GRADUATE LEVEL STUDIES

SACRED THEOLOGY

The Academy of the Annunciation is launching its Graduate Level Studies programme in Sacred Theology in Summer 2020.  Courses (modules) will be available both on-site and via blended/distance learning.

2020 BLENDED/DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES/MODULE

AoA blended/distance learning courses/modules begin with a three-day on-site conference and continue through distance learning.  Students receive weekly feedback from their personal academic tutor and have access to faculty and staff throughout the course of the module via phone, email, skype/facetime, as well as the Veritas@AoA learning management system.

During the on-site residential period, we follow in the footsteps of the early Christians, studying together, praying together, and being nourished together at the Eucharistic Banquet.  There are also opportunities to enjoy social time and fellowship with staff members, fellow disciples, and the Oratory Fathers.

July & August 2020 dates and fees forthcoming

7001A: Dogmatic Themes in Catholic Theology A

[16 UK Credits; 8 ECTS]

In the Gospel of St Matthew (13:52), Jesus says that “every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.”  This course/module focuses on the major dogmatic/doctrinal themes of Catholic Theology and the Scriptural/Biblical foundations of those themes in order for the student to have the dogmatic foundation to be abble to do M level graduate theological research and study with a hermeneutic of continuity.  By examining the dogmatic definitions (and the Scriptural basis for those definitions) from the early Ecumenical Councils, by reading selected texts from the Fathers of the Early Christian Church, and by considering some medieval and some more contemporary texts, the student can begin to be equipped to draw from “what is new and what is old” in order to participate in the tasks and mission of the new evangelization.

Topics covered in this course/module include:

• Introduction to Catholic Theology & Sacred Doctrine
• The Catholic Notion of Divine Revelation
• The relationship between Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition
• The One and Triune God

7001B: Dogmatic Themes in Catholic Theology B

[16 UK Credits; 8 ECTS]

[Please note:  This module/course assumes the student has successfully completed 7001A.]

In the Gospel of St Matthew (13:52), Jesus says that “every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.”  This course/module focuses on the major dogmatic/doctrinal themes of Catholic Theology and the Scriptural/Biblical foundations of those themes in order for the student to have the dogmatic foundation to be abble to do M level graduate theological research and study with a hermeneutic of continuity.  By examining the dogmatic definitions (and the Scriptural basis for those definitions) from the early Ecumenical Councils, by reading selected texts from the Fathers of the Early Christian Church, and by considering some medieval and some more contemporary texts, the student can begin to be equipped to draw from “what is new and what is old” in order to participate in the tasks and mission of the new evangelization.

Topics covered in this course/module include:

• The Person & Works of Jesus Christ
• The Blessed Virgin Mary
• The Church founded by Jesus Christ
• The Sacraments and the Eucharist

7002A: The Effects of Baptism, the Supernatural Organism, and the Search for Happiness A

[16 UK Credits; 8 ECTS]

The selection and the order of topics covered in the third pillar of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (Life in Christ) follow the order of topics presented by St Thomas Aquinas in the I-II parts of the Summa Theologiae.  Both begin with the assertion that all human beings are searching for happiness.  This course/module seeks to explore the foundational principles of Catholic Moral teaching insofar as those principles are meant to serve as an aid for all who seek to follow Christ as they strive for happiness.

Hence, this course/module examines the great Sacrament of Baptism and its effects, focusing on the grace of Christ and the Supernatural Organism, including the infused virtues and the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Topics covered in this course/module include:

• Happiness is the goal of human life
• The dignity of the human person
• Basic principles of Christian anthropology
• The moral act
• The passions & emotions

7002B: The Effects of Baptism, the Supernatural Organism, and the Search for Happiness B

[16 UK Credits; 8 ECTS]

[Please note: This module/course assumes the student has successfully completed 7002A.]

The selection and the order of topics covered in the third pillar of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (Life in Christ) follow the order of topics presented by St Thomas Aquinas in the I-II parts of the Summa Theologiae.  Both begin with the assertion that all human beings are searching for happiness.  This course/module seeks to explore the foundational principles of Catholic Moral teaching insofar as those principles are meant to serve as an aid for all who seek to follow Christ as they strive for happiness.

Hence, this course/module examines the great Sacrament of Baptism and its effects, focusing on the grace of Christ and the Supernatural Organism, including the infused virtues and the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Topics covered in this course/module include:

• The Sacrament of Baptism and its effects
• Grace
•  The supernatural organism
• The infused virtues and the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit

AoA’s MODEL FOR BLENDED / DISTANCE LEARNING

• AoA’s model of blended learning means that there is a face-to-face component whic takes place on site at the Academy in Bournemouth; and a distance learning component, which means students can receive Catholic education from wherever they live, as long as they have access to the internet.
• In the course of the academic year, each year-group of students on each course comes to the Academy of the Annunciation (AoA) for their Residential Study Period.  During the “Residential”, the student experiences interactive lectures, discussion groups, seminars and workshops.
• The time-table of the residential study period follows the rhythm of prayer set by the time table of the Oratorian Fathers.  Students are invited to listen to listen intently to God as they spend time in silent adoration and attend Mass with the Oratorian Fathers.
• At home, the student continues his/her studies on the virtual learning system, with the help and input of the academic tutor and other faculty members.
• The student regularly receives individual tutorial feedback on formative assignments, as well as tutorial feedback in the group discussions which take place on the virtual learning system.
• In addition, students have access, (via phone and email) to the faculty members who teach on their courses.
• On the Veritas@AoA virtual learning system – the student is being taught through text, through videos, through audio presentations, and through the formative tasks which are part and parcel of the distance aspect of the blended learning.  (These materials are prepared and revised by the AoA faculty.)
• In the way, although AoA students spend much of their time away from the Academy and the Oratory, they experience interactive learning and have frequent access to their lectures (more than they would if they attended university on a traditional campus.

2020 ONSITE INTENSIVE COURSES & SEMINARS

The Academy of the Annunciation is offering on-site courses and seminars this summer (2020).  These include 1-week intensive courses as well as 2-week intensive seminars.

During the on-site courses, we follow in the footsteps of the early Christians, studying together, praying together, and being nourished together at the Eucharistic Banquet.  There are also opportunities to enjoy social time and fellowship with staff members, fellow disciples, and the Oratory Fathers.

Courses and Seminars for 2020 to be announced.