UEPC Proposal for TRS: The Virgin Mary: history, Culture, Literature
1/ SOLA: The Virgin Mary: History, Culture, Literature
A: Upper Division for reasons:
1/Prerequisite TRS 97 or 189 (lower and upper division versions of
“The Bible and Its Interpretation,” respectively)
2/ Builds on biblical skills and knowledge, especially in the first
third of the course, with focus on Marian passages in the New
Testament, Old Testament prophetic passages, and some
apocryphal gospels.
3/Reading is advanced and emphasizes, in the first half, the
historical development of Marian doctrine and devotion. (In Search
of Mary, Sally Cuneen)
4/The second half of the course emphasizes modern Marian fiction
(Our Lady of the Lost and Found, Diane Schempoerlen; Our Lady of
the Forest, David Guterson; Looking for Mary, or, The Blessed
Mother and Me, Beverly Donofrio.
B: Justification
A: Grounds- The course is an elective with stress on Scripture,
currently the area of strongest academic and popular interest in
Catholicism. Additionally, there is a widespread renewal of interest in
Marian doctrine and devotion in Catholicism in particular and
Christianity in general.
B: Objectives – At the end of the course, students will:
a/ be able to explain the importance of Mary as a major figure in
Christian history and religious thought;
b/ be able to explain the roots and early development of Marian
devotion in both Western and Eastern Christianity, as revealed in
early Christian literature (parts of Gospels [Matthew and Luke] and
some apocryphal gospels);
c/ be able to recognize and appreciate the profound influence of
Marian devotion in the rise of Christian civilization, as revealed in
works of literature (modern fiction and autobiography), art
(Western painting and sculpture; Eastern Orthodox icons), and
liturgical and devotional music dedicated to Mary;
d/ be able to explain the wide diffusion and continuing importance
of Marian devotion in the contemporary world by presenting
detailed reports of apparitions of Mary, both historical (e.g.
Guadalupe, Dec., 1531) and contemporary (e.g., Medjugore, ongoing to this day);
e/ demonstrate familiarity with the assumptions and methods of
Mariology;
f/ be able to articulate the view of Mary found in the theological
traditions of Catholicism and the analytical perspective on Mary
found in modern scholarship.
C. Relation of objectives to Department: This course directly addresses the
content learning outcome of the TRS major (as described in the catalogue) that
students will “demonstrate an understanding of theological, historical, and
ethical components of the Christian tradition,” as well as the two skills learning
outcomes of the TRS major: students “will demonstrate an ability to employ
contemporary theories and methods of biblical exegesis, systematic theology,
and religious studies” and “demonstrate an ability to explain, analyze, and
evaluate multiple informed perspectives in debated about theological and
ethical issues.” The course also addresses SMC’s goals related to the scool’s
Catholic Mission and Inclusive Excellence.
D. Assignments used to evaluate performance – Students are evaluated in four
primary ways:
a/ two essay exams: a midterm and a final
b/ a fifteen to twenty minute presentation on a Marian doctrine (e.g.,
Immaculate Conception), devotion (e.g., rosary), or apparition (e.g.,
Guadalupe, Lourdes, others) in the Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant or
Muslim tradition.
c/ regular weekly quizzes on required reading
d/ participation in class discussions on reading and evaluations of
student presentations
e/ Pass Fail allowed? – no
3. Student population: This course will meet the Theological Explorations goal
of the Core Curriculum. All students who have completed the prerequisite class
(TRS 97 or 189) may enroll. Most students will take the course to fulfill core
requirement. I expect that the course will enroll to the maximum of twenty-five.
4. Relationship to the College curriculum – The course is an elective, offered
usually in Spring semester. There is no competition with other courses or
programs. The course contributes to the pool of electives for WaGS.
5. No extra costs are associated with the offering of this course.
6. Library resources: the Library’s resources are more than adequate for this
undergraduate introduction to Mariology.
7. Course credit grading options
a/ Value -- 1.0 unit
b/ Hours in class – 190 minutes / week x 13 weeks
c/ Preparation hours – 380 minutes / week x 13 weeks
d/ format: lecture, discussion, presentations
8. Prerequisites: TRS 97 or 189
9. Catalog course description: This course examines the origins and
development of Marian doctrine, devotion, and apparitions in Christianity,
especially Catholicism. The biblical roots in the New and Old Testaments as
well the popular development of Marian theology and devotion as found in the
ancient apocryphal gospels will be studied. The growth of Marian devotion in
Christianity—both Western and Eastern—in terms of dogmatic Church
teaching and popular understanding will be researched. Devotions such as the
rosary and scapular, as well as important apparitions such as Guadalupe,
Lourdes, and Fatima (more than twenty-thousand have been reported!) will
also be considered. The religious, social, and spiritual roles of these doctrines
and devotions will be investigated. Prerequisite: TRS 97 or 189.
10. Course content – syllabus attached
11. The course has been offered several times in the last several years as a
topics course (TRS 160). It seems to have been well received and the readings
and assignments were appropriate for the course level. It seems to have been
well received the times it has been offered. The presentations on doctrine,
devotion, and apparitions were generally very well done. This is one of the
strong components of the course. More emphasis on modern reception of
Marian devotion and thought will be part of the next offering.