Course Description
The understanding of Mary in the Catholic Tradition is a vast and fascinating topic which encompasses Marian devotion, liturgical feasts, apparitions, art, dogmas, magisterial teaching, and theological reflection, among other subjects. In this introductory course the goal is to acquaint participants with five major topics.
Course Content
Unit 1
- Mary in the Gospels
Unit 2
- The four officially defined Marian dogmas in Roman Catholicism
Unit 3
- The presentation on Mary in the Second Vatican Council and in subsequent papal teaching
Unit 4
- Mary and women
Unit 5
- Our Lady of Guadalupe, the most widespread Marian devotion in the Americas and increasingly in many U.S. parishes as well
Course Format
- Created by Notre Dame Theology Professor.
- Six weeks in duration, with one week for orientation.
- Typically 15-20 students in each course.
- Lectures delivered by video via web-streaming. A CD-ROM of lecture also available for purchase.
- All lecture text available online in text format.
- Supplemental readings are provided to encourage further exploration of topic, internet links provided for all readings.
- Weekly written assignments (150-200 words) required.
- Weekly facilitator moderated chat sessions with students in course.
- Facilitated by STEP Staff.
Required Texts
- All course materials available online in the course.
Participation Requirements
- Weekly viewing or reading of lecture texts.
- Participation in class discussion using discussion area (minimum 2 comments, questions or responses weekly.)
- Weekly written assignment (150-200 words.)
- Weekly chat session with other students in course (3 required throughout course.)
- Course evaluation.
Time Expectations
4 to 6 hours a week (time varies from student to student depending on your learning style and schedule.)
Course Certificate
A Certificate of Completion awarding 25 Contact Hours will be sent upon completion of all course requirements.
Supplemental CD
This course offers an optional Supplemental CD. While the video lectures for the course are available in the course via webstreaming, Supplemental CDs containing the video lectures can be purchased for viewing the lecture without being connected to the Internet or for reviewing the lecture after the course has ended.
