Curriculum and Course Descriptions

This course introduces students to a set of practices that are essential for theological study and ministerial formation at Aquinas Institute of Theology: written and oral communication, collaboration, close reading of texts, analysis of social context, and theological reflection.  Students will engage these practices as they examine fundamental issues of theology such as faith, revelation, scripture, tradition, doctrine and dogma, and theological method, especially as these are encountered and relate to the healing ministry of the Church.  The course will assist the student in developing a basic theoretical framework essential for grappling with theological issues in the context of Catholic health care. 

Instructor: Michael Miller
 

This course is an exploration of the dynamic interaction between God, human persons, and the universe as described in the Christians scriptures (Old and New Testaments). A survey of contemporary and historical approaches to biblical interpretation sets the context for studying the meaning behind the text, of/in the text, and in front of the text. The study of textual interpretation reveals how different worldviews provide various responses to the mystery of suffering and healing. This course will focus on the use of Scripture in three distinct settings: 1) the use of Scripture for personal reflection and devotion, 2) the Scriptural foundations of Catholic teaching, and 3) engagement with Scripture in health care ministry.  

 Instructor: Alec Arnold

This course explores the Christian understanding of what God has done, is doing, and promises to do in Jesus through the community called Church. Specifically, students will develop a theology of ministry and articulate what it means for health care to function as a ministry of the Church. Drawing on multiple sources (Scripture, magisterial teachings, theological writings, and Christian praxis) we will examine the Church’s faith in Jesus Christ and how this faith structures the Christian community’s mission to the world, specifically in the ongoing work of the healing ministry. This theological exploration will serve as the foundation for a deeper analysis of the Catholic Church’s hierarchy and organizational structures, and, finally, will lead to practical considerations surrounding Catholic health care facilities and systems, dioceses, sponsorship, public juridic persons (PJPs), and canon law. 

Instructor: Charles Bouchard, OP

This course examines a number of important ethical issues encountered in health care today, specifically through the lens of theological ethics. The course offers a thorough and critical examination of the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services (ERDs), supplemented by the broader tradition of Catholic Social Teaching as it informs our approach to the public and social dimensions of health care ethics. While the primary context for considering the issues is Roman Catholic teaching, this perspective is contrasted with secular, philosophical approaches that are prevalent in discussion of these issues. 

Instructor: Stewart Clem

This course explores the principles and practices of exercising leadership within one’s ministry in healthcare by integrating knowledge of self/identities and one’s roles within the context of the organization’s culture and structure. The course also offers a theological exploration of the meaning and purpose of work and considers how this exploration should inform one’s role as a leader within the structures of health care. Students will be equipped to exercise leadership through influence—not merely positional authority—as people of faith. Leading today requires growth and development in emotional intelligence and the cognitive abilities to articulate and practice within the complexity of multi-professional work. The ability to exercise leadership requires a deepening spiritual presence that allows leaders to co-create a holding environment in which to work within health care. The course utilizes various methods and tools of leadership and organizational integrity. 

Instructor: Erica Laethem