Graduate Religious Education
Felician College Online Master of Arts in Religious Education
A Catholic College in the Franciscan Tradition
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Our Mission:
The Master of Arts in Religious Education degree program seeks to make
the Word of God, revealed by Jesus, the Christ, expressed through the
Catholic Church, dynamic and meaningful to people at every stage of
their life.
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Our Objectives:
The Master of Arts
in Religious Education degree program at Felician College will enable
students to:
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Employ the principles and methods proper for scholarly research in graduate theological and ministerial studies.
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Integrate biblical, theological, and liturgical studies with Religious Education/Faith Formation ministry
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Examine Church History and the history of Religious Education as it informs Religious Education/Faith Formation practice.
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Research the Religious Education/Faith Formation needs of culturally diverse communities
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Incorporate the principles of sound pedagogy and the human sciences into Religious Education/Faith Formation endeavors.
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Investigate the role of Religious Education/Faith Formation in a time of increasing ecumenical and inter-religious family and community life.
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Prepare leaders to meet the challenges of Religious Education/Faith Formation ministry in the Twenty-first Century
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Admission Requirements:
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A bachelor's degree is required to enter the MA program. Undergraduate courses
in theology/Religious Education are expected; equivalencies will be accepted on a case
by case basis.
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A recommendation by a pastor, or Diocesan Director, parochial school principal
or former college professor attesting to the candidate's potential to succeed in graduate level studies in educational ministry.
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An interview by phone or in person with the Chair of the Graduate Studies program
may be required.
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Required Core Courses:
RELS 502 Sacramental Theology for the Religious Educator
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3 credits
The focus of this course will be sacramental preparation and
meaningful rituals based on biblical, theological, and liturgical
foundations. Attention will be given to the Rite of Christian
Initiation for Adults (RCIA) as a core perspective for community,
conversion and growth.
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RELS 503 Religious Education Through the Scriptures - 3 credits
This course will analyze both the content and context of Biblical
themes, images, and personalities as they apply to the life of a
Christian. Strategies to teach and use the Bible in developmentally
appropriate ways will be stressed.
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RS 504 Educating for Social Justice
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3 credits
This course will examine the theme of social wisdom in the Church - arising from
biblical insights, Church writings and various philosophies, and recent experiences of
the People of God animating their faith in justice. Principles of Catholic Social
Teaching and their application to contemporary issues will be analyzed. Students will
be challenged to think globally but to act locally via the application of Catholic
Social Teaching within the local church and parochial structures.
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RELS 505 A Comprehensive Approach to Moral Education
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3 credits
Course content will focus on essential elements, distinct
methodologies and overall purpose of morality to the life of a
Christian. Included will be ethical models, conscience formation, the
role of Scripture and the nature of Church norms. A focus will be on
religious methods that help shape a moral life.
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RELS 506 The Psychology and Pedagogy of Religious Education
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3 credits
This course will investigate the psychological, philosophical and
historical constructs involved in Religious Education.
Specifically, current research in educational and developmental
psychology will be introduced to help create optimal and
developmentally appropriate Religious Education learning environments.
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RELS 507 Religious Education In Cross-Cultural Settings
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3 credits
This course will study the impact of cultural particularity and
diversity on the theory and practice of Religious Education. Included
will be an exploration of the nature of culture from a sociological,
anthropological, and theological perspective. Particular attention
will be given to the African-American, Asian, Pacific Islanders, and
Hispanic cultures in Catholic communities.
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RELS 508 The History And Heritage of the Catholic Church
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3 credits
Through a historical study of the Church, Religious Educators will have a
context in which to explore the theological, devotional, sociological
and political aspects of the Catholic tradition. In addition, an
understanding of the heritage of the Catholic Church enables the
religious educator to participate more intelligently within the life and
ministry of the Church.
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RELS 509 Theological Issues for the Religious Educator
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3 credits
Critical theological issues such as faith, creation, redemption,
resurrection, sin, grace, eschatology and the doctrine of God will be
examined in the light of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and
other Church documents. Approaches to teaching these foundational
tenants of the faith will be investigated.
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RELS 510 Religious Education for a Spiritual Life
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3 credits
This course will explore the history, nature, theological and
scriptural foundations of spirituality though out the history of the
Church. Students will analyze how Religious Educators can inspire,
support, and guide spiritual formation in ways that meet individual
and community needs.
3 Credits
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RELS 511 Religious Education for Ecumenism & Inter-Religious Dialogue
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3 credits
This course will study the history and theology of ecumenism and
inter-religious dialogue in the Catholic Church. In response to trends
such as religious pluralism and inter-faith marriages, Religious Education
programs that promote respect, understanding and focus on common
values will be explored.
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RELS 512 Religious Education In A Technological Age
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3 credits
This course examines the technological revolution to provide an overview and experience
of new technologies and their use in religious education/faith formation ministry.
Students will explore the use of technological resources, particularly the use of CMC,
(Computer Mediated Communication) and the World Wide Web to supplement or provide
alternate delivery systems for Religious Education/Faith Formation activities across
the life span. This is a "hands on" practicum course. Students will demonstrate the
ability to utilize CMC for a variety of ministerial purposes. (Prerequisite a minimum
of 5 core courses successfully completed or permission of the Chairperson)
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RELS 520 Integrated Project or Thesis
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3 credits
The final project or thesis will provide an opportunity for the student to integrate
theological research and Religious Education studies with ministerial activities and/or
concerns. If a project/thesis must be constructed in such a way that it contributes to
or can be implemented in an actual Religious Education setting. The project or thesis
will be completed under the direction of a graduate faculty mentor. It can be competed
on-campus or online. (This course is for Master' s degree students planning on pursuing
doctoral studies. A declaration must be made upon completing 24 credits)
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Policies:
Auditing - Auditing of online courses is not permitted.
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Cancellation of Courses - Insufficient enrollment for a course or any
other substantial reason deemed necessary by the Vice President for Academic
Affairs may bring about the cancellation of courses from the semester
schedule.
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Course Orientation - Participation in a course orientation is required
to familiarize students with the online environment, particularly the
discussion forum. In addition and as part of the orientation, students will
be expected to complete the eCollege student tutorial.
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Incomplete Policy - All coursework must be completed by the last day
of class. An incomplete grade may be granted in the following cases:
hospitalization, serious illness, death in the immediate family, or unusual
circumstances beyond the control of the student. Request for an incomplete
must be emailed before the final class. Permission for an incomplete requires
the approval of the Professor, Chair of the Graduate Program, and
Division Director. An incomplete must be resolved no later than four
weeks after the last day of class.
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Participation and Attendance - Attendance and participation are
measured by meeting assignment deadlines, actively participating in class
discussions with meaningful comments, questions, ideas, and collaboration
with online colleagues in course projects. A student who does not log
on for a week without contacting the professor will be considered an
unofficial withdrawal and will not be allowed to continue in the course. If
illness, an emergency, or some other serious situation prevents a student
from any of the stated activities, the professor must be emailed immediately.
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Tuition Refund Policy - Withdrawal requires an email request.
Fees are not refundable. Cancelled classes = 100%. Withdrawal before
the start of the second week of class = 100% Tuition Refund. Withdrawal
before the start of the third week of class = 50% Tuition Refund.
Withdrawal after the start of the third week of class = 0% Tuition Refund
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Unacceptable Conduct - As a Catholic College in the Franciscan
tradition, Felician College values scholarship and truth as integral parts
of its academic identity. All students are governed by the regulations and
provisions printed in the College catalog, Student Handbook, and Honor Code.
Cheating, plagiarizing, or otherwise falsifying study results is prohibited.
Unacceptable online conduct includes, but is not limited to, postings
that are racist, derogatory, inflammatory, condescending, rude or in
any way offensive and will result in a student being denied further
access to the course.
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Withdrawal - The professor must be notified via email. Drop forms,
withdrawal forms, and leave of absence forms must be obtained by calling the
Registrar's Office at 201-559-6038. If this procedure is not followed, the
student will receive a grade of "F".
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How Does Online Learning Work?
The Internet is the biggest technological change in education and learning
since the advent of the printed book some 500 years ago. Simply defined,
online education refers to courses offered via the Internet.
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The Student:
In order for students to "attend" an
online course they must have access to a computer, the Internet, have
basic computer literacy skills such as email, Internet searches, send
attachments, have good written communication skills, and be motivated
to succeed in a nontraditional learning environment through active
participation. Students can access a course 24/7. It should be noted
that an investment of approximately nine hours per week is necessary
to stay current in a course.
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The Faculty:
All courses are taught by full-time faculty who hold doctoral degrees in relevant fields, possess the Mandatum, and are trained and certified in online teaching/learning. The professor acts as a mentor in an online course by facilitating the discovery of learning and in creating an atmosphere of collaboration and interaction.
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The Curriculum:
Course content is organized in modules with clear deadlines for assignments. The curriculum is designed to provide maximum dialogue among the participants.
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Technology and Computer Needs:
Technology:
Felician College is licensed to use
eCollege as the online courseware program. eCollege is user friendly
and provides an online tutorial for students to become familiar with
the tools that will be used in a course. eCollege provides access to
all aspects of the course, syllabi, course calendar, announcements,
student web pages, chat rooms, e-mail, electronic forums that organize
discussions, and quick access to the Internet and Felician's library
for research.
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Is Online Learning for You?
The following are some questions to
ask yourself to judge if online learning is a suitable environment for
you. A final tabulation of your answers will help you decide if your
are suited to the online environment. Answer honestly, no one will see
this but you. Circle the best response for you personally.
1. I see myself as someone who: a)
Likes to stay on top of things. b) Needs a reminder now and again. c)
Puts things off until the last minute.
2. Participating in discussions is:
a) Very helpful in clarifying concepts and my own ideas. b) Sometimes
worthwhile. c) Often an exercise in useless chatter.
3. I read text material: a) Easily
and with good comprehension. b) At a slow pace but have good
comprehension. c) Multiple times before I can understand the context.
4. I can make the following time
commitment to a graduate course. a) 8 to 12 hours per week b) 6 to 10
hours per week c) Less than 6 hours per week
5. I find using computers, email, or
other online technologies: a) An exciting way to improve my skills. b)
Makes me apprehensive but I am not afraid to try. c) Very intimidating
and I am reluctant to learn.
6. Being free to complete my work
anytime in a 24 hour period during the week: a) Is very desirable and
motivational. b) Is appealing but I might be tempted to put things
off. c) Is too unstructured for me.
7. I have access to a computer and
the Internet: a) At home and at work. b) At home or at work but not
both. c) Only if I go to a friend's house or the Library.
8. I find working collaboratively. a)
Stimulating b) Necessary but would prefer to work alone. c) The least
desirable way to get tasks done.
9. Having classmates in different
states is: a) An exciting opportunity to network with others in my
field. b) Could be more interesting than a same area student body. c)
Confusing because we cannot chat face to face.
10. I think Religious Education and
technology: a) Can be integrated and will enhance Church ministry. b)
Will have a small but important role in the future of Church
ministry. c) Should not be combined because, unless ministry is
face-to-face, it is not Church ministry.
Scoring: Give yourself
3 points for each (a) that you circled, 2 points for each (b) that you
circled, and 1 point for each (c) that you circled. If you scored 20
points or more, an online course is a real possibility for you. If you
scored between 11 and 19, online courses may work for you, but you may
need to make some adjustments. If you scored 10 or below, online
courses may not be a good educational alternative for you at this
time.
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