This course offers a philosophical analysis of ethics. Specifically, the question this course aims to address is: what constitutes moral behavior? Is morality purely subjective or are there universal principles governing ethics? Special attention here will be paid to the Aristotelian-Thomistic tradition, beginning with the foundational work, Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics, continuing in Thomas Aquinas’s Treatises on the Virtues and on Law, going into the modern period with Kant’s Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals, and concluding with Nietzsche’s Genealogy of Morals.

This is a discussion-based class focusing on Plato’s Republic. While it is often thought of as a book describing a utopian vision, this work offers much more — a thorough analysis on everything from the nature of the human soul, the human desire for justice, and the ordering of human society. Systematic and, at points, outrageous, Plato challenges his readers to consider what it means to be just, how to best structure a society, how government ought to work, what are ideal standards for human lifestyle, how education should be carried out, and much more.

What is justice? Is it good to be just? What is the best form of government? the best education? the best way of life? What are the obstacles in the way of these things? What is truth and how do we find it? This course offers a slow and close reading of the text, offering careful analysis of the challenging ideas Plato lays out in this landmark work.

Building upon previous philosophy courses, this class examines the causes of human knowledge. Specifically, students will be introduced to philosophical solutions to questions relating to the nature of knowledge, the object of knowledge, the role of the internal and external senses, and the concepts of truth and certainty.

After thoroughly examining the sophisticated understandings of the nature of truth and certainty found in Aristotle and Thomas Aquinas, we will closely examine the skepticism of the modern period through the writings of Hume, and the systematization of the structure of the mind in Kantian idealism, concluding in the 20th Century attempt to fuse idealism and realism in Martin Heidegger.

This course examines major theories concerning the organization of society and the role of government. The relationship of philosophical concepts to the governing of society are carefully explored. Key ideas discussed include justice, natural rights, the role of education, the role of religion in society, the meaning and purpose of freedom, and the responsibility of members of society to themselves and one another.

Beginning with ancient sources such as the Code of Hammurabi and Aristotle, continuing to Thomas Aquinas, moving into the pre-modern period with Machiavelli, and the modern period with selections from Hobbes and other authors.

This course offers a comprehensive study of the nature of being and its characteristics. After examining the subject and scope of this branch of philosophy, the course will cover topics such as the problem of the one and the many, the analogous nature of being, the attributes, divisions, and causes of being.

The course also provides a basic introduction to natural theology — what can be known about God through reason apart from divine revelation. Texts used begin with Plato’s Timaeus, continuing through Aristotle, the Middle Ages in St. Thomas Aquinas, the end of Scholasticism in Ockham, the Renaissance via Hume and Kant, and concluding in the 20th Century in Martin Heidegger.

This course is a seminar integrating the major disciplines of the philosophy program (philosophy, theology and the liberal arts). Classic texts from the major disciplines are read and then discussed in class. These texts will be approached with philosophical questions in mind, as befits the capstone to the philosophy program.

In order to bring about a genuine integration of the different disciplines, the seminar revolves around the theme of love and friendship, a theme common to the major disciplines. This theme is chosen not only because of its integrating character, but also because of its importance for philosophy and liberal education in general, and its peculiar relevance for seminary training in particular.

In addition to their in-class work, two practica are required in which students will learn how to communicate what they have learned effectively as teachers. The practica involves teaching an introductory level course on Scripture or Theology in a classroom setting outside of the university (elementary school, high school, parish-based religious education, etc.). Unless given written approval, students should begin their practicum experience in their second to last quarter as a student.

In addition to their in-class work, two practica are required in which students will learn how to communicate what they have learned effectively as teachers. The practica involves teaching an introductory level course on Scripture or Theology in a classroom setting outside of the university (elementary school, high school, parish-based religious education, etc.). Unless given written approval, students should begin their practicum experience in their second to last quarter as a student.

This course examines the ways in which the Christian faith is presented and illuminated through the literary arts. Potential topics include: the relation of Christian faith to literary theory; the literary forms of the Bible; theological reflection on literature; specific theological themes in literature (e.g., sin and grace; human persons and the image of God, etc.); the ways in which literature sheds light on the challenges and prospects of Christian faith in the modern world; the historical interplay between theology and literary art; the relationship between inspired and non-inspired literature.

What is exactly is the “New Evangelization”? This course takes up that question. First, the course will examine the Mission Ad Gentes, beginning with an analysis of the ministry of Christ, his commissioning of the apostles, and the spread of the Gospel in the New Testament era. In addition, the student will study evangelization in the early Church and renewals in later periods of Christian history. From here the course will turn to investigate the origin of the new evangelization in the Second Vatican Council and in the writings of Paul VI, particularly his Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii Nuntiandi (1975). Against this backdrop, the student will be introduced to the concept, methodology, and challenges of the New Evangelization as discussed in the writings of John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and other Catholic writers.

Many of the major models of evangelization that have been used throughout the history of Christianity will be studied and applied in this course. It will provide a perspective on the origins (biblical, historical, theological) of such models with the goal of advancing these models in creative ways that can be applied in our world today.

This course will analyze spiritual theology as it relates to the New Evangelization. Specifically, the spiritual challenges involved with preparation for and engagement in evangelization efforts.

This course explores the biblical and theological sources of Catholic Mariology. In addition to looking at patristic and medieval sources, the course also looks at contemporary theological work. Special attention will be placed on the role of the Second Vatican Council’s teaching and its influence in recent Mariology.

This course will first introduce students to Fundamental Theology, which analyzes the role of natural theology and divine revelation, the channels of divine revelation (Scripture and Tradition), as well as the role of the Magisterium. Building upon this analysis, the course goes on to form students in the tools necessary to interpret the Bible in a rigorously academic way that remains faithful to Catholic tradition.

Students will examine the fundamental tenants of early Christian biblical interpretation as expressed in particular patristic writers, later medieval writers, and particularly, Thomas Aquinas. The principal learning outcome is to form students to interpret Scripture in an integrated manner that is both exegetically responsible and theologically informed.

It is well known that good theology is impossible without proper philosophical formation. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger suggested that there is a crisis in contemporary biblical scholarship that is first and foremost a crisis of philosophy. In order to address this problem, the future pope suggested that biblical interpreters must more carefully analyze the philosophical presuppositions undergirding modern exegesis.

This course aims to meet this challenge by first providing graduate students with a basic formation in the perennial philosophy as articulated by Aristotle and Thomas Aquinas and then by means of a constructive conversation between ancient and modern philosophy.

This course introduces students to the study of the literary, historical, and theological dimensions of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy), also known as the “Torah”.

These books contain the foundational narratives and laws of ancient Israel and set the stage for the rest of the story of salvation history related in Sacred Scripture. After addressing questions relating to the origin and sources of these books, the student meticulously works through the contents of these books in their entirety.

In addition to studying contemporary scholarship on the Pentateuch, the student also explores commentaries from the Church Fathers and Doctors, learning how to read the theological dimensions in light of the rest of the canon and Catholic tradition.

In this course students will be exposed to the books of the Old Testament typically classified as “the Historical Books”, namely, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, 1-2 Chronicles. These books contain the biblical account of Israel’s history after the time of Moses leading up to the time "of Christ. Among other things, students carefully explore the accounts of: Israel’s entrance into the land of Canaan under Joshua; the Judges who led Israel, such as Gideon and Samson; the rise and fall of Saul; David and the kingdom covenanted to him; the glorious reign of Solomon and his building of the temple; the split between the northern and southern tribes; the ministry of prophets such as Elijah and Elisha; the reforms of Hezekiah and Josiah; the exile of the Jews to Babylon and their return to the land under Ezra and Nehemiah. Although not typically included in the category of the “Historical Books”, students also explore 1 & 2 Maccabees, rounding out the narrative of the Catholic Old Testament. While engaging with contemporary critical scholarship, students also read these books in light of the writings of the Church Fathers and Doctors, exploring the theological dimensions of the text in light of the rest of the canon and Catholic tradition.

In this course, students are exposed to the key literary and historical issues involved in the study of the prophetic corpus, analyzing the contributions of contemporary scholarship.

In addition, students will explore the theological dimensions of the prophetic literature. Among other things, the student will examine the way these books highlight key tenants of Old Testament ethics and Israel’s eschatological hopes. Furthermore, reading these books in light of the New Testament, Catholic tradition, and the Church’s liturgy, students will also investigate these books in light of Catholic theology, e.g., Christology, ecclesiology, eschatology, moral theology, and liturgical theology

This course teaches the principles of project management that are commonly used to plan and measure projects in industry. It presents the project management mind-set, tools, and skills for successfully defining, planning, executing, monitoring, controlling, and reporting a project.

Topics covered include: the project life cycle; fundamental PM processes; development of the project plan; interpersonal management skills; and managing changes during project execution. Case studies are from technology and media applications.

Students will explore the field of public relations from both journalistic and corporate points of view. Through discussion, case studies, and individual and group projects, they will develop an awareness of the important roles branding, PR, and publicity play in our society; learn the differences between news, opinion, advertising, and propaganda; discover basic strategies and tools for attracting publicity and dealing with press attention, and wrestle with the moral and ethical aspects of creating and maintaining a compelling, authentic public image.

This course is an advanced course for business students. Its intent is to give an in-depth understanding of the combined roles of leadership and negotiating in the big-business world of media. The course uses many of the basic concepts covered in two earlier courses: the course “Negotiating Skills”, and the course “Leadership and Management”. In presenting the course, ten famous movie directors are investigated, using case studies involving deal making from eighteen of their movies. In each case, numerous possible negotiating outcomes are discussed in class, and the actual outcome is assessed by the instructor and students as to its effectiveness and success. In analyzing effectiveness, the actual scenes are reviewed in class.

A theoretical and practical introduction to the human phenomenon of storytelling, what stories are, their central role in culture from ancient times to the present day, and how storytellers seek and communicate meaning. Particular attention will be paid to the significance of story in the Judeo-Christian tradition and story’s role within the Christian faith.

Students will generate numerous story ideas, and with the help of their classmates and the instructor will evaluate those ideas in terms of audience appeal, theme and meaning.

This course introduces students to the diverse world of radio, television, news, cinema, internet, print and advertising. Students will learn how to critically experience such media and analyze its desired results. Students will also explore how media has developed and evolved through history and examine the current influences of media on society from a cultural, artistic and economic perspective.

In addition, we will explore what the role of Christians in this new media environment can and should be, and how we can best utilize the opportunities available to us to become who we want to be.

This class will study some of the most important films in American cinema to understand the cultural context in which they were created, the role of the director in the film making process, and the lasting legacy that the various films enjoy.

The course examines the legal relationships in the motion picture and television industries, as well as the legal relationships between artists and their personal managers. It covers the key legal principles that are involved in most media productions. This includes with trade unions, licensing, intellectual property and contract issues.

In this course students identify their specialized interest and value within the media industry, and through the creation of a comprehensive career strategy, use specialized knowledge, skills and experience to prepare themselves to be hired by media companies and promote themselves within the media industry. The class will also look at the unique world of freelancing and give students the tools necessary to venture into self-employment.