YLSM-Systematic Moral

Catholic Moral Theology and Bioethics : Introductory course acquaints student with basic principles and topics in Catholic morality and bioethics and their application in specific issues: beginning and ending of life, genetics, transplantation, experimentation, and the ministry of pastoral care in the hospital. The course teaches the role of natural law, the nature of the human person as a moral person, freedom and knowledge, and the formation of the conscience.

An advanced course that establishes the fundamental teaching in the Church’s social doctrine and its development from the early church to the modern period. Key modern encyclicals in social justice are studied with special attention given to documents of the papacy, the Holy See, the USCCB and Catholic bioethical theologians, covering topics and scenarios relevant to the priestly vocation.

Spiritual Theology explores the truths of divine revelation and religious experience, those aspects of the supernatural life which pertain to its development and practice, as well as the progression through which souls move toward the transformation which brings the spiritual life to its perfection. This course also considers the characteristics of spiritual direction and focuses on key texts that have shaped Christian spirituality from late antiquity to the twenty-first century. The course consists of lectures, case studies, and class presentations with discussion.