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Christian Anthropology THL 417 Professor: Daniel G. Van Slyke, S.T.L., Ph.D
COURSE PURPOSEThis course scientifically investigates the nature and vocation of the human person in the light of Christian revelation. Students will explore the foundations of a specifically Christian anthropology, beginning with the principle that all human beings are created in the image of God. Major topics include the human soul and body, the theology of the body, the relationship between divine grace and human free will, the question of predestination, and the call to perfection in self-giving and communion with the Holy Trinity.
REQUIRED TEXTS · Brennen, Robert Edward. The Image of His Maker. Milwaukee: Bruce, 1948. · Burns, J. Patout, ed. and trans. Theological Anthropology. Sources of Early Christian Thought. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1981. · John Paul II. Theology of the Body According to Pope John Paul II. Boston: Daughters of St. Paul, 1997. · Journet, Charles. The Meaning of Grace. Princeton NJ: Scepter, 1960. · OLE = "obtain online or elsewhere." These texts are linked on the interactive online syllabus. · CP = "course packet." These texts will be distributed on the first day of class.
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COURSE CALENDAR†
Class 1, Wednesday August 30 TOPIC: Secular Anthropology and Christian Anthropology
Class 2, Wednesday September 6 TOPIC: Early Christian Perspectives, The Pelagian Controversy READING: a) Burns, pp. 1-60
Class 3, Wednesday September 13 TOPIC: The Pelagian Controversy and Asceticism READING: a) Jerome, Against Jovinianus, book I (only) [OLE] b) Jerome, Against the Pelagians, book I (only) [OLE]
___________________________________________ *** FIRST PAPER DUE Monday September 18 ___________________________________________
Class 4, Wednesday September 20 TOPIC: Augustine and the Semi-Pelagian Controversy READINGS: a) Burns, pp. 61-128
Class 5, Wednesday September 27 TOPIC: Carolingian Debates and the Developed Doctrine of Grace READINGS: a) Gottschalk, Confessio brevior [OLE] b) Ludwig Ott, "The Doctrine of Grace," in Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma [CP]
Class 6, Wednesday October 4 TOPIC: 11th/12th Century "Renaissance" READING: a) Bernard of Clairvaux, Treatise Concerning Grace and Free Will [CP]
Class 7, Wednesday October 11 TOPIC: Soul and Body READING: b) Brennen, pp. 1-186 (skim pp. 73-126)
Class 8, Wednesday October 18 TOPIC: Thomistic Anthropology READING: a) St Thomas Aquinas, Summa theologica I, qq. 75-93 [OLE]
Class 9, Wednesday October 25 TOPIC: Virtue, Origin, and End READINGS: a) Brennan, pp. 187-317
___________________________________________ ALL SAINTS’ DAY: Wednesday November 1 – NO CLASS ___________________________________________
Class 10, Wednesday November 8 TOPIC: Magisterial Teachings READING: a) Gaudium et spes, nos. 1-39 [OLE] b) Pope John Paul II, Theology of the Body, pp. 25-74
Class 11, Wednesday November 15 TOPIC: Theology of the Body READING: c) Dietrich Von Hildebrand, Man and Woman, pp. 7-31 [CP] d) Pope John Paul II, Theology of the Body, pp. 75-130
___________________________________________ *** SECOND PAPER DUE Monday November 27 ___________________________________________ NOVEMBER 22: Thanksgiving Break – NO CLASS ___________________________________________
Class 12, Wednesday November 29 TOPIC: Reviewing and Renewing: Grace in Its Essence READING: e) Charles Journet, The Meaning of Grace, pp. 15-79
Class 13, Wednesday December 6 TOPIC: The Existential States of Grace READING: f) Charles Journet, The Meaning of Grace, pp. 84-137
___________________________________________ FINAL EXAM: Wednesday December 13 – check Blackboard for details
† The Professor reserves the right to make substitutions, deletions, or additions to the schedule of readings.
in te domine speravi non confundar in aeternum © 2006 Daniel G. Van Slyke |