| The
program of studies for the 2nd (Licentiate)
and 3rd (Doctoral) cycle in moral theology
at the Alphonsian Academy is designed to respond
to a more profound understanding of the mystery
of salvation in Christ, and to the universally
experienced need for higher studies. These studies
will be conducted according Catholic doctrine
as held by the Magisterium of the Church.
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).
Cycles of Specialization
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 2nd cycle degree
( The Licentiate) and one for the 3rd
cycle degree (The Doctorate).
This
specialization is characterized by its research
methodology which is more profound than that of
the 1st 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
1st cycle.
Whether
it be the 2nd or 3rd 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 2nd 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 3rd 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 2nd cycle degree be more
profound and more fruitful "for the life
of the world". In the 2nd cycle,
the method is primarily classroom lectures and
seminars.
The 3rd 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.
Second Cycle
Admission Requirements
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.
Structure
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
Course of Studies
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:
76 for 19 courses;
12 for 3 seminars;
2 for a written critique of a work on Moral
Theology;
6 for two "discussions on a moral theme";
24 for the Licentiate thesis.
Courses
Language
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.
Requirements by Subject
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)
8 elective courses, provided they are all not
in the same section. If a student has chosen an
"indirizzo of study", 6 of these courses
should be of this "indirizzo".
Coarse Load
In
order to insure that a heavy course load does
not interfere with the quality of the work, no
one should enroll for more than 6 courses in any
semester. However, a student must register for
at least 2 courses during a semester, and the
course minimum must not be comprised solely of
‘intensive’ courses.
Examinations
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.
Seminars
During
the course of the two year 2nd 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). If a student has chosen an "indirizzo
of study" one seminar is to be in the "indirizzo
chosen" and another in the fundamental systematic.
Critical Review
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 2 credit.
Comprehensive Examination
(Discussion of two Moral Themes)
The
comprehensive examination for the 2nd
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 1st
and 2nd 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.
Licentiate Thesis
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. If a student has chosen
an "indirizzo of study", the subject
of the dissertation should be in the specifical
topics of that "indirizzo".
Third Cycle
Admission Requireents
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 2nd cycle.
Residence in Rome for at least one semester.
The
Academy also admits candidates to the 3rd
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 3rd cycle.
Admission and Registration
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.
Approval of the Doctoral Dissertation
Outline
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.
Submission of the Dissertation
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.
Public Defense
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.
Publication
For
the attainment of the Doctoral Degree in Moral
Theology, at least a significant part of the dissertation
must be published after the defense.
Teaching Experience
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.
Two Year Course for the Diploma
Admission Requirements
The
candidate is required to possess a Bachelor’s
degree in an ecclesiastical discipline or at least
a certificate of equivalency.
Course of Studies
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.
For
detailed information please refer to the Ordo
biennio accademico 2009 - 2011 
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