JUNE 30 - JULY 19, 2024
2024 Master of Theology Degree Program
Associate Director, C. Vanessa White, D.Min.
The IBCS Master of Theology Program (Th.M.) is the one graduate theology program in the USA taught from Black Catholic perspectives. Its curriculum is interdisciplinary; courses focus on Black approaches, critiques, and contributions to systematic and pastoral theologies, youth and pastoral ministry, aesthetics, philosophy, and education. Established in 1980 in historic New Orleans on the campus of 藏精阁, the IBCS is dedicated to academic learning, prayer, worship and community-building. The Th.M. program forms students for theologically and culturally competent service as ordained, religious or lay ecclesial ministers in the Black community, church and community at-large. The Degree program also welcomes scholars seeking on-going religious studies, visiting graduate students and ministers who desire to expand, enhance and enrich their general theological studies by exploring the Catholic theological tradition and its particular meaning for the social and spiritual experiences of African- descended people in the U.S. and the diaspora.
IBTH 5030 Black Approaches to Scripture. Black history, culture, and experience are presented as a locus for responding to the Word of Scripture. Methods and tools of biblical exegesis are introduced; similarities between biblical mentality and Black mentality, and problem texts are also discussed. Core Course. James Okoye, C.S.Sp., D.Phil. (M-F, 8:45 – 11:45 am, 3 units).
IBTH 5090 Church: The Mission. Explores the nature and mission of the Church in contemporary Society with particular emphasis of its significance the evangelization and social justice ministries within and on behalf of the Black Community. Area Requirement. John Segun Odeyemi, Ph.D. (M-F, 8:45 – 11:45 am, 3 units).
IBTH 5640 Leadership Styles of Ministry. Explores ministry in the Black community, including similarities and differences with the white community, especially regarding issues of congregational responsibility, participation and leadership. Elective. Brian Turner, Ph.D. (M-F, 8:45 – 11:45 am, 3 units).
Afternoon Courses
IBTH 5010 Black Approaches to Theology. Stresses the nature, methods and sources of Black Theology; the reasons justifying its existence and its relationship to other theologies within the Roman Catholic Tradition. Introduction. Modeste Malu Nyimi, Ph.D. (M-F, 1:45 – 4:45 pm, 3 units).
IBTH 5440 The Spirituals. Studies a broad range of the black sacred songs known as the “Spirituals.” Focus is placed upon a study of their origins, meanings, and purposes. Emphasis is also given to understanding their importance in the foundation of African American culture and Christianity, and their possible uses in Catholic worship, and pastoral ministry. Area Requirement. Kim Harris, Ph.D. (M-F, 1:45 – 4:45 pm, 3 units).
IBTH 5600 Moral Questions in the Black Community. This course intends to establish a dialogue (a mutual critique and enrichment) between African American and Roman Catholic approaches to ethical issues, focusing on matters of particular concern to African Americans. Core Course. Craig A. Ford, Ph.D. (M-F, 1:45 – 4:45 pm, 3 units).
Advanced Courses:
IBTH 5999 Qualifying Examination.
IBTH 6000 Practicum (Major Research Paper and Project).
IBTH 7000 Comprehensive Examination.
IBTH 5997 Integrative Colloquium. Helps students in the third or fourth summer of study to enter more deeply into the habitués of pastoral theology, that is, a way of thinking, reflecting, conversing, and writing about questions and issues that emerge from their ministry and ministerial research. The Colloquium provides students with structured and interdisciplinary engagement and opportunities for refining research, theological analysis and reflection, and writing. Specifically, the Colloquium assists students to meet the goal of preparing successful drafts of
(a) the major theological research paper and (b) the Practicum proposal.
Advanced Course. Albertina Walker-Hughey, Ph.D. (Online, TBA).