Course

SSS 508 Gospel of Mathew

Program : Baccalaureate in Theology Semester : S3 Credits : 03 Teacher : Rev. Fr. G. Kokkatt Aim The aim of this course is to introduce the gospel of Mathew. Once the course is over, each student is supposed to interpret the Gospel in its theological and pastoral context. The introductory lessons discuss matters related to the name, authorship, date. etc. of the Gospel of Matthew. A discussion of the structure of the book is done and a working structure is proposed. Then the whole book is exegetically analysed, from within the working structure. Throughout the course, a synoptic approach is followed. The passion narratives and the Resurrection appearances are discussed in the context of all the four Gospels. References…

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SSS 507 Introduction to Synoptics and the Gospel of Mark

Program : Baccalaureate in Theology Semester : S1, S2 Credits : 4.5 Teacher : Rev. Fr. Andrews Mekkattukunnel Aim The course on the Gospel of Mark aims at equipping the students to encounter in the person of Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah and the Son of God as is seen in Mark. The following themes are discussed in the Course: Gospel of Mark - the Gospel of Peter; Christological titles in Mark; baptism and temptations of Jesus; Kingdom of God in words and deeds; the parables of the kingdom; Peter’s confession and transfigmation; discipleship in Mark; replacement of the temple by Jesus; death and resurrection of Jesus; endings of Mark. References Best. E.. Disciples and Discipleship: Studies in the Gospel…

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SSS 506 Book of Psalms

Program : Baccalaureate in Theology Semester : S5 Credits : 03 Teacher : Rev. Fr. Sebastian Kuttiyanickal Aim The goal of this study is to bring about an active and meaningful engagement between the student and the Book of Psalms. The student can have a two-part study: an initial understanding of the Books of Psalms and its exegesis. Thus the first part discusses, the origin, source, formation, authorship and date, various divisions and collections, the gerne and setting, and theology of the psalms, and the use of psalms among Christians. The exegetical study offers a theological reading of some particular psalms applying various methods and approaches of interpretation. References Allen. L.C.. Psalms 101-150. WBC 21. Waco 1981. Alter. R.. The…

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SSS 505 Wisdom Books

Program : Baccalaureate in Theology Semester : S4 Credits : 03 Teacher : Rev. Fr. Sebastian Kuttiyanickal Aim The course on Wisdom Books gives a general introduction to the wisdom literature as a whole and discusses the Wisdom Books in particular. The course is intended to give the student a basic understanding of this large area of the Word of God. The first few classes discuss the introductory materials. After the general introduction, each book is introduced, paying attention to the structure, content, relation to the other books, and the theology. Certain selected texts will be exegetically analysed in the class. References Any serious commentary on the Old Testament is of use for the course. Faculty of Theology Institute of…

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SSS 504 Major and Minor Prophetic Literature

Program : Baccalaureate in Theology Semester : S3, S4, S5 Credits : 07 Teacher : Rev. Fr. Cyriac Valiyakunnumpurathe Aim Biblical Prophets: Non Literary Prophets The course aims at introducing the students of theology into the world of OT Prophets. Besides giving information about the features of OT prophecy, and the life, background, and theology of the Major and MinorProphets of Israel, the students are prepared through the analysis of certain prophetic texts to imbibe the spirit of Prophets so that they might meaningfully and prophetically dialogue with man and society. The following themes are discussed in this course: Prophecy in Ancient Near East and Prophecy in Israel; Basic texts for prophet and prophecy: Dent 18.15-22 (Ex 20.18-21); Num 11.10-30;…

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SSS 503 Historical Books

Program : Baccalaureate in Theology Semester : S3, S4 Credits : 03 Teacher : Rev. Fr. Cyriac Valiyakunnumpurathe Aim We will concentrate on the historical books proper - Joshua. Judges. 1& 2 Samuel. 1 & 2 Kings - even though there are 21 books in the section of the historical books of the OT. We will also see in brief the ‘Deuteronomistic History’ and its content and message. Analysing the historical, political, social and geographical backgrounds of the books we will try to see the basic features of these books. Basing on the God-human relationship which is the the sum total of God’s revelation in OT we will go through the booksand study the important personalities appearing in the books…

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SSS 502 Pentateuch

Program : Baccalaureate in Theology Semester : S2 Credits : 03 Teacher : Rev. Fr. Sebastian Kuttiyanickal Aim The course on Pentateuch introduces the student to the rich mines of the esteemed pages of the Old Testament, precious both for the people of the Old Covenant and of the New Covenant. The first few classes discuss the introductory materials, such as the names of each books, the formation, authorship, literary genre, unity, etc. of the Pentateuch as a whole. Then each of the books is analysed giving an introduction followed by examining the organization of the book, the theology, etc. A couple of passages from each book are discussed in detail. The last part of the course analyses exegetically the…

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SSS 501 Introduction to Sacred Scripture and Exegesis

Program : Baccalaureate in Theology Semester : S1 Credits : 1.5 Teacher : Rev. Fr. Sebastian Kuttiyanickal Aim This course is designed to introduce the student to a general understanding of the Bible. The course introduces the basic notions needed for the understanding the Word of God. The following themes are discussed in this course: Different Steps in the Study of the Bible; The formation of the Bible; Texts. Versions. Manuscripts; Different Translations of the Bible; Canon of the Scripture; History of Salvation-OT and NT; Biblical Languages; Geography of the Holy Land; Religious Life of ancient Israel; Different groups of the Jewish Community in the NT times. References R.E.Brown et al. (Eds.), New Jerome Biblical Commentary (New Jersey. 1990) K.…

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OAS 306 Philosophy of Culture

Program : Baccalaureate in Philosophy Semester : S3 Credits : 01 Teacher : Varakukalayil Jojo Joseph Aim The purpose of this course is to introduce the students to the nature of culture and the cultural diversities of our world. Culture is built up on nature—on its ecosystem and civilization. There should be a shift of the ‘centre of gravity’ from cosmos to human being. We will explain how the dialectics of the tireless efforts of humans for the mastery over nature and the awareness of the hidden mysteries of nature lead them to the appreciation of beauty, harmony and order of this universe. Our answer to the question ‘what is culture?’ is to be derived from the human person’s incarnation…

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