Priestly Discernment Program
From USCCB Program for Priestly Formation (5th ed.)
185. Because two full years should be dedicated to the philosophical disciplines, pre-theology programs should extend for at least two calendar years in length.
186. Sound philosophical formation requires a biennium of study, which is understood in the United States to be at least 30 semester credit hours together with the out-of-classroom work associated with each credit hour traditionally expected in American higher education. The philosophical curriculum must include the study what is listed below. (Parenthetical notation the name of the course at Franciscan University of Steubenville.)
| history of philosophy [1] |
|
|
| ancient |
PHL 311 |
(Ancient Greek Philosophy) |
| medieval |
PHL 312 |
(Medieval Philosophy) |
| modern |
PHL 317
|
(Modern Philosophy) |
| contemporary |
PHL 412 |
(Contemporary Philosophy) |
| logic |
PHL 301 |
|
| epistemology |
PHL 306 |
|
| metaphysics |
PHL 211 |
|
| philosophy of nature |
PHL 325 |
(The Thomistic Tradition in Philosophy) |
| natural theology |
PHL 425 |
(Philosophy of God) |
| anthropology |
PHL 113 |
(Philosophy of the Human Person) |
| ethics |
PHL 212 |
(Foundations of Ethics) |
Notes:
(a) Even though this is three credits more than the minimum 30 required by the PPF, a FUS PDP man still takes all 11 courses to meet the subjects the USCCB wants to be learned.
(b) If a man simply adds PHL 435 Senior Seminar & Thesis , he earns a major in philosophy at Franciscan University.
186 (cont’d). Seminaries should ensure that the philosophy is appropriate for studying Catholic theology and explore creative curricular strategies so that students can grasp the linkage between philosophical insights and theological frameworks.
187. A minimum of 12 semester credit hours is required in appropriate courses of undergraduate theology, which provide a solid foundation in Catholic doctrine through a thorough study of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. These courses should study the themes of the Catechism. The 12 semester credit hours must be selected from among the following:
| doctrine & scripture |
THE 110 [2] |
(The Word of God: Scripture and Tradition) |
| sacraments |
THE 314 |
|
| morality |
THE 115 |
(Christian Moral Principles) |
| prayer |
THE 409 |
(Christian Spirituality) |
Other theology and catechetics courses highly recommended by the PDP are:
CAT 204 Catechetics, THE 211 Principles of Biblical Studies I, THE 212 Principles of Biblical Studies II, THE 213 Trinity and Christology, THE 214 Theology of the Church, THE 418 Liturgy
[1] Only two of these five options are required for a FUS philosophy major. Yet, all four categories are required by PPF.
[2] Required for a FUS philosophy major.