Theo 445 01: Christian Initiation and Eucharist
Spring Semester 2004
Monday/Wednesday; 10-11:15am, DeBartolo 119
Course Description,
Requirements | Schedule
of Classes | Printable
Version of Syllabus
Course Description
The Rites of Christian Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation,
and First Eucharist) and the Eucharistic Liturgy as the primary
sacramental celebrations of and in the Church: their biblical
and anthropological foundations, historical evolution, contemporary
forms and pastoral effectiveness.
Goals and Objectives
Through this course students will demonstrate:
- an understanding of the historical evolution
of Initiation and Eucharist in the life
of the Church;
- a critical understanding of the theological
interpretation(s) of these primary sacramental
rites within both the Roman Catholic and other (selected)
Christian traditions;
- a thorough awareness of the contemporary forms
of these rites especially within the Roman Catholic tradition;
- the ability to participate actively in these
rites (if so desired) with intelligence and
understanding.
Course Requirements
The above goals and objectives will be met by:
- Attendance at all class sessions. More
than three absences will automatically
lower the final grade by one letter grade.
- Full, active, and conscious participation
in class through preparation of assigned
reading, discussion, Q/A, etc.
- Preparation of Weekly written summaries
of, or reflections on, assigned
reading due every Wednesday when an exam or other paper
is not due.
- Writing Assignments. A choice from
the following options:
- Write the three short papers
assigned in the syllabus (due on the dates indicated).
- Write a research paper (with
notes in proper form) on some topic having to
do with initiation or eucharist (10 to 15 pages; due
on April 28). Possible research paper
topics are listed at the end of this page.
NOTE: Bibliography
and Outline to be approved by instructor by March
24.
- Two Take-Home Unit Exams and a Take-Home
Final Exam as announced on the
syllabus.
- Occasional quizzes, announced or unannounced.
Grading
GRADING for this course is based on the
successful completion of Numbers 1-5 above.
- The grade A is
reserved for "exceptional work," (95 - 100%)
a level significantly above what is required;
- A- (92-94%); B+ (89-91%)
= very good work, the excellent completion of the necessary
requirements;
- B (85-88%) = good work
in successful completion of what was expected and
required;
- B- (80-84%);
- C+ (77-79%);
- C (74-76%);
- C- (70-73%);
- D (65-69%);
- F (below
65%).
Grades will be computed according to the
following point system:
- Weekly Summaries, etc. = 10
points (total points will vary)
- Unit Exams = 50
points each (150 points total)
- Papers = 25
points each (75 points total)
- (Or Major paper) = 75
points each (75 points total)
- Quizzes = 10
points each (total points will vary)
- Class Participation = 30
points total (30 points total)
Required Texts
- M. Johnson, The Rites of
Christian Initiation: Their Evolution and Interpretation. Collegeville:
Pueblo, 1999.
- M. Johnson, Images of Baptism. Forum Essays
6. Chicago: LTP, 2001.
- A. Bouley, Catholic Rites Today (Collegeville:
The Liturgical Press).
- N. Mitchell, Eucharist as Sacrament of Initiation (Chicago:
LTP).
- Ed Foley, From Age to Age (Chicago: LTP).
- USCC, The Real Presence of Jesus
Christ in the Eucharist: Questions and Answers,
United States Catholic Conference, 2001.
- Course Packet, Theo 445, available
in the Copy Shop, 3rd Floor, O'Shag.
On Library Reserve
- M.
Johnson (ed.), Living
Water, Sealing Spirit: Readings on Christian Initiation.
Some essays from this collection, as noted
in the Syllabus, will
be required reading.
There will also be required reading
from:
- R. Cabié, History of the
Mass
- G.
Macy, The
Banquet's Wisdom, and
- G. Austin, Anointing
With The Spirit (Collegeville 1985).
Possible Research Paper Topics
Christian Initiation
- Is there any good justification for withholding communion
from baptized infants and children?
- When is the Holy Spirit "given" in Christian
initiation?
- Is there any good justification today for keeping the sacrament
of confirmation separated from the sacraments of baptism
and Eucharist?
Eucharistic Liturgy and Theology
- How do contemporary churches understand the Eucharist as
sacrifice?
- What is the relationship between the Eucharist and social
justice?
- What does contemporary Catholic theology say about the
Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist?
- How is the Eucharist a foretaste of the heavenly banquet?
Note: See Dr. Johnson for bibliographical
suggestions for these and other topics after you
have done initial library research.
Theo 445: Christian Initiation and Eucharist
Course Description,
Requirements | Schedule
of Classes | Printable
Version of Syllabus