Therefore, it is necessary that the methodology in moral theology lead toward an exposition, based on sacred scripture, in a truly scientific manner, and in the light of the mystery of Christ, of the greatness of the vocation of the faithful in Christ and their obligation to bear fruit in charity for the life of the world. (Optatam totius, n. 16)

The specialization in moral theology of the Alphonsian Academy, as an Institute of higher research of moral doctrine, comprises two biennial cycles: one biennium for the 2^nd cycle degree ( The Licentiate) and one for the 3^rd cycle degree (The Doctorate).

This specialization is characterized by its research methodology which is more profound than that of the 1^st cycle (The Seminary or Undergraduate level). It is not deemed necessary to review all of moral theology. In fact, it is presumed that the general study of moral theology has already been done during the philosophical-theological 1^st cycle.

Whether it be the 2^nd or 3^rd cycles, the specialization is profoundly theological, that is, analytical according to the human sciences, and wise according to the truth of the mystery of Christ. Furthermore, the specialization of the Alphonsian Academy uses different methods of teaching and research in the second and third cycles.

  In the 2^nd cycle, doctrine is taught and personal research is conducted in an analytical and synthetical approach with a view towards a specialization, in the strict sense, in moral theology. This specialization is not monografic, as in the 3^rd cycle, since by its very nature, moral theology summarizes the ‘grand themes’ of theology (biblical, dogmatic, moral, spirtual, etc.) so that, in light of the mystery of Christ, the synthetic vision of the candidate for the 2^nd cycle degree be more profound and more fruitful "for the life of the world". In the 2^nd cycle, the method is primarily classroom lectures and seminars.

  The 3^rd cycle is, above all, directed towards the writing of a doctoral dissertation, which must be a true contribution to the advancement of moral theology. The principle methodology is one of personal research under the guidance of a professor.

Either a Bachelor's Degree in Theology or the successful completion of a seminary program of studies in philosophy and theology is required. A knowledge of Latin and Biblical Greek is also required.

The principles of moral theology and its major themes are treated in diverse aspects and ways which make up the major areas of the academic program (indicated in bold print) and their relevant sections (indicated in italics):

1. Methodology

Hermeneutics
Technical methodology

 

2. Sacred Scripture

Old Testament
New Testament

 

3. Patristic-Historical

Patristics
History

 

4. Systematics

Fundamental Moral Theology
Special Moral Theology

 

5. Anthropology

Philosophical systematic anthropology
Empirical Anthropology

 

The course of studies will be arranged with the academic advisors.

120 credits are required for the Licentiate degree. One ECTS credit is equivalent to approximately 25 hours of student work, one third of which constitutes attendance at class lectures.  The credits are distributed in the following manner:

  63 for 21 courses

  9 for 3 seminars

  2 for a written critique of a work on Moral Theology

  6 for two "discussions on a moral theme".

  28 for the Licentiate thesis

  12 for Integrative Educational Activities

The official language for all courses is Italian. Courses may be offered in a second language with the permission of the President and at a time to be determined.

  1 course in methodology. (Unless waived by the President, this course is a prerequisite for enrollment in any seminar)

  2 courses in sacred scripture (1 in the Old Testament and 1 in the New Testament)

  2 courses in patristics/history (1 in patristics and 1 in history)

  4 courses in systematics (2 in fundamental and 2 in special)

  2 courses in anthropology (1 in systematic philosophical anthropology and 1 in empirical anthropology)

  10 elective courses, provided they are all not in the same section.

Individual courses are completed with a 15 minute oral examination. The examination may be conducted in written form according to the judgment of the professor. Students who have not attended at least two-thirds of the class periods for the subject will not be admitted to the examination.

During the course of the two year 2^nd cycle, each student must actively participate in 3 seminars. These seminars are to be in 3 different semester with three different professors. The seminars are to be chosen from at least 2 sections one of which must be from systematics (fundamental or special).

A written detailed critical review of a work on moral theology is required for everyone even if they are dispensed from the course in methodology. This critique is to be arranged with the professor of methodology and carries a value of 1 credit.

The comprehensive examination for the 2^nd cycle consists in 2 discussions on a moral theme. Students are to demonstrate an ability to synthesize the doctrines they have studied.

The discussions, centered around a theme proposed by the faculty, are held in the 1^st and 2^nd semester of the second year in the presence of two professors and last approximately 45 minutes

The first discussion centers around a theme from a course in which the student has participated. The second, however, centers on a theme from a course which the student has not taken.

The student will only be admitted to the second examination after having successfully completed the first.

The ‘discussions’ are to be held during the week indicated in the official calendar. If this is not possible, the discussion must be held during the following semester, otherwise, the student will be assigned a new theme with a new professor.

The licentiate thesis consists in a written dissertation of noteworthy import, on a topic approved by the director which demonstrates the student’s capacity for scientific research.

The following are required for admission:

  A Licentiate Degree in Moral Theology with at least a Magna Cum Laude.

  The ability to do scientific research according the judgement of an appropriate committee;

  Knowledge of a modern language in addition to those required for the 2^nd cycle.

  Residence in Rome for at least one semester.

The Academy also admits candidates to the 3^rd cycle who have earned their Licentiate degree either in general or specialized theology in another institute. The President will determine an individual program to assure integration of those areas needed for a specialization in moral theology at the level of the 3^rd cycle.

Registration for the third cycle in Moral Theology is separate and distinct from that for the second cycle. The student wishing to be admitted to the third cycle in the Academy must submit to the Registrar a formal request accompanied by the relevant documentation. This documentation will be given to an admission committee for the third cycle which is composed of the President and two professors chosen from among the Ordinary or Extraordinary professors of the Academy.

In order to determine the suitability of the candidate, the committee will consider among other things the documentation submitted by the student and the grade reports from the director and reader of the Licentiate thesis. In the case where a student has completed his or her Licentiate studies in another institute, the committee can require a copy of the Licentiate thesis in order to judge its quality.

It is the duty of the aforementioned committee, with an absolute majority vote to admit the candidate to the third cycle. In the absence of an absolute majority, the matter goes before the Council of Professors.

Admission to the doctoral program does not guarantee finding a director. Every professor approached, is free to accept or reject the direction of a doctoral thesis.

After admission to the doctoral program, the candidate has two years in which to register for the third cycle. With the lapse of this time period, the admission to the program also lapses.

At least nine months prior to the defense, the student must submit to the Secretariate 5 copies of the dissertation outline for approval by the President and the naming of a second moderator. Once the outline is approved, the topic is reserved for a period of 7 years and cannot be chosen by another candidate. If the student does not submit the thesis within the seven year period, he or she loses the right to admission to the doctoral defense. In such case, if is the duty of the President to verify the status of the research and, after having heard the opinion of the moderators, to decide if an extension is to be granted. The extension can be given for a maximum of three years, after which the reservation of the topic is definitively removed.

Three copies of the dissertation, written under the direction of the moderators, must be submitted to the Registrar at least one month prior to the public defense. The President and moderators will meet to decide if the dissertation will be admitted to the formal defense. The will also decide as to the method of publication.

After having received a positive evaluation by the director and the reader, the dissertation must be successfully defended publicly before two professors and the President or his delegate.

For the attainment of the Doctoral Degree in Moral Theology, at least a significant part of the dissertation must be published after the defense.

The Academy recommends that, especially during the second year of the cycle, the candidate gain some teaching experience.

Under the guidance of the professor, the doctoral candidate can conduct seminars at the Licentiate and Diploma levels.

The candidate is required to possess a Bachelor’s degree in an ecclesiastical discipline or at least a certificate of equivalency.

  Attend 16 courses and successfully pass their examinations. In each semester, the student must choose at least 2 and no more than 6 courses;

  Actively Participate in two seminars in two different semesters;

  Submit, four written critiques of moral works (one in each semester), coordinated with a professor.

  Submit a thesis written, under the direction and with the approval of a professor, on some topic in Moral Science.