Eucharist

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

The Church makes the Eucharist and the Eucharist makes the Church. The goal of this course is a comprehensive understanding of the nature and development of the Christian Eucharist. It provides perspective on the origins and historical development of the eucharistic liturgy across traditions, examines the structure and content of eucharistic liturgies (esp. the Roman Mass, but also other liturgical rites), the historical relationship between the Eucharist and the arts (esp. music and architecture) and undertakes a systematic reflection on various theological issues (e.g. real presence, transubstantiation, the role of the priest, excommunication, etc.). Illumined by historical and theological reflection, students will also engage in critically examining contemporary pastoral issues as well as current debates in the "liturgy wars".