Course Offerings

Spring 2009

THL 564/363 (Historical)
American Religious History - Fr. Christopher Viscardi, S.J.
6 Saturdays: Dec 6, 13; Jan 10, 24, 31; Feb 14 
9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Course Description:
The religious history of what is now the United States of America is a rich anc complex sotry, characterized by an exceptional degree of diversity as well as powerful commonalities.  This course will not be a survey of the last three hundred years, but rather a study of the principal developments of religious experience and religious thought of the history of our nation and a consideration of their impact on American culture today.  Major topics include the development of New England Puritanism in colonial America, the emergence of evangelical revivalism in the early republic, and peculiar experiences of Catholic Americans and contemporary religious issues.

About Fr. Christopher Viscardi, S.J.
Fr. Christopher Viscardi, S.J., completed his doctorate in theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, in the area of spirituality.  His dissertation was a study of the conversion theology of Jonathan Edwards, the New England Puritan and spiritual leader, generally considered America’s greatest theologian.  Fr. Viscardi has been at Spring Hill College since 1979, where he is currently chair of the department of theology.  Over the past few years he has been working on a history of the Jesuit, Catholic mission and identity of Spring Hill College, from 1830 to the present, based on his sabbatical research in the Jesuit archives in Rome, Paris, New Orleans and Spring Hill College.  It will be a case study in the religious history of the American South.

THL 531/232 (Biblical)
The Synoptic Gospels - Dr. Thomas Boone
12 Tuesdays: Jan 13 – April 14 (No class Feb. 4 & April 7)
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Course description:
This course introduces students to the messages of and relationship between the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke).  We will explore critical scholarly discussions regarding the Synoptic problem, Q research, and the "Gospel" of Thomas.  We will also read the text critically to ascertain key theological interests that define the messages of the Synoptics: christology, eschatology, soteriology, missiology, and ecclesiology.  Toward these ends the course will utilize readings from supplementary articles, student presentations, group discussions, lectures on major topics, reading synopses, and one major project due at the end of the semester.

About Dr. Thomas Boone:
Thomas Boone currently serves as Pastor of Memorial Presbyterian Church in Montgomery.  He was ordained in the PC (USA) in 1991 and has served in various capacities.  His daughter, Carolyn, attends Spring Hill as a freshman in graphic design.  Tom earned his Ph.D. from Loyola University in Chicago, working extensively on the Gospel of John and Hellenistic Judaism.  Currently he is the biblical scholar for an advanced lay theological studies program being developed in Birmingham.  His current interests, besides the study of scripture, include exercising, photography, dancing, X-Box 360, classical music, and attending shows at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival.

THL 543/344 (Systematic/Historical)
Christology - Dr. Joy Blaylock
6 Saturdays: Feb. 28; Mar. 14, 28; April 4, 18, May 2
9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Course Description:
This course undertakes a critical reflection on the confession that Jesus is the Christ. It consists of four units: biblical and historical origins of belief in Jesus Christ, the Church's doctrine concerning the "person" of Jesus Christ, the Church's views on the "work" of Jesus Christ, and current issues in Christology. The course has three specific goals: [1] knowledge of the sources, history, issues, and methods of contemporary Catholic Christology, [2] mental versatility to reflect on Jesus Christ by means of diverse images, models and methods, and [3] balanced judgment concerning the merits and limits of various views of Jesus Christ.

About Dr. Joy Blaylock:
Joy Harrell Blaylock holds a B.A. in Psychology from University of South Alabama, an M.A. in Theology from Spring Hill College, and a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from The Catholic University of America.  She currently serves as Assistant Pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Mobile and runs her own photography studio entitled Scatter Joy Photography.  Blaylock teaches courses for Spring Hill’s graduate theology division as well as South Alabama’s special courses division in photography. 

THL 515/421 (Pastoral)
Religious Education, Silvernail 
Mondays:   January 12 – April 27 (no class Jan. 19 and April 6)
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Course Description:
This course is an advanced study of both the theory and practice of religious education.  It is designed for educators who will work either in Catholic schools or in parish programs.  The course gives strong emphasis to the development of curriculum, the preparation of lesson plans, effective pedagogic practices, and classroom management strategies.  The laboratory experience (teaching component) is an important part of this course.

About Dr. Lois Silvernail:
Dr. Lois Silvernail is a Professor of Elementary and Early Childhood Education and has taught at Spring Hill College since 1987.  She offers a variety of teacher workshops, including: teaching religion, teaching social studies, teaching science, teaching mathematics, teaching art and music.  Dr. Silvernail works closely with the archdiocesan offices of continuing studies and religious education to plan appropriate experiences for students in schools and parishes.  She enjoys helping students take the information they learn in theology courses and showing them how to present it in a developmentally appropriate way to their students.

SPT 592/492
Spirituality & Psychology Workshop, Viscardi
Mondays 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Registration is limited to students accepted into the Certificate of Spiritual Direction program.

Summer 2009

Summer Institute of Christian Spirituality in Mobile and Atlanta