Saint Johns University Department of Theology & Religious Studies Theology 1000C On-line course Perspectives on Christianity: A Catholic

c Approach Spring 2012 Instructor: Edward P. Prager

Course Description:
An introduction to Christianity highlighting scripture, creedal statements, rites, theological writings, artistic expressions and other discourses manifesting and expressing the Christian faith in its various traditions throughout its two thousand year development. (3 credits)

Course Objectives:
1. To examine the nature, (several) methods, vocabulary and discourse of Christian theology from a Catholic, yet also ecumenical, perspective. 2. To examine central texts, both biblical and theological, of the Christian tradition with an eye towards critical interpretive tools. 3. To develop an understanding of the basic teachings of Christianity especially as enshrined in major creeds and expressed through rituals, the arts, and living. 4. To explore the historical evolution of Christianity highlighting the Latin West. 5. To deepen knowledge of and appreciation for the essentially symbolic and metaphoric nature of all religious discourse.

Required Texts:
1. People of God: The History of Catholic Christianity Author: Anthony E Gilles. Publisher: St. Anthony Messenger Press, 2000. ISBN: 13 978-0-86716-363-6. This is available in the university bookstore. 2. The Bible - Use the following link to access the Bible on-line: http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible (purchase not necessary)

3. The Documents of Vatican II - Use the following link to access the Documents of Vatican II: http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/index.htm (purchase not necessary) 4. Catechism of the Catholic Church - Use the following link to access the Catechism of the Catholic Church: http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM (purchase not necessary)

Suggested Text:
5. Theological Dictionary - For those not familiar with theological terms a theological dictionary may be helpful; here are links to two sites: http://www.therealpresence.org/dictionary/adict.htm; http://www.catholicreference.net/index.cfm. (purchase not necessary)

Grading: A. Participation - 30%

Students are expected to take an active part in the on - line class discussions and projects. This means that one will log on to the course site at regular intervals and be constructively and positively involved discussions and activities in their postings for the various topics. (Remember the Golden Rule.) Please see General Guidelines document.

B. Tests - 20%
There will be 4 tests taken over the course of the semester. They will be based on the readings, discussions, PowerpPoint presentations and other materials provided for the various topics.

C. Projects - 30% 1. Art: This component will be 15% of your overall grade for the semester. Please see separate
sheet.

2. Church visitation or Media Viewing: This component will be 15% of your overall grade
for the semester. Please see separate sheet.

C. Final Assessment - 20%

The Final Assessment will be taken on-line. Date to be determined by the Registrars Office. Extra credit assignments are available. The need for extra credit will be decided upon a case by case basis at the discretion of the professor.

Instructors Information:
E mail address: pragere@stjohns.edu.

Planned Topics for Discussion

Topic 1 - Sacred Scripture Topic 2 - An Overview of an Introduction to Sacred Scripture. Topic 3 - An Overview of the Old Testament. Topic 4 - An Overview of the New Testament. Topic 5 - The History of the Church Topic 6 - The Church in Its Earliest Days - An Overview. Topic 7 - The Church in Its First Millennium - An Overview. Topic 8 - The Church in Its Second Millennium - An Overview. Topic 9 -The Church in Modern Times/Vatican II. Topic 10 - Authority & Leadership in the Church - The Hierarchy of the Church. Topic 11 - From Where Does the Church derive what it teaches? Topic 12 - Worship& Ritual Life in the Church.