SACRED SCRIPTURE – This course serves as the first theology course in the core curriculum. Since God is the primary author of Scripture, the soul of sacred theology is the study of the sacred page. This course has a twofold goal: to introduce students to the principles of authentic Catholic biblical exegesis, and to explore how God, the Creator, has acted through his covenants to draw his people, disordered by the Fall, back to himself. The course begins by examining the principles of Catholic exegesis as set forth definitively by Dei Verbum and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. We then undertake a careful reading of large segments of the New Testament, with an emphasis on the unity of Scripture.

SACRED DOCTRINE – This course serves as the second theology course in the core curriuclum. Building upon the scriptural foundation of the previous required course in Sacred Scriputre, this course is an introduction to dogmatic Catholic theology. Particular attention will be given to natural and divine revelation, the modes of transmission of divine revelation, and the essential doctrines of the faith.

CREATION AND GRACE – The course investigates God’s transformation of the cosmos through the mystery of grace. Special attention will be given to sanctifying grace, the virtues, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

MORAL THEOLOGY – By examining the beatitudes, human actions, the moral and theological virtues, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and natural and divine law, this course will investigate how Christians are conformed to Christ in their lives. Required texts include St. Augustine’s Confessions and selections from St. Thomas Aquinas’s Summa theologiae. This course satisfies the third theology core requirement for students majoring or minoring in theology.
Prerequisites: THEO 105, THEO 205, PHIL 205 and PHIL 206

CATHOLIC SPIRITUALITY – The purpose of this course is to provide an introduction to the wealth of theological resources available in the Catholic tradition in the area of spirituality. The course will provide an overview of the spiritual teachings of the great Doctors of the Church.

SACRAMENTS – The seven sacraments are the divinizing work of Christ in His Church. This course will explore the nature and effects of each of the sacraments, along with their interrelationship.

CHRIST AND HIS CHURCH – This course leads the student more profoundly into the mystery of the incarnate Son of God and His bride, the Church. Topics to be treated include the metaphysics of the Incarnation and the mysteries of Christ’s life in His Church through the action of the Holy Spirit. Central to this course will be the investigation of key texts from the entire Tradition. Authors may include St. Athanasius, St. Augustine, St. John Damascene, St. Thomas Aquinas, Cardinal John Henry Newman, Fr. Matthias Scheeben, St. Therese of Lisieux, among others.

LIVING IN CHRIST: MORAL THEOLOGY (required for non-majors) – This course serves as the third theology course for the core curriculum. By examining the beatitudes, human actions, the moral and theological virtues, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and natural and divine law, this course will investigate how Christians are conformed to Christ in their lives. Required texts include St. Augustine’s Confessions and selections from St. Thomas Aquinas’s Summa theologiae.
Prerequisites: THEO 105, THEO 205, PHIL 205 and PHIL 206

TRIUNE GOD – This course is an invitation to contemplation of the highest mystery of Christian faith, the Holy Trinity. By examining the works of select Doctors of the Church as well as the Catechism of the Catholic Church, we will arrive at a more profound wisdom and love for the Triune God we worship.

THEOLOGY OF POPE JOHN PAUL II – The course will begin with a brief analysis of select early writings of Karol Wojtyla, including his poetry and plays. We will then turn to direct engagement with the great writings of his Pontificate. These will include his encyclicals, select apostolic letters, his Wednesday audiences (e.g., Theology of the Body), and books such as Crossing the Threshold of Hope and Gift and Mystery. The course may be supplemented by secondary literature, e.g. George Weigel’s biography. The goal of the course is to achieve a mastery of the theological contribution of Pope John Paul II.

ADVANCED SCRIPTURE – This course will examine in detail one of the constitutive portions of Sacred Scripture. Topics to be treated may include the Pentateuch, Prophets, Wisdom, Literature, Holy Gospels, Epistles, and revelation.

MARY, MOTHER OF GOD – The course studies the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, in the Scriptures and Tradition of the Church. We will examine what the Church has professed about Mary in theology, history, liturgy, and spirituality, as well as in ecumenical perspective.

ST. AUGUSTINE – In this course, the central doctrines of Augustine will be presented. Select passages from his work will be investigated to familiarize the student with the principles of his thought.

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS – In this course, the central doctrines of Aquinas will be presented. Select passages from his work will be investigated to familiarize the student with the principles of his thought.

SPECIAL TOPICS – An integral part of the Ave Maria University program is the opportunity for studies abroad. The International Theological Institute (ITI) provides a rich religious, historical, and cultural atmosphere for a variety of courses in theology. ITI courses are crosslisted with the University. In addition, with administrative approval, other theology courses may be offered under Special Topics including Mariology, Canon Law, Ascetical and Mystical Theology, Catholic Bioethics, and the Theology of Tradition.

Sp Tpcs: Mariology –

Sp Tpcs: Theology of Canon Law –

Sp Tpcs: Papacy –

SENIOR SEMINAR (required for majors) – As the final course in the theology sequence, the senior seminar is designed for and required of all theology majors. In a seminar format, students examine a topic in depth and prepare a research project to be presented at the end of the semester.

Old Testament –

Theology of Revelation –

Triune God –

Christ and Salvation –

Liturgy and Sacraments –

Fundamental Moral Theology –

Greek Readings –

The Gospel of Matthew –

Augustine's De Trinitate –

Colloquium –

Human Destiny, Virtues, Moral Life –