General Description
During the first three years of life in Rome, students are enrolled in theological studies resulting in a bachelor’s degree in sacred theology (STB). This is called the “first cycle”. In the fourth year, students begin the “second cycle” program of study, which involves more concentrated study of a particular area. Second cycle usually leads to a License or Master’s degree. Second cycle extends from one to three years, depending on the degree, area of theology, and university chosen. Second cycle studies are offered at a number of pontifical universities and institutes in Rome. The choice of a first-cycle program does not determine what will be studied in second cycle.
Registration for the first cycle will be done in September. Seminarians are assigned by their diocese to attend the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (“the Angelicum”), the Pontifical Gregorian University, or the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross (“Santa Croce”). They are all located in the city, about a 30 to 45 minute walk from the College.
These Universities follow a similar core program and have an international faculty and student body. The universities are distinguishable, however, on the basis of size, language, pedagogical style, and, to some extent, theological method.
Philosophy Pre-requisites:
For admission to First Cycle Theology at any of the pontifical universities, a Ph.B. (approx. 70 credits in philosophy) is the norm. They will accept Americans and Australians who come with at least 30 credits in Philosophy as long as all required areas have been covered by an appropriate course (ethics, logic, metaphysics, epistemology, natural theology (philosophy of God), anthropology (philosophy of the human person/nature), plus ancient, medieval, modern, and contemporary philosophy). Coverage of these ten specific areas is non-negotiable although it may be possible for a student to make up a missing course concurrent with his theological studies. If you have any questions about the philosophy requirements, please contact the Academic Dean, Rev. Joseph Betschart, at jbetschart@pnac.org.
Latin & Biblical Greek
Both the Angelicum and Gregorian Universities will generally accept prior credit in Latin (must be one year/two semesters for college courses, or two years/four semesters for high school courses). The Angelicum will also generally accept credits in Biblical Greek. But the Gregorian requires the student to test out of Greek or simply take the course. Previous Latin and Greek studies will be accepted on a case by case basis at Santa Croce at the discretion of the university dean.
Italian
The Gregorian also tests all new, non-native Italian speakers on their proficiency in the Italian language. Following EU requirements, a student must test at a B1 Level of proficiency in the language a course is being taught in, i.e., Italian. This testing takes place during the first semester. Those who do not pass the test will be required to take additional language studies before taking the test again. Students at the Angelicum whose first language is not English or Italian must also take a language proficiency test, generally scheduled during the first semester; those who do not pass the test will have to attend a language course. Although Santa Croce does not currently test students for Italian proficiency during the first cycle program, they do at the beginning of second cycle.
To arrive at the required B1 Level of proficiency usually requires an average of 250 hours of formal study. Further information is available on the Italian: Learning the Language page.
The Angelicum
The Angelicum is the university of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans). A semester usually consists of an average of 20 credit hours divided between six to eight courses. The first cycle classes are conducted in either English or Italian, depending on the student’s preference. Class size is relatively small with approximately 40-50 students in attendance. (Seminars in the second and third years usually involve fewer than a dozen students.) While classes normally follow a lecture format, comments and questions from students are encouraged. A student’s progress is evaluated by means of either a written or an oral examination at the conclusion of the term; some professors also administer examinations or assign term papers during the semester. In addition to exams, some professors assign term papers as part of the student’s grade for the course.
At the Angelicum, an attempt is made in the first cycle to confront and analyze the questions posed explicitly or implicitly by the Second Vatican Council and the theological reflections which it has prompted. Thomistic theology, and its relationship with both classical and modern issues, is at the heart of this exploration.
First semester, you will take: Introduction to Sacred Scripture, Greek, The Pentateuch and the Historical Books of the Old Testament, The Mystery of the Living God (Trinity), Introduction to Theology and Theological Method, History of the Ancient Church, Fundamental Theology. Second semester, you will take: Christian Archaeology, Greek, The Acts of the Apostles, Introduction to the World’s Great Religions, Introduction to Patristic Teaching, Introduction to Christian Worship, Fundamental Moral Theology, Eschatology, The Synoptic Gospels.
The Gregorian
The Gregorian is the university of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). A semester usually consists of 20 credit hours divided between four or five lecture courses and a seminar. The first-cycle classes are conducted in Italian. Class size is relatively large with approximately 150-200 students in attendance. Classes follow a lecture format. Questions are usually not taken during class and students are encouraged to ask questions before or after class or at some other suitable time outside of class. Students are graded by means of either oral or written examinations administered at the conclusion of the term (these may be taken in a number of different languages, including English). The seminar course, however, is available in English and in the first year is conducted at the NAC. The first year seminar develops many of the themes that are being taught in class and is a general overview of theology. Seminars involve regular written assignments to determine the student’s grade for the course.
At the Gregorian an attempt is made in the first cycle to present an organic vision of Revelation and a solid knowledge of the full range of the issues of theology. Theological developments and expressions of the Magisterium are analyzed with a methodological emphasis on Scripture in respect to the particular matter being treated: Christ – the Fullness of Revelation (first year); the Church, the Sacrament of Christ (second year); and Humanity in Christ (third year).
First semester, you will take: Church History, the Synoptic Gospels and Acts of the Apostles, Christology, Revelation, Greek, and a seminar course. Second semester, you will take: Credibility of Revelation (Fundamental Theology), Pentateuch, Trinity, Patrology, Greek, and a seminar course.
Santa Croce
The Pontifical University of the Holy Cross (Santa Croce) is operated by Opus Dei. The courses of the first cycle aim at presenting an organic exposition of all of the Catholic Doctrine, along with an introduction to the method of scientific research. The first cycle program, leading to the completion of the STB degree, has a duration of three academic years divided into semesters, and is concluded with the comprehensive degree exams. Each semester, students take six to seven classes totaling 20 credit hours. The classes are taught in Italian, although many of the professors also speak English. Classes are relatively small in size, approximately 40-60 students, and generally follow a lecture format with some student-professor interaction depending on the professor. Students are graded based on oral or written exams administered at the end of the term, although some courses also have periodic midterm exams or other course work.
First semester, you will take: Introduction to Sacred Scripture, Introduction to Theology, Fundamental Theology I, Dogmatic Theology: The Mystery of God, One and Triune, History of the Church: Ancient and Medieval Ages, Advanced Latin I. Second semester, you will take: Exegesis of the Old Testament: Pentateuch and Remaining Historical Books, Fundamental Theology II, Dogmatic Theology: Creation, Fundamental Moral Theology I, Patristics, Introduction to Hebrew, Advanced Latin II.
Updated 5 April 2012
