Description:

The STL program is a graduate program (Second Cycle) in theology designed to enable students to teach theology in a major seminary or equivalent insti­tution and to participate in theological debate as schol­ars in their own right. It entails the advancement of academic research and inquiry in theology, concentrating in one area of theology through a thesis and lectio coram. Our STL program offers the opportunity to deepen one’s understanding of theology as a unified whole and it offers several areas of concentration such as:

— Sacred Scripture (especially Jewish interpretive traditions)

— Systematic theology (especially the study of St. Thomas Aquinas)

— Theology of Marriage and the Family

— Eastern Christian theology

Objectives:

There are several particular objectives of the STL program. It seeks to provide an environment where a student has sufficient time to engage in a thorough inquiry into a theological matter. It is structured to grant students the opportunity for personal, direct and accessible advisement in their scholarly investigation. Another goal is to form an academic community of researchers and writers in which each respective thesis writer can take part. Lastly, it hopes to open new avenues of theological interest and inquiry.

Prerequisite for the Licentiate:

First academic degree in Theology (STB, STM, Mag.Theol., MDiv). N.B. If the course of studies of this presupposed degree differs substantially from that of the Institute, the Ad­missions Committee shall decide what Master level courses of the Institute must be taken to provide a better foundation for Licentiate studies.

Requirements for the Licentiate:

— 56 credits of course work (at least 28 credits in area of theological concentration), divided over four semesters

1. four required courses
2. two courses in area of concentration
3. four tutorials in area of concentration
4. two electives
5. four semesters of Thesis Guidance and Management, Seminar and Pedagogy

— 30 credits for Thesis of 70–80 pages, with public defense

— one-hour lectio coram (lecture to assembled faculty) followed by discussion

— knowledge of two modern languages in addition to one’s native language (or fluency, written and spoken, in German), Latin and Greek, to be determined by examination.  Students who have not taken these languages or do not pass the exams will take two semesters of each.  (Language study is not included in the 56 credits.)

For more information on the STL Plan of Studies please contact our Dean of Studies at administration@iti.ac.at

Download a PDF of the Course Descriptions for all of the degrees one document. (in English)