Theological Foundations
CCP 210
Course Syllabus
University of Sacramento
Dates/Times
Term: Fall 2007
Class Dates: Thursday, September 6-December 13
Class Time: 6:00-9:10
Instructor
Joseph Hollcraft. M.A.
Email: jholljmj@yahoo.com
Course Notes: stjohnthebaptistchico.org (click the Catholic Hour)
Office Hours
Thursday: 5:00-5:45 or by appointment
Course Description
Introductory college level course on the teachings of the Catholic Church as expounded in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This course will introduce the historical, philosophical and theological foundations of Catholic thought and teaching. Special consideration will be given to the major doctrines of faith including the Trinity, Creation, Incarnation, the Paschal Mystery and the Church as the kingdom of God. The Sacraments and works of the Spirit in the Virtues and Gifts will also be considered in detail. We will also embark upon the thought of Pope Benedict XVI in his most recent work, Jesus of Nazareth, to strengthen our understanding of Sheeds’s beautiful exposition of the economy of Theological thought.
Course Objectives
Through diligent and conscientious study, students will be able to list and identify the core principles underlying foundations to catholic thought. Students will also be able to apply sound catholic doctrine in both written and verbal communications. Students will begin to develop the skill and tools necessary to critically analyze the material for sound content and methodology.
Required Textbooks
Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2 nd Edition, 1997.
Catholic Bible. Suggested trans. Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition.
Sheed, Frank. Theology for Beginners. Cincinnati, OH: St. Anthony’s Messenger Press, 3 rd edition, 1981.
Pope Benedict XVI. Jesus of Nazareth. New York: Doubleday, 2007.
Recommended Textbooks
Hahn, Scott. Reasons to Believe. New York: Doubleday, 2007.
Pieper Joseph. Faith, Hope, Love. San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 1986.
--Four Cardinal Virtues: Theology. Notre Dame, IN: University of Notre Dame Press, 2 nd edition, 1997.
Grading Policy
Grade: Pass/Fail
The following are required for passing grade:
Class participation/Journal/paper and presentation (see policy below)
Required reading between classes
Approximately 4-5 hours per week will be required for the reading assignments and homework outside of class. The reading is essential in order to come to appreciate the beauty and scope of Theological Foundations and will be necessary to enter into classroom discussion.
Assignments:
Journal (Due November 29)
Each student will be responsible for a journal response to reading assignments outside of class period. Each journal will be checked at the beginning of class (wrap up each journal if needed during break). These journals are intended for critical thinking and analysis.
Paper (Due November 8)
In the paper described below, write a cohesive essay of 3-4 pages. What is required of the writer is a critical and prayerful exercise of the mind and heart that should result in an intelligent, thoughtful, penetrating reflection into your choice of virtue or gift. Aside from that, you should observe the following.
Reflecting principally upon Sacred Scripture, Catechism of the Catholic Church, Frank Sheed and Joseph Pieper, select one of the Theological virtues or Cardinal (Moral)Virtues to highlight how we, as sons and daughters of God, are called into a deeper relationship with Christ advancing the Kingdom of God. Be sure to incorporate in your paper a clear definition of your chosen topic with its biblical and theological roots. Be sure to highlight what is essential in your topic as you address how the person is to understand and live in the chosen Virtue or Gift. Citations from Sacred Scripture, CCC, Frank Sheed and Joseph Pieper are anticipated. Each paper should also give consideration into how the Virtue or Gift of the Spirit is found in the sacramental life (one example would suffice).
Or
Reflecting principally upon Sacred Scripture, Catechism of the Catholic Church, Frank Sheed (the last Things) and Pope Benedict XVI, select one of the following topics from Jesus of Nazareth: Baptism of Jesus, Temptation of Jesus, The kingdom of God, The Fourth Commandment, Transfiguration, Peter’s Confession, Parable of the Prodigal Son, Parable of the Good Samaritan, Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus or one of the principle Johanine images…Wine and Vine, Bread, Water, and Shepherd. Again, as noted above, be sure to incorporate a clear definition of your subject matter with its biblical and theological points. Moreover, address the quintessential to the Christian life: how does your topic draw us into divine sonship with our heavenly Father.
Presentation Guidelines
Each student will make a 9-12 minute presentation of his or her paper. You ought to soak in your subject matter to know the essentials, praying and discerning those points, which are non-negotiable in your topic. In this way, your presentation will be clear and concise.
By way of structure, define your selected topic in the opening so the students have a clear picture of the direction of your presentation. Be sure to explain the key points to your subject matter. In your conclusion, I suggest you come full circle and review your key points. This offers a sound systematic presentation and one that is easy to follow. I will be looking for a presentation that is clear in its transition from its catechetical definition to its essential biblical and theological points. Godspeed!
Grading Policy (adapted from university catalog)
Regular class attendance will be taken for each period of educational training. To successfully complete a course and to receive credit, students must attend at minimum 90% of lectures, classes, and any required activities. Special exceptions to this policy may be made. The student is solely responsible for making up all work misses due to absence.
Course Outline
Week 1- September 6 (Ordinary Time): Pgs. 3-16 (Sheed)
Course Overview
What is Philosophy and Theology?
Begin treatment of Spirit
Week 2-September 13 (Ordinary Time): Pgs. 17-48 (Sheed)
The Spirit/Trinity
Paraclete…Theologia/Oikonomia
Week 3-September 20 (Ordinary Time): Pgs.49-64 (Sheed)
Creation and the Nature of Man
Freedom and Law
Week 4-September 27 (Ordinary Time): Pgs. 65-73 (Sheed); CCC 1812-1829 (3 articles)
The Supernatural Life and Grace
Theological Virtues: Faith, Hope, Love
Week 5-October 4 (Ordinary Time): Pgs.75-105 (Sheed)
Sin/Redeemer/Redemption: The Incarnation and Paschal Mystery
Week 6-October 11 (Ordinary Time) Pgs. 107-125 (Sheed); Pgs.46-63 (PBXVI)
The Visible Church and the mystical Body of Christ
The Kingdom of God: Pope Benedict XVI and Jesus of Nazareth
Week 7-October 18 (Ordinary Time): Pgs.135-141 (Sheed); CCC 1805-1809
Actual Grace
Cardinal or Moral Virtues
Week 8-October 25 (Ordinary Time): CCC 1831; Pgs.70-99 (PBXVI); Mt. 5.1-12
Beatitudes and the Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Week 9-November 1 (Ordinary Time) Pgs.127-133 (Sheed)
Mary in Scripture and Tradition: Mary as Mediator
What does Mary teach us about core principles of theology?
Redemptoris Mater
Week 10-November 8 (Ordinary Time) Pgs.153-161 (Sheed); Pgs.263-271 (PBXVI)
***Paper due
Eucharist and the Liturgy
Week 11-November 15 (Ordinary Time): Pgs.128-169 (PBXVI-select 3 petitions)
The Lord’s Prayer: Pope Benedict XVI
Week 12-November 19-23-Thanksgiving Break —no school
Week 13-November 29 (Ordinary Time)
Collect journals
Presentations
Week 14: December 6 (Advent)
Presentations
Week 15-December 13 (Advent)
Presentations
Closing remarks…Church Militant