Directory of Courses
Academic study at Allen Hall has two phases; an initial period of formation and a period of theological consolidation. The period of initial formation requires, in intellectual terms, the study of philosophy, languages and foundational theology. These disciplines aim at assisting students in facing some of the key questions in human living, giving them a sensitivity to the texts of Scripture and encouraging an ever-deepening appreciation of the Tradition of the Church. In this initial period the studies take place ‘in house’. The Pontifical University of Maynooth validates the philosophy course and successful candidates are awarded a diploma.
In the remaining years intellectual formation concentrates on theology proper, and involves most students in some kind of degree programme. Allen Hall is affiliated to the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium. Students who successfully complete the full programme of studies will receive the pontifical degree of STB. The final years of theology incorporate the BD course taught at Heythrop, the Jesuit College of the University of London.
- Philosophy
- Scripture
- Systematic Theology
- Liturgical Studies
- Pastoral Theology
- Languages
- Formation Courses
Philosophy
Introduction to Philosophy & Logic (Rev. Dr Francis Selman)
The module examines the nature and genesis of philosophic thought. The relationship between philosophy and other branches of knowledge is explored, so too the relationship between philosophy and revealed theology. The meaning of ‘Christian philosophy’ is considered. Particular attention is given to logic, i.e. the study of correct, profitable and efficient reasoning productive of knowledge.
History of Philosophy (Rev. Dr Francis Selman)
The aim of this course is to give students a representative overview of Western philosophy from Plato to Wittgenstein by highlighting two or three topics, which are especially representative of each philosopher and have been that philosopher’s special contribution to the tradition of philosophy. The course also aims to show how past philosophers have influenced present day thought and society.
Philosophical Anthropology (Rev. Dr Stephen Wang)
The course will introduce different conceptions of the human being that have been proposed in the Western philosophical tradition, and it will present in more depth the main elements of philosophical anthropology as they have been presented in the Christian tradition. Topics include: Human nature. Materialism. Dualism. Body. Mind. Soul. Evolution and the origin of the soul. Desire, will and freedom. Personal identity; self; subjectivity. Human relations, language, family, society. Happiness and the goal of human life. Death and the possibility of life after death. God. Relation between philosophical and theological anthropology.
Epistemology (Rev. Dr Francis Selman)
This course considers the questions: how do we know and can we know anything for certain? The first part is historical (Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas, Descartes, empiricists and Kant). The second part is thematic: perception, belief, knowledge, memory and truth. It includes Aquinas’ philosophy of mind.
Metaphysics (Rev. Dr Francis Selman)
This is a course of classical metaphysics. It examines the five basic concepts of form, substance, existence, cause and nature, and explains the three basic outlooks of nominalism, idealism and realism. It answers Pope John Paul’s plan in Fides et Ratio for a return to metaphysics as the basis of teaching theology. The course also relates philosophy to natural science.
Natural Theology (Rev. Dr Francis Selman)
The aim of this course is to show what we can know about God by reason, and to equip students to answer the questions of our contemporaries, including Catholics, about evil, God’s knowledge and power. It also aims to show the coherence of the traditional attributes of God and to discuss the source of modern criticism of natural theology in Hume and Kant.
Philosophical Ethics (Rev. Dr Stephen Wang)
The course will introduce the main ethical theories that have been proposed in the history of philosophy, and see how they influence ethical thinking today. It will explain in depth the Aristotelian-Thomistic tradition of Natural Law ethics. Topics include: The meaning of ‘ethics’ and ‘morality’. The nature of human freedom. Subjectivism, deontology, utilitarianism. Virtue ethics. Desire, happiness, and the human good. Natural Law theory; the relation between reason, nature and law. Basic human goods. Intention and act theory. Objective good and evil. Conscience. Case studies from contemporary moral dilemmas.
Scripture
Introduction to the Old Testament (Fr John Hemer)
The aim of this module is to enable the student to enter the complex world of Old Testament theologies. The course will first try to establish how and why the OT came to be written, and will show how the OT stands as a challenge to the cultural world in which it was born.
Then each of the major types of OT literature will be introduced (Pentateuch, Historical Books, Prophets, Wisdom and Psalms) by looking at appropriate selected texts. An overview of the history of Israel will try to show how each of these collections both sustained and challenged the faith of Israel.
Finally, attention will be paid to the relevance of the Old Testament as Christian Scripture and its use in the Church.
Introduction to the New Testament (Rev. Dr Joseph O’Hanlon)
This module seeks to familiarise students with the New Testament from the perspectives of its origins of broad contents, and its diversity of its materials. In tandem with such study students will be introduced to some of the methods by which scholars approach New Testament literature. Engagement with texts and the contexts from which they emerged will equip students for the close encounter and engagement with texts which will be required in further NT study.
The Pentateuch (Rev. Dr Joseph O’Hanlon)
The aim of this module is to discuss the Pentateuch both within Israelite tradition and the life of the Church and to familiarise the students both with its content and major issues.
After an introduction explaining its various sources and their origins, attention will be paid to various key texts. These will include: the creation and fall narrative, the Abraham cycle, the Exodus and the Decalogue. The module will try to show how these texts are basic to the life of faith and indeed are among the building blocks of western civilisation.
Synoptic Gospels (Fr John Hemer)
This module seeks to engage students more closely with texts, which, once written, became formative and normative in Christian theological discourse, historically understood. The processes of their production and the strategies and tactics, which each Gospel espoused, will be studied to enable students to grasp the theological nature of these documents, the richness of their content and their tentative usefulness in any historical enterprise.
Systematic Theology
Fundamental Theology (Rev. Dr Stephen Wang)
The course will describe the main sources and methods of Catholic theology, and the foundational relationship between revelation, faith, and theology. Topics include: Definitions of ‘theology’. Relation of theology to other disciplines. God’s self-revelation in words and deeds. Sacred Scripture, Inspiration, and Canon. Sacred Tradition. Magisterium, and its relation to theologians. Doctrine, development, enculturation. Personal and ecclesial faith. Overview of branches of theology and their interrelation.
Patristics (Rev. Dr Anthony Meredith)
The module will trace the development of the meaning of spirituality over the first five centuries AD. It will explore the relationships between theology and spirituality, the head and the heart, the mind and the will, martyrdom and asceticism, the meaning of holiness in the N.T. and subsequently during that period. It will be taught mainly through lectures and texts together with some useful introductory material.
Introduction to Catholicism (Rev. Dr Stephen Wang)
The course will introduce some of the main features of Catholic identity. It will show how Catholicism understands Christianity to be a faith that is: revealed, reasonable, historical, apostolic, scriptural, communal, liturgical, sacramental, charitable, and evangelical. The course will explore the relationship in Catholic life and culture between: unity and diversity; continuity and development; sin and holiness; sacred and secular; faith and works; morality and sanctity; dialogue and mission; suffering and salvation; lay and clerical; authority and charism; the personal and the political; fulfilment and hope; Mary, John and Peter; hell, purgatory and heaven.
Sacraments of Baptism & Confirmation (Fr Francesco Donega)
This module presupposes the outline of liturgical history given in Introduction to Liturgy I and II. It introduces the study of the sacraments by tracking the developing theology and practice of Baptism and Confirmation from the New Testament to the modern period. It will focus on the concept of “Christian Initiation” and its theological and pastoral implications; the consequences of the disappearance of the Catechumenate in the Middle Ages and the significance of Vatican II’s renewal of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults; the most relevant aspects of theological reflection on Baptism and Confirmation.
The Sacrament of the Eucharist (Rev. Dr Dermot Power)
This module explores the development of Eucharistic theology in the Catholic tradition and focuses on the mutuality of the diversity of models and images of the Eucharistic that are so much part of the richness of our tradition. Attention is given to the notions of sacrifice, service, communio and eschaton, the doctrine of the real presence and the continual renewal of catholic self understanding in relation to its greatest treasure.
The Sacrament of Orders (Rev. Dr Dermot Power)
This module explores the theology of Holy Orders in the wider context of Catholic tradition. It seeks to trace the contours of the development of the ordained ministry from its origins in the biblical witness to its ecclesial context in the Church and world of today. Emphasis is given to the christilogical foundations of Catholic consciouness of priesthood and ministry and to its continuing importance as a hermeneutical key to the future shape and direction of ministry.
Mariology (Canon Charles Acton)
This module studies the New Testament basis for the Church’s belief that Mary is the Mother of God, that she is ever a virgin, that she was immaculately conceived and assumed into heaven. It traces the development of that belief in the history of the Church, and concludes with systematic reflection on it.
The Bible & The Church (Fr John Hemer)
This course tries to show that the natural locus of Biblical interpretation is the Church, the faith community which produced the Bible in the first place. It begins with an introduction showing how the Bible is trying to create a certain type of consciousness within the reader; an awareness of the complexity and subtlety of God’s action in history. Then follows a historical account of how the New Testament canon came to be, placing the accent on how the Bible is very much the Church’s book. The follows a consideration on how the Church uses the Bible, particularly in her liturgy in ways that are deeper and richer than some secular biblical scholarship would allow.
The final part of the course is a close reading of the document by the Pontifical Biblical Commission: The Interpretation of the Bible in the Church (Vatican Press 1993.) this is accompanied by a commentary on some of the issues raised here and an attempt to apply them in a way that is both academically rigorous and pastorally sound.
Spiritual Theology (Sr Bernadette Hunston SCJA)
The aim of this module is to introduce the student to the history and principles of the Christian spiritual tradition: their origin, context and theological basis. Among topics covered will be Old and New Testament spirituality, Patristics spirituality, the routes of Monasticism, the Rule of St Benedict, St Teresa of Avila and St John of the Cross.
Liturgical Studies
Introduction to Liturgy I (Fr Francesco Donega)
The aim of this module is to present the basic principles of liturgical theology in the framework of Sacrosanctum Concilium and the Catechism of the Catholic Church; the intimate relationship between Bible and Liturgy; a brief introduction to Jewish prayer; an outline of liturgical history from the New Testament era to the eve of the Second Vatican Council.
Introduction to Liturgy II (Fr Francesco Donega)
The aim of this module is to present a genetic history of the Mass; a brief introduction to the history of Christian Initiation; the developments in 20th century liturgical theology; brief notes on the development of the liturgical year and elements of liturgical architecture.
Practical Liturgy I (Fr Aidan Rossiter CJ)
In this module there will be a thorough reading and analysis of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, The Liturgy of the Hours, The Liturgical Year and The Roman Lectionary.
The primary aims of the course will be to understand what these important documents say and also what they do not say and then explore practical/creative ways of celebration.
Practical Liturgy II (Fr Aidan Rossiter CJ)
In this module we will explore the major season of Lent-Easter; structure, themes, ceremonies and links with RCIA. A special focus will be upon the Triduum.
Pastoral Theology
Pastoral Theology I & II [Christian Vocation and Pastoral Ministry] (Sr Bernadette Hunston SCJA, Miss Sally McAllister & others)
This course will introduce the main themes that run through the documents Christifidelis Laici, Pastores Dabo Vobis, Vita Consecrata and The Sign We Give, in order to understand the specific identity of each vocation, and to explore the complementary and collaborative patterns of ministry that arise from these vocations. The course will also act as an introduction to equip the student to work effectively in parish pastoral placements. Areas covered will include Child Protection, the pastoral cycle, reflective pastoral thought and pastoral journaling.
Pastoral Theology III [Integration of Theology and Pastoral Practice] (Dr Clare Watkins)
This course will be the main introduction to the particular discipline of pastoral theology. It will help students to connect their systematic and moral theology with the pastoral realities of priestly ministry. The course will draw on the Church’s theological reflection on some concrete pastoral situations, and will teach students different ways of reflecting on their own pastoral experience and relating it to the scriptures and the teaching of the Church. The course will help students to adapt their ministry and preaching to the needs and circumstances of those they minister to, without losing the integrity of the Gospel message.
Pastoral Theology IV [Listening, Group-Work and Leadership skills] (Rev. Dr Stephen Wang, Fr Anthony Dwyer & others)
The aim of this course is for the student to learn and discern basic skills to be an effective listener. Course topics include: empathy and sympathy, use of questions, self-disclosure, transference, feedback, how to cope with silence, reflective listening, interpretation, boundaries, attentive and emotional presence. The course will aim to discern the differences between counselling, spiritual direction and pastoral care. The course will also touch on some of the skills needed in effective group work and leadership.
Pastoral Theology V [Pastoral Challenges Facing Priests and Parishes] (Rev. Dr Stephen Wang, Fr Anthony Dwyer & others)
This course will allow reflection on some of the most difficult pastoral challenges that priests face in their day to day ministry, and that parishes face as they try to witness to the Gospel in contemporary society. It will raise students’ awareness of the diversity of cultures in which the Church’s ministry is undertaken in a city like London. The course will draw on the personal experience of the tutors and students, on theological analysis of contemporary culture and society, and on the theological and pastoral documents of the Church.
Pastoral Theology VI [An Introduction to Chaplaincy] (Rev. Dr Stephen Wang, Fr Anthony Dwyer & others)
This course will look at the development, nature, and particular demands of specialised chaplaincies in which the Church is involved, such as hospitals, schools, and youth work, prisons, work-place chaplaincy, ministry in the forces, working with people with special needs, etc. Specialists in each chaplaincy will present a history of their specialisation, the pastoral skills necessary in their field, and the difficulties the chaplain faces in this particular environment. The course will include some field trips, and some reflection on the students’ own experiences.
Pastoral Theology VII [Bereavement] (Rev. Dr Stephen Wang, Fr Anthony Dwyer & others)
This course will help the student to understand the nature of bereavement. It will involve both theory and practical skills. Using the tools of psychology and theology, it will help the student to be a sensitive pastoral minister to those who are approaching death, to the bereaved, and to those who work closely with the dying. It will help the student to reflect on his own understanding of death.
Pastoral Theology VIII [Working with Children and Supporting Families] (Rev. Dr Stephen Wang, Fr Anthony Dwyer & others)
This course will help the students understand how children think and feel and believe and pray at different stages in their lives; how their faith can be nurtured in different situations; what part the priest can play in these different situations; what opportunities and difficulties arise. It will also include some reflection on the Catholic vision of family life and on the realities of contemporary family life, so that the student can deepen his understanding of how to support families in their Christian vocation and in the practical struggles of everyday life.
Pastoral Theology IX [Catechetics I] (Rev. Dr Stephen Wang, Fr Anthony Dwyer & others)
General principles, Children’s baptism preparation, 1st Communion, working with parents etc.
Pastoral Theology X [Catechetics II] (Rev. Dr Stephen Wang, Fr Anthony Dwyer & others)
Confirmation, marriage, RCIA; supporting people with special needs.
Languages
Biblical Greek (Fr John Hemer)
The aim of this course is to introduce the student to the use of the Greek New Testament and to Greek grammar. Concentration is given to set texts, to the Septuagint and to New Testament textual criticism.
Ecclesiastical Latin (Dom Alexander Bevan OSB)
This module is designed to give the student a good introductory knowledge of Latin as the traditional language of the Church. No previous knowledge of Latin is required. There is an emphasis on pronunciation, spoken and sung Latin and an introduction to the place of Latin in the life of the Western Church. The course follows a basic text, using as many supplementary materials as necessary.
Formation Courses
The Mystery of Christ (Rev. Dr Dermot Power)
This module sets out to explore the dynamics of the Christian spiritual tradition. It is essentially an introduction to the wisdom and experience that remain foundational for authentic Christian spirituality.
Evangelisation and Mission (Mgr Keith Barltrop)
The course aims to give students a clear understanding of what is meant by the “new evangelisation”, from a theological, historical and practical point of view. Key issues relating to evangelisation and mission today will be discussed, both among Catholics and ecumenically. Students will look at how they can lead and participate in evangelisation initiatives both as lay people and as future priests.
Sexuality & Celibacy (Sr Margaret Taylor)
Through lecture and written material, students will be given, at the beginning of the workshop, an overview of healthy sexual and emotional development. Supporting this overview will be the Church’s teaching on sexual issues.
After the overview of development, time will be spent on looking at some of the problematic areas of sexual and emotional development. The emphasis in the course will then move on to the issue of celibacy and the commitment that they will be making as future priests. A history of the celibate commitment will be given. The theological, spiritual and pastoral arguments for a celibate commitment will also be discussed. The issues of loneliness, intimacy, boundaries, celibate spirituality, prayer life and appropriate relationships will also be explored.
Human Development (Rev. Dr Peter Burrows)
The goal of this module in the first semester is to examine ADAM – the human being – in its development from birth to death in the context of the Bible’s understanding of the purpose of Adam in God’s creation and plan of redemption. This will be an objective study of human development – physically, psychologically, sociologically and spiritually. Concepts of human growth and development and particular stages of normal human development will be considered – and the perils and difficulties of each stage will also be treated, in the context of the "normal".
Vocal Communication/Public Speaking, Year 1 (Miss Letitia Nicoll)
The course is in two parts, dealing firstly with the mechanism of the voice, voice care, use of appropriate vocal levels, voice projection, articulation, breathing and stress control, and secondly with the techniques of effective communication. Through practical work students explore the skills of listening, Bible reading, presentation of talks, discussion leading etc. and have an introduction to basic interview and media techniques.
Vocal Communication/Public Speaking, Year 2 (Miss Letitia Nicoll)
In the second year the course concentrates particularly on presentation skills, the techniques of reading and of discussion leading, and culminates with the English Speaking Board assessment for Readers & Leaders in Places of Worship.
Homiletics (Canon Paul McGinn & Fr Anthony Dwyer)
The aim of this module is to explore what a homily is and to provide opportunities for students to discover and develop skills in the preparation and the presentation of homilies.