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
• BLÉE Fabrice, Associate Professor
• BLOOMQUIST Gregory, Professor Emeritus
• DIONNE Christian, Associate Professor
• E. CLIFFORD Catherine, Full Professor
• ERIC HEFTY Karl, Associate Professor
• MARKWELL Hazel, Associate Professor
• MATHIEU Yvan, Associate Professor
• R. MELCHIN Kenneth, Professor Emeritus
• 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:

1. the other THO courses above
2. graduate courses offered by the Faculties of Canon Law, Human Sciences, Philosophy (Saint Paul University)
3. courses offered in the context of the MPTh programme (Faculty of Theology)
4. 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.)

DCA 5310 - CHURCH LAW AND PASTORAL MINISTRY

Theological reflection on and practical application of Canon Law to some areas of pastoral ministry, specifically marriage and reconciliation.

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.

IPA 5481 - PROFESSIONAL MINISTRY PRACTICUM I

Supervised ministry in a local church or other ministerial setting. Emphasis on the receptive skills and attitudes of the pastoral minister. Theological, sociological, and psychological theories are introduced which will enable the pastoral agent to observe, analyze, and integrate events within the religious community. Cognitive, behavioural, motivational, and emotional components are related to people's individual, social, and interpersonal life. Professional ethical issues are addressed. Codes of ethics in allied professions are used when appropriate. Supervision occurs in small groups under the guidance of a supervisor from the Saint Paul University.

IPA 5482 - PROFESSIONAL MINISTRY PRACTICUM II

In collaboration with a supervisor the student actively addresses a segment of his ministry drawn from Practicum I (e.g., relationships, or the community, or individuals). Action plans are formulated and carried out. Implications for religious structure, liturgy, homiletics, sacraments are developed and implemented. Emphasis is placed on critical, informed involvement, resource and time management in the exercise of collegial and co-responsible lay and ordained leadership in preaching, liturgical presiding, and community facilitation. Supervision occurs in small groups under the guidance of a supervisor from the Saint Paul University. Prerequisite: IPA 5481.

THO 5301 - PASTORAL THEOLOGY

Theological study of Christian experience and practice in their individual and community dimensions. History of pastoral/practical theology and its contemporary developments. Dialogue between present Christian communities and Christian tradition. Approaches and methods.

THO 5302 - CATECHETICAL PASTORAL THEOLOGY

Theological reflection on the practice and principles of catechesis. The development and growth of faith in current pastoral contexts. Methodologies, learning styles, growth processes and approaches tailored in view of various groups and settings.

THO 5303 - LITURGICAL PASTORAL THEOLOGY

Theological reflection on the liturgical experience and expression of Christian communities. Principles, dynamics, and actualization of liturgical celebration, including sacraments, paraliturgies and prayer services. Roles and ministries in liturgical celebrations.

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 5305 - CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY AND ITS DEVELOPMENT

Types of Christian community. Maintaining the well-being and promoting the growth of Christian communities. Life cycles and life settings of Christian communities.

THO 5307 - STUDIES IN PASTORAL PRACTICE I

Study of a specific topic or issue in pastoral theology.

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 6352 - STUDIES IN EASTERN CHRISTIANITY

Investigation of a particular issue, author, or trend related to any aspect of Eastern Christianity not foreseen by the other courses.

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 6375 - FOUNDATIONAL TEXTS IN EASTERN CHRISTIAN CHURCH HISTORY

In-depth reading, analysis and evaluation of key historical source material from the fourth century to the present.

THO 6376 - FOUNDATIONAL TEXTS IN EASTERN CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY

In-depth reading, analysis and evaluation of basic spiritual classics of Eastern Christianity from the fourth century to the present.

THO 6377 - FOUNDATIONAL TEXTS IN EASTERN CHRISTIAN LITURGICAL HISTORY

In-depth reading, analysis and evaluation of basic sources that illustrate the evolution of Eastern Christian worship from the fourth century to the present.

THO 6378 - RESOURCES AND METHODS FOR THE STUDY OF EASTERN CHRISTIANITY

An examination of various research tools related to Eastern Christianity and religion in general. An overview of key methods in Eastern Christian exegesis, theology, liturgy, spirituality and Church history and their interface with modern and classical Western approaches.

THO 6379 - ISSUES IN EASTERN CHRISTIAN HERMENEUTICS & EXEGESIS

Study of a particular issue, author, or trend in the hermeneutics and exegesis of the Eastern Churches, e.g. particularities of the Greek, Syriac, or Slavonic versions and their distinctive canons; worship as hermeneutical matrix; scripture and tradition in Eastern Christian reflection; extra-biblical texts; the development of modern Orthodox hermeneutics in dialogue with Western text criticism and methods.

THO 6380 - PATRISTIC THEOLOGY

Examination of a particular issue, author, or trend in Eastern Patristic theology, e.g. Greek, Byzantine, Syriac, Coptic or Armenian sources; or the twentieth-century neo-patristic synthesis.

THO 6381 - CONTEMPORARY EASTERN THEOLOGY

Study of a particular issue, author, or trend in contemporary Eastern Christian theology, e.g. modern philosophical theology (for example, sophiology), and systematics and/or moral theology of the Greek, Russian, Ukrainian, Melkite and Romanian schools in particular; or the systematics and/or moral reflection of non-Byzantine theologians.

THO 6382 - FOUNDATIONAL TEXTS IN EASTERN CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY

In-depth reading, analysis and evaluation of basic texts that have helped shape Eastern Christian theology from the third century to the present.

THO 6387 - ISSUES IN EASTERN CHRISTIAN LITURGICAL HISTORY

Study of a particular issue, author, or trend relating to the history of the Constantinopolitan, Armenian, Alexandrian, West Syrian or East Syrian worship traditions and their offshoots, e.g. historical and structural analyses of Eastern patristic sources, Church Orders, euchologies, typica and other worship books; chant traditions, execution, environment; cultural factors conditioning these traditions.

THO 6388 - FOUNDATIONAL TEXTS IN EASTERN CHRISTIAN LITURGICAL THEOLOGY

In-depth reading, analysis and evaluation of basic texts from the fourth century to the present.

THO 6392 - THE HISTORY OF EASTERN CHRISTIAN INSTITUTIONS, MOVEMENTS, PERSONS

Historical analysis of Eastern Christian institutions, movements or persons in the early, "medieval," or modern periods of one or several of the various Eastern Churches, e.g. pre- and post- Nicene developments; Byzantium; pre-Ephesian and pre-Chalcedonian Churches; the Slavic missions and Kyivan Rus'; the Turkocrateia and subsequent liberation; later Rus' Christianity; the Tsarist era; modern persecution; the Eastern Christian "diaspora."

THO 6393 - METHODOLOGICAL ISSUES IN EASTERN CHURCH HISTORY

Investigation of a particular issue, author, or trend related to the periodization, historiography or methodology in general of Eastern Christian history.

THO 6397 - FOUNDATIONAL TEXTS IN EAST-WEST ECUMENISM

In-depth reading, analysis and evaluation of key documents that have shaped East-West rapprochement from 1902 to the present.

THO 6398 - INTER-RELIGIOUS ISSUES AND THE CHRISTIAN EAST

Examination, from the perspective of the Eastern Churches, of a particular issue, author, or trend relating to dialogue between Christianity and other religions, e.g. Islamic-Christian encounters in the Middle-East, the Balkans and the former USSR; Slavic Christian-Jewish interaction; Buddhist-Eastern Christian monastic contacts.

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)

Contact Us

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

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

Hours of Operation

Monday to Friday	8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
	1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

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