Have a thorough grounding in the primary sources of Catholic thought: Scripture, Tradition, and the synthesis of those sources in the latest edition (2003) of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
Be familiar with key philosophical notions necessary to the study of theology.
Know the documents of the Second Vatican Council, other significant Church texts, and papal encyclicals, and develop a facility in summarizing and analyzing their theological content.
Possess the ability to refer, in careful and appropriate ways, to Scriptural passages related to the fundamental teachings of the Church and a demonstrated capacity for utilizing various approaches to Scriptural interpretation as these have been recommended in the Constitution on Divine Revelation.
Achieve an understanding of the principles of moral theology and skill in applying them, especially to crucial contemporary social, cultural, and biomedical issues.
Demonstrate facility with reliable sources of information about fundamental Church teachings, and how Catholic teaching both converges with and diverges from the teachings of other Christian churches on questions such as sacraments, authority, and ecclesial structures.
Show mastery of the specialized theological terminology provided in the glossaries for each course.
Be able to analyze and assess the writings of theologians in relation to Catholic beliefs.
Possess knowledge of and ability to refer to historical events that have had a serious impact on Catholic teaching.
Possess knowledge of and an ability to provide an apologetic (defense) for fundamental Catholic teachings.
Explain fundamental Catholic teaching and the ways it may be implemented in the Church.
Demonstrate familiarity with how Catholic thought is applicable to growth in the spiritual life, including the examples of the saints.
Show an ability to write a coherent and extended comprehensive final essay drawing on, applying, and integrating primary sources of Church teaching.
Hamilton, Virginia 20158-9012