By virtue of Saint Paul University’s pontifical charter, the Faculty of Theology offers an ecclesiastical doctoral programme (Sacrae Theologiae Doctoratus – STD) conferred by the Senate of Saint Paul University. It is a doctorate at the level of the third cycle, in which for a suitable period of time scientific formation is brought to completion, especially through the writing of a thesis. The cycle concludes with the academic degree of Doctorate.
Sacrae Theologiae Doctoratus (STD)
Admission criteria for the STD are the same as for the PhD in Theology, except the candidate must hold a licentiate (STL) or its equivalent.
Compulsory Courses (12 units)
THO8311 Directed Readings and Research I (3u)
THO9295 Doctoral Seminar in Theology (3u)
Two regular courses (3u each) directly related to the thesis topic or to be chosen in consultation with the director of Graduate Studies.
Comprehensive Examination (THO9998)
Refer to the graduate studies procedures manual of the Faculty of Theology for further details on the comprehensive examinations.
Thesis Proposal (THO9997)
The thesis topic must be submitted after the successful completion of the comprehensive examination.
After the comprehensive examination, upon completion of all course and seminar requirements, and with the approval of the research director, the candidates present their thesis project to professors and graduate students. At this meeting, the candidates present the original hypothesis they have formulated and explain how their project attempts to prove it. The presentation is not perceived as an examination but as an exchange between the participants which may elicit suggestions for improving the project.
Doctoral Thesis (THO9999)
The candidate must write, submit and successfully defend a thesis of at least 200 pages. The thesis must be a significant contribution to the advancement of knowledge, embody the results of original research and analysis and be of such quality as to be worthy of publication.
At least six copies of the thesis and of a summary not exceeding 350 words must be submitted to the Faculty of Theology.
The thesis is submitted to an examining board of four to seven examiners, at least one of these being chosen outside the University. If the thesis is accepted by this board, the candidate will be called to defend it. The University community and the general public are invited to attend the defence.
Research Director
The research director is appointed by the Faculty of Theology before the end of the second term upon consultation with the student.
Thesis Advisory Committee
During the first term of the program, a thesis advisory committee (TAC) is formed for the candidate. The Committee’s membership will be determined by the specific interests of the candidate. It will be composed of the supervisor and 2-3 additional professors. At least one member of the thesis committee, in addition to the supervisor, must be from the Faculty of Theology of Saint Paul University. The TAC is responsible for guiding the student throughout the program, including course selection, the comprehensive examination, thesis proposal, and thesis defence.
A meeting between the student and the TAC will take place at least once per term. The thesis examining board may include members who are not part of the TAC.
Interaction between theology and psychology with reference to pastoral ministry, the experience of the believer, the development of faith and of religious attitudes. The pastoral implications of psychological theories of the individual and his/her social relations: impact on cognitive processes, emotion, behaviour, competence, values. Psychological perspectives on the pastoral minister's practice, role and identity.
Interaction between theology and sociology with reference to pastoral ministry. A study of the pastoral implications of socio-historical structures, and of social and cultural change. Analysis of how the social milieu forms the way people think, feel and act, and the reflection on the importance of this formation for values and beliefs. Sociological perspectives on Christian communities' practice, role and identity.
Principles and history of interpretation in theology. Recent developments and debates. The role of classic texts and the question of historical consciousness.
Transmission of the text. Inspiration. Canonicity. The authority of the text and the believing community.
Principles and methods of interpretation. History of interpretation: the Church Fathers, Middle Ages, the Reformation, 19th and 20th centuries.
Hermeneutical questions and methodological foundations of contemporary ethical reflection analysed from a theological perspective.
Exploring in depth the basic concepts of theological tradition with regard to Christian ethics, as well as the main questions related to ethical research in a contemporary context. Reflection on what is at stake with regard to the public relevance of the Christian ethical discourse in a pluralist and multicultural society.
Faith and experience. The Mystery of God. Interpretations and expressions of the experience of God.
The relationship between faith and culture; contemporary issues, questions and challenges. The contextual nature of theology.
Analysis of the methods used in the theological study of spirituality. Spirituality in relation to the human sciences.
Comparative theological study of one or more Christian spiritual traditions and one or more spiritual traditions within other religions to highlight their views of the world, human reality and salvation.
Various methodologies used in the main fields of theological research. Theoretical and practical aspects of writing a paper or a thesis: matters of research, defining the problem, a working hypothesis, choosing a method, bibliographical research, writing up the status questiones, etc.
A written and oral exercise during which the student is expected to demonstrate the ability to reflect critically on five themes (and concomitant texts) of particular significance to Eastern Christian Studies.
The research paper, approximately 40 pages in length, aims at a deeper understanding of a precise theological topic, with the help of pertinent methodological tools.
The master’s thesis, about 100 pages long, must show that the student can work independently and in a rigorously scientific manner.
Organization and composition of a thesis proposal acceptable to the Faculty of theology and the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. (Graded: S or N/S)
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