|
||
|
||
The pre-theology program at St. John Vianney is a two-year cycle of courses which includes three essential components: philosophy, introductory courses in theology, and languages. These elements are designed to promote the intellectual formation of the seminarian and to provide a solid foundation for advanced theological study. Seminarians may choose between degree and nondegree programs in philosophy to meet the entrance requirements for the four-year Theology Program. However, all seminarians are required to complete the same basic curriculum of undergraduate theology and language courses in fulfillment of entrance requirements for the Sacred Theology Baccalaureate Degree (S.T.B.) and the Master of Divinity Degree (M.Div.) programs.
The Program of Priestly Formation (PPF) requires that the curriculum for pre-theology include introductory theology courses, liberal arts, and a foundational “knowledge of Latin and Biblical Languages” (241). In accord with the PPF, our pre-theology program includes introductory courses in liturgy, scripture, theology, moral theology, sacred music, sacred art, Latin and Hebrew. (Greek is studied during the fouryear theology cycle.)
The following pre-theology courses are foundational and required of all students who seek either the Standard Program in Philosophy, the Bachelor of Philosophy Degree, or the Bachelor of Arts Degree with Philosophy Major:
| Theology Component | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1510 Introduction to Liturgy | 2 credits | |
| 1550 Sacred Art | 2 credits | |
| 1560 Sacred Music | 2 credits | |
| 2530 Introduction to Theology | 2 credits | |
| 2540 Theology of the Body | 2 credits | |
| 2590 Introduction to Scripture | 2 credits | |
| Total: | 12 credits | |
| Language Component | ||
| 1001 Latin I | 3 credits | |
| 1002 Latin II | 3 credits | |
| 2003 Latin III | 3 credits | |
| 2010 Hebrew | 3 credits | |
| Total: | 12 credits | |
The study of philosophy is central to the academic formation of our pre-theology program. The goal of the philosophical curriculum is “to develop a reflective awareness of the fundamental relationship that exists between the human spirit and truth, that truth which is revealed to us fully in Jesus Christ” (Pastores Dabo Vobis, 52). This includes both theoretical and practical knowledge of the identity and dignity of the human person and of the real possibility for discovering objective truth. It considers the role of reason in determining the origin of values, man's true good, ethical norms, the existence and nature of God, and the integral foundations for building the common good. These are the subject matter of philosophy as an autonomous discipline, based on its own methodology and the light of human reason.
Philosophy also has an important value in relation to theology. By studying philosophy in the light of faith, the curriculum will educate the seminarian in the following ways:
St. John Vianney Theological Seminary offers three undergraduate programs of philosophical study to achieve these objectives.
The Standard Program in Philosophy is a non-degree plan of study which requires 38 credit hours in philosophy and completion of the foundational program in language and theology. In addition, “Ordinary” students must successfully complete an oral comprehensive examination.
The following philosophy courses are required in the Standard Program:
| 1004 Ancient Western Philosophy | 3 credits | |
| 1005 Philosophical Methods and Logic | 3 credits | |
| 1007 Epistemology | 3 credits | |
| 1008 Metaphysics | 3 credits | |
| 1009 Medieval Philosophy | 3 credits | |
| 1010 Philosophical Anthropology | 3 credits | |
| 2004 Modern Philosophy | 3 credits | |
| 2005 Philosophy of God and Religion | 3 credits | |
| 2006 Ethics | 3 credits | |
| 2008 Contemporary Philosophy | 3 credits | |
| 2009 Social & Political Philosophy | 2 credits | |
| 2011 Rhetoric | 2 credits | |
| 2012 Philosophy of Science | 3 credits | |
| 2999 Comprehensive Exam | 1 credit | |
| Total: | 38 credits |
Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary, in af- filiation with the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome, offers a Bachelor of Philosophy Degree to students who have an undergraduate degree, or who have completed at least two years of university education (or its equivalent), but do not have the necessary background in philosophy for admission to the theologate program. Depending on the academic needs of the individual seminarian, students are required to complete the courses listed in the Standard Philosophy Program, the pre-theology foundational courses in language and theology, and the following courses:
| 2007 Philosophy of St. Thomas Aquinas | 4 credits* | |
| 2010 Senior Seminar | 3 credits* | |
| Elect Seminar Elective | 4 credits* | |
| Elect Course Elective | 2 credits* | |
| (*Typically, these courses will be completed during two summer terms.) | ||
A student must select a total of 6 credits from the elective courses and seminars listed below. (Note: Not all of the electives listed below are offered every term. Equivalent courses taken at accredited colleges or universities may be used to fulfill these requirements.)
| Seminar Electives | ||
|---|---|---|
| (A student must select one seminar from the list below.) | ||
| 1103 Virtue in Aquinas | 4 credits | |
| 1302 Philosophy of New Age Movements | 4 credits | |
| 1305 Problem of Evil | 4 credits | |
| 2301 Philosophy of Education | 4 credits | |
| 2303 Philosophy of Edith Stein | 4 credits | |
| 2305 Lewis and Chesterton on Man and the Cosmos | 4 credits | |
| 2350 Selected Topics and Figures in Philosophy Recent Topics and Figures Seminars have included: Aquinas on Creation and Procreation Husserl and the Phenomenological Movement Philosophy of Art hilosophy of Literature | 4 credits | |
| Course Electives | ||
| (A student must select one course from the list below.) | ||
| 1101 Neoplatonic Thinkers | 2 credits | |
| 2109 Postmodernism | 2 credits | |
| 2111 Kierkegaard | 2 credits | |
| 2150 Philosophy of Friendship | 2 credits | |
| 2350 Selected Topics and Figures in Philosophy Recent Topics and Figures Courses Have Included: Philosophy of Complementarity Philosophy of Gabriel Marcel Plato The Problem of Religious Language Science and Religion | 2 credits | |
A senior thesis is required as the final achievement of study for the Bachelor of Philosophy Degree. The thesis, written under the supervision of a philosophy instructor, should demonstrate a student's ability to present research in philosophy with clarity and organization. The thesis is written in accordance with the Norms of Affiliation established by the Pontifical Lateran University and the St. John Vianney Theological Seminary Department of Philosophy. A comprehensive oral examination, presided over by a delegate of the Pontifical Lateran University, is also required for the Bachelor of Philosophy Degree.
St. John Vianney Theological Seminary, in conjunction with Regis University in Denver, Colorado, offers students the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy from Regis University. The bachelor's degree from Regis requires the student to complete a total of 128 credit hours, including 30 semester credits in philosophy. All of the philosophy credits required for the Regis degree, as well as language electives and courses in Catholic Humanities, are taken at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary. Core classes are taken on the campus of Regis University.
The normal length of time required to complete the Regis University degree in philosophy is 4 years. Students who have attended other accredited colleges or universities may petition to have their credits transferred to Regis University to fulfill degree requirements. When advanced standing is awarded for credits earned elsewhere, the time required to complete the Regis baccalaureate degree is reduced.