ACADEMIC HANDBOOK S CHARLES BORROMEO ... Handbook...Saint Charles Borromeo Theological Seminary...

ACADEMIC HANDBOOK

SAINT CHARLES BORROMEO

THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

Revised February 2018

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 4

English as a Second Language ....................................................................................................... 4

General Information ....................................................................................................................... 5

Theological Seminary Faculty ................................................................................................. 5

Academic Grievance Policy ..................................................................................................... 5

Academic Honesty and Integrity ............................................................................................. 5

Academic Probation ................................................................................................................. 5

Academic Representative ......................................................................................................... 5

Audits ....................................................................................................................................... 6

Book Purchasing ...................................................................................................................... 6

Course Syllabi .......................................................................................................................... 6

Credit Hours ............................................................................................................................. 6

Class Attendance ...................................................................................................................... 6

Computation of GPA and Departmental Averages .................................................................. 7

Course Evaluations .................................................................................................................. 7

Failure Policy ........................................................................................................................... 7

Mid-Semester Reports ............................................................................................................. 8

Records Policy ......................................................................................................................... 8

Seminary Style Sheet ............................................................................................................... 8

Transcripts................................................................................................................................ 8

Spanish Language and Ministry to Hispanic Catholics Program .................................................. 9

Goals ........................................................................................................................................ 9

Letter of Proficiency in Pastoral Spanish ................................................................................. 9

Requirements ................................................................................................................... 10

Evaluation and Assessment.............................................................................................. 10

Goals of Letter of Proficiency.......................................................................................... 10

Granting the Letter of Proficiency ................................................................................... 11

Placement Examination and Standardized Progress Examinations ....................................... 11

Master of Divinity Degree Program ............................................................................................ 12

Program Description .............................................................................................................. 12

Requirements ......................................................................................................................... 12

Scholastic Honors for the Master of Divinity Degree ........................................................... 12

Master of Divinity Competency Examination ....................................................................... 13

Description of the Competency Examinations ................................................................ 13

Purpose of the Competency Examinations ...................................................................... 13

Preparation and Registration for the Competency Examinations .................................... 13

Format for the Competency Examinations ...................................................................... 10

Grading of Competency Examinations & Required Average .......................................... 14

Summary of Important Dates for the Master of Divinity Competency Examination ...... 14

Master of Arts Degree Program ............................................................................................. 16

Program Description ........................................................................................................ 16

Prerequisites ..................................................................................................................... 16

Requirements ................................................................................................................... 16

Honors .............................................................................................................................. 17

Comprehensive Oral Examination ......................................................................................... 17

Description of the Comprehensive Oral Examination ..................................................... 17

Purpose of the Comprehensive Oral Examination ........................................................... 17

Preparation for the Comprehensive Oral Examination .................................................... 18

Format for the Comprehensive Oral Examination ........................................................... 18

Grading of the Comprehensive Oral Examination and Required Average ...................... 18

Research Papers ..................................................................................................................... 19

Guidelines for Research Papers ....................................................................................... 19

Preparation and Planning for the Research Paper ............................................................ 19

Composition of the Research Paper ................................................................................. 19

Evaluation Guidelines for Research Papers ..................................................................... 20

Timeline ........................................................................................................................... 20

Appendix A: SCBS Acceptable Use of Technology Resources ...................................... 21

Appendix B: SCBS Copyright Policy Regarding Use of Works Created by Others ....... 26

Saint Charles Borromeo Theological Seminary Academic Handbook

(revised February 2018) Page 4

INTRODUCTION

The Theological Seminary of Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary offers a four-year program of

intellectual formation on the graduate academic level. The fundamental goals of this intellectual

formation program are to increase the seminarian’s own understanding of the faith (fides quarens

intellectum) and to provide him with the tools and skills necessary to elaborate the principles of

the faith for the people he will serve in the ordained ministry. The curriculum assists the

attainment of these goals through a well-integrated series of courses designed according to the

general principles outlined in the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Program of

Priestly Formation.

The courses available to the seminarians cover all the major areas of theological study: Sacred

Scripture, Systematic Theology, Moral Theology, Pastoral Theology, Church History, Canon

Law, Spirituality, and Liturgy. Particular emphasis is given to contemporary developments in

exegetical techniques and theological thought, all presented within the Tradition of the Church.

The courses are intended to unfold in a systematic way the riches of Catholic theology and

Christian living in order to help form the seminarian as a believer who can bring the timeless

faith to bear upon the people of our age.

Seeking to aid the seminarian in his understanding and articulation of the faith, the theological

faculty uses a variety of methods in their presentations and instruction including: lecture,

research papers, directed readings, computer generated presentations, field trips, guest lecturers,

projects and practica.

The Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary Catalog contains a complete description of the priestly

formation program at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary and the School of Theological Studies.

Course descriptions may be found in that publication. The Academic Handbook of the

Theological Seminary is a collection of supplementary material related to the intellectual

formation program of the Theological Seminary.

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE

In response to the needs of seminarians for whom English is a second language, Saint Charles

Borromeo Seminary offers the opportunity for a one year intensive English as a Second

Language experience through the ELS Language Center organization located adjacent to Saint

Joseph’s University, a short ride from the Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary Campus. The

intensive ESL program affords each seminarian needing English language acquisition a one year

(two semesters) in-depth program before the seminarian commences his traditional coursework

either in the College Seminary or the Theological Seminary.



Upon completion of the ESL program a seminarian may be directed to take the TOEFL or the

TOEFL iBT. When the seminarian demonstrates proficiency with English, through standardized

testing and staff evaluation, he is then able to join the traditional curriculum. The Intensive

English Language Curriculum may add a year to the total formation process.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Theological Seminary Faculty

The Theological Seminary Faculty of the Theological Seminary acts as an advisory body in order

to assist the Vice President for Academic Affairs in the administration of the Academic Program

of the Theological Seminary. One particular role of the Faculty is to serve as that body with

which the Vice President for Academic Affairs ordinarily consults or from which he receives

advice regarding the curriculum and operation of the Academic Program of the Theological

Seminary.

Academic Grievance Policy

Redress of an academic grievance begins with the student’s appeal to the appropriate faculty

member and ideally is resolved in that forum. If a resolution is not satisfactorily reached, appeal

may be made to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, who will consult with the respective

Department Chair and the Vice Rector in reaching a decision. If necessary, a further appeal may

be made to the Rector to resolve the situation.

Academic Honesty and Integrity

Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary presumes that all seminarians come to Saint Charles with a

desire to embrace all aspects of formation including the intellectual component. They take upon

themselves the desire to grow in wisdom and knowledge of the faith and its development. As

they enter into the realm of academic life they seek to fulfill all the requirements with honesty

and seek excellence in their work.

Accordingly the policy of the Theological Seminary is as follows: “An important sign of one’s

sincerity in committing his life to the service of the Lord and of the Church is the seminarian’s

observance of total honesty in the pursuit of his formal studies. No instance of plagiarism,

cheating, or falsification of research work, examinations or academic records will be tolerated

and will make the seminarian liable to dismissal.”

Academic Probation

As noted in the Catalog, any seminarian whose cumulative grade point average drops below a

2.00 or who has failed a core or an elective course while maintaining a 2.00 average will be

placed on academic probation.

Academic Representative

Academic Representatives are elected from each of the four classes in the Theological Seminary



(First Theology, Second Theology, Third Theology, and Fourth Theology). Any seminarian with

a concern(s) regarding the intellectual formation program in the Theological Seminary is to bring

this to the attention of the class Academic Representative who in turn presents the concern(s) to

the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The representatives also act as liaisons between the

Vice President for Academic Affairs and the particular classes as well as between particular

professors and the class. Among the responsibilities of the Academic Representative is the

distribution and collection of the course evaluation forms at the conclusion of each semester.

Audits

Seminarians with a cumulative grade point average above a 3.00 who wish to take an extra

course (that is above the regular course load) during the Academic Year in either the Theological

Seminary or the School of Theological Studies may do so only with the approval of the Vice

President for Academic Affairs. Seminarians who wish to audit a course should contact the Vice

President for Academic Affairs.

Book Purchasing

The Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs posts the required and recommended text

books/readings for each course on the Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary website. It is the

responsibility of the students to order and purchase course texts books/readings.

Course Syllabi

A course syllabus is to be generated by the professor for each course taught in the Theological

Seminary. The syllabi are posted on Populi in the beginning of each semester and should provide

them with the following information: a description of the course, expected outcomes of the

course, the methods used for evaluation of the seminarian’s learning, a schedule of topics to be

covered in the course, a list of the expectations for the students and a bibliography for further

reading.

Credit Hours

Course sessions are described in terms of credit hours. In the Theological Seminary a class is

either a three-credit course or a one credit-course. The three credit classes meet twice a week in

one hour fifteen minute sessions. The one credit courses meet at least ten periods a semester.

Class Attendance

Attendance in all regularly scheduled and re-scheduled classes is required for all students

[resident/non-resident] in the Theological Seminary. Permission to be absent from class will be

given only for serious reasons. Except for times of emergency any student who needs to be

excused from class attendance for a particular day or for a particular period of time should notify

the Vice President for Academic Affairs well in advance of the absence. Providing the student

has the permission of the Vice President for Academic Affairs to be excused from class, the

student has the responsibility to inform his professors and to receive the class assignments for



that day or period. The resident students should also seek the permission of the Dean of Men to

be absent from campus.

Occasionally a student [resident/non-resident] may be absent from class due to illness. Upon

return to the regular schedule the student should inform the Vice President for Academic Affairs

of the reason for the absence and consult the particular professor/s for his assignment/s.

Excessive absences from classes may result in a lower grade or even repeating the particular

course in question [see the course syllabus for further specifics].

Computation of GPA and Departmental Averages

The grade point average (GPA) is formulated in the following manner.

First, the course mark value (A=4.00; B=3.00; C=2.00; D=1.00; F=0; I=0; W is not included) is

multiplied by the number of credit hours for each course.

Second, the total value for all the courses is calculated.

Third, this figure is divided by the total number of credit hours resulting in the grade point

average.

Departmental averages are calculated in the same manner including only and all courses from a

particular department.

Course Evaluations

Course evaluations are completed every semester for all courses taught in the Theological

Seminary. The Theological Seminary uses the Student Instruction Report II of Educational

Testing Services, Inc. The evaluation packets are distributed to the Academic Representatives

toward the end of each semester. Each class is given the last fifteen minutes of the penultimate

class of each course to complete the evaluation. When the course evaluations are completed, the

academic representative returns the packet to the Office of the Vice President for Academic

Affairs. At the conclusion of the semester all the reports are sent to ETS for processing. When

the evaluation reports are returned to Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, the Vice President for

Academic Affairs distributes them to each professor with a complete set being sent to the Rector

and Vice Rector and departmental sets are distributed to the Department Chairs of the

Theological Seminary.

Failure Policy

Any seminarian who receives a failure in a particular course needs to meet with the Vice

President for Academic Affairs. The seminarian may retake the final examination for the course

within one month of receiving the grade. Should he pass the retake examination he will receive a

“D” 70 grade for the course. If the retake results in another failure the seminarian will have to

retake the course. Both courses will be recorded on the official transcript and calculated into the

cumulative grade point average.



Mid-Semester Reports

Mid-Semester Reports are submitted to the Vice President for Academic Affairs by the faculty in

the middle of each semester. The reports provide an update on the seminarians’ progress in the

particular course. The forms are intended to give feedback to the student regarding his progress

and participation in class. Professors are encouraged to submit forms for each student they teach

and are required to complete the form for anyone who has a “D” average or lower or is in danger

of failing a particular course.

The forms are submitted to the Vice President for Academic Affairs who in turn will present

copies to the Rector, Dean of Men, and the individual seminarian’s Formation Advisor. Any

student receiving a “D” grade or below will meet with the Vice President for Academic Affairs

to discuss the reasons for the poor performance in the class.

Records Policy

All current academic records are kept on file in the Office of the Vice President for Academic

Affairs. Pertinent records are transferred to the Office of the Registrar when a seminarian either

completes all the degree programs for which he is registered or if he leaves the seminary

formation program. The records are retained permanently.

Seminary Style Sheet

The General Faculty of Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary has elected to use the Turabian

Manual of Style as the style sheet for all written work submitted by seminarians. The style sheet

is to be used as the basis of all term papers, reports, essays, etc. Seminarians are encouraged to

be familiar with the guidelines in this text.

Transcripts

Grade Sheets are distributed by the Office of the Registrar at the conclusion of each semester.

Copies of the official transcripts are distributed at the completion of the degree program.

Seminarians may request copies of the transcripts at any time from the Registrar.



SPANISH LANGUAGE AND MINISTRY TO HISPANIC CATHOLICS PROGRAM

Goals

The goals of the Spanish Language and Ministry to Hispanic Catholics Program are as follows:

1. To integrate and to synthesize the skills of pastoral ministry which include

evangelization, counseling, teaching, and liturgical worship through coursework within

the Spanish language curriculum.

2. To aid in the development of each seminarian’s individual level of competency by

enhancing the essential language acquisition skills of speaking, listening, reading, writing

and cultural competence so that he may grow in a sense of comfort, ability, and

confidence in pastoral situations related to Hispanic ministry.

3. To venture beyond a language textbook by treating attentively all cultural elements

indigenous to such ministerial situations which include the celebration of the Eucharist,

all other sacraments, and special cultural events, i.e., una quinceañera, una presentación.

4. To provide each seminarian with a more comprehensive understanding of ministry to

Hispanic Catholics in the United States by fostering greater clarity with regard to the

generally enriching experience that results from involvement in cross-cultural pastoral

and apostolic service to the People of God.

In order to more fully embrace Hispanic culture and the Spanish language throughout his

formation at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, the seminarian will at various points in his

progress study Spanish in the College Seminary as a requirement for the Bachelor’s degree. In

the Theological Seminary the seminarian engages the study of Spanish over the course of four

semesters. The Spring semester of Third Theology is dedicated to pastoral Spanish and

sacramental practicum. Many dioceses provide the opportunity for study and/or immersion in

Spanish language programs in a country other than the United States. Usually upon completing

such a program of study the seminarian will be assigned a Field Education placement that

includes work within the Hispanic community and use of the Spanish language. At the level of

liturgical experience Mass is celebrated in Spanish three Tuesdays a month for both divisions.

For Dioceses and Religious Communities who require their seminarians to gain some facility in

Pastoral Spanish, the Spanish Language and Ministry to Hispanic Catholics Program is

incorporated into the seminarian’s normal curriculum.

Letter of Proficiency in Pastoral Spanish

Due to the pressing need for seminarians to be prepared linguistically and pastorally in Spanish,

Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary has developed a special program that verifies a student’s

fluency in Spanish, knowledge of culture and a deep understanding of the many pastoral matters

for working in Hispanic parishes. Currently, at the graduate level the comprehensive exams and

master’s degree assessments do not test or evaluate a student’s knowledge of the Spanish



language and pastoral work specific to Hispanic parishes. This certificate will confirm a

student’s knowledge of Spanish, his understanding of cultural matters and expertise in pastoral

work and therefore, aid bishops in placing their newly-ordained priests at appropriate parishes.

Requirements

All students must successfully complete beginning, intermediate and two advanced courses in

Spanish at St. Charles Seminary, or the equivalent. All students must sign up for the program at

the beginning of II Theology. A study abroad program in a Spanish-speaking country is required,

or the equivalent. Also, placement at two Hispanic parishes for apostolate during seminary

training is required, or the equivalent. Also, a student will have completed or be enrolled in the

Pastoral Spanish class for third-year theology students and deacons. Successful completion with

a 3.5 or a B+ on the written and oral comprehensive exam given in the fall semester of a

Deacon’s year is required.

Evaluation and Assessment

A battery of tests to assess the language proficiency of a student in Spanish will be given, but

spread out over the years while the student is studying Spanish at the seminary. All linguistic

skills including reading, writing, speaking, listening and culture will be tested and evaluated.

During those years a student will be required to write a letter for a Church bulletin from a newly-

ordained priest to the congregation. Each student will deliver a homily. A short RCIA theme will

be presented. He will be tested on celebrating Mass and the sacraments.

For the Letter of Proficiency during the Deacon year, a student will take a one-hour

comprehensive written exam in Spanish that deals with Spanish language and culture. Also, there

will be a thirty-minute comprehensive oral exam with the theme given a day in advance with two

Spanish professors.

Goals of Letter of Proficiency

Ability to celebrate Mass and know the cultural differences between a Mass in English

and one in Spanish.

Ability to include at Masses or weddings pertinent Spanish traditions such as

presentaciones; arras y lazo, Biblia y rosario para bodas; una quinceañera, juramentos,

etc. Of course, this goal takes into account the cultural knowledge of the student.

Ability to preach in Spanish at Mass taking into account cultural differences between

preaching in English and Spanish.

Ability to celebrate the seven sacraments in Spanish with the cultural differences taken

into account i.e., lazo and arras for weddings.

Ability to teach a religion class in Spanish, i.e., RCIA; Bible Study.

Ability to express oneself in written Spanish i.e., Parish Bulletin announcements.

Ability to do wedding preparation in Spanish.

Ability to speak and understand conversational Spanish to determine a parishioner’s



wishes or needs.

Granting the Letter of Proficiency

To receive the Letter of Proficiency a student must earn either a B+, or a 3.5, in each section on

the checklist of goals for the certificate. Also, a grade of 3.5 or B+ on the comprehensive written

and oral exams is required. The classroom teacher is instrumental in determining the student’s

proficiency in Spanish. There will be a portfolio for each student with a check-off list included to

document the various assignments that lend to testing proficiency in Spanish during his academic

career at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary. Proficiency in Spanish, a fundamental

understanding and awareness of cultural practices and an overall knowledge of pastoral needs in

a Spanish parish will be required and, therefore, students will be highly motivated to prepare

themselves well to qualify for this special Letter of Proficiency.

Placement Examination and Standardized Progress Examinations

Seminarians in the Theological Seminary who are required to take the Spanish language courses

and who have had previous opportunities to study the Spanish language are given the opportunity

to take a placement examination to determine the appropriate level for their ability. The test will

be administered in the beginning of each academic year. Students in First and Second Theology

are welcome to take this as the placement examination. All seminarians are welcome to use it as

an instrument to evaluate the development of their Spanish language skills.

Since the Spanish language courses are taken as electives in the Theological Seminary, a

seminarian who is excused from a course due to proficiency will need to take another elective in

its place to be considered a full-time student (minimum of 12 credits per semester).



MASTER OF DIVINITY DEGREE PROGRAM

Program Description

The Master of Divinity Degree is considered the foundational degree of the academic program in

the Theological Seminary. The degree is designed for students who are in formation for ordained

ministry thus the program is designed to provide explicit preparation for pastoral ministry. The

course of study in this program focuses on the implementation in pastoral practice of knowledge

received in the various courses in the Theological Seminary.

Requirements

The following is a description of the Master of Divinity Degree. A minimum of 12 credits per

semester is required.

The Master of Divinity Degree will be granted to seminarians who fulfill the following

requirements (for a total of 91 credits):

1. Successful completion of the entire core curriculum (88 semester credit hours) prescribed

for the first six semesters of theological study and one elective in Pastoral Theology (3

credits) for a total of 91 semester credit hours. If a seminarian is excused from the

requirement of taking PTH 956 (Pastoral Spanish and Sacramental Practicum), he is

required to substitute an elective to replace the 3 credits for the course.

2. Satisfactory completion of the Pastoral Formation requirements (such as field education

assignments, associated reflection papers and reports, etc.). These requirements are

defined by the Pastoral Formation Department.

3. Attainment of a final grade of at least “C” (2.00) in the competency examinations

required for the degree.

4. Attainment of a “C” (2.00) cumulative grade point average upon completion of course

work required for the degree.

Scholastic Honors for the Master of Divinity Degree

Scholastic honors will be awarded to an individual seminarian if he achieves at least an 85 on the

Master of Divinity Competency Examination and the following grade point average:

3.20 – Cum Laude

3.50 – Magna Cum Laude

3.80 – Summa Cum Laude



Master of Divinity Competency Examinations

Description of the Competency Examinations

The Theological Seminary maintains competency examinations as an essential component of the

Master of Divinity Degree Program. Neither extra course work nor a written thesis are

acceptable substitutes for these examinations.

Degree candidates are required to take both written and oral competency examinations in order

to integrate their course work in four major theological disciplines, including: Sacred Scripture,

Systematic Theology, Moral Theology and Pastoral Theology.

Students are eligible to take the competency examinations only after the successful completion

of at least five semesters of theological study in which a cumulative grade point average of 2.00

has been attained.

All requirements for the Master of Divinity Degree, including the competency examinations, can

ordinarily be fulfilled in three years of full-time study in the Theological Seminary. The

maximum time for fulfillment of all requirements is four years. Transfer students must complete

a minimum of four semesters of full-time study in the Theological Seminary and meet all other

requirements in order to qualify for the Master of Divinity Degree.

Purpose of the Competency Examinations

The competency examinations are designed to:

a) Certify that the candidate has a reasonable grasp and understanding of the basic tenets of

Catholic Theology as befits an ordained minister of the Church;

b) Foster the candidate’s ability to integrate the content of the various courses in the

Theological Seminary curriculum, with an eye to its use in pastoral settings.

Preparation and Registration for the Competency Examinations

At the end of his second year of theological study, each candidate will be presented with a study

guide drawn from individual courses in the curriculum of the first five semesters of theological

study. The candidate is responsible to be conversant with the material in all four major

theological disciplines and to supplement course work with appropriate readings in preparation

for the examinations.

The competency examinations are ordinarily scheduled in January each year. Registration for the

examinations should be made in the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs no later

than December 1 of the year prior.

Format for the Competency Examinations

The two components of the competency examinations are:

a) A written examination consisting of four sections, one for each of the four major



theological disciplines; questions for the examination will be drawn from the study guide

provided to each candidate at the end of the second year of theology. The written

examinations are normally given in two sessions of one hour and fifteen minutes over a

two day period.

b) An oral examination of thirty minutes in length; the seminarian will be examined by a

board of examiners representing each of the four major theological disciplines. Questions

will be drawn from study guides provided for each candidate at the end of the second

year of theology. The oral examination assesses the seminarian’s global mastery of the

teaching of the Church, particularly how each theological discipline is related to the

others and how theological knowledge is applied to pastoral situations.

No reference materials will be permitted for use by the candidate in either the oral or written

examination.

Grading of Competency Examinations & Required Average

Examinations are evaluated on a numerical basis; the written and oral components each comprise

fifty percent of the final grade. Each of the four sections of the written examination is graded

individually and an average grade for the written component is then calculated. In the oral

examination, each examining professor submits an individual grade and an average grade for the

oral component is then calculated. The final grade for the competency examinations is the

average of the two grades achieved in the written and oral components.

Degree candidates are required to attain a passing grade (70/100) in the oral examination, a

passing grade (70/100) in each section of the written examination and a final grade of at least

77/100 in order to qualify for the Master of Divinity Degree.

A candidate who does not receive a passing grade in either the oral examination or in any

individual section of the written examination is required to take and pass another examination in

the failed section(s) within two months in order to qualify for the degree. The re-take

examination will be prepared by the department chairperson(s) of the section(s) which have been

failed. For the purpose of re-examination, the highest grade given for a successful re-take of any

failed section(s) of the competency examinations is 70/100.

Degree candidates who pass all sections of the competency examinations but fail to achieve the

minimum final grade of 77/100 may re-take the competency examinations (both the oral

component and all four sections of the written component) the next time the examinations are

offered in the Theological Seminary. Candidates are not ordinarily eligible to retake the

competency examinations more than once.

Summary of Important Dates for the Master of Divinity Competency Examination

May of Second Theology Study Guides distributed.

November of Third Theology Registration for exam and selection of area of



concentration.

December of Third Theology Exam procedure guidelines are distributed. Examination

schedule is posted.

January of Third Theology Competency Examination.

May of Third Theology Concursus and the Awarding of the Master of Divinity

Degree to those who have successfully completed the

degree requirements.



MASTER OF ARTS DEGREE PROGRAM

Program Description

The Master of Arts degree is designed as an academic degree that investigates the theological

disciplines in an in-depth manner focusing on speculative and historical aspects of knowledge

received in the various courses offered in the Theological Seminary. The program is open to

Seminarians who have already earned the Master of Divinity degree and have met all other

program prerequisites. Students from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia who meet the prerequisites

for the Master of Arts degree program are expected to complete the requirements for the Master

of Arts degree program. Exceptions may be given, only for serious reason, by the Vice President

for Academic Affairs, Theological Seminary after consultation with the Vice Rector and the

Rector.

The following is a description of the Master of Arts Degree requirements:

Prerequisites

1. Successful completion of two electives (6 credits) from the area of concentration (Sacred

Scripture, Systematic Theology, Moral Theology, Pastoral Theology).

2. Successful completion of the Master of Divinity degree (91 credits) earning a 3.00

cumulative grade point average.

3. Attaining a minimal 3.00 cumulative grade point average in the area of concentration.

Requirements

1. Successful completion of all courses in Fourth Theology (24 credits plus 6 elective

credits in the area of concentration plus 6 credits for research and thesis; thus a total of 36

credits).

CHH 801 United States Church History (3)

MTH 802 Catholic Teachings on Issues of Life and Health (3)

PTH 807 Sacramental Practicum (3)

PTH 809 Liturgical Celebration and Practicum (3)

PTH 959 Advanced Pastoral Spanish (3)

SCR 802 Pauline Epistles (3)

SCR 803 Johannine Literature (3)

STH 801 Penance and Anointing (3)

MA Research (3)

MA Thesis (3)

Two Electives in area of concentration (6)

If the seminarian is excused from the requirement of taking Spanish, another 3-credit

course must be substituted. A seminarian must be enrolled in at least 12 credits a

semester to be considered a full-time student.

2. Successful completion of a thesis expected to be a minimum of fifty pages (double-



spaced typing) of text in the area of concentration (6 credits—3 credits for research and 3

credits for the written thesis).

3. Maintaining a 3.00 cumulative grade point average.

4. Maintaining a 3.00 cumulative grade point average in the area of concentration.

5. Successful completion of the Comprehensive Oral Examination. For more information

see below.

Honors

Scholastic honors will be awarded to an individual seminarian if he achieves at least an “85” in

the Comprehensive Oral Examination and the following grade point averages:

3.20 – Cum Laude

3.50 – Magna Cum Laude

3.80 – Summa Cum Laude

COMPREHENSIVE ORAL EXAMINATION

Description of the Comprehensive Oral Examination

The Theological Seminary maintains the oral comprehensive examination as an essential

component of the Master of Arts Degree Program. Neither extra course work nor a research

paper are acceptable substitutes for this examination.

Degree candidates are required to take an oral comprehensive examination in order to integrate

their course work within an area of concentration chosen by the student. The areas of

concentration currently available include: Sacred Scripture, Systematic Theology, Moral

Theology and Pastoral Theology. Registration forms for the comprehensive examinations are

available in the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Students are eligible to enroll for the oral comprehensive examination only after the successful

completion of the Master of Divinity Degree, with an overall 3.00 cumulative grade point

average and a 3.00 cumulative grade point average in core and elective courses within the area of

concentration chosen for the Master of Arts Degree, along with the successful completion of a

research paper in courses within the area of concentration.

Purpose of the Comprehensive Oral Examination

The comprehensive examination is designed to:

a) Foster the candidate's ability to synthesize the content of the various courses in the

Theological Seminary curriculum, along with independent reading within one's chosen

area of concentration;



b) Provide the candidate an opportunity to demonstrate the scope of his knowledge;

c) Encourage in the candidate a scholarly attitude, critical thinking and a sustained personal

commitment to independent reading within the field of theological scholarship.

Preparation for the Comprehensive Oral Examination

In preparation for the comprehensive examination, the candidate is expected to supplement his

course work with appropriate readings within the chosen area of concentration, in order to

integrate and expand his knowledge in the chosen area of concentration.

At the time of his declaration of intention to pursue the Master of Arts Degree, each candidate

will be presented with a common list of required readings within the chosen area of

concentration; this list includes not only textbooks for individual core courses, but also primary

sources and significant authors within the area as a whole. The candidate is responsible to be

conversant with the range of scholarly material addressed in the required readings.

Format for the Comprehensive Examination

The comprehensive examination is ordinarily scheduled in the Spring term each year.

Registration for the examination should be made no later than December 1 of the immediately

prior year. The comprehensive oral examination consists of a thirty-minute discussion, ordinarily

with three and no less than two theology professors, on the research complied for the thesis and

on the significant issues addressed in the courses and required readings within the chosen area of

concentration. A question and answer format is employed; no formal presentation is made by the

candidate. Attention should be given both to issues of importance within the chosen area of

concentration and to their relationship to the general area of theological scholarship.

Grading of the Comprehensive Oral Examination and Required Average

The grading of the Comprehensive Oral Examination is based primarily upon mastery of the

material, ability to synthesize rather than merely memorize information, and clarity/organization

of presentation. The Examination is evaluated on a pass/fail basis, where a passing grade is

equivalent to at least 85/100. The final grade for the oral examination is the average of the grades

submitted by the examining professors. The final grade for the Master of Arts Degree is the

average of the two grades achieved in the oral examination and for the written thesis.

Each candidate is required to attain a passing grade in both the oral examination and the thesis

(85/B). Candidates who do not receive a passing grade in either component of the degree

requirements are required to retake/resubmit that component in order to qualify for the Master of

Arts Degree, and are not ordinarily eligible to retake the examination more than once.



RESEARCH PAPERS

Guidelines for Research Papers

Students in the Theological Seminary who intend to qualify for the Master of Arts Degree are

required to choose two elective courses within a specific area of concentration (Sacred Scripture,

Systematic Theology, Moral Theology or Pastoral Theology) and successfully complete a formal

research paper in the same area of concentration. The topic of this research project may be

generated out of the content of an individual core course or an elective in the area of

concentration, or may be drawn from a key topic in the area of concentration which is of

particular interest to the student.

Preparation and Planning for the Research Paper

Each candidate is expected to consult with a professor within the chosen area of concentration

regarding the selection of a topic for the research paper. This professor selected by the student

will act as Research Director for the student and will be the final evaluator of the research paper.

The candidate is required to complete a formal registration of the research paper and submit that

registration to the Vice President for Academic Affairs; this registration includes the following,

all of which must first be approved by the research director by way of his/her signature on the

registration form no later than September 31 of the seminarian’s entrance into Fourth Theology:

a) A brief statement describing the specific topic of research

b) An outline of the topic being treated

c) An initial bibliography

Since the research paper is an instrument for the development and demonstration of the skills

proper to a graduate academic degree, it must evidence a scholarly research process according to

the particular academic methodology dictated by the topic of the paper.

Composition of the Research Paper

Since the research paper is an instrument for the development and demonstration of the skills

proper to a graduate academic degree, it must evidence both a scholarly research process and a

sound theological methodology. 3 credits are awarded for the paper which must be certified by

the Director of Library Services. 3 credits are awarded for the completed written paper.

Although length is a function of content and some topics may require more extensive treatment,

the research paper is ordinarily expected to be a minimum of fifty pages (double-spaced typing)

of text. The formatting of the research paper must follow the particular style approved by the

seminary administration and faculty.

In order to better aid both Student and Research Director in the timely completion of the thesis

paper these writing guidelines should be followed. By January 31 of Fourth Theology the student

must present a minimum of 16 original pages of text to his Research Director for feedback. This

process is to be repeated by the last day of February and the last day of March to ensure that the

student is on pace to finish edits and/or rewrites in a timely fashion. With the third submission of

text it is expected that a full preliminary draft of the paper has been completed by the last day of



March.

Ordinarily the research paper must be completed and submitted to the Research Director for

grading by April 15 of the student’s final academic year. A minimum grade of B/85 is required

for the satisfactory completion of the research paper.

Evaluation Guidelines for Research Papers

Research papers will be evaluated on the following criteria [based on the subject matter and

scope of the paper some criteria may receive more attention than others]:

Research: the competency to gather appropriate data drawn from authoritative sources around a

chosen topic.

Interpretation: the competency to understand the meaning of the sources in their original context.

Historical Awareness: the competency to trace the historical development of the sources from

their original contexts into contemporary times.

Pastoral Value: the competency to demonstrate the value of research for the student as a priest

and for the pastoral situation in which he will minister.

Dialectic Integrity: the competency to include in the presentation, whenever appropriate,

opposing views on the chosen topic, expressed both in the original era of the topic and, where

applicable, in subsequent eras.

Dogmatic Integrity: the competency to demonstrate a knowledge of the Church’s normative faith

tradition and how it impacts on the chosen topic.

Originality: the competency to draw new insights and hypotheses from research on the chosen

topic.

Organization: the competency to organize and to synthesize research materials into an

understandable whole.

Communication: the competency to articulate clearly, with unity, emphasis and coherence in the

presentation based on a consistent grammatical style and usage.

Timeline

January of Fourth Theology Register for Comprehensive Examination

March of Fourth Theology Oral Examination

April of Fourth Theology Completion of Research Paper

Awarding of the Degree Upon completion of all requirements



APPENDIX A

SAINT CHARLES BORROMEO SEMINARY

ACCEPTABLE USE OF TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES



Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary Acceptable Use of Technology Resources

Page 1

PURPOSE:

The following policy and procedures are promulgated:

To describe the appropriate behavior the Seminary expects when using technology and

encompasses all Seminary technology resources.

To ensure that the use of computer and communication technology is consistent with the

maintenance of a safe and healthy environment on Seminary property; and

To ensure that all use of computer and communication technology is in conformity with

the Archdiocese’s Standards of Ministerial Behavior and Boundaries. (As provided in the

Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, the acquisition, possession, or

distribution of pornographic images of minors under the age of eighteen years, for the

purpose of sexual gratification, constitutes sexual misconduct and is prohibited.

2004639234_1).

SCOPE:

This policy applies to all technology use, including but not limited to internet use, by Seminary

Personnel.

DEFINITIONS:

Seminary: St. Charles Borromeo Seminary.

Archdiocese and/or Church: The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Seminary Personnel: Any priest, religious, deacon, pastoral minister, seminarian, administrator,

employee or volunteer working on behalf of the Seminary.

Technical/Computer Resources: Any computer or network hardware and equipment, networks,

servers, internet access, technology services, enterprise programs, other programs or software

applications, telephones and cell phones or other communications equipment the Seminary owns

or leases.

POLICY:

This Acceptable Use Policy is created to reflect the moral value of the Seminary and to support

the Seminary’s mission and vision, which includes exercising efficient stewardship over the

resources provided to the Seminary. The Seminary owns and provides technical resources that

include, but are not limited to, servers, networks, computers, printers, copiers, telephones,

internet access, and a variety of software applications, programs and services. The use of these

resources is a non-transferable privilege, not a right, arising from an individual’s position within

the Seminary.




Page 2

Users do not have an expectation of privacy or a personal privacy right in any matter created,

received, sent, downloaded, stored or accessed using Seminary technical/computer resources,

whether or not the matter is designated as personal or confidential. As the owner and provider of

these resources and services, the Seminary reserves and intends to exercise the right to restrict,

review and audit the usage of all Seminary technical/computer resources at will, to monitor data

and messages within them at any time for any reason, and disclose contents without notice or

other restrictions to third parties, including but not limited to the Internet Crimes Against

Children Task Force or other forensic investigators, and law enforcement.

If during a review or audit of Seminary technical/computer resources it is determined that

personally owned technical/computer resources are used to access Seminary owned servers,

networks, enterprise software or other Church-owned technical/computer resources in a manner

that violates local, state or federal laws or the Archdiocese’s Policies for the Protection of

Children and Young People, the Archdiocese reserves and intends to exercise its obligation to

report the usage to third parties as described above.

Users are to remember when using Seminary technical/computer resources that anything they

access or communicate should be able to be held up to the test of public scrutiny.

Use of technical/computer resources, no matter the format or location, should reflect that users

are Church Personnel and their technical and computer use should exhibit the prudence, respect,

and responsibility expected of such persons.

The Seminary reserves the right to investigate without warning and to disable user access to

Seminary technical/computer resources if deemed appropriate, in the Seminary’s sole discretion,

to protect the Seminary from any harm, including system harm, or if the user is under

investigation for violation of the Seminary ‘s policies. It is the responsibility of each user to

know and to comply with applicable laws, standards, and the Seminary’s policies.

GENERAL PROCEDURES

UNACCEPTABLE USE:

The following list is a representation of unacceptable use of Seminary technical/computer

resources. It is not intended to identify all unacceptable uses, but to indicate various types of uses

that are inconsistent with this policy. The Seminary reserves the right to decide in every instance

what unacceptable use is and will address each such use as it deems appropriate:

Violating local, state or federal laws.

Violating the Archdiocese’s Policies for the Protection of Children and Young People.




Page 3

Immoral and/or illegal use of technical/computer resources, including but not limited to

the internet, web sites, web-cams, emails, external drives, chat rooms, streaming content,

blog sites, other social media sources, and the like.

Accessing, viewing, purchasing, downloading, exchanging, possessing, disseminating, or

requesting any pornographic materials.

Inappropriate interactions, communications, or relationships with minors or

circumstances involving minors using technical/computer resources via instant

messaging, text messages, chat rooms, and youth oriented web-sites, blog sites or other

social media.

Inappropriate interactions, communications, or relationships with parishioners using

technical/computer resources via instant messaging, text messages, chat rooms, web-

sites, blog sites, or other social media sources.

Pirating software, music, images or other materials.

Effecting or receiving unauthorized electronic transfer of funds.

Harassment, threats, or stalking of individuals or a class of individuals.

Transmitting information that contains obscene, indecent, lewd or lascivious material or

other matter which explicitly refers to sexual conduct, contains profane language, or

panders to bigotry, sexism or other forms of prohibited discrimination.

Using or attempting to use any Seminary technical/computer resources without proper

authorization, or assisting in, encouraging, or concealing any unauthorized use of any

Seminary technical/computer resource.

Endangering or attempting to endanger the integrity or security of any Seminary

technical/computer resource or willfully interfering with others’ authorized

technical/computer usage.

Revealing any password for any Seminary technical/compute r resources or software

applications to unauthorized persons.

Creating, installing, or knowingly distributing computer viruses or other malicious

programs on any Seminary technical/computer resources.

Modifying or reconfiguring the software or hardware of any Seminary

technical/computer resources without authorization.

REPORTS TO THE ARCHDIOCESE OFFICE OF INVESTIGATIONS:

Violations or suspected violations of this policy shall immediately be reported to Seminary

administration.




Page 4

USER RESPONSIBILITIES:

By using the Seminary’s technical/computer resources, users are agreeing as a condition of use

to accept personal responsibility for considerate, ethical, lawful and responsible behavior in the

use of such resources. Users are also consenting to the terms of this policy and the Seminary’s

role in monitoring and overseeing its computer resources.

Each user is responsible to use the Seminary’s technical/computer resources in compliance with

applicable laws and the Seminary’s standards, policies and procedures. It is the user’s

responsibility to review this policy to determine what restrictions apply.

Each user is responsible for the security of his or her account. It is the user’s responsibility to

protect each account with a secure password, which will protect it from unauthorized use. If

unauthorized use of an account is discovered, the user must report this to the information

technology department immediately.

CONSEQUENCE OF MISUSE:

The Seminary will address misuse of its technical/computer resources with regard to each given

circumstance. Such misuse may result in, but will not be limited to, verbal or written notice,

revocation of use privileges, or suspension or expulsion from the Seminary.

In the event that misuse or suspected misuse of Seminary technical/computer resources may be

in violation of any law or the Standards of Ministerial Behavior and Boundaries, persons who

have obtained or transmitted the potentially illegal material will be reported to the proper

authorities without prior notice to the user, and, if required by law, to appropriate law

enforcement officials and governmental agencies, with whom the Seminary will fully cooperate.



APPENDIX B

SAINT CHARLES BORROMEO SEMINARY

COPYRIGHT POLICY REGARDING

USE OF WORKS CREATED BY OTHERS



Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary

Copyright Policy Regarding Use of Works Created by Others

Page 1

Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary’s central mission is the formation of Catholic men of the

Archdiocese of Philadelphia and of other dioceses and religious communities for pastoral service

in the Roman Catholic Priesthood. The Seminary is committed to providing a unified college and

theology program of formation in priestly spirituality, pastoral ministry, celibate witness,

emotional maturity, intellectual integrity and physical wellness. Formation towards the

ministerial priesthood centers around the Word of God and the Sacraments of the Church, most

especially Eucharist and Reconciliation. This is complemented by personal and community

prayer, a comprehensive academic program of liberal arts and theological studies, and a program

of pastoral preparation designed primarily for parochial ministry. The Seminary welcomes the

diverse challenges of our time and promotes in the seminarian a commitment to work in unity

with others in the Church with a pastoral solicitude which is exercised in fidelity to the

Magisterium of the Church. Offering its resources to the larger Church community, Saint Charles

Borromeo Seminary, through its School of Theological Studies and in cooperation with other

institutions, provides a variety of academic and pastoral programs to serve the needs and

interests of priests and deacons in parochial and other ministries, other parish workers, teachers

of religion and interested lay persons. The Seminary is committed to serve the need for on-going

formation and pastoral education, as this need continues to be discerned and in collaboration

with the leadership of the local Church.

In the course of fulfilling their respective functions in connection with this mission, individuals

employed by or affiliated with Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary may use works that are

protected by copyright. These works may include, but are not limited to, text (e.g., books or

articles), music, drama, multimedia (e.g., films or video), art (e.g., pictures or sculptures),

designs, computer software and electronic chip designs. This copyright policy (this “Policy”)

clarifies the rights and responsibilities accruing from the use of such works by staff, faculty,

students and administrators.

1. Use of Works Created by Others

(a) It is Saint Charles Borromeo’s policy that all Seminary activities comply with

U.S. copyright law. It may be permissible under copyright law to use works

without obtaining the permission of the copyright owner under the following

circumstances:





Page 2

(i) Work is in the Public Domain. Works that are legally in the “public

domain” may be copied freely and without restriction. However, most

works should be presumed to be protected by copyright, unless

information from the copyright holder or express notice clearly indicates

that the work is in the public domain. See U.S. Copyright Office’s

Circular 22 for guidance on how to determine the copyright status of a

work.

(ii) Use is Permitted under Software License. Most software is licensed to the

user by the copyright owner under an agreement that permits certain uses

of the software. Each software license agreement is unique and must be

reviewed before copying the software to determine whether such copying

is allowed. Any copying or use of copyrighted software on Saint Charles

Borromeo Seminary’s computing equipment must be in accordance with

copyright law and the applicable software license agreement. Any

questions can be addressed by the Director of IT Services.

(iii) Use is Permitted under Section 108. Under Section 108 of the U.S.

copyright statute, copying is permitted under certain circumstances by

libraries for purposes of preservation of works. Questions regarding the

applicability of Section 108 should be directed to the Director of Library

Services.

(iv) Use is Permitted under Section 110. Section 110 of the U.S. copyright

statute, as amended by the Technology, Education, and Copyright

Harmonization Act of 2002 (the TEACH Act), allows certain educational

uses of works. Questions regarding the applicability of Section 110 should

be directed to the Director of Library Services.

(v) Use is Likely to be Considered Fair Use. The copyright law permits

certain very limited uses of copyrighted materials, including copying,

without the copyright owner’s permission, where such use constitutes “fair

use” under the law. The question of whether a given use is “fair” involves

a complex analysis of ambiguous factors, and the answer often runs

counter to intuition. In addition, in recent years, a number of courts have

narrowed the scope of “fair use.” Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary’s

Director of Library Services will determine whether a proposed use is

likely to constitute “fair use.”





Page 3

(b) Permissions. If the proposed use of a work does not fall within any of the above

circumstances, permission for such use should be obtained in writing from the

copyright owner. This Policy prohibits such use unless the appropriate permission

is obtained in advance. It is the responsibility of each user to obtain copyright

permissions.

2. Policy Interpretation.

Questions or concerns regarding interpretation of this Policy should be directed to the

Director of Library Services. Every effort will be made to resolve informally any disputes

regarding this Policy with the Office of the Vice Rector. This Policy is subject to

modification or revocation by Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary at any time, in its sole

discretion.

3. File Sharing and Peer-to-Peer Software Programs.

Current technology allows for the easy duplication and distribution of copyrighted video

images, audio recordings and other digital materials, acts that are violations of Seminary

policy and US Copyright law. Consequently, the use of popular and freely distributed file

sharing programs in most cases are not allowed by this policy. Use of such programs

violates the law by allowing the user to become an unlawful distributor of copyrighted

material. Violators will lose all rights to Saint Charles Seminary network.







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