THEO 11 – Faith, Spirituality, and the Church (Course Syllabus)

Vocabulary flashcards cover major concepts, assessments, methods, and policies outlined in the THEO 11 syllabus to aid students in mastering key terms before the exam.

Faith

A personal response of trust and commitment that shapes life and worldview; explored in its Judeo-Christian sense in THEO 11.

Spirituality

The lived experience and expression of one’s faith, oriented toward wholeness of self and society.

Theology

Critical, reflective study of faith traditions, described in the syllabus as an “asymptotic” pursuit of mystery and revelation.

Judeo-Christian Faith

The foundational tradition for Christian spirituality whose central figure is Jesus of Nazareth.

Catholic Church

The community highlighted in the course as continuing witness to faith and nurturer of spirituality.

Scripture

The Bible, regarded as Christianity’s primary book of faith and key narrative of spirituality.

Tradition

The living transmission of the Gospel in the Church, studied in its relation to Scripture and human experience.

Historical-Critical Method

Scholarly approach for interpreting biblical texts in their original historical and cultural settings.

Three Worlds of the Text

Framework for exegesis: world behind the text (historical), of the text (literary), and in front of the text (contemporary readers).

Fundamentalism

Literalist reading of Scripture addressed and critiqued in Module 2.

Creation Accounts (Genesis 1–2)

Narratives explored for exegesis and application to contemporary issues in the Midterm paper.

Exodus

Biblical story of liberation (“Bricks, Mortars, and the Sea”) examined as part of the Creation–Fall narrative context.

Book of Job

Wisdom text on innocent suffering and disinterested faith, included in Module 3.

Gospels

Primary sources for studying Jesus’ person and ministry in Module 4.

Kingdom of God

Central theme of Jesus’ mission explored in the course.

Parable

Short, provocative story told by Jesus; analyzed under “Storytime: Parables and Pericopes.”

Passion of Christ

Jesus’ suffering and death, studied for its salvific significance in Module 5.

Resurrection

Event affirming Jesus’ victory over death and foundation of Christian hope, examined for contemporary meaning.

Dei Verbum

Vatican II Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation, a required reading on Scripture and Tradition.

Exegesis Paper

15 % group formative assessment requiring critical interpretation of Genesis 1–2 for Midterms.

Faith Narrative

30 % individual summative assessment: personal appropriation of course concepts in a 4–5-page paper.

Group Presentation

40 % group summative assessment: theologizing on a contemporary issue using Scripture, Tradition, and experience.

Module Quiz

Individual 20-point assessment at the end of certain modules; unlocks the next module.

Formative Assessment

Tasks (quizzes, papers) designed to build toward final outputs; worth 30 % combined (quizzes + exegesis).

Summative Assessment

Culminating tasks (Faith Narrative and Group Presentation) that synthesize learning; worth 70 % combined.

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

Four competencies guiding content and assessment: impact of faith, essentials of Judeo-Christian faith, scriptural interpretation, and role of the Church.

Canvas LMS

Official learning management system used for modules, submissions, and grades in THEO 11.

Synchronous Session

Optional weekly Zoom/Meet meeting for lectures and Q&A; attendance encouraged but not required.

Discussion Board

Canvas forum where students apply concepts to real-life situations; exceptional posts earn bonus points.

Reflection Page

Guided space within modules for personal prayer and contemplation on course material.

Portable Learning Packet (PLP)

Offline version of course materials available through LS-One for students with connectivity issues.

Turabian Style

Citation format required for written submissions in the course.

Peer Evaluation

Rating tool (max 2 points) allowing students to assess groupmates’ contributions to group tasks.

Grading Scale – A

Highest mark (3.8–4.0 QPI) awarded only to students with at least 95 % overall standing.

Opening Prayer

Introductory element of each module designed to situate learning within faith reflection.

Mystery & Revelation

Theological theme (Bevans) framing faith as response to God’s self-communication, discussed in Module 1.

Postmodernity, Atheism, Agnosticism, Secular Humanism

Worldviews placed in dialogue with Christian faith throughout the course.

Recollection (Coming Home)

Online spiritual exercise offered by Campus Ministry as an essential component of THEO 11.