Spring 2027 Schedules and Syllabi

Enfrentamiento y Encuentro: History and Mission in Latina/o Perspective

Th
6 PM - 9 PM

Course Description:

This course explores the colonial and postcolonial history of the Americas and the role of the Catholic Church in this history. It examines the dynamics of the colonial encounter and the ambivalence of identity in the borderlands (the nepantla) that the colonial encounter creates. The course probes pastoral issues related to the creation of cultural borders, from immigration to detention to family separation, and considers the Christian imperatives of reconciliation and justice in light of these cultural realities. A required course in the Latina/o Ministry emphasis (an elective for other students).

Christology

M
6 PM - 9 PM

Course Description:

An introduction to contemporary Catholic Christology. This course will examine Jesus Christ as an historical figure and object of faith and, as such, the Christian answer to the human situation. Coursework will center on Jesus’ proclamation of the Kingdom of God and will treat his history through the Resurrection. A foundational Christology course.

Church History

Th
6 PM - 9 PM

Course Description:

A survey of the major theological developments in Christian history against the backdrop of the social and political currents of the periods in question. A foundational Ecclesiology course.

Catholic Social Teaching

W
6 PM - 9 PM

Course Description:

This course examines the vibrant and living tradition of Catholic social thought. It explores key features of Christian social responsibility through analysis of the official encyclicals and pastorals that comprise Catholic social teaching. In addition to surveying the encyclical tradition as it has developed over the past 125 years, its theological foundations, and its function, it explores pastoral implications of its key themes and core commitments. A foundational Theological Ethics course.

Intercultural Competencies

M

6 PM - 9 PM

Course Description:

This course introduces the basic beliefs of the world’s major religions, informed by the conciliar document Nostra Aetate and its invitation to recognize God’s presence and action in all faiths. There is a particular focus on those religions outside Christianity that are recognized and practiced in California Detention Centers, such as Islam, Native American spirituality, Hinduism, Buddhism, Wicca, Odinism, and Santa Muerte. Attention is given to history, spiritual leaders and historical figures, beliefs, practices, important texts, ethical values, places of worship, rituals, and rites. Students learn how to exercise pastoral sensitivity to faiths other than their own (rather than proselytize), and develop skills for ministering to practitioners, including conducting ecumenical and interfaith services. A required course in the Restorative Justice & Chaplaincy emphasis (an elective for other students).

W
6 PM - 9 PM

Course Description:

Effective chaplains are pliable, intrepid caregivers. An integrative approach to chaplaincy equips ministers with the tools needed to navigate complex pastoral situations such as prisons, hospitals, and shelters. They must understand the differences between a dark night of the soul and a mental health crisis. Integrative chaplaincy focuses on helping individuals, families, and communities mine their faith traditions for resources that promote healing and wholeness. In addition to essential spiritual care interventions, students will learn about the practice of self-care, a vital skill for chaplains who work in challenging environments. Students will also practice creative approaches to problem-solving within their unique pastoral setting.

T
6 PM - 9 PM

Course Description:

This course is a study of major traditions and issues in Christian spirituality. It analyzes various spiritualities in terms of their historical context, suppositions, strengths, and weaknesses. An elective course.

W
6 PM - 9 PM

Course Description:

This course offers an in-depth study of the elements and dynamics of Ignatian spirituality through the writings of St. Ignatius of Loyola, including his spiritual exercises, autobiography, spiritual journal, and letters. Special emphasis is placed on his rules on discernment as a resource for communal and individual Christian decision-making. An elective course.

T
6 PM - 9 PM

Course Description:

This course explores the historical and contemporary dimensions and challenges of ministry to people in middle school and high school (6th-12th grade). The first part of the course examines the principles, foundations and history of youth ministry and Pastoral Juvenil Hispana with adolescents. The second part of the course addresses the developmental needs of young people and studies their diverse cultural realities in contemporary society. The last section of the course offers practical applications for developing effective ministry and outreach strategies and investigates models of accompaniment of young people —whether active, unchurched or disaffiliated—as they explore their faith and beliefs. A required course in the Youth & Young Adult Ministry emphasis (an elective for other students).