Sacrae Theologiae Licentia (STL)

By virtue of Saint Paul University’s pontifical charter, the Faculty of Theology offers a licentiate programme (Sacrae Theologiae Licentia – STL) conferred by the Senate of Saint Paul University. The licentiate is the academic degree which enables one to teach in a major seminary or equivalent school and which is therefore required for this purpose. To obtain the licentiate, one must successfully complete a two-year programme that includes coursework and research at the graduate level.

ANDRAOS Michel, Dean (On Sabbatical Leave until January 2024)
BLÉE Fabrice, Associate Professor (on leave until 2024)
DIONNE Christian, Interim Dean & Director of Graduate Studies
E. CLIFFORD Catherine, Full Professor
ERIC HEFTY Karl, Associate Professor
JOHNSON Sarah Kathleen , Assistant Professor
MARKWELL Hazel, Associate Professor
SLATTER Mark, Associate Professor
SPATAFORA M.S.F. Andrea, Associate Professor

Sacrae Theologiae Licentia (STL)

Admission criteria for the STL are the same as for the M.A. in Theology, except the candidate must hold an ecclesiastical bachelor’s degree (STB) or its equivalent.

Sacrae Theologiae Licentia (STL)

IN THE FIRST YEAR

Seven courses as follows:

Four Foundation courses:

1 course from the following:

THO6310 THEOLOGICAL HERMENEUTICS (3cr.)
THO6354 RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE (3cr.)
THO6355 THEOLOGY AND CULTURE (3cr.)

1 course from the following:

THO6317 THE FORMATION OF THE BIBLICAL TEXT (3cr.)
THO6318 THE INTERPRETATION OF THE BIBLICAL TEXT (3cr.)

1 course from the following:

THO6333 METHODS AND APPROACHES IN CONTEMPORARY ETHICS (3cr.)
THO6334 ISSUES AND DEBATES IN CONTEMPORARY ETHICS (3cr.)

1 course from the following:

THO6354 RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE (3cr.)
THO6358 SPIRITUALITY: METHODS; RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE HUMAN SCIENCES (3cr.)
THO6359 COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SPIRITUAL TRADITIONS (3cr.)

One methodology course (THO6399 Methodologies in Theology, 3cr.)

Two courses to be chosen in consultation with the student’s research director (who will be from the student’s chosen area of studies) and with the director of Graduate Studies from:

the other THO courses above
graduate courses offered by the Faculties of Canon Law, Human Sciences, Philosophy (Saint Paul University)
courses offered in the context of the MPTh programme (Faculty of Theology)
graduate courses offered in the University of Ottawa.

IN THE SECOND YEAR

Three elective courses in Theology (9cr.)
A teaching internship (3cr.)
THO6997 Examen de synthèse / Synthesis Exam
THO6998 Mémoire / Research Paper (6cr.)

IPA 5321 - PASTORAL MINISTRY AND PSYCHOLOGY

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.

IPA 5322 - PASTORAL MINISTRY AND SOCIOLOGY

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.

THO 5304 - CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY IN ITS SOCIAL DIMENSION

The Christian community as a social reality embodying beliefs and values. Its relationship to and responsibility toward contemporary society and church: local, national, international. Present social questions and the Christian social tradition.

THO 5308 - STUDIES IN PASTORAL PRACTICE II

Study of a specific topic or issue in pastoral theology.

THO 6105 - Important Theological Synthesis

THO 6310 - THEOLOGICAL HERMENEUTICS

Principles and history of interpretation in theology. Recent developments and debates. The role of classic texts and the question of historical consciousness.

THO 6317 - Formation of Biblical Text

Transmission of the text. Inspiration. Canonicity. The authority of the text and the believing community.

THO 6318 - Interpretation of the Biblical Text

Principles and methods of interpretation. History of interpretation: the Church Fathers, Middle Ages, the Reformation, 19th and 20th centuries.

THO 6333 - METHODS AND APPROACHES IN CONTEMPORARY ETHICS

Hermeneutical questions and methodological foundations of contemporary ethical reflection analysed from a theological perspective.

THO 6334 - ISSUES AND DEBATES IN CONTEMPORARY ETHICS

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.

THO 6354 - RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE

Faith and experience. The Mystery of God. Interpretations and expressions of the experience of God.

THO 6355 - THEOLOGY AND CULTURE

The relationship between faith and culture; contemporary issues, questions and challenges. The contextual nature of theology.

THO 6358 - SPIRITUALITY: METHODS; RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE HUMAN SCIENCES

Analysis of the methods used in the theological study of spirituality. Spirituality in relation to the human sciences.

THO 6359 - COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SPIRITUAL TRADITIONS

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.

THO 6399 - METHODOLOGIES IN THEOLOGY

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.

THO 6997 - M.A. Synthesis Examination in Eastern Christian Studies

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.

THO 6999 - RESEARCH PAPER

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.

THO 7999 - MASTER'S THESIS

The master’s thesis, about 100 pages long, must show that the student can work independently and in a rigorously scientific manner.

THO 9295 - DOCTORAL SEMINAR IN THEOLOGY

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)

Office of the Associate Vice-Rector, Strategic Enrolment Management
Room 148
Saint Paul University
223 Main Street
Ottawa, ON
K1S 1C4
CANADA

Notice to gmail address holders, be sure to check your junk mailbox regularly, as due to your server's firewalls our email response to your application may end up there.

Telephone: 613-236-1393
Fax: 613-782-3014
admission@ustpaul.ca

Hours of Operation