Theology — Aquinas College - Nashville, Tennessee
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Theology

Why study Theology? 

Built upon the thorough foundation of the Bachelor of Arts core curriculum, the Theology major at Aquinas College offers a robust and systematic exploration of Sacred Doctrine (sacra doctrina) that seeks to carry the many avenues of liberal learning to their ultimate destination-the contemplation of Divine Wisdom. The curriculum of the Theology major provides a balanced sequence of courses in Sacred Scripture, dogma, and morality, rooted in the insights of the College’s patron, St. Thomas Aquinas, and the teachings of the Magisterium of the Catholic Church. Students will participate in a senior seminar and thesis course, which brings their pursuit of the Theology major to completion.

Upon completion of the program, the Theology graduate will be able to:

  • Identify and explain the major dogmas and doctrines of the Catholic faith;
  • Demonstrate a working knowledge of the interrelationship between the dogmas and doctrines of the Catholic faith;
  • Demonstrate a working understanding of the interpenetration of doctrine and the riches of Tradition, including Sacred Scripture, morality, and the sacramental life;
  • Engage the fundamental Catholic doctrines according to proper theological methods, dialoguing with major theological figures and historical periods;
  • Perform scholarly research within the field of theology, demonstrating variety and depth of ideas while maintaining consistency with Sacred Scripture and Tradition.
                            Please note that we are not currently admitting a cohort to this program. However, Theology courses are available. 

Meet the Faculty

Sister Dominica Bickerton, O.P. Adjunct Instructor in Theology

M.A., Providence College
B.S., Boston University

Sister Jane Dominic Laurel, O.P., S.T.D. Associate Professor of Theology (615) 297-7545 x263

S.T.D., Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas – Rome
S.T.L., Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas – Rome
S.T.B., Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas – Rome
M.A., University of Dallas
B.A., University of Dallas

Sr. Jane Dominic Laurel is a member of the St. Cecilia Congregation of Dominican Sisters of Nashville, Tennessee. She has been active in her religious community’s teaching apostolate for over fifteen years and has assists with the theological formation of the newest members of her religious congregation. In addition to contributing articles to a number of journals and magazines, including the Vatican newspaper (L’Osservatore Romano), The National Catholic Bioethics Quarterly, The Linacre Quarterly, and the Baylor University Medical Center Proceedings, Sister has served as editor-in-chief of her Congregation’s book, Praying as a Family (also available in Spanish, Chinese, and Arabic versions). With EWTN, she directed a television series of the same title. Before coming to Aquinas, she served as the creator and founding Director of the University of Dallas Studies in Catholic Faith & Culture Program.

Sister Mary Angelica Neenan, O.P.,, S.T.D. Adjunct Assistant Professor in Theology

S.T.D., Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas – Rome
S.T.L., Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas – Rome
S.T.B., Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas – Rome
B.A., Belmont College

Sister Mary Madeline Todd,, O.P., S.T.D. Lecturer, TheologyArts & Sciences

S.T.D., The Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, Rome
S.T.L., The Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, Rome
S.T.B., The Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, Rome
M.A., Franciscan University of Steubenville
M.A., The University of Memphis
B.S., Middle Tennessee State University

Sister Mary Madeline Todd, O.P. entered the Congregation of the Dominican Sisters of Saint Cecilia in 1991. Sister Mary Madeline is a regular member of the Catholic Women’s Forum of the Ethics and Public Policy Center based in Washington, DC and an invited speaker for the International Seminar “Toward an Integral Feminine Theology” based in Rome. She writes on spiritual and moral theology, especially on the dignity of the human person in Christ. Her published writings include contributions to the books Promise and Challenge, Beautiful Mercy, and Pope Francis and the Event of Encounter. Her articles have also been published in L’Osservatore Romano, The Catechetical Review, and The National Catholic Register. She has spoken on both theological and literary topics nationally and internationally and also serves in retreat ministry, focusing on the healing and liberating truth and love experienced in encounters with Christ.

Sister Gabriella Yi, O.P. Adjunct Assistant Professor of Theology (615) 297-7545 x402

S.T.D., The Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas – Rome
S.T.L., The Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas – Rome
S.T.B., The Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas – Rome
B.A., St. John’s College

Sister Gabriella Yi, O.P. is a Dominican Sister of Saint Cecilia from Nashville. Originally from Seoul, she grew up near Philadelphia. She received a Bachelor of Arts in the Great Books Program at St. John’s College in Annapolis and teacher certification from Aquinas College. After teaching in Catholic schools and studying in the Master of Arts Program at the Center for Catholic Studies at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, she was sent to Rome to complete her graduate studies at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum). Her dissertation was on spiritual motherhood according to St. Catherine of Siena. Having received her Doctorate in Sacred Theology in 2013, she taught theology at Catholic Pacific College and St. Mark’s College in the Archdiocese of Vancouver before joining the Aquinas College faculty in the Fall of 2018. In addition to teaching theology, she loves to give talks on the spiritual life and lead retreats.

Aquinas College welcomes all students regardless of race, color, ethnicity, or national origin who desire to be part of the faith-based mission of the College to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the College. It does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, or national origin in administration of its education policies, admission policies, scholarships and loan programs.

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