Foundations of Catholic Belief Summer Session
Next Session: Jun 10, 2024
This course offers a rich, in-depth exploration of the Catholic Church’s fundamental beliefs professed in the Creed and presented in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, specifically responding to trends in contemporary culture and thought. In 24 short video lectures, six professors from the University of Notre Dame explore important questions, including What is faith, and why does it matter? Why did God create the world? Who is Jesus Christ, and how is he both God and human? What do Catholics mean when they say that God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? How does Jesus Christ save us through his life, death, and resurrection? Who is the Holy Spirit, and what does the Spirit have to do with the Church including the sacraments? What do Catholics believe about heaven, hell, and purgatory? These theologians, all popular teachers at the University of Notre Dame, respond to these questions by connecting life experiences, incorporating literary references, presenting art, and engaging humor. This course is accessible to both Catholics and non-Catholics alike, while also addressing contemporary misunderstandings about the Catholic faith.
Course Plan
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Week 1: June 10-16 |
Unit 1: The Creed |
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Week 2: June 17-23 |
Unit 2: Creation |
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Week 3: June 24- 30 |
Unit 3: Unit 2: Creation |
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Week 4: July 1-7 |
Break Week (catch up if needed) |
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Week 5: July 8- 14 |
Unit 4: Salvation in Jesus Christ |
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Week 6: July 15- 21 |
Unit 5: The Church and Sacraments |
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Week 7: July 22- 26 |
Unit 6: The Last Things |
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Week 8: July 29- Aug 2 |
Additional week to complete any outstanding work |
Course Format
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Eight weeks in duration, with six units of material to complete.
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Flexible assignment deadlines to accommodate summer schedules.
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Completed with a cohort of other learners to develop community and enhance learning.
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Cohort limited to 25 students.
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Text-based content.
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Certificate of completion available for 35 contact hours if desired.
Participation Requirements
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Read the lecture for each unit.
For a Certificate of Completion
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Participation in 4 of 6 “real-time” Zoom sessions with other participants. Note: If you are unable to attend in “real time”, participation requirements can be met by watching the Zoom recording and summarizing insights gained.
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Read or watch assigned materials; keep notes, questions, and comments for class discussions.
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Answer weekly discussion questions.
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Respond to a weekly unit assignment (250 words).
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Complete the course evaluation.
*Your diocese may allow this to count for professional development credits. Check with your diocesan school’s office.
Time Expectation
4 to 6 hours per week, depending on your learning style, schedule and whether you intend to gain a Certificate of Completion.
Course Begins
June 10, 2024 (ends August 2, 2024 followed by an additional week for outstanding work)