We are pleased to announce a new MA in Aquinas Studies
Posted By: Frances O'Loughlin
Posted On: Mar 12, 2018
The MA will be taught by distance learning over two years, with a taught component (60 credits in total) delivered over three semesters of 15 weeks. A dissertation of 15,000 words (30 credits) will be completed in the fourth semester.
The Master of Arts (Aquinas Studies) will provide the opportunity to:
Study the philosophical and theological thought of St Thomas Aquinas at postgraduate level by engaging with primary sources as well as historical and contemporary scholarship on Aquinas' thought.
Explore the historical, contextual and linguistic background to Aquinas’ thought.
Recognise the unity of faith and reason in Aquinas’ thought, using a method which involves cross-cultural dialogue and is relevant for today.
Contribute meaningfully to philosophical and theological scholarship on the thought of Thomas Aquinas.
This MA (Aquinas Studies) by blended learning is particularly suitable for those who cannot attend classes regularly. The modules are delivered by suitably qualified and experienced theologians and philosophers who are specialists in their disciplines. The MA provides an excellent foundation for further studies, teaching and pastoral work.
Delivery is through blended learning (a combination of onsite and online learning). Attendance at two onsite weekends in each of semesters 1, 2 and 3 is required.
The MA (Aquinas Studies) is validated by the Institute of Technology, Tallaght (IT Tallaght) and is aligned with the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).
Application deadline is September 25th 2018.
For further information please call 01 4048124 or email [email protected]
Modules
Semester 1: October 2018- Jan 2019
1. Research Methods for Aquinas Studies (5 ECTS) . This module provides students with the tools to undertake research and writing at postgraduate level. It examines Aquinas’ own theological method, including his use of Scripture and the Church Fathers, his style of reasoning and the cross-cultural dialogue between Latin Christianity and Greek and Islamic philosophies. The module also familiarises students with dissertation guidelines.
2. Introduction to Latin for Reading St Thomas Aquinas (5 ECTS) . The purpose of this module is to enable students to develop a basic competence in Latin (vocabulary, verbs, syntax) and achieve a beginner’s level in translation from Latin to English, with a view to working directly with Aquinas’ own text and with Aquinas scholars’ Latin usage.
3. Introduction to Thomas Aquinas: Life, Thought and Historical Context (10 ECTS). This module gives a short introduction to the life and work of St Thomas Aquinas. It explains the historical background and context of Aquinas’ major works, examining the influences of Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, the Church Fathers, Peter Lombard, the Islamic philosophers, and explores his use of Scripture. It also reflects on the impact of Aquinas’ thought on Catholic philosophy and theology, and compares different understandings of Thomism.
Semester 2: March 2019-July 2019
4. Thinking and Talking about God (10 ECTS). This module examines the nature of God in the thought and writings of St Thomas Aquinas. It
does so with an emphasis on the Prima Pars of the Summa Theologiae, qq. 1-26, but focusing particularly on qq 2-13, which consider the existence of God and the divine attributes of simplicity, perfection, goodness, infinity, the existence of God in things, immutability, eternity, unity, followed by the names of God and how God is known by us.
5. Happiness and the Virtuous Life (10 ECTS). This module explores human life as portrayed in Aristotle’s understanding of human flourishing and Aquinas’ teaching on beatitude, human acts and virtues. It examines whether human beings have a natural desire to see God, and how this differs from the operations of faith, hope and charity. It reflects on the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the new law of the Gospel, and the flowering of the Christian life, and it
explores how these relate to the practical work of the cardinal virtues.
Elective Modules
Semester 3: October 2019- Jan 2020
In addition to the above core modules students will choose Electives (two of the following 4 options). Thus, they can choose either a more theological or philosophical focus if desired.
· Metaphysics (10 ECTS). This module introduces students to Aquinas’ philosophical thought on metaphysics, examining key ideas such as substance, essence, existence, causality, act, potentiality, form, matter and hylomorphism. It assesses Aquinas’ metaphysics in relation to Aristotle and within the context of the development of
Greek philosophy. It recognises the importance of hylomorphism in relation to the understanding of the human being, which will be the foundation for the subsequent module on philosophical anthropology in Aquinas.
· Philosophical Anthropology in Aquinas (10 ECTS). The primary aim of this module is to provide a comprehensive exploration of Aquinas’ anthropology through close reference to the primary texts of Aquinas as well as secondary sources. This will include a detailed analysis of Aquinas’ understanding of the following: human nature, the soul and body and their
unity; the powers of the soul, especially intellect and will; the theory of knowledge, and the freedom of the will; and the meaning of the term person as applied to the human being. In addition, the module has two further aims:
1) to provide an overview of the Aristotelian roots of Aquinas’ anthropology;
2) to provide an overview of contemporary developments in Thomistic anthropology.
· Trinity and Creation (10 ECTS). This module explores Aquinas' understanding of the Triune God with particular reference to the Summa Theologiae, ST I, qq. 27-43. In doing so, it makes continual reference to the conciliar and patristic backgrounds to Aquinas’ understanding of the Trinity. The module highlights the Trinitarian structure of Aquinas’ theology of creation and divine action in the world, ST I, qq. 44-49. It also engages with contemporary criticism of Thomas’ work on the Trinity and creation. Broader theological themes are discussed as they arise, including the relationships between the Magisterium and theological speculation, faith and reason, and scripture and theology.
· Christ and Sacraments (10 ECTS). This module introduces students to the Third Part of St Thomas’ Summa Theologiae. The Christology of the Third Part of the Summa shows how, in Jesus Christ, the divine and the human are united in the person of the Word (hypostatic union), how the authentic humanity of Christ expresses itself in unique forms of grace, knowledge and power, making Christ the definitive mediator between God and the human race, and how this saving mediation is exercised soteriologically in the events of his life. The module will conclude by showing from the Summa how these mysteries of Christ are forever present and active in the sacraments that he gave to his Church, and particularly in Baptism and the Eucharist.
Semester 4: Dissertation (March 2020 - July 2020)
Dissertation (30 ECTS)
Admission Requirements.
The degree is suitable for students with a Level 8 (honours) degree in which theology or philosophy is a major component. Candidates must have obtained at least a second class honours degree. An interview will normally be part of the selection process. Not all candidates with the minimum requirements will be automatically accepted.
Fees
Fees are payable at the beginning of the first semester for the forthcoming year and at the beginning of the third semester for the second year. An instalment payment plan is available. The total fee is €4,995
Application Fee €40
Year One €3,170
Year Two €1,785
For further information please call 01 404 8124 or email [email protected]
MA in Aquinas Studies Prospectus
