Required Courses | 40 Units
Curriculum and Instruction for Religious Education
Study of scope and sequence, pedagogical approaches, methods, materials, and media appropriate for teaching Religious Education within the school curriculum. Course will survey the qualities and competencies of effective religion teachers. Participants will explore various methods for developing learning outcomes, assessment tools, instructional design and delivery, integration of educational technology, and strategies for classroom management.
Spirituality of the Educator
Spirituality of leadership for the teacher in Catholic schools drawn from the history of both spirituality of education. The main themes will be developed from the four Constitutions of the Second Vatican Council.
Christian Doctrines in Historical Development
A study of the major doctrines as they have developed through history: God as one and triune; Jesus; God and humanity; original sin; redemption; grace; the Church.
Moral Development
Study of the major theories, research, materials and methods related to moral education, with particular emphasis on the dynamics of the Catholic school classroom.
Ecclesial Principles of Catholic Education
Analysis and discussion of historical, philosophical, theological, and Sociological issues in American Catholic education.
Teacher Mentorship I, II, III (1 Unit Each, Totaling 3 Units)
Fulltime classroom Religious Education teaching and other related school activities carried out under the supervision of a cooperating teacher and a university supervisor. Includes on-campus seminars.
Scriptural Catechesis
Study of the basic methods and principles of Catholic biblical interpretation. Course will examine the major stories of Old and New Testaments. Participants will study effective catechetical methods for teaching Scripture in an accurate and pastorally appropriate manner. Course will conclude with an examination of various ways of using scripture in the classroom as a means of leading students in prayer and reflection.
Catholic Sacraments and Liturgy
An overview of the history and practice of the Catholic sacraments from New Testament times to the present. Special emphasis will be given to Church teachings regarding the nature of the Sacraments, Christian worship, and the Liturgical Year. Participants will explore and practice the fundamentals of Catholic worship as they pertain to liturgical celebrations with students.
Educational Learning Theory
A survey of various secular and catechetical methods of student learning and effective instructional methods. Participants will examine major cognitive theories and research on student thinking and motivation at appropriate developmental levels. Special emphasis will be given to Multiple Intelligence Theory and its application to religious education. Course will conclude with an exploration of the role of Catholic Education in the 21st Century.
Catholic Moral Theology and Social Teachings
A study of the basic principles of moral theology: Christian anthropology, human freedom, conscience, virtue, sin, grace and justification, the moral law (natural law and the teachings of Christ), and Catholic social teachings. Effective application of these topics in the classroom will be examined and practiced. Participants will review the major principles of student moral cognition and reasoning as well as specific moral issues students face today. The course will conclude with an overview of basic counseling principles of pastoral ministry.
Religious Educational Leadership
Analysis and discussion of effective ways to organize, evaluate, and improve religious education in church-related schools. Specific questions of staff development are addressed.
M.A. Culminating Project
A project to stimulate the integration of knowledge and skills gained from the M.A. program, which is submitted as a formal report in partial fulfillment of the master's degree.
Seminar in Religious Education
Study and discussion of selected topics in religious education.
Justice in the School Curriculum
Study of the social teachings of the Catholic Church with applications to curriculum design. Educational theory and sociological perspectives are integrated.
