Curricular Initiatives: Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology
During the 2012-2013 school year, faculty of the Department of Theology conducted student learning outcomes assessment based on program learning goals.
M.A. Theology
The focus of each student's studies for the M.A. in Theology depends on their selection of concentration: Biblical Studies, Pastoral Theology, Moral Theology, Systematic Theology, or Church History. The following is a summary of some of the assessments that were conducted.
Biblical Studies
The department administered a survey based on the Verbum Domini exercises and seminars.
In reviewing the aggregate survey responses, the faculty members concluded that greater
efforts are required to encourage students to learn how to facilitate Bible Study
sessions, explain the interrelationship of lectionary texts,and foster familiarity
with biblical languages, and develop common ways of approaching biblical study and
interpretation, and familiarize students with biblical study tools and resources.
Pastoral Theology
A student learning outcomes for the Pastoral Theology program was students' ability
to be able to draw upon the varied areas of theology to ground their work and keep
it focused on a transcendent goal. Each student was given the task of writing a reflection
to assess this ability.
Moral Theology
Student learning outcomes for the Moral Theology program included students' understanding
of basic teaching of Catholic sexual ethics and use of Natural Law and Revelation
to arrive at these teachings, students' ability to use collective knowledge of the
parts of temperance to correctly judge acts of the main actor in their film case study,
and students' ability to apply the principle of moral co-operation gradualism. Weekly
quizzes, group discussion, and case studies were used as assessment tools.
Systematic Theology
One student learning outcome for the Systematic Theology program was students' understanding
of the Church's teachings on the sacrament of marriage within the context of Scripture
and tradition. Assessment of this outcome used a written Midterm examination as well
as an oral final. Students prepared to take the final in the form of identified pastoral
situations so that the student identified theological points and applied them to ministerial
situations.
Church History
The Student Learning Outcome identified for the 2012-2013 academic year was students
ability to articulate a deeper understanding of the historical foundations of the
practical pastoral issues of the Church today. This student learning outcome was assessed
in the course HSTD 6807 American Christianity through quizzes, examination, and a
final project.
B.A. Catholic Theology
A student learning outcome for students graduating with a B.A. in Catholic Theology was students' ability to articulate the basic principles of Catholic sacramental and liturgical theology. Testing and exams were used to assess this student learning outcome.
Center for Diaconal Formation
Student learning outcomes for the Center for Diaconal Formation program included students' ability to build and express knowledge of the Trinity and Spirituality of the Old Testament. These student learning outcomes were assessed using writing assignments, in class debates, and final examinations.