The Old Catholic

Apostolic Seminary
University
Course Syllabus

Course: Theological Foundations

TH 5030 Introduction to Theology

S.G.R.M. ++Andrew Angarita

Archbishop and Primate
Course: Theological Foundations
TH 5030 Introduction to Theology

Course Description:
This course provides an introduction to the study of theology and its various methods of
investigation. The text use for this course is The College Students Introduction to Theology by,
Thomas P. Rausch. While most theological texts focus on one facet of study, this text introduces
the whole rich and complex area of theological studies. It is written from a Roman Catholic
perspective, but the book is consciously ecumenical in its approach.
You will learn about various types of theology, and this course endeavors to enable the student to
think theologically with a solid foundation, making the Old Catholic witness relevant to all
people.
This course is a prerequisite to all other required courses of theology.
Course Outline:
Part I: Foundations examines the nature of theology as both a science and a work of the Church
(and the resulting tension between theologians and bishops), the Hebrew Scriptures, and
development of the New Testament canon, and an overview of the Church history.
Part II: Systematic Questions tackles Christian faith, Christian anthropology, moral theology, and
the sacramental and liturgical life of the Christian.
Part III: Contemporary Issues introduces the concept and various expressions of spirituality, the
Second Vatican Council, and two post conciliar issues: ecumenism and feminism.
Course Objectives:

The student will understand that theology is more than just an academic discipline
reserved only for professional theologians. Theology is a fascinating subject that can be applied
to every concept of life daily.

The student will know the different sources from which the OCAC derive its
understanding of Catholic truth and direction.


The student will develop a broader perspective of theology in a methodological approach
in areas of Christology, ecclesiology, theological anthropology, liturgy and moral theology.

The students will critically evaluate their own theological method and worldview.

The students will analyze various sources from which they derive their beliefs.

Course Assignment:
This course is completed in an 11-week period. You are expected to complete all the assignments
with a minimum passing grade of a C, in the following:
1. Reading: You are required to read the text book The College Students Introduction to
Theology.

2. Prepare notes: It is recommended to take notes as you make progress through the
chapters.

3. You will be expected to complete one chapter per week, and will be required to answer
all the questions at the end of each chapter with a minimum of 400 words combined,
using the MLA outline. Please send your response every Monday by midnight as Tuesday
will be the beginning of each week.

4. You are responsible to complete a 5 page final thesis by the last week of the course,
excluding the cover sheet, using the MLA format, summarizing the reading assignment
and explaining:
A. what did you learn?
B. If your beliefs have changed in any way as a result of this course.
C. How can you use this knowledge in your everyday life or ministry?

5. There is no final written exam for this course.

The MLA format and instructions can be found at:
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/
NOTE: The Professor is available by email or in a conference call for additional discussion about
the paper or other topics.
Angarita.andrew@gmail.com

Contributors include Christopher Key Chapple, PhD; John R. Connolly, PhD; Michael Downey,
PhD; Mary M. Garascia, CPPS, PhD; Marie Ann Mayeski, PhD; Mary Milligan, RSHM, STD;
John R. Popiden, PhD; Thomas P. Rausch. SJ, PhD; Herbert J. Ryan, SJ, STD; Jeffrey S. Siker,
PhD; and Daniel L. Smith-Christopher, D. Phil. Andrew Angarita, M. Div, D.D.