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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

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