Semester Course Offerings | Loyola University New Orleans

Graduate Courses Fall 2026

The fall semester runs from August 17 through December 4. View the complete graduate course rotation here.

Introduction to Practical Theology / LIM-G703-Y1G0E Instructor: Staff Preliminary syllabus Required Texts Please review the preliminary syllabus when it is posted above to see if any required texts are available as ebooks in Canvas or on the internet. Please note that the required texts listed on the preliminary syllabus may change before the final syllabus is posted in Canvas. Please order the books on the syllabus from the bookstore of your choice before the course begins. This initial course in ministry education introduces students to a process of pastoral praxis, through a method of keeping theological reflection in constant dialogue with action. Students explore the interplay of the Christian tradition and the dynamics of living out that tradition through the sociocultural, personal, and institutional contexts of their ministries. The method of theological reflection is based upon the work of the Rev. Bernard Lonergan, S.J., and David Tracy.
The Jewish Roots of Christian Faith (Old Testament) / LIM-G711-Y1G0E Instructor: Staff Preliminary syllabus Required Texts Please review the preliminary syllabus when it is posted above to see if any required texts are available as ebooks in Canvas or on the internet. . Please note that the required texts listed on the preliminary syllabus may change before the final syllabus is posted in CanvasPlease order the books on the syllabus from the bookstore of your choice before the course begins. This course introduces students to the literature, history, and theology of ancient Israel as embodied in the ancient Hebrew scriptures commonly known as the Old Testament. It examines the major themes of Exodus, promise-fulfillment, and covenant in Israel’s history from the time of the patriarchs to the period of late Second Temple Judaism, which was the context of Jesus’ life and teachings. In particular those texts, events, and beliefs of ancient Israel which form an indispensable background for understanding the New Testament are highlighted.
Grace, Christ, and Spirit / LIM-G714-Y1G0E Instructor: Staff Preliminary syllabus Required Texts Please review the preliminary syllabus when it is posted above to see if any required texts are available as ebooks in Canvas or on the internet. Please note that the required texts listed on the preliminary syllabus may change before the final syllabus is posted in Canvas. Please order the books on the syllabus from the bookstore of your choice before the course begins. This course introduces students to the rich Christian tradition of theological reflection and teaching on the person of Jesus Christ, the Trinity, and grace, as well as the role of the Holy Spirit in Christian life. In the context of this tradition, students are invited to a deeper understanding of the meaning of salvation in their lives and in their ministry. Contemporary theologies of Christ and salvation are also explored, using Karl Rahner’s writings as an example of a modern theology of grace. Requisites: LIM-G703 must be completed prior to taking this course.
Foundations of Religious Education / LIM-G837-Y1G0E Instructor: Staff Preliminary syllabus Required Texts Please review the preliminary syllabus when it is posted above to see if any required texts are available as ebooks in Canvas or on the internet. Please note that the required texts listed on the preliminary syllabus may change before the final syllabus is posted in Canvas. Please order the books on the syllabus from the bookstore of your choice before the course begins. An exploration of the contextual roots of the field that includes the Christian theological tradition, family, church, and socio-cultural influences and responses, as well as creation itself. Through this model of contextual reflection, participants will trace the evolution of the theory and practice of religious education in its Christian expression with special attention to its contemporary Roman Catholic character and responsibilities in ecclesial and academic settings.
Parish Life and Ministry / LIM-G844-Y1G0E Instructor: Staff Preliminary syllabus Required Texts Please review the preliminary syllabus when it is posted above to see if any required texts are available as ebooks in Canvas or on the internet. Please note that the required texts listed on the preliminary syllabus may change before the final syllabus is posted in Canvas. Please order the books on the syllabus from the bookstore of your choice before the course begins. The aim of this course is to help participants reflect on today’s experience of the parish in its many shapes and forms. Pastoral practice and canon law are used during the course as reference points for discussion of the pastoral and canonical issues raised by the student and the course content.
Pastoral Leadership and Organization / LIM-G861-Y1G0E Instructor: Staff Preliminary syllabus Required Texts Please review the preliminary syllabus when it is posted above to see if any required texts are available as ebooks in Canvas or on the internet. Please note that the required texts listed on the preliminary syllabus may change before the final syllabus is posted in Canvas. Please order the books on the syllabus from the bookstore of your choice before the course begins. This course explores the meaning of pastoral leadership in light of the current research in organizational development and ecclesiology. Current literature is surveyed in light of the mission of the church and the ecclesial vision of participants. Special emphasis is placed upon participative strategic planning processes and organizational development. Participants will analyze an organizational system for its strengths and weaknesses and propose interventions that would strengthen its organizational functioning. Requisites: LIM-G703 must be completed prior to taking this course.

Spring 2027 Graduate Courses

The spring semester runs from January 19 through May 7. View the complete graduate course rotation here.

Spirituality, Morality & Ethics / LIM-G704-Y1G0E
Instructor: Staff
Preliminary syllabus (forthcoming)
Required Texts Please review the preliminary syllabus when it is posted above to see if any required texts are available as ebooks in Canvas or on the internet. Please note that the required texts listed on the preliminary syllabus may change before the final syllabus is posted in Canvas. Please order the books on the syllabus from the bookstore of your choice before the course begins.

Traditional Catholic ethics are examined in the light of Vatican II. Students study the nature of the human person and the meaning of freedom and sin. They also explore the role of Scripture, reason and the natural law, norms, conscience, and Church authority in making moral decisions. Throughout the course, Christian living is placed in the context of personal spirituality and the call to discipleship. Sexual ethics and Catholic social teaching are discussed at length in the course.

Requisites:

LIM-G711 and LIM-G714 must be completed prior to taking this course.
LIM-G712 or LIM-G722 are recommended to be taken prior to the course.

Christian Origins (New Testament) / LIM-G712-Y1G0E
Instructor: Staff
Preliminary syllabus (forthcoming)
Required Texts Please review the preliminary syllabus when it is posted above to see if any required texts are available as ebooks in Canvas or on the internet. Please note that the required texts listed on the preliminary syllabus may change before the final syllabus is posted in Canvas. Please order the books on the syllabus from the bookstore of your choice before the course begins.

This course introduces students to the literature, history, and theology of the early Christian scriptures commonly known as the New Testament. It examines the historical context of Jesus’ teachings, his parables and preaching of the reign of God, and the theology of Paul and the Gospels. Particular attention is given to the experience of faith that was engendered by Jesus among his first disciples and the lived faith of the earliest Christians.

Church, Sacraments & Liturgy / LIM-G722-Y1G0E
Instructor: Staff
Preliminary syllabus (forthcoming)
Required Texts Please review the preliminary syllabus when it is posted above to see if any required texts are available as ebooks in Canvas or on the internet. Please note that the required texts listed on the preliminary syllabus may change before the final syllabus is posted in Canvas. Please order the books on the syllabus from the bookstore of your choice before the course begins.

This course presents the experience and theology of church, sacraments, and liturgy as they have unfolded throughout Christian history. A major part of the course is dedicated to a deeper understanding of the meaning of sacramentality and the theology of the individual sacraments in the Catholic tradition. Special emphasis is given to Vatican II and post-conciliar developments in the church’s self-understanding and in the theology and practice of ministry, sacraments, and liturgy.

Digital Media & Ministry / LIM-G826-Y1G0E
Instructor: Staff
Preliminary syllabus (forthcoming)
Required Texts Please review the preliminary syllabus when it is posted above to see if any required texts are available as ebooks in Canvas or on the internet. Please note that the required texts listed on the preliminary syllabus may change before the final syllabus is posted in Canvas. Please order the books on the syllabus from the bookstore of your choice before the course begins.

This course explores the question of communicating faith online. Using the social communication tradition of the Roman Catholic Church as well as current ecumenical scholarship, this course offers critical theory for engaging in social communication for ministry, as well as exploring the practical, pastoral implications of this for our digital culture and context. This is one of two courses in the Digital Culture and Ministry focus area concentration.

Religious Communication / LIM-G885-Y1G0E
Instructor: Staff
Preliminary syllabus (forthcoming)
Required Texts Please review the preliminary syllabus when it is posted above to see if any required texts are available as ebooks in Canvas or on the internet. Please note that the required texts listed on the preliminary syllabus may change before the final syllabus is posted in Canvas. Please order the books on the syllabus from the bookstore of your choice before the course begins.

This course explores how a variety of communication media can benefit ministers in their particular settings. Both theory and practice of contemporary communication media, especially the use of television, are explored with hands-on experience.

Pastoral and Educational Praxis / LIM-G886-Y1G0E
Instructor: Staff
Preliminary syllabus (forthcoming)
Required Texts Please review the preliminary syllabus when it is posted above to see if any required texts are available as ebooks in Canvas or on the internet. Please note that the required texts listed on the preliminary syllabus may change before the final syllabus is posted in Canvas. Please order the books on the syllabus from the bookstore of your choice before the course begins.

In this capstone course, students employ the method of practical theology to reflect on concerns related to their ministerial and educational praxis. Careful analyses that include the social and cultural circumstances surrounding their identified praxis will be undertaken, as well as an appreciative and critical retrieval of the voice of the faith tradition. Based on that reflection, possible educational and ministerial interventions that meet criteria of pragmatic feasibility and religious faithfulness will be imagined and articulated verbally and in writing for evaluation and feedback.

Requisite:
LIM-G704 must be taken either prior to or at the same time as this course

Pastoral and Educational Praxis / LIM-G886-Y2G0E
Instructor: Staff
Preliminary syllabus (forthcoming)
Required Texts Please review the preliminary syllabus when it is posted above to see if any required texts are available as ebooks in Canvas or on the internet. Please note that the required texts listed on the preliminary syllabus may change before the final syllabus is posted in Canvas. Please order the books on the syllabus from the bookstore of your choice before the course begins.

Requisite:
LIM-G704 must be taken either prior to or at the same time as this course

Undergraduate Courses Fall 2026

Fall 2026 Undergraduate Courses

View the undergraduate course rotation here.

Session 1 runs from August 17 through October 18.

Introduction to Ministry / RELM-C300-YA1
Instructor: Staff
Preliminary syllabus
Required Texts Please review the preliminary syllabus to see if any required texts are available as ebooks in Canvas or on the internet. Please note that the required texts listed on the preliminary syllabus may change before the final syllabus is posted in Canvas. Please order the books on the syllabus from the bookstore of your choice before the course begins.

Taking a broad view of ministry, this course introduces the study and practice of Christian ministry, grounded in Scripture and the historical tradition and focused on the contemporary challenges and opportunities

Ministry across Religions / RELM-C302-YA1
Instructor: Staff
Preliminary syllabus (forthcoming)
Required Texts Please review the preliminary syllabuswhen it is posted above to see if any required texts are available as ebooks in Canvas or on the internet. Please note that the required texts listed on the preliminary syllabus may change before the final syllabus is posted in Canvas. Please order the books on the syllabus from the bookstore of your choice before the course begins.

This course explores the intersection of ministry and major faith traditions with a focus on interfaith understanding, dialogue, and collaborative action.

Session 2 runs from October 18 through December 13.

Ethics for Ministers / RELM-C334-YZ1
Instructor: Staff
Preliminary syllabus
Required Texts Please review the preliminary syllabus to see if any required texts are available as ebooks in Canvas or on the internet. Please note that the required texts listed on the preliminary syllabus may change before the final syllabus is posted in Canvas. Please order the books on the syllabus from the bookstore of your choice before the course begins.

This course examines ethical conduct in ministry through an emphasis on Catholic ethics, personal spiritual formation, and formation of conscience that is foundational to one’s ethical life. Through a study of the biblical foundations of Christian ethics and ethical systems and their application, students will develop practical skills to address ethical issues and dilemmas they encounter in ministry. Through the development of a personal code of ethics, students will identify principles to guide their conduct in their lives and ministry. Through reflection on virtue ethics, students will practice ongoing spiritual formation that enriches and informs an ethical practice of ministry.

Spring 2027 Undergraduate Courses

View the undergraduate course rotation here.

Session 1 runs from January 19 through March 21.	Introduction to the Bible for Ministry / RELM-C338-YA1 Instructor: Staff Preliminary syllabus Required Texts Please review the preliminary syllabus when it is posted above to see if any required texts are available as ebooks in Canvas or on the internet. Please order the books on the syllabus from the bookstore of your choice before the course begins. This course introduces students to the Bible in light of the best in contemporary biblical scholarship. It focuses on the Bible not as a museum piece but as the living Word of God that reveals, challenges, and comforts and that serves as a crucial resource for ministry.
Session 1 runs from January 19 through March 21.	Senior Seminar / RELM-C496-YA1 Instructor: Staff Preliminary syllabus Required Texts Please review the preliminary syllabus when it is posted above to see if any required texts are available as ebooks in Canvas or on the internet. Please note that the required texts listed on the preliminary syllabus may change before the final syllabus is posted in Canvas. Please order the books on the syllabus from the bookstore of your choice before the course begins. The purpose of this course is for students to demonstrate achievement of learning outcomes of the Bachelor in Ministry and Theology by completing a 20-30 page paper following the theological reflection process introduced in RELM 300 Introduction to Ministry.
Session 2 runs from March 22 through May 16.	Christ and the Christian Tradition / RELM-C370-YZ1 Instructor: Staff Preliminary syllabus Required Texts Please review the preliminary syllabus when it is posted above to see if any required texts are available as ebooks in Canvas or on the internet. Please note that the required texts listed on the preliminary syllabus may change before the final syllabus is posted in Canvas. Please order the books on the syllabus from the bookstore of your choice before the course begins. Fundamental theology in a post-conciliar church: focus on revelation, faith, grace and Christology; a brief review of the historical tradition as a background for creation-centered, liberationist theology today.
Session 2 runs from March 22 through May 16.	Biblical Apocalyptic, Prophecy & Wisdom / RELM-C411-YZ1 Instructor: Staff Preliminary syllabus Required Texts Please review the preliminary syllabus when it is posted above to see if any required texts are available as ebooks in Canvas or on the internet. Please note that the required texts listed on the preliminary syllabus may change before the final syllabus is posted on in Canvas. Please order the books on the syllabus from the bookstore of your choice before the course begins. This course examines the biblical genres of prophecy, wisdom, and apocalyptic; their intersections; and their implications for today. This course presumes some background on the Bible.