Loras

Loras College Graduate Program
MASTER OF ARTS IN THEOLOGY
MASTER OF ARTS IN MINISTRY

Division of Philosophy, Religious Studies and Theology

Loras offers two graduate degrees with overlapping requirements, a Master of Arts in Theology and a Master of Arts in Ministry, both requiring 36 credits, 6 of which are a program specific Capstone Experience. For questions, contact either:

Faculty

General Information

The Archdiocese of Dubuque and Loras College have joined in a cooperative mission designed to meet the developing ministry needs of the regional Catholic Church and provide opportunities for continuing education and degree study. While dioceses and religious orders have made substantial investments in the education of priests and sisters for service in the church, there are increasing numbers of laity who are now assuming many new duties. Therefore, there is a corresponding need for new levels of training for the laity as the church continues to move in the direction of professional lay ministries.

At Loras, the Pastoral Education Program (PEP) offers graduate courses designed to meet professional needs. The PEP provides individuals with the chance to explore the opportunities and challenges of ministry, both as a special interest or as a degree program. Among those who could make use of the program are: directors of religious education; family and marriage ministers; liturgical ministers; members of boards, councils and committees; ministers in Christian initiation; pastoral administrators; pastoral associates; permanent deacons; social ministers; teachers of religious education; and youth ministers.

The Loras program uses online components in order to meet the needs of those who live a distance from Dubuque, and whose jobs and families limit their available time for class meetings. Each course is designed for 3 class meetings of 5-6 hours each, preceded by two to three weeks of work on one’s own and online.

Prerequisites

Applicants should ordinarily have at least an undergraduate minor in religious studies or the equivalent. Evaluation of this prerequisite is done on an individual basis through the department. Contact Fr. Douglas Wathier, (563) 588-7013, or Dr. John Waldmeir, (563) 588-7966.

Application Procedures for Admission as a Degree Student

See General Requirements for Admission to Study.

Applicants must submit the following application materials to the Admissions Office, Loras College, 1450 Alta Vista, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, by May 15 for summer courses; by August 15 for fall courses; and by December22 for spring courses:

1. Completed Application for Admission to Graduate Program.
2. Nonrefundable $25 application fee.
3. Official transcripts from each undergraduate and graduate institution attended.
4. Two (2) letters of recommendation. One (1) letter should be from a person capable of judging the applicant’s academic potential.
5. Religious Studies addendum to the application.

Following a review of these materials, a letter notifying the applicant of his/her status will be sent.

Financial Assistance and Application Deadlines

The Archdiocese of Dubuque offers grants to persons who are accepted by Loras College to participate in the Pastoral Education Program. These students are recommended by their pastor and are individuals whose further education in theology and ministry will be of direct benefit to the parishes and schools of the Dubuque Archdiocese. Application forms are available upon request. The completed Application and Pastor Approval for Financial Assistance form must be submitted to the Academic Secretary for the Division of Philosophy, Religion and Theology, each semester.

Course of Study

Core Courses: all required, 12 credits

L.REL-621 Theological Reflection: Revelation and Inspiration
L.REL-611 A Critical Introduction to Scripture
L.REL-622 Christological Themes in Systematic Theology
L.REL-631 Fundamental Moral Theology

Elective Courses: successful completion of 18 elective credits from any of the areas of study:

Scripture
Liturgy and Sacraments
Systematic Theology
Moral Theology
Ministry

Capstone: 6 credits

Master of Arts in Ministry: practicum project

Master of Arts in Theology: comprehensive examination and thesis

Graduate students are assisted in capstone research and writing by the thesis or practicum director, who is assigned by the Division Chair in consultation with the student. Students receive six (6) credits for the capstone. The credits are granted only after the final thesis or practicum has been approved by the program and copies of the thesis have been deposited with the Division Chair.

COURSES IN RELIGIOUS STUDIES

Scripture

L.REL-611. A CRITICAL INTRODUCTION TO SCRIPTURE.
An introduction to the contents of the Old and New Testaments and the methods of studying and using the Bible, including scholarly methods, the use of the Bible in liturgy, and parish scripture study. 3 credits.

L.REL-612. PENTATEUCH.
A study of the first five books of the Old Testament with special attention to basic biblical themes and literary traditions. Prerequisite: L.REL-611. 3 credits.

L.REL-613. SYNOPTIC GOSPELS.
This course helps the student understand the gospel texts in the framework of modern scholarship, thus enabling him or her to make sense of contemporary commentaries, and to distinguish among the evangelists and their theologies. The course begins with an introduction to the critical schools of source, form, redaction, and narrative criticism. After this, each gospel (Mark, Matthew, and Luke-Acts) is studied in turn, in terms of setting, purpose, and theological emphasis. Prerequisite: L.REL-611. 3 credits.

L.REL-615. THE LETTERS OF ST. PAUL.
This course studies the letters of Paul in the order of their probable chronology. The course is project centered, with each student adopting a letter of Paul as his/her project area. Student activity will include individual research and group study, performed largely in an on-line, distance-learning format. The class will gather as a group three times – at the beginning to establish our goals and methods, in the middle of the term for assessment and adjusting any new directions, and at the end to gather and share our findings. Prerequisite: L.REL-611. 3 credits.

L.REL-617. PSALMS AND PROPEHTS.
A study of the liturgical and prophetic texts of the Hebrew scriptures. Attention paid to the literary form of poetry, the place of the second Temple, the role of the prophets, and the major texts. Prerequisite: REL 611. 3 credits.

L.REL-618. SPECIAL TOPICS IN SCRIPTURE.
A compendium of topics for which we do not offer full courses.

Systematic Theology

L.REL-621. THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION: REVELATION AND INSPIRATION.
This course is an introduction to theological reflection and two of the foundational categories in Christian theology: revelation and inspiration. Theological reflection begins with the lived experience of those doing the reflection; it correlates this experience with the sources of Christian tradition; and it draws out practical implications for Christian living. The course will examine several models of theological reflection and will investigate from a biblical, historical, and systematic point of view the divine self-revelation and the human response of faith. It is recommended that this course be taken as early as possible in the program of study. 3 credits.

L.REL-622. CHRISTOLOGICAL THEMES IN SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY.
Since our appreciation of the mystery of Jesus Christ determines our attitude toward everything else in Christianity, including our approach to God, the reality of Jesus must be examined, exposed, and vindicated. This course provides a critical assessment of the historical foundations and theological content of the mystery of Jesus. Prerequisite: REL 621 or permission of instructor. 3 credits.

L.REL-623. ECCLESIOLOGY.
This course begins with New Testament and patristic perspectives on the church and continues with a theological/historical examination of post-patristic developments, including Reformation and Counter-reformation ecclesiology. It concludes with an examination of recent papal and conciliar documents and a discussion of contemporary issues. Prerequisite: REL 621 or permission of instructor. 3 credits.

L.REL-624. SACRAMENTAL THEOLOGY.
This course begins with the general notion of sacramentality and then locates the seven sacraments within the incarnational sacramentality of revelation itself and of the church. The historical development of sacramental theology is reviewed and current trends examined. 3 credits.

L.REL-628. SPECIAL TOPICS IN SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY.
A compendium of topics for which we do not offer full courses e.g., mariology, eschatology, etc. Prerequisite: L.REL-621. 3 credits.

Moral Theology

L.REL-631. FUNDAMENTAL MORAL THEOLOGY.
This course examines not only how contemporary Roman Catholic theologians attempt to integrate scripture and the mysteries of faith with reason’s critical reflection on human experience in moral theology but also how they attempt to integrate the moral life and spiritual life. The course focuses on issues such as the nature of moral theology, the relationship between faith and morality, the Roman Catholic understanding of the human person, freedom and knowledge, sin, conscience, the use of scripture in moral theology, natural law, church authority and obedience, moral norms, moral decision making, discernment and the interplay of prayer and conscience in daily life. 3 credits.

L.REL-632. ISSUES IN CHRISTIAN ETHICS.
This course examines a variety of ethical issues such abortion, euthanasia, capital punishment, and war primarily from the perspective of the Consistent Ethic of Life as developed by Cardinal Bernardin. It examines other ethical issues such as poverty, sexism, racism, and ecological devastation primarily from the perspective of liberation theology. It examines sexual issues primarily from the perspective of Church teachings, biblical interpretation, the contribution of secular disciplines and human experience. Prerequisite: L.REL-631. 3 credits.

L.REL-633. THE CHURCH'S SOCIAL TEACHINGS.
A study of the issues of justice and peace, local, national and international, and the attitudes, policies, and structures which underlie and embody these issues, as responded to in the teachings of the Church since the Second Vatican Council, including the perspective and founding principles underlying those teachings, using:(1) primary texts as expressed in recent Papal and Episcopal documents, (2) the reactions and commentaries of theologians and others, (3) the actual implementation of these teachings by various action groups, with extensive research assistance provided at http://web.loras.edu/pallen. 3 credits.

L.REL-636. CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY.
This course surveys the foundations of Christian discipleship and its relationship to prayer and personal spiritual growth by drawing upon the Bible, the fathers of the church and major spiritual writers. Comparison and contrast with the values of today’s society highlights the lasting value of this rich tradition. 3 credits.
Liturgy and Sacraments

L.REL-641. HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF CATHOLIC LITURGY.
This course examines the development of liturgical practices in the Catholic Christian tradition, with a primary focus on the structures and contexts for eucharist, daily prayer, and the liturgical year, and secondary foci on other sacramental prayer as well as Orthodox and Protestant worship as it affected Catholic worship. The course will be divided into organic time periods, and will approach each time period by examining liturgical texts, historical context, architectural settings for worship, and related areas of art and music. The goal of the course is to arrive at a holistic understanding of Catholic liturgy today—its shape, its context, and its meaning. 3 credits.

L.REL-642. SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION.
This course provides students with an overview of the theology, history and praxis of Christian initiation. Topics include: initiation in the New Testament and post-apostolic church; the theology of initiation and the process of coming to faith; a brief history of initiation practices and liturgies; and the current Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, along with its implementation benefits and woes. 3 credits.

L.REL-643. EUCHARIST: HISTORY AND THEOLOGY.
The Eucharist is at the heart of Christian life. It is the specifically Christian action above all others. Like the church itself, of which it is the summary and sign, it is a profound mystery. This course will attempt to provide an avenue to a deeper understanding of this mystery. Using an historical approach, the course will be concerned with the proper meaning and authentic celebration of the Eucharist. The primary historical periods of the Church will be the context for the development of the celebrations of the Eucharist and the theology which was prevalent at that time. An emphasis will be given to the reforms of the Second Vatican Council and the current practices in the United States. 3 credits.

L.REL-644. SACRAMENTS OF HEALING.
This course focuses on the theology and history of the sacraments of healing: Reconciliation and the Anointing of the Sick. Scriptural and patristic foundations and later developments are examined, as well as perspectives on current thought and practice relating to these sacraments. 3 credits.

L.REL-645. WORSHIP AND THE ARTS.
This course examines the historical development, theology and praxis of liturgy through the lens of various arts: music, architecture, space, visual arts, and drama. The broad range of human expression as understood by Vatican II liturgical theology is the basis for branching into the various artistic forms by which the faithful participate in the liturgy. A full range of participation in the course will be expected in order to learn and experience each of the arts included in this study. 3 credits.

L.REL-648. SPECIAL TOPICS IN LITURGICAL STUDIES.
A compendium of topics for which we do not offer full courses. 3 credits.

Ministry

L.REL-651. FAITH AND UNBELIEF.
The purpose of the course is to focus the critical intellect on the possibility of faith in God in the contemporary world. It examines modern atheism in terms of its historic roots and modern forms. The case is made that individuals at the beginning of the 21st century can reasonably believe in God. 3 credits.

L.REL-653. CATECHESIS AND FAITH DEVELOPMENT.
This course considers the task of religious education in relationship to the stages of faith development for all ages. The course also includes the human development, spiritual needs and learning styles that pertain to each age level. Special emphasis is given to adult religious education, faith development, and faith enrichment. 3 credits.

L.REL-658. SPECIAL TOPICS IN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION.
A compendium of topics for which we do not offer full courses, e.g., media and religious education, aesthetics and religion, assessment, and special types of religious education. 3 credits.

L.REL-661. THEOLOGY OF MINISTRY.
The concepts of ministry and service in the Bible are examined. This course then focuses on historical developments in church ministries, concluding with contemporary perspectives on the ministry of all the baptized in relationship with those ministries specially designated and commissioned by the community. The future shapes of ministry are discussed in the light of current developments. 3 credits.

L.REL-664. BECOMING MINSTERS OF THE WORD.
This course examines the foundations of preaching and promotes the importance of an operative theology when reflecting on the Word of God. Students who complete the course will gain the ability to move from biblical text to reflection through the practice of contemplo, studeo, and praedico; they will learn to craft reflections that are clear, concise, and insightful; they will gain the confidence to speak in a variety of settings, from catechetical sessions to prayer services, funeral vigils to retreats. Prerequisite: L.REL-611. 3 credits.

L.REL-668. SPECIAL TOPICS IN MINISTRY.
A compendium of topics for which we do not offer full courses, e.g., ministry to special groups. 3 credits.

Interdisciplinary Courses

L.REL-673. WORLD RELIGIONS.
An introductory study of the world's largest religious traditions, with emphasis on: 1) their notions of God and 2) the values that underlie their ways of living. Similarities and differences between the basic attitudes and ideas are explored. 3 credits.

L.REL-674. INTERPRETING THE RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE.
Why do people engage in religious activity? What good does religion do? Is it an essential aspect of human existence? Are its pluriform ideas about “another dimension” or an “ultimate reality” truthful or illusory? Is it compatible with reason and science? The first half of the course examines the notion of the sacred, the idea of God, myth, ritual and symbol, sacrifice, the mystical experience, the notion of salvation, and the religious as a guide to life. The second half of the course examines the encounter of Christianity and world religions. 3 credits.

L.REL-675. CHURCH HISTORY: EUROPEAN RELIGIOUS REFORMATIONS, 1500-1750.
This course uses two methods to introduce students to an important period in the history of Western Christianity. In the manner of a historical survey, the course helps students to understand the sequence of events that constitute the major religious reforms of the period. From among that sequence, however, the course also focuses on certain themes, places and/or individuals; such a focused approach enables students to see in detail the themes that recur throughout the period. 3 credits.

L.REL-676. U.S. CATHOLIC HISTORY.
The history of Roman Catholicism in the U.S. from colonial beginnings to the present with special emphasis on the changes in and anomalies of Catholic identity. 3 credits.

L.REL-677. RELIGION AND LITERATURE.
Imaginative literature like novels, plays, and poetry can bring religious ideas to life by dramatizing their purpose and meanings. This class will examine recent works of literature, including the fiction of Mary Grodon and Ron Hansen and the poetry of Robert Cooperwood and Annie Dillard. Together, the class will try to determine what these and other examples can teach readers about a side range of religious beliefs and practices. 3 credits.

Capstone Experiences

L.REL-680. THESIS.
An in-depth research paper, supervised by a selected professor, on a topic approved by the department. The thesis must receive final approval from the thesis advisor and additional reader. Exams are three 15-minute oral exams in each of the following areas: Systematic Theology, Moral Theology, and Scripture. Prerequisite: Must receive written approval by director of the capstone. 6 credits.

L.REL-683. PRACTICUM PROJECT.
The capstone experience centers on designing and implementing a ministerial event. Following implementation, there is evaluation and a written report, including a theological chapter giving the principles and theological research invoked to support the project. A practicum advisor works with the student throughout the process, from proposal to final approval. Prerequisite: Must receive written approval by director of the capstone. 6 credits.

L.REL-697. INDEPENDENT STUDY.
The purpose of independent study is to provide a student an educational experience not normally offered through standard course work or through guided correspondence study. Independent study is the result of student initiative caused by the need for a certain course or learning experience. To register for an independent study the student must complete the appropriate Request for Independent Study form, available from the Graduate Office. The completed form is signed by the department chair, the director of the study, and the Provost Registration for an independent study cannot be done until all signatures have been obtained. The student is cautioned not to begin an independent study until all approvals have been received. Students in the Pastoral Education Program are allowed a maximum of six independent study credits. Credit variable.

• Master of Arts in Education
• Master of Arts in Psychology
• Requirements for admission to candidacy