendas Confessiones & Liturgical Presidency 3 Pastoral Theology 1: Basic Processes 3 Pastoral Theology 2: Pastoral Management    3 Theology of Mission   3 Poverty and Development Studies    3 Homiletics 1    3 Homiletics 2    3 Homiletics 3    3 Ministries in the Church 3 Vincentian Popular Missions 3 Spirituality and Spiritualities 3 Contemporary Pastoral Approaches 1 3 Contemporary Pastoral Approaches 2 3 Contemporary Pastoral Approaches 3 3 Church History 1: Ancient & Medieval 3 Church History 2: Modern & Contemporary 3 Church History 3: Philippines & Asia  3 Canon Law 1 3 Canon Law 2   3 Canon Law 3   3 Development in Canon Law 1 3 Development in Canon Law 2 3 Development in Canon Law 3 3 Basic English Communication 3 Essential Latin            3 Biblical Greek and Hebrew 3 Contemporary Theological Methods 1 3 Contemporary Theological Methods 2 3 Contemporary Theological Methods 3 3 Contemporary Issues in Biblical Studies 1 3 Contemporary Issues in Biblical Studies 2     3 Contemporary Issues in Biblical Studies 3 3 Theologians and Theological Methods 1        3 Theologians and Theological Methods 2         3 Theologians and Theological Methods 3         3 Contemporary Issues in Systematic Theology 1 3 Contemporary Issues in Systematic Theology 2 3 Contemporary Issues in Systematic Theology 3 3 Philippines Studies and Theology 3 Patristic Studies 1 3 Patristic Studies 2 3 Patristic Studies 3 3 Contemporary Issues in Church History 1 3 Contemporary Issues in Church History 2 3 Contemporary Issues in Church History 3 3 Theologies of the Eucharist    3 Liturgical Year and Divine Office 3 Contemporary Issues in Liturgical Studies 1 3 Contemporary Issues in Liturgical Studies 2  3 Contemporary Issues in Liturgical Studies 3  3 Media and Ministry 3 Theology of World Religions   3 Ecumenism & Interreligious Dialogue 3 Migration: Theological and Pastoral Challenges 3 Pastoral Counseling 3 Retreat Giving             3 Religious Education 1 3 Religious Education 2 3 Religious Education 3 3 BECs and Community Organizing 3 Community Projects Management 3 Cooperatives: Theory and Practice 3 Group Communication and Processes 3 Spiritual Traditions: East and West 3 Lay, Religious and Priestly Spirituality 3 Family Spirituality 3 Theology of Consecrated Life 3 Theology of the Laity   3 Sexuality and Spirituality 3 History of the Vincentian Family 3 Vincentian Spirituality 1 3 Vincentian Spirituality 2           3 St. Vincent de Paul                 3 St. Louise de Marillac and Vincentian Saints  3 The Charisms of the Vincentian Family         3 Vincentian Initiatives in the 20th Century 3 Thesis Writing/ Thesis Defense 3     Total   54 units

 

This academic degree seeks to initiate individuals involved in the Vincentian education and pastoral ministry into the basic understanding of the Christian doctrine and theology, the fundamental knowledge and experience of Vincentian spirituality and some specialized pastoral skills towards a more effective service of the poor in different pastoral contexts. This degree is open to all pastoral workers/community formators and organizers, religious education teachers, catechist formators, etc., members of the Vincentian family, religious brothers and sisters., candidates to the ordained ministry and all who are qualified and interested.

Course Structure

(Thesis Program/ Academic Degree)
BASIC COURSES (6units) UNITS     Research Methods 1: Theo Research           3 Research Methods 2: Approaches 3     CORE COURSES (12 units)   (Fundamentals)       Introduction to Scriptures 3 Fundamental Systematic Theology 3 Fundamental Moral Theology 3 Theology and Cultures 3     MAJOR COURSES (18 units)   Christology         3 Ecclesiology 3 History of the Vincentian Family 3 St. Vincent de Paul 3 Vincentian Spirituality 3 St. Louise and the Vincentian Saints 3     ELECTIVES/PRACTICUM (12 units)       Vincentian Popular Missions 3 Seminar 2 3 Elective 1 3 Elective 2 3     [In addition, the student chooses any of the subjects below]:         Pentateuch 3 Historical and Prophetic Writings 3 Wisdom Literature 3 Synoptics and Acts 3 Johannine Writings 3 Pauline and Catholic Epistles 3 Triune God 3 Creation and Eschatology 3 Theological Anthropology 3 Theologies of Liberation 3 Marian Theology and Popular Religions 3 Contextual Theologies  3 Contextual Theologies 2 3 Contextual Theologies 3 3 Christian Sexual Morality 3 Life and Biomedical Ethics 3 Catholic Social Tradition 3 Special Moral Questions 3 Contemporary Issues in Moral Theology 3 Contemporary Issues in Moral Theology 2 3 Contemporary Issues in Moral Theology 3 3 Fundamental Sacramentology 3 Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism-Confirmation-Eucharist 3 Sacraments of Healing: Reconciliation-Anointing 3 Sacraments of Vocation: Marriage & Holy Orders 3 Inculturation of Sacraments & Liturgy 3 Ad Audiendas Confessiones & Liturgical Presidency 3 Pastoral Theology 1: Basic Processes 3 Pastoral Theology 2: Pastoral Management    3 Theology of Mission   3 Poverty and Development Studies    3 Homiletics 1    3 Homiletics 2    3 Homiletics 3    3 Ministries in the Church 3 Spirituality and Spiritualities 3 Contemporary Pastoral Approaches 1 3 Contemporary Pastoral Approaches 2 3 Contemporary Pastoral Approaches 3 3 Church History 1: Ancient & Medieval 3 Church History 2: Modern & Contemporary 3 Church History 3: Philippines & Asia  3 Canon Law 1 3 Canon Law 2   3 Canon Law 3   3 Development in Canon Law 1 3 Development in Canon Law 2 3 Development in Canon Law 3 3 Basic English Communication 3 Essential Latin            3 Biblical Greek and Hebrew     3 Contemporary Theological Methods 1 3 Contemporary Theological Methods 2 3 Contemporary Theological Methods 3 3 Contemporary Issues in Biblical Studies 1 3 Contemporary Issues in Biblical Studies 2     3 Contemporary Issues in Biblical Studies 3 3 Theologians and Theological Methods 1        3 Theologians and Theological Methods 2         3 Theologians and Theological Methods 3         3 Contemporary Issues in Systematic Theology 1 3 Contemporary Issues in Systematic Theology 2 3 Contemporary Issues in Systematic Theology 3 3 Philippines Studies and Theology 3 Patristic Studies 1 3 Patristic Studies 2 3 Patristic Studies 3 3 Contemporary Issues in Church History 1 3 Contemporary Issues in Church History 2 3 Contemporary Issues in Church History 3 3 Theologies of the Eucharist    3 Liturgical Year and Divine Office    3 Contemporary Issues in Liturgical Studies 1 3 Contemporary Issues in Liturgical Studies 2  3 Contemporary Issues in Liturgical Studies 3  3 Media and Ministry 3 Theology of World Religions   3 Ecumenism & Interreligious Dialogue 3 Migration: Theological and Pastoral Challenges 3 Pastoral Counseling 3 Retreat Giving             3 Religious Education 1 3 Religious Education 2 3 Religious Education 3 3 BECs and Community Organizing 3 Community Projects Management 3 Cooperatives: Theory and Practice 3 Group Communication and Processes 3 Spiritual Traditions: East and West 3 Lay, Religious and Priestly Spirituality 3 Family Spirituality 3 Theology of Consecrated Life 3 Theology of the Laity   3 Sexuality and Spirituality 3 Vincentian Spirituality 2           3 The Charisms of the Vincentian Family         3 Vincentian Initiatives in the 20th Century 3 Thesis Writing/ Thesis Defense 3     Total   54 units

 

AREAS	Units	COURSES	Units
Basic Courses	(6)	Methods in Theological Research	3
		Advanced Scientific Research Methods	3
Core Philosophy	(9)	Philosophy 1	3
		Philosophy 2	3
		Philosophy 3	3
Major Courses	(27)	Theology 1	3
		Theology 2	3
		Theology 3	3
		Theology 4	3
		Theology 5	3
		Theology 6	3
		Theology 7	3
		Theology 8	3
		Theology 9	3
Foreign Languages	(6)	Language 1	3
		Language 2	3
Dissertation	(12)	Dissertation 1	3
		Dissertation 2	3
		Dissertation 3	3
		Dissertation 4	3
Total	60		60

 

SEMESTRAL STUDY PLAN

FIRST YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER	Units	SECOND SEMESTER	Units
Methods in Theological Research	3	Advanced Scientific Research Methods	3
Philosophy 1	3	Philosophy 2	3
Theology 1	3	Theology 2	3
Foreign Language 1	3	Foreign Language 2	3
Total	12	Total	12

SECOND YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER	Units	SECOND SEMESTER	Units
Philosophy 3	3	Theology 6	3
Theology 3	3	Theology 7	3
Theology 4	3	Theology 8	3
Theology 5	3	Theology 9	3
Total	12	Total	12

THIRD YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER	Units	SECOND SEMESTER	Units
Review and Comprehensives	(3)	Dissertation 3	3
Dissertation 1	3	Dissertation 4	3
Dissertation 2	3	Dissertation Defense

 

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

1. Academic Prerequisites

a. A student must have graduated in Masters in Theology (MA in Theology, MA in Theological Studies, MA in Religious Studies, MA in Religious Education and other related fields) with academic degree (Thesis Program) as specified by the Commission on Higher Education in the Philippines or its equivalent in other countries.

b. Those who have graduated from other non-thesis programs or Masteral courses other than theology shall have their credentials be evaluated by the Graduate Program Coordinator or Director of Admissions.

c. Depending on the result of this evaluation, they may be required to pursue the Masters in Theology program and write the thesis or to take at least 12 units of theology in the Master’s level and subsequently submit a major research work to show one’s capacity to write a dissertation in theology.

 

2. Admission Requirements

d. The applicant shall submit an application letter addressed to the Dean on his/her intention to undergo the Ph.D. Program in Theology.

e. S/he shall submit two endorsement letters from two sources – from the academic community (former professors or mentors) and from one’s immediate superior (bishop, religious superior, employer, etc.) – attesting to the candidates capacity for doctoral work.

f. S/he shall also submit the following requirements: (a) an updated bio-data or Curriculum Vitae; (b) official transcript of records attesting to a Masters Degree in Theology (thesis program) or its equivalent in other contexts; (c) a copy of one’s masteral thesis or major paper for evaluation; (c) attestation of one’s capacity for the English language both in reading and writing (TOEFL, IELTS or a certificate from the Adamson University Center for Language Learning attesting to one’s capacity to undergo studies in the English language).

g. The applicant shall have passed the SVST-Adamson University entrance exams (UEE) for graduate students.

h. Upon passing the entrance exams, s/he shall pass the interview with the Director of Admissions, Graduate Program Coordinator or whom the Dean designates. The interviewer endorses to the Dean those qualified to take the program.

i. For Filipino students, they shall register for the doctoral academic courses and submit other necessary documentary requirements for enrolment as specified by the Registrar’s Office:

• official transcript of records attesting to a Masters’ Degree in Theology (Please ask the previous school to indicate “Copy for Adamson University”);
• certificate of adequate financial support (e.g., scholarship or attestation of support);
• bio-data or Curriculum Vitae;
• copy of one’s birth certificate (NSO);
• certificate of good moral character from the last school attended;
• honorable dismissal from the last school attended;
•  4 ID photos (2x2 colored, white background with corporate attire);

j. For non-Filipino students, the following documentary requirements shall be submitted:

• Two (2) sets of one’s Official Transcript of Records/ Scholastic records attesting to a Master of Arts degree (MA in Theology) duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in one’s country of origin. Please provide English translation and grade equivalents. (“Seen and Noted” stamp is not acceptable. Please ask the school to indicate: “Copy for Adamson University”);
• Application letter addressed to the Registrar. Waver letter not to take any advanced credits;
• Six (6) copies of the 1998 Revised Personal History Statement (P.H.S.) duly accomplished and signed by the applicant in English and in national alphabet, accompanied by personal seal, if any, original photo and original left and right thumbprints affixed thereat;
• Two  (2) sets of notarized affidavit of Support AND proof of adequate financial support to cover expenses for students accommodation and subsistence, school dues and other incidental expenses (e.g., scholarship, Bank Statement, etc.);
• Two (2) sets of Certificate of Good Moral Character from the School Head of the Institution where s/he last attended;
• Copy of Birth Certificate (English);
• Two (2) set of photocopy of Passport pages where full name, photo, and birth date appear, with last arrival stamp;
• One (1) set of Police Clearance duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in the applicant's country of origin or legal residence;
• One (1) 1 set of original of Quarantine Test (Medical Examination Result);
• Five (5) copies of 2x2 ID photos and (2) copies of 1x1 ID photos;
• Fees for the student visa application

k. S/he shall settle with the Finance Office the necessary fees required by the institution upon enrolment.

 

3. Areas of Concentration, Dissertation Adviser and Working Proposal

l. Upon registration, the student must choose any one of these areas of concentration: (a) systematic theology, and; (b) theological ethics.

m. After one semester of classes, s/he shall choose an adviser to work with in one’s own field of specialization.

n. Before the end of the second semester of academic course work, the adviser shall require the student to submit a working proposal for his/her dissertation.

o. The student shall see the adviser regularly and report to him/her the progress of one’s work.

 

4. Academic Course Load

p. The student shall finish within a specified time the academic course load categorized into the following areas: basic courses (6 units); core philosophy courses (9 units); areas of concentration (27 units); foreign languages (6 units)

q. The student shall not have a grade lower than 2.0 in any of these courses.

r. The student shall submit a written report to the Graduate Program Coordinator on the progress of his/her studies (e.g., courses taken, progress of dissertation writing, etc.)

s. The adviser shall accomplish a written report to the Graduate Program Coordinator on the progress of the student under his/her care. The Administrative Council shall deliberate and follow up on the progress of the individual doctoral students.

t. In the process of fulfilling one’s course load, the student shall be guided in the writing of his/her dissertation proposal. It should be ready before taking the comprehensive examinations.

 

5. Comprehensive Examination

u. At the end of one’s course work, the student shall take both written and oral comprehensive examinations.

v. A passing grade in the comprehensives shall give eligibility for the student to make his/her dissertation proposal defense.

 

6. Dissertation Proposal Defense

w. After passing the comprehensive examination, the student shall defend his/her dissertation proposal in front of a panel constituted by the Dean.

x. Once the proposal is approved, the student proceeds to the writing of the dissertation. In the process, s/he enrolls the 12 units in dissertation writing specified in the curriculum.

 

7. Public Defense

y. Upon the recommendation of the adviser, the student submits 5 copies of the dissertation to the Dean’s Office through the Graduate Program Coordinator.

z. The Dean shall designate a panel of readers composed of the chair, the adviser and three other members. They shall be given at least one month to read it and make their comments and recommendations.

aa. The date of the defense shall be agreed upon by the panel depending on the availability of the persons concerned.

bb. After the defense, the panel of readers, together with the Dean or his representative who acted as the moderator of the defense, shall deliberate on the merits of the dissertation and agree on a grade for the student. The grades shall be on the following categories: (1) Passed; (2) Passed with Minor Revisions; (3) Passed with Major Revisions; (4) Failed.

cc. When a student gets Category 1 and 2, s/he shall finalize her dissertation in coordination with his/her adviser and shall submit five hard bound copies to the Office of the Dean.

dd. When s/he gets Category 3, the student shall defend his/her dissertation again in front of the constituted panel.

ee. If a student gets Category 4, the panel of readers shall deliberate upon his/her case and make their recommendations to the Dean and the Administrative Council. The latter will make the final decision on the future of the student’s doctoral program.

ff. After having fulfilled all the requirements, the student shall apply for graduation from Adamson University and shall be proclaimed a Doctor of Philosophy in Theology.

 

 

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

A. Basic Courses (6 units)

Methods in Theological Research	3 units

• Orients the students to contemporary approaches in theological research as applied in both pastoral and academic fields in our attempt to come up with theological research methods in the Asia-Pacific contexts

Advanced Scientific Research Methods	3 units

• Studies various scientific research methods in other sciences – anthropology, sociology, historical, psychological, statistical fields – and see their applicability to the theological sciences

B. Core Philosophy Courses (9 units) [Any three of the following subjects:]

Contemporary Epistemological Theories	3 units

• Deals with contemporary theories of knowledge and epistemological paradigms as used in historical research, philosophical, socio-cultural and religious fields

Contemporary Philosophies of the Human Person	3 units

• Explores different contemporary philosophical theories about the human person with a view to understanding the complex process of becoming human

Contemporary Ethical Theories	3 units

• Studies ethical theories especially those that exercise great influence in contemporary philosophical/scientific fields and their relevance to present ethical questions and issues

Contemporary Researches on Ancient Philosophies	3 units

• Deals with contemporary studies on ancient philosophers and the relevance of their reflections into our present contexts

Contemporary Researches on Medieval Philosophies	3 units

• Deals with contemporary studies on medieval philosophers and the relevance of their reflections into our present contexts

Contemporary Researches on Modern Philosophies	3 units

• Deals with contemporary studies on modern philosophers and the relevance of their reflections into our present contexts

Advanced Metaphysics	3 units

• Treats on the contemporary metaphysical theories and their relevance to present theological discourses

Contemporary Philosophy of Nature	3 units

• Examines how the present understanding of nature and physical phenomena continues with but also diverges from its classical and medieval counterparts; it also examines the contemporary theories of space and time – from relativity theories to quantum mechanics and string theory – and their implications to theological discourse

Contemporary Critical Theories	3 units

• Deals with the in-depth examination of contemporary critical theories from its intial reflections in the Frankfurt school to its contemporary counterparts in cultural analysis, literary criticism, postmodern aesthetics and philosophies

Phenomenological Method	3 units

• Discusses the phenomenological method initiated by Husserl and developed by the phenomenological movement up to our contemporary times; it deals with how this method is concretely applied to the understanding of human and social experiences and its reception in theology

Philosophy of Technology	3 units

• Examines the philosophical view of technology from the Greek notion of ‘techne’, to medieval crafts, from our relationship with machines in the modern period to the ubiquitous presence of the internet and nanotechnology in contemporary contexts; it inquires into the relationship of technology and human freedom

Advanced Hermeneutic Studies	3 units

• Explores in detail into the terrains of hermeneutical science from the ancient to medieval interpretation of texts, to the modern hermeneutic philosophies of Schleiermacher, Dilthey, Gadamer, Ricoeur and their repercussions to the interpretation of theological texts and contexts; this course is done through in depth reading of primary sources

Anthropology and Philosophy of Religion	3 units

• Delves into contemporary anthropological researches and theories of religions and their different manifestations in history; it also systematically discusses some methodological and philosophical issues like the problem of evil (theodicy); belief or non-belief in the divine (theism, agnosticism, atheism); polytheism, monotheism and pantheism, etc.

Contemporary Philosophy of Science	3 units

• Explores into the philosophies of science as they are enunciated by some contemporary thinkers, foremost of whom are Kuhn, Feyerabend, Lakatos, Putnam, Bachelard, Canguilhem, Koyre, Foucault, etc.

Asian Philosophies	3 units

• Deals with the dominant Asian philosophies coming from ancient Asian religions as they are practiced in contemporary times; it also discusses specific works of contemporary Asian philosophers enunciating Asian thought and worldviews

Filipino Philosophy	3 units

• Explores into the Filipino thought and worldview as elaborated by contemporary Filipino thinkers in different scientific fields

Structuralism, Post-structuralism and After	3 units

• Traces the history of structuralist philosophy in the field of linguistics, anthropology and psychoanalysis; the reactions to it by post-structuralist thinkers; and the different related philosophies that emerged in its wake

Intercultural Philosophies	3 units

• Explores the idea that philosophies if they are to be effective in our times shall be conceived of interculturally – and in opposition to the Eurocentric thinking present in all philosophical discourses; it discusses the works of Fornet-Betancourt, Kimmerle, Mall, Wimmer and other relevant authors in this emerging filed.

 

C. Major Courses (27 units)

C.1 Concentration on Systematic Theology
[any nine of the following subjects]

History of Theological Methods	3 units

• Examines the history of theological method throughout the centuries and determine their relevance to contemporary issues and concerns

Theological Methods 1	3 units

• Studies closely some theological methods of contemporary theologians and theological groups and determine their relevance to Asia-Pacific contexts

Theological Methods 2	3 units

• Studies closely some theological methods of contemporary theologians and theological groups and determine their relevance to Asia-Pacific contexts

Theological Methods 3	3 units

• Studies closely some theological methods of contemporary theologians and theological groups and determine their relevance to Asia-Pacific contexts

Patristics 1	3 units

• Deals with the socio-historical contexts and teachings of the Apostolic Fathers and the Greek Fathers of the church and their relevance to contemporary theological issues

Patristics 2	3 units

• Deals with the socio-historical contexts and teachings of the Latin Fathers of the church and their relevance to contemporary theological issues

Medieval Theologies and Theologians	3 units

• Deals with the socio-historical contexts, theological content and methodological issues of the medieval theologians and their relevance to contemporary theology

Modern Theologies and Theologians	3 units

• Deals with the socio-historical contexts, theological content and methodological issues of the modern theologians and their relevance to contemporary theology

Contemporary Theologians 1	3 units

• Deals with the socio-historical contexts, theological content and methodological issues of some contemporary theologians and their relevance to contemporary questions and issues

Contemporary Theologians 2	3 units

• Deals with the socio-historical contexts, theological content and methodological issues of some contemporary theologians and their relevance to contemporary questions and issues

Contemporary Theologians 3	3 units

• Deals with the socio-historical contexts, theological content and methodological issues of some contemporary theologians and their relevance to contemporary questions and issues

Recent Dogmatic Documents of the Church	3 units

• Critically reflects on the recent dogmatic document of the Church – encyclicals, apostolic exhortations, etc. – and determines their relevance to the Asia-Pacific contexts

Asian Religions and Theologies	3 units

• Surveys Asian theologies/theologians and their attempts to dialogue ancient Asian religions and philosophies

Symbols, Rituals and Theology	3 units

• Orients students to the significance of language, symbols and rituals to religions in general and to theology in particular; it examines the anthropological and philosophical theories on symbols and how these are applied to theology

Contemporary Christologies	3 units

• Examines the contemporary developments in Christology from the reflections of contemporary theologians from different parts of the world

Contemporary Developments in Ecclesiology	3 units

• Examines the contemporary developments in ecclesiology from the reflections of contemporary theologians from different parts of the world

Eschatology in Contemporary Perspectives	3 units

• Examines the contemporary developments in eschatology from the reflections of contemporary theologians from different parts of the world

Studies in Indigenous and Popular Religions	3 units

• Deals with the studies on indigenous religions and popular religiosity and their theological challenges in the Asia-Pacific contexts

Contemporary Developments in Ecumenism	3 units

• Examines the contemporary developments in the ecumenical movement from the perspective of different confessional traditions

Theology of World Religions	3 units

• Reflects on the developments in world religions especially in the Asian contexts and the challenge they pose to theology and Christianity

Theology of Interreligious Dialogue	3 units

• Studies the attempts of the church to dialogue with other religions and the theologies that undergird these directions especially in the Asian contexts; it takes up both the theoretical reflections and the practical experiences of interreligious dialogue both in the official church documents and pastoral communities

Theologies of Creation	3 units

• Examines the theological perspectives of creation from the ancient and medieval to modern and contemporary paradigms, with a focus on contemporary philosophies and the emerging eco-theological consciousness in contemporary contexts

Theology and Politics	3 units

• Surveys the relationships between theology and politics in the history of Christianity as elaborated by thinkers and theologians in different periods of the Church; it aims at elaborating a viable relationship between these two autonomous fields leading to effective pastoral practice.

Spiritual Traditions: East and West	3 units

• Examines the Western and Eastern spiritual traditions with a view to establishing a dialogue among these different spiritualities

Contemporary Theologies of Liberation	3 units

• Orients the students to the contemporary developments in libration theologies from its Latin American origins to the new themes, questions, and issues in other continents and in the global contexts

Postcolonial and Postmodern Theologies	3 units

• Examines the postcolonial and postmodern theories in philosophy, history and other sciences and their implications to theological discourse

Feminist Theologies	3 units

• Examines feminist philosophies and their implications to Christian theological discourse

Inculturation: History and Prospects	3 units

• Deals with the theory and practice of the inculturation movement in different continental contexts

FABC and PCP II: Theological Directions	3 units

• Studies the documents and commentaries of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) and the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines (PCP II) – and their repercussions to the theology and pastoral practice of the local churches in the Philippines and Asia

Filipino Theologies: History and Prospects	3 units

• Examines and evaluates the various attempts at evolving a Filipino theology – at professional, pastoral and popular levels – relevant to the Philippine context

 

C.2 Concentration on Theological Ethics
[any nine of the following subjects]

Methods in Theological Ethics: History and Prospects	3 units

• Studies closely the methods of theological ethics up to contemporary times and determine their relevance to Asia-Pacific contexts

Catholic Social Tradition: Contemporary Developments	3 units

• Traces and reflects on the contemporary developments of the Catholic social tradition both in the teachings of the Magisterium and in theological reflection

Social Justice: Philosophy, Social Sciences and Theology	3 units

• Deals with the contemporary interrelated developments on question of social justice from the fields of philosophy, social sciences and theology in the age of globalization

Life, Death and Dying: Ethical Reflections	3 units

• Orients the students on the complex issues on life, death and dying from the medical and ethical perspectives

Medical Ethics	3 units

• Deals with the contemporary issues of medical ethics in the teachings of the Magisterium and theological reflection

Environmental Ethics	3 units

• Deals with developments in environmental ethics from other scientific fields (deep ecology, eco-feminism, social ecology, new animism, etc.) and dialogue them with theology and pastoral practice

War and Peace	3 units

• Discusses the Catholic moral reflection war and peace from the perspective of ancient, medieval and contemporary theories

Business Ethics	3 units

• Deals with contemporary ethical reflection on business in their various fields and dimensions and their implications to theology

Media Ethics	3 units

• Reflects on the recent ethical reflections on media and communications (journalism, broadcast media, internet, etc.), the Magisterium’s stand on these questions toward a search for appropriate pastoral practices

Virtue Ethics	3 units

• Deals with the history of virtue ethics and its contemporary developments; it aims to assess the relevance of this ethical reflections in the Asia-Pacific contexts

Ethics of Care	3 units

• Reflects on the recent developments and contemporary reflection on the ethics of care

Sexual Morality in Magisterial Teachings and Theology	3 units

• Traces and reflects on the recent developments of the sexual morality both in the teachings of the Magisterium and contemporary theological reflection

Social Analysis: Theological and Ethical Perspectives	3 units

• Orients students to the role and use of social analysis in ethics and theology; it leads the students to analyze the complex question of power in social groups and to do actual social analysis among grassroots communities

Migration: Theological and Ethical Perspectives	3 units

• Reflects on the phenomenon of migration from the social science and the ethical perspectives

Dissent and Magisterium	3 units

• Deals with the relationship between authority and dissent in the Catholic tradition

Rethinking Natural Law	3 units

• Discusses the origins of natural law theory in the ancient and medieval philosophies, its application in theology and its contemporary critique and re-assessments

Scripture and Theological Ethics	3 units

• Deals with the relationship between biblical studies and ethics throughout the history of theological reflection

Feminist Ethics	3 units

• Discusses the classical theological issues and questions from the perspective of feminist philosophies and theologies

Contemporary Moral Theologians 1	3 units

• Deals with the method, lives and works of some contemporary moral theologians

Contemporary Moral Theologians 2	3 units

• Deals with the method, lives and works of some contemporary moral theologians

Contemporary Moral Theologians 3	3 units

• Deals with the method, lives and works of some contemporary moral theologians

 

D. Foreign Languages (6 units)
[any two of the following subjects]

Latin	3 units
Biblical Greek	3 units
Hebrew	3 units
English	3 units
French	3 units
Spanish	3 units
German	3 units
Mandarin	3 units
Nihongo	3 units

 

E. Dissertation (12 units)

Dissertation Writing	6 units
Dissertation Writing	6 units

 

 

 

 

1. Methodology

Research Methods 1: Theological Research                                          3 units

Orients students to the fundamentals of theological research as it is practiced in different theological fields. It aims to equip new students with basic theoretical and practical skills in order to cope with the demands of doing research papers, project papers and theses in the graduate level.

Research Methods 2: Approaches                                                            3 units

                                                                                              Pre: Research Methods 1
Provides basic knowledge and skills on the different approaches to theological research, both in its quantitative (statistical) and qualitative (historical, philosophical, ethno-linguistic, participative, case studies, ethnographic) forms. It also seeks to explore inculturated ways of doing scientific research outside Western paradigms. 

2. Languages

Basic Communication (English)                                                                 2 units

Offers students a review of their basic communication skills in the English language, in the fields of grammar, composition and speech, so as to equip them with suitable capacities to handle scientific theological research and pastoral practice.

Essential Latin                                                                                                2 units

Provides students with basic knowledge of the Latin language as it used in theological sciences and the ecclesiastical field.

Biblical Greek                                                                                                  2 units

Presents the Greek grammar and vocabulary as used in the New Testament writings in order to enable the student to have a ready tool in his hands for the biblical study of the New Testament.

3. Scripture Studies

Introduction to Scriptures                                                                            3 units

Outlines the fundamentals of professional biblical study. It expounds the formation of the bible, the questions of inspiration, inerrancy, its different literary genres, etc. It discusses the historicity of the Gospels, their differing contexts and their individual redactions and their theologies. It also tries to provide an introductory overview of the modern and contemporary issues in biblical research.

Pentateuch                                                                                                      3 units

                                                                                        Pre: Intro to Scriptures
Orients and provides students with an ample overview of the development of Israel’s faith, history and theology through the perspective of the Pentateuch and in the context of the development in contemporary biblical scholarship. It will also present a general overview of the so-called Historical Books and how these other writings fit into the historical framework as the unfolding of the faith and identity of the People of God.

Wisdom and Prophets                                                                                  3 units

                                                                                        Pre: Intro to Scriptures
Examines the socio-historical origins of the prophetic traditions in the ancient Israel. It studies the major/minor prophets of the Old Testament as well as the basic theological themes and relevance of prophetic and sapiential books.

Synoptics and Acts                                                                                        3 units

                                                                                       Pre: Intro to Scriptures
Studies the socio-historical context, content, literary relationships and theological themes in the Synoptic Gospels (Mark-Matthew-Luke) and Acts of the Apostles.

Johannine Writings                                                                                       3 units

                                                                                       Pre: Intro to Scriptures
Studies the context, structure, content and theological themes in the Fourth Gospel, the Letters and the Book of Revelation based on contemporary scholarship in Johannine literature.

Pauline Literature                                                                                          3 units

                                                                                        Pre: Intro to Scriptures
Examines the theological themes of Paul’s letters in their individual socio-historical contexts and from them direction for Christian living.

Handling Bible Study Sessions                                                                   2 units

                                                                                         Pre: Intro to Scriptures
Explores various methods and processes through which the Word of God is reflected on and studied in non-specialized audiences. It intends to equip students with the skills to facilitate such reflection process in grassroots communities.

Scripture Studies: Contemporary Issues                                                 2 units

                                                                                       Pre: Intro to Scriptures
Reflects on and explores the complex contemporary developments, issues and debates in biblical scholarship.

4. Dogmatic Theology

Fundamental Dogmatic Theology                                                               3 units

Presents theological reflection as a dialectical relationship between human experience and Christian tradition. It reflects on the contemporary notions of ‘experience’ in the social and human sciences and their impact on religion and theology. It also explains the elements and processes of ‘doing theology’ as a responsibility of all believers.

Christology                                                                                                       3 units

                                                                                       Pre: Fund. Dogmatic Theo
A journey towards an integration of the contemporary human experience of Jesus Christ with the Judaeo-Christian tradition of Christology. It brings to light the current problematic in the Christian experience and reflection of our contemporaries, religious and non-religious alike. It examines the Jesus in the scriptures, council pronouncements, and contemporary reflection. The course is so designed as to facilitate personal and contextual Christological re-appropriation.

Triune God                                                                                                    3 units

                                                                                                            Pre: Christology
Seeks to recover the rich tradition on the doctrine of the Trinity, starting from the ancient Near Eastern and Jewish roots, spanning through the New Testament, the patristic development and ending with an attempt at an inculturated re-appropriation in the contemporary context.

Ecclesiology                                                                                                    3 units

                                                                                           Pre: Fund. Dogmatic Theo
Examines the theology(ies) of the Church as rooted in contemporary socio-historical ecclesial experience and the ecclesiological reflections in the Scriptures, the Councils and contemporary theology. It also attempts to think out a theology of the Church appropriate to the Philippine and Asian contexts.

Creation and Eschatology                                                                            3 units

                                                                                       Pre: Fund. Dogmatic Theo
Studies the theology of creation and the so-called ‘last things’ in the Judaeo-Christian tradition vis-à-vis contemporary developments in the natural, social and anthropological sciences (e.g., evolution, ecology, etc.). It also aims to re-appropriate these theological themes into the contextual understanding of created realities and human destiny within the Filipino/Asian psyche and cultures.

Theological Anthropology                                                                            3 units

                                                                                       Pre: Fund. Dogmatic Theo
Reflects on the understanding of the human person in the Judaeo-Christian tradition as a dialectics of grace and sin. It traces the biblical foundation, patristic reflection, medieval debates and contemporary theological models of the relationship between human freedom and divine initiative as it also explores into the inculturated understanding of this central theological theme.

Liberation Theology                                                                                       3 units

                                                                                       Pre: Fund. Dogmatic Theo
Traces the history and roots of this theology, its elaboration in the minds of its main proponents, its debates with the Magisterium, its methodological proposals and contemporary developments.

Theology and Cultures                                                                                  3 units

                                                                                       Pre: Fund. Dogmatic Theo
Explores the relationships between the church and cultures, exploring the paths towards a theology of inculturation. It focuses on the different understanding of ‘culture’ in philosophy, sociology, anthropology and the Church’s reception of these developments. It intends to assess the appropriateness of these theories in the search for more effective ways of doing contextual theologies.

Contemporary Theological Methods                                                         2 units

                                                                                       Pre: Fund. Dogmatic Theo
Explores into the different contemporary methods of doing theology, their exponents and their differing contexts.

Contemporary Issues in Dogmatic Theology                                          2 units

                                                                                       Pre: Fund. Dogmatic Theo
Considers the contemporary debates, questions and issues in dogmatic theology and the positions of contemporary theologians.

Doing Theology in Context                                                                            2 units

                                                                                       Pre: Fund. Dogmatic Theo
Leads students to the theories and processes of doing contextual theologies. This seminar course deals with the actual practice of contextual theologizing by raising concrete issues and reflecting on them with the help of a professional theologian.

5. Moral Theology

Fundamental Moral Theology                                                                      3 units

Aims to lay down the general foundations necessary for deeper theological reflection on more particular moral themes.
It locates different models of moral theological discourse in their differing socio-historical contexts as it also proposes viable ways of doing moral theology from the perspective of contemporary cultural sensibilities and of the marginalized communities.

Christian Sexual Morality                                                                             3 units

                                                                                       Pre: Fund. Moral Theology
Discusses the dynamics of human sexuality and sexual love in the differing context of single life, conjugal relationship and celibate commitment. It also reflects on the consequences of the heightened awareness of ‘gender’ on sexual ethics and the complex moral issues and debates this engenders. 

Social Teachings of the Church                                                                  3 units

Focuses mainly on the social teachings of the Church as it has been proposed from Leo XIII to the present. The documents are presented vis-à-vis their own socio-economic, historical and ideological contexts. The course’s main objective is to lead the students to a balanced appreciation of the contributions and limitations of the Church’s responses to social problems.

Special Moral Questions                                                                              3 units

                                                                                       Pre: Fund. Moral Theology   
Explores into some particular themes in moral theology: the contemporary issues of medical and bioethics; justice, war and violence; concrete feminist challenges to morality; inculturation of moral discourse, etc.

Contemporary Issues in Moral Theology                                                  2 units

                                                                                       Pre: Fund. Moral Theology
Considers the contemporary debates, questions and issues in moral theology here and abroad and the positions of contemporary moral theologians.

6. Church History

Church History 1: Ancient and Medieval                                                   3 units

Covers the journey of the Catholic Church from its birth within the Judaeo-Greco-Roman world into its establishment as the all-encompassing institution in the Middle Ages.

Church History 2: Modern and Contemporary                                        3 units

                                                                                         Pre: Church History 1
Resumes the journey of the church from the period of the Reformation to the convocation of Vatican II Council. It studies the face of the church of the Council of Trent, the establishment of world-wide missions following the age of explorations, and the hardening of positions in the period of the Enlightenment, Socialism and Modernism. The course ends with the examination of the conditions that usher its aggiornamento and the understanding of its mission to the contemporary world.

Church History 3: The Philippines                                                              3 units

                                                                                        Pre: Church History 2
Offers a cursory look at the principal stages of the establishment of the Church in the Philippines in particular and in Asia, in general. It examines the beginning and developments of Christianity from the Spanish era to our times and its implications on the sense of nationhood and destiny of the Filipino people.

Contemporary Issues in Church History                                                  2 units

Considers the contemporary debates, questions and issues in church history and the positions of contemporary historians and theologians.

Themes in Philippine Studies: Theological Reflection                          2 units

Studies some specialized issues, themes and events in social, cultural and historical research within the Philippines with a view to their re-appropriation into an inculturated theological discourse.

7. Sacramental Theology & Liturgical Studies

Fundamental Sacramentology                                                                    3 units

Studies the notion of sacrament as an act of Christ and place of an encounter with him through the Church by means of visible and efficacious signs, in the liturgy. It also proposes the biblical, patristic, historical, liturgical and pastoral dimensions of the Sacraments.

Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism-Confirmation-Eucharist                3 units

                                                                           Pre: Fundamental Sacramentology
Presents the sacraments of initiation into Christian life: baptism, confirmation and Eucharist. First, it offers a general treatment of their biblical foundation, then the patristic understanding of these sacraments, and finally the theological, canonical and pastoral reflections with a view to their meaningful celebration in the local contexts.

Sacraments of Healing: Reconciliation & Anointing                              3 units

                                                                           Pre: Fundamental Sacramentology
Discusses the sacraments of ‘healing’ in the Church: reconciliation and anointing of the sick. It offers a general treatment of their biblical foundation, the patristic interpretation, and finally the theological, canonical and pastoral reflections with a view to their meaningful celebration in the local contexts.

Sacraments of Marriage and Holy Orders                                               3 units

                                                                           Pre: Fundamental Sacramentology
Studies the sacraments for the different states of life: marriage and holy orders. It offers a general treatment of their biblical foundation, the patristic interpretation, and the theological, canonical and pastoral reflections with a view to their meaningful celebration in the local contexts.

Inculturation of Sacraments and Liturgy                                                 3 units

                                                                           Pre: Fundamental Sacramentology
Explores into the methods of liturgical inculturation, the Church’s attitude towards it as seen in its documents and the different local attempts with which liturgical-sacramental inculturation is done in the Philippines/Asia. This course also leads students to appreciate and assess the different ways of doing inculturation in liturgy so as to enable them to do it in their own local contexts. 

Ad Audiendas and Liturgical Presidency                                                 3 units

Focuses on the ministry of hearing confessions and presiding in liturgical celebrations. Emphasis shall be done on the Moral Theology and Canon Law requirements for valid and licit reception/administration of the Sacrament of Reconcialiation, as well as the pastoral care of penitents. The course also aims to enable the priestly candidate to effectively preside in liturgical services, particularly the celebration of the Eucharist and other sacraments.

8. Pastoral Theology & Spirituality

Pastoral Theology 1                                                                                       3 units

Explores the action-reflection-action dynamics of pastoral practice through exposure to different grassroots communities (BECs or sectoral groups), assessing their pastoral dynamics and community organizing processes so that students themselves can later come up with appropriate pastoral responses in their own contexts.

Pastoral Theology 2                                                                                       3 units

                                                                                       Pre: Pastoral Theology 1
Also called ‘pastoral management’, this course explores into the concrete application of management strategies into the pastoral field.

Missiology                                                                                                        3 units

Reflects on the theology of mission in the thinking of the Church throughout its history. It intends to evolve a paradigm of mission sensitive to contemporary developments and multi-religious context.

Ecumenism                                                                                                      2 units

Traces the development of ecumenical spirit from Vatican II documents to its contemporary discussions. Beside theoretical reflection, this seminar course also intends to expose the students to actual ecumenical groups and their programs.

Interreligious Dialogue: Theology and Practice                                      2 units

Reflects on the theology of interreligious dialogue, the ideas of its main contemporary proponents and dialogues with the Church’s documents on the issue. It also looks into the attempts and learnings of the local Churches (Philippines/Asia) in the practice of interreligious dialogue among the grassroots communities.

Christian Life and Spirituality                                                                      2 units

Presents a synthesis of the elements of ascetical and mystical theology, the virtues and practices called for in the Christian spiritual life. Includes a study of the different schools of spirituality and their masters throughout the different epochs of Church history. This course also aims to enable student from different states of life (lay, religious and clergy) to discern for themselves a spirituality appropriate to their own states.

Theology and Spirituality of the FABC                                                        2 units

Traces the main themes and highlights of the emerging Asian theology and spirituality through the documents of the FABC, the Asian Synod and the studies about them. It interprets these documents from the context of the Churches in Asia, their complex histories, their age-old traditions, religions and cultures and their contemporary concerns.

Mariology                                                                                                          2 units

                                                                                   Pre: Christology/ Ecclesiology
Reflects on the role of Mary in the history of salvation, tracing the Mariological tradition from the Scriptures, the history of theology and popular religiosity. The course also aims to highlight a Marian theology that is liberative of women in our contemporary and local contexts.

Homiletics 1                                                                                                     2 units

Homiletics refers to the science and art of preaching. It deals with the structure of Christian discourse, embracing all that pertains to the preparation and delivery of the homily, sermon and all sorts of talks that involve the Word of God. As the Word of God is preached as Good News to humankind, homiletics studies the dynamic relationship between the proclamation and study of the Word of God and the human condition that it addresses.

Homiletics 2                                                                                                     2 units

Deals with the practical aspects of preaching, i.e., the immediate preparation, the actual writing, and delivery of the homily.

Media and Ministry                                                                                         2 units

Studies the contemporary technologies and means of social communication in order to be able to critically assess their significance to theology and evangelization. It focuses on the development of skills in the effective use of mass media in spreading the Good News.

9. Canon Law Studies

Canon Law 1                                                                                                    3 units

Introduces the nature of the Church Law, its history, its outline, structure, etc. It also presents the principles of its interpretation and application. It studies Book l of the Code of Canon Law.

Canon Law 2                                                                                                    3 units

                                                                                                        Pre: Canon Law 1
Presents Book II, III and IV of the Code of Canon Law dealing with the laity clergy and the hierarchy; the local Churches and Church structures. Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life; other acts of divine worship, sacred places and times.

Canon Law 3                                                                                                    3 units

                                                                                                         Pre: Canon Law 2
Studies the acquisition of properties, crimes and penalties, and the judicial processes in Book V, VI, and VII of the Code of Canon Law.

10. Vincentian Studies

History of the Vincentian Family                                                                 3 units

Studies the lives and works of Vincent de Paul and Louise de Marillac, the context of their times and their Christian responses to those contexts as found in their writings, the institutions they themselves have established and others which have been inspired by their labors. This basic historical study also tries to outline the biography and works of other saints in the Vincentian family.

Vincentian Spirituality 1: Fundamentals                                                   3 units

                                                                             Pre: History of Vincentian Family
Explores the basic directions of Vincentian spirituality by in-depth reflection on the writings of the Founders, read both from the perspective of their own contexts and their possible relevance to contemporary sensibilities. Based on historical studies by Vincentian experts, the main course’s focus is on how the Founders responded ‘to the cries of the poor’ as the way to follow Jesus, the evangelizer of the poor. It also attempts to orient students to a basic methodology with which to evolve a contemporary Vincentian spirituality.

Vincentian Spirituality 2: Contemporary Reflections                             3 units

                                                               Pre: History of the Vincentian Family
  Vincentian Spirituality 1
Deals with particular themes, issues and problems relevant to contemporary sensibilities and reflected on in the light of the lives and writings of the Founders and of the traditions of the Vincentian Family. The course aims to search for the contemporary relevance of Vincentian spirit.

Theology of the Laity: Vincentian Perspectives                                      3 units

                                                               Pre: History of the Vincentian Family
Ecclesiology
Explores into the theology of the lay people in the Church today, read in the ideals of Vincent de Paul and other Founders of the Vincentian family (Louise de Marillac, Frederic Ozanam, etc.) so as to evolve a theology of the Church of the Poor where lay people are central agents with the clergy and religious in the work of social transformation.

Poverty and Development Studies                                                             2 units

Presents some contemporary studies on poverty in the global and local levels as well as the different efforts to alleviate it as shown in the emerging field of development work. This course attempts to ground Vincentian response to poverty with the findings of the human, social and economic sciences.

BECs and Community Organizing                                                               2 units

Consists in actual exposure to established BECs or other community organizing initiatives and a structured reflection on these experiences in order to enable students to assess and evolve a program for grassroots communities in their own contexts.

Vincentian Popular Missions                                                                      2 units

Includes an actual participation in a popular mission conducted by Vincentian mission teams and a subsequent reflection on its programs and processes. This course intends to enable the students to assess and evolve a program for grassroots communities in his/her own context.

Community Projects Management                                                            2 units

Presents and reflects on the ins and outs of project management for community development in its different phases: community needs assessment, feasibility studies, formulation of project proposals, funding application, implementation and evaluation. This seminar course also includes exposures into the workings of viable community projects, their funding schemes and actual services.

Cooperatives: Theory and Practice                                                           2 units

Presents and reflects on the dynamics, processes and theories of the cooperative movement as learned from actual working cooperatives. This seminar course also includes other basic skills in community-based financial management, e.g., accounting for non-accountants, community saving schemes, etc.

Counseling for the Grassroots                                                                   2 units

Explores into the dynamics and processes of counseling as applied to grassroots communities. This course includes actual exposure and counseling sessions to marginalized groups.

Social Justice Advocacy                                                                              2 units

Presents the fundamentals and practical dimensions of advocacy work in the context of the struggle for justice in society. This course includes a hard social analysis of local/national/worldwide contexts, introduction into the legal and para-legal means to advocacy and exposure to actual advocacy groups and their works.

Introductory to Philosophy
     St. Vincent School of Theology, in collaboration with Adamson University (Bachelor of Arts major in Philosophy), offers the Introductory Philosophy for Theological Studies to seminarians and lay people who wish to acquire basic units in philosophy before proceeding to formal theological studies. It is a 2-year or 4-semester program with classes held once a week in a 3-hour meeting. Students are given the option to either follow the curriculum as it is presented or select particular courses based on their academic and formation needs.

INTRODUCTORY PHILOSOPHY

Schedule

INTRODUCTORY PHILOSOPHY FOR THEOLOGICAL STUDIES

First Semester

Logic and Knowledge
The course deals with the theory of correct reasoning from its classical syllogistic forms (Aristotelian logic) to contemporary mathematical representations (symbolic logic). It also deals with different theories of knowledge as well as the nature, sources and validity of knowledge claims.

Philosophy of Human Person
This course initiates students into various approaches and reflections on the dynamism of the human person’s existence. It aims to explore philosophical theories of the human person from ancient, medieval, modern and contemporary perspectives, thus, also leading the students to craft insights into their own human existence.

General Ethics
This course is concerned with the methodological considerations and approaches with regard some fundamental thinking and practices related to the pursuit of the good life. It critically dwells on some crucial questions about moral vision, perspectives, principles, motivations, freedom, laws and theories related to the behavior, character and life of a person, both as an individual and as a member of a community within the given structure of any particular social arrangement.

History of Ancient and Medieval Philosophy
This course discusses the first two major strands of the four main subdivisions in philosophy’s historical development. The first part deals with the emergence and early development of philosophical discourses from the Early Greeks to Aristotle and the Later Greek Schools. The second part covers the Patristic philosophies to the scholastic period.

Second Semester

Metaphysics
This course deals with the foundational question of ‘being’ as ultimate reality, its existence/non-existence, our experience of it and the conditions of its possibility. It critically explores different theories from ancient, medieval, modern and contemporary writers with special attention to paradigms closely appropriated by Christian discourse.

Applied Ethics
This course makes a historico-critical examination of some practical ethical issues and moral questions and reflections about life, sex, social justice, business and the environment among others, taking into serious consideration the changing times and contexts.

Critical Social Theory
The course focuses on effective critiques of contemporary society from the perspective of the recent rethinking of Marxist thought – from the Frankfurt School to literary criticism, cultural studies and postcolonial theory. It aims to develop students’ critical consciousness of the social world as inseparable from its historical and socio-historical locations as it also explores different perspectives of effectively changing such societies.

History of Modern and Contemporary Philosophy
This course is a critical survey on the philosophical thoughts, theorists, and movements developed from the 16th century until the contemporary times. The first part starts with Descartes’ search for the ultimate foundations, the modern rationalist-empiricist debates and ends with Kant’s great synthesis. The second part will show the achievements, promises, and limits of these modern paradigms, establishing repercussions into different philosophical movements in contemporary times.

Third Semester

Philosophy of Nature
The course deals with the ultimate constitution of bodies, their origins, nature and properties. It also covers the ancient, medieval, modern and discussions on the nature of change, space and time, and relations among natural existence – from Greek cosmologies to Newtonian physics and quantum mechanics.

Phenomenology and Existentialism
This course traces the development of phenomenological and existentialist thought in the reflections of Husserf, Heidegger, Kierkegaard, Sartre and their contemporary critiques and reconstructions.

Hermeneutics
This course studies the different theories of interpretation from its ancient and medieval roots in biblical exegesis to its modern and contemporary developments in the proposals of Schleiermacher, Dilthey, Gadamer, Ricoeur and others. It also explores how hermeneutics is applied in various contemporary fields with special attention to its repercussions in theological disciplines.

Philosophy of God and Religion
This course aims to explore theories of religious belief, the nature of religious experience, the meaning of religious claims, the existence (or non-existence) of God(s) and the different ways in which these themes are discussed and evaluated in the history of thoughts and civilizations.

Fourth Semester

Oriental Philosophies
This course provides a cursory examination of the philosophies of ancient Oriental civilizations (Hebrews, Chaldeans, Egyptians, Assyrians, Chinese, Persians, etc.) as well as the contemporary Eastern religions and cultures (Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Shintoism, etc.). It also critically explores some contemporary works on Filipino philosophies.

Philosophy of Science
This course deals with the nature and differing theories of ‘scientific method’ and the validity of scientific reasoning – from its ancient-medieval conceptions to its contemporary developments in the writings of Wittgenstein, Popper, Quine, Kuhn, Lakatos, Feyerabend and others.

 

This is a one-year or two-semester, non-degree program designed for lay leaders, postulants and novices to religious life who wish to acquire initial or basic knowledge on various aspects of the Christian faith that is responsive to the signs of the times. It may be taken either for academic formation, personal enrichment, or as preliminary to the master’s degree program (M.A.) and theological studies for the priesthood and religious life.

INTRODUCTORY THEOLOGICAL FORMATION

Schedule

INTRODUCTORY THEOLOGICAL FORMATION- ITF

First Semester Courses

[ITF-CA] Christian Anthropology
What does it mean to become human in relation to other beings and to God? The course deals with themes, such as: creation; freedom and responsibility; male and female, body and soul, God’s grace and the existence of sin/evil and suffering; death and future destiny.

[ITF-OT] The Old Testament
This explains the bible as “revealed and inspired” Word of God, then surveys the Old Testament books as testimonies of Israel’s experiences of God’s saving or liberating deeds in history; invites us to recognize also God’s continuing activity in our life and the world so we may write our history in the process of salvation. [This is a Bible course.]

[ITF-FG] The Four Gospels
It surveys the New Testament writings in the context of the first-century Palestine and Judaism, then studies the four gospels came to be written and collected, and how to read them as faith-reflections and proclamations of communities of Jesus’ disciples. [This is a Bible course.]

[ITF-DT] Doing Theology for Beginners
First part explains God’s Revelation or self-communication and the believer’s response of Faith. Second part of the course assists the students to learn doing theology as a critical reflection and action on everyday and social experiences in the light of God’s Word. The method of see-discern/judge-act will be familiarized by the students.

[ITF-CHRIST] Christology
This is an invitation to meet Jesus of Nazareth in Palestine, and how the various communities of believers in the light of the Easter/ resurrection faith reflected on his figure and meaning; in the process, we are invited to answer who Jesus is among our Asian peoples.

Second Semester Courses

[ITF-CM] Christian Morality
The first part of this course is about the fundamental of Christian morality, such as the human person, freedom, conscience, sin, etc., while the second part offers the church’s challenging social message, especially on issues like poverty, injustice and violence.

[ITF-CHURCH] The Church
After an examination of present situation of the Church (see), the course traces the origins of the Church in Jesus and his community of disciples (discern). It continues to explain the changing understanding and practice of church, in the light of the vision of Vatican II Council and the Federation of Asian Bishop’s Conferences, of the Church as communion-in-mission in dialogue with the Asian poor, their rich cultural traditions, and their religion (act).

[ITF-TA] Theologies in Action
The course aims to enlighten the students on the experiences of people in the margins of society and church, who are affected by social and global issues. Various resource persons will share the struggles and hopes of those they are ministering to, their analysis, reflections, and advocacies as well. Integral to this course is a one-day “Christmas at the Margins” and a two-day “Pilgrimage to Mount Banahaw”.

[ITF-LS] Liturgy and Sacraments
An introduction on liturgy and the sacrament, focusing on symbols, rites and rituals as integral dimension of becoming human-in-community, which for the Christian leads to discover and praise God’s abiding presence in everyday life and in significant events of a community.

[ITF-MA] Mary and Discipleship
Who is Miriam of Nazareth, the mother of Jesus? How did Christians in various times and places regard her contribution to salvation history and the life of the Church? What does she offer us today, to women and men committed to the world?

(Handog na Pag-aaral sa mga Layko or Christian Theology for the Laity)

The general aim of this program is to form and train lay leaders so that they can effectively perform their responsibilities with the support of their ordained pastors. In practical terms, any lay person who participates in HaPág-Layko will be able to carry out his or her particular ministry in the parish or small Christian community. Each of the programs of HaPág-Layko, therefore seeks to equip the lay leader, theologically and pastorally, through a formation that is contextualized for the lay condition, involving lectures and workshops, and practical exercises, and focusing not only on the skills but also on the vocation and spirituality of service of the laity.

HAPAG-LAYKO PROGRAMS AND MODULES

I.    General Theology Lecture Series

III.   Training for Lay Liturgical Ministrie

IV.  Training for Basic Ecclesial Communities