|
Licentiate in Sacred Theology Degree
The Dominican House of Studies offers an advanced and specialized research degree, the Licentiate in Sacred Theology (S.T.L.). In accord with ecclesiastical norms (cf. Optatum totius, no. 16), the student will choose one course in each of the fields of biblical studies and historical theology, two courses in systematic theology and moral theology. The other six courses, although they should be complementary to the area of concentration (systematic, scripture, moral, Thomistic studies), remain general electives. Lectures, seminars, research projects, and personal study are designed to promote theological competency in a particular area of scientific investigation. The Licentiate degree is granted by the authority of and in the name of the Holy See.
Degree Requirements
Admission
The S.T.L. program is open to qualified clerical or lay students.
The following prerequisites for admission will be evaluated by the Committee on Admissions which may, in individual cases, allow the student to remedy particular deficiencies during the first year of the program:
- The Baccalaureate of Sacred Theology. Holders of a Masters of Divinity or other, similar first professional degree in theology will have their previous academic record evaluated to determine what further work is required to establish equivalence to the STB degree, and before beginning the STL program. In the case of those who hold only a Master of Arts degree in theology, this will typically involve at least one and a half additional years of full time study of theology before beginning the STL program.
- Superior achievement and the ability to pursue graduate work as indicated by the transcript of previous studies (with a minimum GPA of 3.25).
- Three letters of recommendation by persons who are in a position to judge the applicant’s ability in this academic area, along with a current photo and a completed application form.
- Results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) indicating aptitude for graduate studies in theology and religious studies.
- A reading knowledge of a modern foreign language, usually either French or German. This proficiency will normally be demonstrated by written examination during the first year of study.
Course Work
Duration - Four semesters and twelve special courses (36 semester hours) in theological or allied studies, with an average of 3.0.
Reading proficiency in a modern foreign language. This will be demonstrated by either a written examination or course work.
The Faculty requires a comprehensive two-semester Pro-Seminar for the first S.T.L. year. This Seminar ensures that all students who fulfill all of the other requirements for the degree are adequately imbued with the theological understanding of Saint Thomas. The Seminar meets two hours per session twice a week over two semesters, and offers four credits per semester. The Seminar satisfies eight elective credits in the S.T.L. program, the Dean granting exemptions on an individual basis.
Successfully present a lectio coram (magisterial lecture) of at least 1 1/2 hours before a board of four examiners.
Completion of a dissertation. This is to show competence in methods of scientific research by completing a dissertation under the direction of a member of the faculty on an approved topic relating to his specialization. The dissertation must represent a substantial and sustained intellectual endeavor in the student's chosen area. Following agreement of a faculty member to direct the dissertation and the approval of the Dean, the student submits a dissertation proposal. The proposal includes a statement and brief synopsis of the topic, reasons for the choice of the topic, a statement of methodology, a brief outline and preliminary bibliography. The proposal must be signed by the director and the candidate, and is sent to the Faculty for approval by the end of the first year of full time study.
The dissertation should be no less than 50, nor more than 100, pages of text in length. The dissertation grade will consist of the average of the grades submitted by the dissertation director, and a second reader appointed by the Dean. The dissertation grade will be determined by satisfactory completion of the approved dissertation proposal, thorough exploration of the state of the question within contemporary research, innovative reflections or approaches to the question, adherence to standards of graduate level scholarship and approved Faculty style regulations. Students who successfully complete a thesis receive three credits, which may be counted as part of the thirty-six required credits for the S.T.L. degree. The candidate is to submit three bound copies of the dissertation to the Dean by 1 April before anticipated graduation. No lectio coram will be scheduled before the completed dissertation is submitted. The minimum satisfactory grade for the dissertation is a B-.
Deadlines for STL Disseration and Lectio Coram
I S.T.L. Candidates (1st Year)
September I S.T.L. candidates should begin discussing possible areas and topics for STL thesis.
15 April Deadline for I S.T.L. candidates' submission of a definitive proposal to the Dean, signed by the candidate and his advisor.
II S.T.L. Candidates (2nd Year)
15 October Deadline for II S.T.L. candidates' submission of the S.T.L. thesis prospectus (a formal proposal and outline) to the Dean. This includes a concrete description of the thesis, an outline, and a selected bibliography. At this time the Dean will appoint a second reader.
early March Presentation to the Dean of ten theses for the lectio coram (public lecture). These will be reviewed and corrected by the Faculty. If necessary, they will be returned to the candidate to be redone. Each thesis should contain a bibliography of 7 to 10 items, generally as current as possible and clearly related to the point of the lectio. This indicates the candidate's ability to pinpoint the relevant literature for the topic and guide those who will be following (and judging) the lectio.
1 April Last day for submitting the S.T.L. dissertation to the Dean.
NB: The S.T.L. degree is awarded only upon the candidate's submission to the Dean of a final copy of the thesis suitable for binding and preservation in the Dominican College Library
|