top of page
BTI Consortium | Last Updated November 14 - 9:00AM
SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY
School
Boston College School of Theology & Ministry
TMST7024-01
Christology
BTI Category
Systematic Theology & Philosophy (Western)
Semester
FA25
This course seeks to clarify what it means to confess that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ, and why this is a significant claim. The course examines the New Testament, the early councils of the Church, the writings of early and medieval Christian theologians, the dogmatic teachings of the Church and the contributions of contemporary theologians. Two main questions will be addressed: Who is Jesus? How does Jesus save us?
Professor
Class Day & Time
Valiente, Orfilio E
T
03:30PM-06:20PM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Online?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N/A
School
Boston College School of Theology & Ministry
TMST7009-01
Fundamental Theology
BTI Category
Systematic Theology & Philosophy (Western)
Semester
FA25
The resources and methods of theology provide the framework for this course. A primary focus will be on the relationship between revelation, faith, and theology, which includes the role of the Bible and the church's doctrine. The course will also survey past and present methods in 'doing theology,' and consider the connection between theology and spirituality.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Chong, Vicente, SJ
W
04:00PM-06:20PM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Online?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N/A
School
Boston College School of Theology & Ministry
TMST8107-01
Mariology
BTI Category
Systematic Theology & Philosophy (Western)
Semester
FA25
How are we to account for the upsurge in interest regarding Mary both within and beyond Christian churches around the world? Mindful of this question, the course surveys the origins and development of Marian doctrine and devotion using a fourfold method of theological inquiry (dogmatic, historical, social scientific, aesthetic). Conscious of the interactive dynamics of religion, culture, politics and social change, the course examines selected themes, claims, and controversies that pertain to the contemporary study of Mary. The course also explores the significance of Marian art, music, literature, film and sites of pilgrimage for spirituality and theological imagination.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Guider, Margaret E
W
04:00PM-06:20PM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Online?
N
Prerequisites?
Y
Notes
(Prerequisite: Christology, Church History I)
School
Boston College School of Theology & Ministry
TMHC8028-01
Seminar: Saints and Sanctity
BTI Category
Systematic Theology & Philosophy (Western)
Semester
FA25
This seminar examines the Christian saints from the formation of the cult of saints in early Christianity through today. Topics include how to read saints' lives; martyrdom; why notions of sanctity change; how saint-making shifted from popular acclamation to papal canonization; the role of gender, race, and ethnicity; shrines, relics and pilgrimage; and the contemporary relevance of saints. Extensive discussion of primary sources.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Mooney, Catherine
M
02:00PM-04:50PM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Online?
N
Prerequisites?
Y
Notes
(Some study of the History of Christianity)
School
Boston College School of Theology & Ministry
TMCE8040-01
Theological Critiques From the Margin
BTI Category
Systematic Theology & Philosophy (Western)
Semester
FA25
Dominant western and northern theology faces a critique from the margins of race, gender, age, sex, culture, and disability. This course explores the contexts of those critiques, key texts challenging the dominant narrative and its responses admitting injustice, dismantling structural sins, and beginning the work of communion, solidarity, reparation, and restoration to which the Gospel calls. Attention will be given to the advent of liberation and other context-based theologies in the developing world and the global north where the power to marginalize has been institutionalized yet where the cry of the poor is heard and signs of heeding emerge.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Iozzio, Mary Jo
T
12:30PM-03:20PM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Online?
N
Prerequisites?
Y
Notes
(Prerequisite: an upper level undergraduate course in Ethics or Moral Theology or a graduate course in Moral Theology.)
School
Boston College Department of Theology
THEO7061-01
Ren� Girard and Theology
BTI Category
Systematic Theology & Philosophy (Western)
Semester
FA25
TBD
Professor
Class Day & Time
Robinette
W
1:00 p.m. - 3:25 p.m.
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Online?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N/A
School
Boston College Department of Theology
THEO7664-01
Special Questions on the Trinity
BTI Category
Systematic Theology & Philosophy (Western)
Semester
FA25
This course examines fundamental problems in Trinitarian theology, including the reconciliation of a plurality of persons with the simplicity and unity of God, the manners in which Word and Spirit proceed in God, the hypothesis of intelligible emanations in God, and the problem of explanatory order in Trinitarian systematics. Special attention will be given to the projects of Thomas Aquinas and Bernard Lonergan, in their historical contexts. This is not a survey in Trinitarian theology and generally presupposes a working knowledge of Trinitarian dogma.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Wilkins
R
2:00 p.m. - 4:20 p.m.
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Online?
N
Prerequisites?
Y
Notes
generally presupposes a working knowledge of Trinitarian dogma.
School
Boston University Graduate Program in Religion
GRS RN696
Philosophy of Religion
BTI Category
Systematic Theology & Philosophy (Western)
Semester
FA25
Critical investigation of the limits of human knowledge and the theoretical and practical demands for meaning attached to notions of God, providence, immortality, and other metaphysical conditions of human thriving, from Plato to modern philosophies of religion.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Michael Zank
M
6:30PM-9:15PM
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
4
Professor Approval Req'd?
Y
Online?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N/A
School
Boston University School of Theology
STHTT 732
History of Christian Theology in Philosophical Perspective
BTI Category
Systematic Theology & Philosophy (Western)
Semester
FA25
In its nearly two-millennium long history, Christian theology has been shaped by its dynamic engagements with (and in) various traditions of philosophical reflection. In this course, students will examine how four such traditions-- Platonic, Aristotelian, Kantian/Phenomenological, and Marxist/Critical--have influenced (and been influenced by) theological questions, concepts, and modes of discourse. Thinkers from ancient, medieval, Reformation, modern, and postmodern periods will be studied, with emphasis on historical and social settings.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Maia, Filipe
R
12:30pm-3:15pm
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Online?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N/A
School
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary-Hamilton
TH501
Theology Survey I
BTI Category
Systematic Theology & Philosophy (Western)
Semester
FA25
A study of theological method, revelation, inspiration, and canon of scripture;�existence and attributes of God; Trinity; creation and providence; human nature; original and actual sin.�� � � � � �
Professor
Class Day & Time
Butner, Glenn
F
9am-12pm
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Online?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
NA
School
Harvard Divinity School
HDS 2003
Mystical Theology
BTI Category
Systematic Theology & Philosophy (Western)
Semester
FA25
This course will examine the history of mystical theology in early and medieval Christianity. Through a close reading of primary texts in translation we will explore the practices through which the mystical life is pursued; the interplay of affirmation (kataphasis) and negation (apophasis) in language and images surrounding mystical reading, prayer, and meditation; varying conceptions of mystical union and annihilation; and the role of gender and what we might call sexuality within texts about the mystical life. Jointly offered in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences as Religion 1448.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Hollywood
W
01:00pm-02:59pm
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
4
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Online?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
Jointly offered in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences as Religion 1448.
School
Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology
PATR 5020
Orthodox Christianity
BTI Category
Systematic Theology & Philosophy (Western)
Semester
FA25
A basic introduction to the history, theology, and spirituality of the Orthodox Church. Emphasis will be placed on the theology of the Ecumenical Councils, the writings of the Church Fathers, and classic works of Orthodox spirituality.
This course is limited to students in the Youth/Young Adult Ministry and Leadership Certificate program.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Rev. Dr. Philip Zymaris
F
1:00pm-2:10pm
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Online?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N/A
School
Boston College School of Theology & Ministry
TMHC7195-01
Classic Wisdom for Discerning the Spirits
BTI Category
Systematic Theology & Philosophy (Western)
Semester
FA25
A study of the discernment of spirits in the ancient church, beginning with the Old and New Testaments, select Church Fathers, the Life of St. Anthony, the sayings of the desert fathers and mothers, and Evagrius Ponticus and John Cassian. For the purposes of showing their relevance for the present day, continuities with the "Spiritual Exercises" of St. Ignatius Loyola and "The Screwtape Letters" of C. S. Lewis will be considered.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Geger, Barton T, SJ
W
10:00AM-12:50PM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Online?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N/A
School
Boston College School of Theology & Ministry
TMST7009-02
Fundamental Theology
BTI Category
Systematic Theology & Philosophy (Western)
Semester
FA25
The resources and methods of theology provide the framework for this course. A primary focus will be on the relationship between revelation, faith, and theology, which includes the role of the Bible and the church's doctrine. The course will also survey past and present methods in 'doing theology,' and consider the connection between theology and spirituality.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Doyle, Dominic F
F
10:00AM-12:00
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Online?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N/A
School
Boston College School of Theology & Ministry
TMST7316-01
Philosophy for Theological Studies: Ancient & Medieval
BTI Category
Systematic Theology & Philosophy (Western)
Semester
FA25
This course aims to introduce central figures and movements in ancient & medieval thought that have influenced the development and articulation of Christian theology. Beginning with the pre-Socratics, we will survey major trends in the history of philosophy, devoting special attention to Plato and Aristotle and their legacies. We will consider Stoicism (e.g., Seneca), Platonism (e.g., Plotinus), and Arab philosophy in the Middle Ages. Topics include the place of philosophical wisdom in the Bible and ancient notions of "philosophy as a way of life" (Hadot).
Professor
Class Day & Time
Dunkle, Brian P, SJ
TR
08:00AM-09:20AM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Online?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N/A
School
Boston College School of Theology & Ministry
TMST8510-01
Seminar: Theologies of Modernity
BTI Category
Systematic Theology & Philosophy (Western)
Semester
FA25
This seminar will examine how some contemporary Christian thinkers have made theological sense of some of the momentous transitions�intellectual, social, political, and economic�to modernity. Readings will be drawn from Michael Buckley, Charles Taylor, and Nicholas Boyle, among others. Students will also explore the practical options for effective Christian witness and action within the modern context.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Doyle, Dominic F
R
10:00AM-12:00
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Online?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N/A
School
Boston College School of Theology & Ministry
TMPT7263-01
Theopoetics and Theologies of Imagination
BTI Category
Systematic Theology & Philosophy (Western)
Semester
FA25
This course explores how aesthetics and imagination shape expectations and hopes we have for our communities. The class begins with an exploration of �theopoetics,� which affirms that how we express experiences of the divine shapes what we think the divine is. Content builds from there to the role of imagination in religious reflection more broadly. Readings are profoundly interdisciplinary, with scholarship from philosophical and sociological treatments of imagination, psychology, theology, and literary criticism. Some customization of work is possible and students will be able to deepen their focus in directions of their choosing by selecting texts that speak to them.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Keefe-Perry, Lincoln Birch
T
03:30PM-06:20PM
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Online?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N/A
School
Boston College Department of Theology
THEO7062-01
Incarnation, Kenosis, and Christian Discipleship
BTI Category
Systematic Theology & Philosophy (Western)
Semester
FA25
This course examines the doctrine of the Incarnation, emphasizing how theological reflection on the mystery of kenosis informs our understanding of Christ, the triune God, and Christian discipleship. These dimensions are explored through modern and contemporary interpretations of kenosis, alongside engagement with biblical scholarship.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Ryliskyte
W
1:00 p.m. - 3:50 p.m.
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Online?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N/A
School
Boston College Department of Theology
THEO8063-01
God and the Ultimate
BTI Category
Systematic Theology & Philosophy (Western)
Semester
FA25
This seminar undertakes a systematic, constructive investigation of God and other understandings of the ultimate across theological traditions. Our data set is comparative and interreligious, and our method is systematic, constructive theologizing. No background in any non-Christian traditions required. Topics include method in comparative systematic theology of God, God in contemporary constructive philosophy of religion, cosmic purpose and ultimate explanation in dialogue with the sciences, theodicy in theologies of God, Abrahamic theologies of God in conversation (Judaism, Christianity, Islam), nondualist theologies of God and creation (Hindu and Christian), Buddhist anti-theism, Mahayana Buddhist quasi-theism, and expanded Christian comparative theologies of God.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Vale
TR
12:00 p.m. - 2:25 p.m.
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Online?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N/A
School
Boston University School of Theology
STHTC 846
Postcolonial Theology and Its Practices
BTI Category
Systematic Theology & Philosophy (Western)
Semester
FA25
This course provides critical postcolonial lenses through which students will understand postcolonial theology and explore how persons and communities exercise theological practices in postcolonial contexts considering culture, race, gender/sex, religious traditions, and religious communities. Through analyzing various concepts of postcolonial theologies and investigating historical sociocultural religious practices in postcolonialism, class, race and sex/gender, students will critically reflect on challenging conditions of power and privilege and engage with the complexities of postcolonial theological practices. Building on these studies and reflections, students will gain a keen sense of different concepts of postcolonial theology and its practices interculturally, and develop their own approaches to understand the postcolonial dynamics in their varied context. MDiv and MTS students must complete their History of Traditions & Institutions and Theology & Meaning-Making core requirements before registering for this course.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Choi, Hee An
R
3:30pm-6:15pm
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Professor Approval Req'd?
Y
Online?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
See note on prereq
School
Boston University School of Theology
STHTT 818
Spirit
BTI Category
Systematic Theology & Philosophy (Western)
Semester
FA25
The course shifts focus from studies of the Holy Spirit in Christian teachings to examine what it means to tend to the human spirit, especially under conditions of threat, struggle, and oppression. It features the writings and teachings of three figures -- Howard Thurman, Julian of Norwich, and Gloria Anzald'a -- and positions them as spiritual guides for exploring our capacities: 1) for connection and care; 2) for living with intention and purpose; and 3) for reimagining collective life. With primary focus on the works of Thurman, this course is an invitation to think with him about what makes religious/spiritual teachings about the human spirit distinctive and compelling. It also invites students, through readings and assignments, to engage with their own spiritual lineages and the spiritual traditions of the communities whom you serve.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Rambo, Shelly
T
12:30pm-3:15pm
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Online?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N/A
School
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary-Hamilton
TH662
Retrieving Classical Theism
BTI Category
Systematic Theology & Philosophy (Western)
Semester
FA25
TBA
Professor
Class Day & Time
Butner, Glenn
R
9am-12pm
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Online?
SYNC
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
NA
School
Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology
NEWT 6505
TheManyNamesOfJesus&ManyNamesOfEvil
BTI Category
Systematic Theology & Philosophy (Western)
Semester
FA25
Jesus is called by many names in the New Testament: God, Lord, Son of God, Son of Man, Messiah, Prophet, Bread of Life, True Light, and many others. The Evil One is called by many names as well: Satan, Devil, Poneros and others. This course will explore the significance of each of these titles individually, by examining their prehistory prior to the New Testament, as well as the way in which these various titles coalesce into a coherent understanding of the identity of Jesus Christ, and the identity of the Evil One whom Christ overcomes.
Prereq: NT Intro or Professor Permission
Professor
Class Day & Time
Rev. Dr. George Lewis Parsenios
TBA
TBA
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Online?
N
Prerequisites?
Y
Notes
NT Intro or Professor Permission
bottom of page