Santa Clara University

Description

• People of all vocations and walks of life pursue Spirituality studies in order to enrich their lives through a deeper exploration of their faith. Others choose this emphasis to deepen their understanding of spiritual matters in order to pursue careers in fields related to social justice, such as human services, community outreach, education, youth or campus ministry, or spiritual direction.
  
• Coursework focuses on history, psychology, discernment, contemporary issues, liturgy, scripture, and prayer.
  

Courses

The six required foundational course areas are:

• Fundamental Theology
• Christology
• Ethics
• Ecclesiology
• Hebrew Bible
• New Testament

The four required Spirituality core courses are:

• SPIR 230 Liturgical Spirituality
• SPIR 240 History of Western Christian Spirituality
• SPIR 242 Discernment and Christian Decision-Making
• SPIR 243 Psychological Issues in Spirituality

Advanced electives include a broad range of courses, such as:

• SPIR 241 The Scriptures and Spirituality
• SPIR 244 Spirituality and Ministry
• SPIR 245 Process of Transformation
• SPIR 246 Contemporary Issues in Spirituality
• SPIR 248 Prayer and Prayer Methods
• SPIR 251 Spirituality and Catholic Social Teaching
• SPIR 252 Spirituality Today
• SPIR 260 Art of Spiritual Direction
• SPIR 277 Ignatian Spirituality

Spirituality Advising Form (PDF)

Comprehensive Exams

• Required of all degree-status students
• Designed to help students organize and synthesize what they have learned
• Taken after all coursework is completed or during the last quarter of enrollment
• See Comprehensive Exams for further information.

Thesis Option

• For students who plan on pursuing doctoral studies
• A thesis does not act as a substitute for the comprehensive exam
• See Thesis Option for further information.