Doctoral Degree in Practical Theology
Practical Theology is a way of doing theology. It begins with a practical concern that comes out of experience, engages that concern in dialogue with the religious tradition and the culture, and through that dialogue discerns wisdom that leads to transformative action.
The Ph.D. in Practical Theology integrates sound theological research, the skills of social analysis, and the lived experience of oppression and liberation in the contemporary world. It employs a collaborative educational approach among a community of learners engaging an interdisciplinary faculty.
The student in this program is expected to produce original research that is creative and liberative; the goal of the research is to put in creative tension the relationships of culture, religious heritage, and experience as they shape the theological question at hand. Many degrees require competence in one or the other of these three areas; this degree requires a fundamental understanding and articulation of the tension and dynamics of all three in the contemporary world.
A terminal degree in Practical Theology requires an in-depth examination of theological topics through the lens of practical theology. This is a full time program of 9-12 credits per semester, with a minimum residency of two years. The program requires 54 credits, including the dissertation.
Major Advisor
Upon acceptance into the Doctoral Program, the student meets with the Ph.D. Coordinator who facilitates the process of choosing a major advisor. The major advisor is responsible for guiding the student through the doctoral program, from the selection of courses through to the dissertation project.
Required Course Work (30 credits)
Practical Theology Seminar I
Residential course which will situate practical theology within the field of theology, applying the methods of practical theology to the crucial issues of the field as addressed by courses in that academic year. Even at this early stage, students are encouraged to begin to choose a direction for their dissertation research.
Practical Theology Research I: Qualitative and Quantitative
ApproachesWill examine social research methods, both quantitative and qualitative, with a view to their applicability to research in practical theology. Application of knowledge in research will be required. This course will be taken early in the program so that methodologies presented will be part of all courses taken.
Practical Theology Research II: Field Inquiry
Will place students in a specific pastoral location, in consultation with the faculty advisor, to practice qualitative/quantitative research skills and reflect on current pastoral practice, as well as to make recommendations on future action based on such research.
Prerequisite: Research I
Topics in Christian Ethics
Will explore method in ethics and the tradition of Christian/Catholic social teaching that engages the social structures, the environment, economics and our embodiment in dynamic tension with each other.
Biblical/Historical Resources
Will focus on important biblical/historical persons and themes, and will explore the ways in which Scripture and tradition can contribute to the issues of practical theology.
Topics in Hermeneutical and Critical Theologies
Will present the methodologies and implications of contemporary hermeneutical and critical theologies, with the emphasis on the contextualization and creative reconstruction of theology.
Theology and Effective Leadership
Will present a broad overview of organizational and leadership styles and their impact on the type of institutional structure/s that are created. Will use a systems theory approach to analyze the power for creative change possible within an organization, especially as it applies to pastoral practice. Will include fund raising and grant writing as part of development techniques.
Liturgy and Praxis
Will examine the worshipping life of Christian communities and the important role of liturgy, ritual and symbol for shaping and inspiring Christian practices and engagement with the wider context of society and culture.
Practical Theology Seminar II
The central question of this capstone course is “so what?” What are the implications of your learnings in this program? How are you/will you be different because of it? What will you do with the information/formation? Engagement of the content and methodology of practical theology in a public forum will be critical to the course.
Practical Theology Research III: Dissertation Seminar
Will address practical and contextual issues related to students’ research projects for their dissertations. Students will identify and examine the major theoretical frameworks and themes related to their research project individually and in group sessions. During this final course of the program, students will begin to finalize their three bibliographies and their Dissertation Proposal.
Electives: (12 credits required)
The electives provide the student with the opportunity to take courses that are of particular relevance to their research interests. Courses can be taken in other departments of the university. Up to six credits may be taken with other accredited institutions of higher learning.
Reading and Development of Three Key Bibliographies
At the completion of course work, students are required to submit three annotated bibliographies which they have begun to compile during their course work. These three bibliographies consist of (i) foundational texts in practical theology; (ii) a bibliography in theology; and (iii) a bibliography in a field outside of theology, e.g. a social science field.
At this time a dissertation committee is formed. The bibliographies are subject to review and examination by the dissertation committee.
The dissertation committee consists of the major advisor who is responsible for directing the dissertation research, and two other faculty members who serve as readers and consultants. The scholarly expertise of those on the dissertation committee should reflect the interdisciplinary nature of the degree. The dissertation committee is approved by the Doctoral Studies Policy Committee.
Dissertation (12 credits)
The Dissertation Proposal is presented at the completion of the Practical Theology Research III and the review and examination of the bibliographies. The dissertation committee is responsible for formally approving the proposal. Once approved, the proposal stands “as is” and cannot be challenged to meet requirements beyond its articulated procedures and terms of reference.
The format of the Dissertation Proposal should include:
(i) Title of the dissertation.
(ii) Student’s name.
(iii) Name of the major advisor.
(iv) Issue or problem to be investigated and why it is of concern.
(v) Context or background of the problem to be investigated, including a review of pertinent literature, socio-cultural analysis, relevance of the issue for practical theology.
(vi) Statement concerning the methodology or approach of the dissertation, and a summary of the chapters.
(v) General goal of the dissertation, including how the research departs from or adds to present understandings and practices.
(v) Resources to be used, including major bibliographical and other resources.
The evaluation of the Dissertation Research will be public and include:
(i) self evaluation
(ii) peer evaluation
(iii) evaluation of those directly involved/affected by project
(iv) faculty evaluation as a body.
Doctoral Candidacy
A student is admitted to doctoral candidacy upon the successful completion of the required course work, presentation and examination of the bibliographies, and approval of the dissertation proposal.
Time Limit
All requirements of the doctorate must be completed within eight consecutive years from the commencement of doctoral studies. Extensions may be granted upon application to and approval from the Doctoral Studies Policy Committee, with final approval from the Dean of Graduate Studies.
Leave of Absence
Students who need to interrupt their program of studies for one or more semesters must seek approval from the Doctoral Studies Policy Committee.