Academics
Curriculum

Theology

DEPARTMENT PHILOSOPHY

The mission of the Theology Department at Divine Savior Holy Angels is rooted in Saint Augustine’s understanding of theology as "faith seeking" understanding. Our primary goal is to nurture spirituality through knowledge of faith and to engage students in service to God and others. Department faculty commit themselves, with the entire DSHA faith community, to transforming students to transform the world. Courses and curricula are aligned with the United States Catholic Bishops' document, Doctrinal Elements of a Curriculum Framework for the Development of Catechetical Materials for Young People of High School Age, as well as the Archdiocese of Milwaukee's High School Theology Curriculum guidelines. The theology department is committed to the school’s focus on daily prayer, annual retreats, service, and liturgy and worship experiences that contribute to an environment in which faith formation is valued and nurtured.

THEOLOGY DEPARTMENT COURSE OFFERINGS

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  • Freshman Year Semester 1 | THE BIBLE: THE LIVNG WORD OF GOD — 9051

    This freshmen course is an introduction to the Sacred Scriptures’ unfolding story of salvation in the Old Testament, with a Christian understanding that Jesus Christ is its fulfillment revealed in the New Testament. Divine and natural revelation are explored, as are biblical inspiration and interpretation; i.e., biblical exegesis. This course guides students in coming to know the people and events of salvation history, and in understanding important themes of creation, human dignity, and covenant.
  • Freshman Year Semester 2 | CHRISTOLOGY: JESUS CHRIST AND THE PASCHAL MYSTERY — 9052

    In this second semester freshmen course, students more fully encounter Jesus Christ, the Second Person of the Trinity in the four Gospels. Students are led toward a deeper understanding of divine revelation, the Trinity, Incarnation, Christian discipleship, and salvation through the Paschal Mystery. This course guides students in understanding important themes of the Kingdom of God, the Beatitudes, miracles, forgiveness, and human suffering.
  • Sophomore Year Semester 1 |THE SACRAMENTAL LIFE: ENCOUNTERS WITH CHRIST — 9101

    This course provides an opportunity to encounter Jesus Christ in a full and real way through an examination of the history, scriptural foundation, and current practices of the seven sacraments. In addition, students develop a deep understanding of the Eucharistic Liturgy, different forms of prayer through our Catholic tradition, and the general sacramental outlook rooted in our faith.
  • Sophomore Year Semester 2 | CATHOLIC MORALITY: OUR RESPONSE TO GOD'S LOVE — 9102

    This course is a survey of Christian morality, rooted in the belief that morality is an ongoing developmental process of discernment and application. Students are presented with methods of conscience development and decision-making. These skills are applied as they examine the teaching and traditions of the Catholic faith as they apply to living a moral life within the context of Christ-centered values. Sexual morality, the consistent ethic of life, and modern ethical issues challenge the students to make moral decisions commensurate with the Catholic tradition. 
  • Junior Year Semester 1 | THE NEW TESTAMENT: THE GOOD NEWS OF JESUS — 9201

    In this course students do an in-depth study of each of the Gospels from the perspective of the unique voices of Mark, Matthew, Luke, and John. As we consider the substance and style of each Gospel, and the sociohistorical context in which it is written, a portrait of Jesus emerges that contributes to our understanding of the mystery of the Incarnation and encourages a more substantial relationship with God. Students receive an introduction to St. Paul’s letters, as well as the Book of Revelation.
  • Junior Year Semester 2 | THE CHURCH: ITS MESSAGE AND MISSION — 9202

    This survey of the Catholic Church begins with a study of the Acts of the Apostles and the letters of St. Paul to the earliest communities of believers. Juniors are introduced to the early Church Fathers, Church Councils, and the development of Church doctrine. Historical events that indelibly shaped the Church are noted, including the development and role of the hierarchy, the East-West Schism and the Protestant Reformation, and Vatican II.
  • Senior Year Semester 1 | CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY — 9320

    Each one of us desires to live a life of purpose, meaning, and personal fulfillment. Throughout history God makes known God’s desire for our happiness in this world and the next. Christian thought and tradition offer the opportunity to examine the lives of those who have responded to God’s call to become holy examples of discipleship and love. We will study and reflect on the writings of influential spiritual leaders, such as Thomas Merton, Mother Theresa, Oscar Romero, Jean Donovan, Thea Bowman, and many others who discerned, often through trial and error, God’s plan for their lives. In addition, we will focus on the meaning of the word vocation and our call to live a life that matters through our relationships with God, self, and others.

DUAL CREDIT COURSE OFFERINGS

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  • Senior Year Semester 1 | THEO 4510: SURVEY OF WORLD RELIGIONS — 9310**

    This class was formerly called EL 104: WORLD RELIGIONS – 9310

    This course introduces the following major religious traditions: Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Confucianism/Taoism, Judaism, and Islam. Study includes the major founders (where applicable), beliefs, scriptures, practices, and ethics of the traditions as well as contemporary internal issues, the impact of globalization on the traditions, an introduction to the concept of contextualization in the study of religion as well as interfaith dialogue around common issues of concern to the traditions.
     
    **Students will be eligible to receive 3 transferable college credits from Marquette University by enrolling in the Concurrent Enrollment dual-credit program.

    Learn more about AP & Dual-Credit Offerings.
  • Senior Year Semester 2 | THEO 4400: CHRISTIAN FAITH & JUSTICE - 9315**

    This class was formerly called REL 343: CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING - 9315

    This course will examine the historical settings and the biblical and theological foundations for Catholic Social Teaching.  By applying a process of social analysis, students will probe the underlying causes of issues of social justice and peace. The course will explore how the principles of Catholic Social Teaching address these issues and how students might apply these principles to their future service experiences.

    **Students will be eligible to receive 3 transferable college credits from Marquette University by enrolling in the Concurrent Enrollment dual-credit program.

MEET THE THEOLOGY DEPARTMENT FACULTY

Department-Related Co-Curriculars & Activities

List of 8 items.

  • Freshman Retreat Team

  • Goodness & Kindness Co-Curricular

  • Liturgical Music Team

  • Mass, Sacristans, and Prayer Team

  • Respect Life Co-Curricular

  • Service Team

  • Sisters of Culture Co-Curricular

  • Sophomore Retreat Team

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