Foundations of Catechetics
CCP 211
Course Syllabus
University of Sacramento

Dates/Times

Term: Fall 2007
Class Dates: Tuesday, September 4-December 11
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:

 Tuesday: 5:00-5:45 or by appointment

Course Description

A fundamental study of the core theological and historical foundations to catechetics will be presented. The course will study the Person of Christ, the Nature of the Church and writings of the Church Fathers in the area of catechesis. A study of modern ecclesial documents will also be included. The course provides the foundation, as well as the principles necessary to pass on the faith in an effective and vibrant manner. In addition, core doctrines such as Original Sin, Redemption, Trinity, Incarnation and the Pachal Mystery will be presented.

Course Objectives

Through diligent and conscientious study, students will be able to list and identify the foundational principles underlying catechetics. Students will also be able to apply sound catechetical principles in both written and verbal communications. Students will be equipped with the skills and tools necessary to analyze 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
Catechesi Tradendae , Apostolic Exhortation, John Paul II.
St. Augustine of Hippo. First Catechetical Instruction. Ancient Christian Writers Series. Newman Press, 1946.
General Directory for Catechesis , Congregation for the Clergy. Published in the USA by USCCB, 1998.
Aquilina, Mike. The Fathers of the Church. Huntington, IN: Our Sunday Visitor, Inc., 1999.

 Recommended Textbooks

 Kreeft, Peter. Catholic Christianity. San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2001.
Compendium to the Catechism of the Catholic Church. USCCB, 2005.
National Directory for Catechesis. USCCB, 2005
United States Catholic Catechism for Adults . USCCB, 2006

Grading Policy

Grade: Pass/Fail
The following are required for passing grade: Class participation/Journal/Paper and examination (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 Catechetics and will be necessary to enter into classroom discussion.

Assignments

 Each student will be responsible for a journal, paper and presentation.

Journal

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 6)

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 Doctrine. Aside from that, you should observe the following.

• Papers should be typed and stapled.
• Observe proper grammar, syntax, spelling and proofread for typos.
• Demonstrate critical thinking through analysis, synthesis and clear conclusion.

Reflecting principally upon the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Catechesi Tredendae, and Sacred Scripture, select one of the core doctrines of faith: Creation, Incarnation, Trinity, Kingdom of heaven, etc… Highlight how we, as sons and daughters of God, are called into a deeper relationship with the Paschal Christ building up the Kingdom of God. Be sure to incorporate in your paper a clear definition of your chosen topic with its biblical and catechetical points. Be sure to highlight what is essential in your topic as you address how your topic exhorts the person to holiness. Citations from CCC, CT and Sacred Scriptures are anticipated.

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 essentials 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.

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 4 (Ordinary Time)

Course Overview
--Biblical Overview (Gospel and Paul)  

Week 2-September 11 (Ordinary Time)

Historical Overview of Catechetics in the Early Christian Church
--Church Fathers (Aquilina, one Father from each Era)

Week 3-September 18 (Ordinary Time)

Historical Overview (Kevane)
--Church Fathers cont’d
--Survey of catechesis in Christendom up to Modernism

Week 4-September 25 (Ordinary Time)

St. Augustine and his first catechetical Instruction
--Theory of catechesis and the disposition of the catechist

Week 5-October 2 (Ordinary Time)

Catechesi Tredendae

Week 6-October 9 (Ordinary Time)

Trinity (CCC 232, 237, 249, 253-256)
Mystery of Christ in OT (CCC 128; 1075)
-CovenantTheology, Typology and Mystagogy leading to conversion to Christ

Week 7-October 16 (Ordinary Time)

Original Sin and Redemption (JPII and Benedict XVI)
Conversion and Grace (CCC 1426-1433, 1439, 1996-2005)

Week 8-October 23 (Ordinary Time)

The Mystery of Christ: Incarnation (CCC 456-460)
Pasch/Paschal Mystery (CCC 571, 608, 671, 1334-1340)
Paschal Mystery/Sacrifice (CCC 1362-1372)  

Week 9-October 30 (Ordinary Time)

Mary in Scripture and Tradition
--Discovering Mary as a teacher of the faith (CCC 64, 144, 148-49, 165, 273, 2030, 2617-2719, 494, 964…CT, 73)

Week 10-November 6 (Ordinary Time)

***Paper Due
The Mystery of the Church (Vatican II)
The Church as the Kingdom of Heaven/God (CCC 541-554, 709, 763, 2816, 2819)

Week 11-November 13 (Ordinary Time)

Eschatology (CCC 1000; 1020-1050)
--The Last Things

Week 12-November 19-23-Thanksgiving Break —no class  

Week 13-November 27 (Ordinary Time)

Collect journals
Renewal of Catechetics (Kevane)
Modernism, Moral Relativism and the Nature of Heresy (CCC 465, 1289)
Catechesis in the Socio-religious context (GD 183-189)

Week 14: December 4 (Advent)

Presentations

Week 15-December 11 (Advent)

Presentations
Synthesis and wrap-up