Objectives: To offer a comprehensive vision of theology as a science, to help identify personal and ecclesial faith’s assumptions, and to prepare students to “give an account of the hope within” us with “gentleness and respect” (1Pt 3:15-16).

Learning Outcomes: Students will be able to (1) analyze, compare, and evaluate theological arguments; (2) understand the breadth and importance of correctly articulating the faith and reason debate as well as new apologetics; (3) compose weekly papers, a 10-pp. research paper, and a final Elaborato using good theological method and correct style.

Contents: To understand better the whole of the First Cycle of Theology, we will adopt the perspective of Fundamental Theology, especially based on the Revelation-faith-cultures triad. How do reason, imagination, and cultures impact the way we receive the Word of God to realize it here and now? What hinders Christian faith or makes it credible? Can we devise new, enlarged Catholic apologetics with a “creatrix fidelity” to the Gospel?

Methodology: The seminar will rotate between sessions of analysis and evaluation, punctuated by presentations, disputes, weekly papers, and more substantial research papers.

Means of Evaluation : I semester: research paper (10 pp.) and participation in group discussions. II semester: the weekly papers of the entire course and participation in group discussions.