Dr Jared Staudt, 20 lessons
Theology 101: Fundamentals of Catholic Doctrine
An introduction to theology's methods and the main Catholic doctrines. The natural partner to PHIL102's Aquinas.
Study together
Courses
Each course runs as a cohort with a set start date. You study the free ICC lectures in your own time and meet each week with others doing the same course.
The cohort
How it works
Each week
- Seminar. Watch or listen to the week's ICC lecture (about an hour) and read the assigned text. Every reading is available as text or audio.
- Tutorial. Your small group meets to discuss that week's material, or a special topic chosen for the week. Meeting details are shared with each cohort.
- Quiz. A short quiz after each lesson, and a final exam at the end of the course.
Small groups and team leaders
Every small group has an appointed team leader. The team leader is not a lecturer and does not need a background in philosophy. Their job is to:
- Keep the group meeting each week and confirm the time and place.
- Open and close the discussion using the Trust's discussion guide.
- Check in with anyone who misses a week.
- Pass questions the group cannot answer to the Trust.
- Be the group's contact with the Trust coordinators.
Team leaders are appointed at the start of each course. We look for someone who is reliable, has completed or is well into the course, and wants to help others finish.
Stepping up
Groups have ebbs and flows. Work, family and illness mean people come and go, and leadership can change during a course. Any member can step up: by leading a single week's discussion, by standing in when the team leader is away, or by taking on the role for the next course. If you would like to lead, tell your team leader or contact the Trust.
For the current PHIL101 format, see its course page: one lesson a week, with groups gathering every fourth week.
Plato, Aristotle and Aquinas
The pathway
PHIL101
The Pursuit of Wisdom (Plato). The starting point for the pathway.
Dates to be announced.
PHIL102
Reality and the Human Person (Aristotle and Aquinas). PHIL102 builds on PHIL101.
Dates to be announced.
The graduation course
PHIL102 builds on PHIL101. Ask the Trust about the next stage of study and recognition for your cohort.
Read about the Institute of Catholic Culture, explore our lectures and seminars, or go to the questions below.
Not confirmed offerings
Possible future courses
These are possible future courses. Registering interest does not reserve a place or confirm that a course will run.
Dr John Pepino
History 101: The Ancient and Biblical World
The world that produced Plato and Scripture. Gives context to PHIL101.
Justice and the common good
Catholic Political Thought 101
Justice, the common good and the state. Builds on Plato's Republic in PHIL101.
Dr Jared Staudt
The Beauty of Faith: Christian Art History 101
Art as a way into the tradition: the true, the good and the beautiful.
Rev. Sebastian Carnazzo
Scripture 101: Introduction to the Old Testament
A broad introduction to the Old Testament.
Further philosophy
Medieval and Scholastic Philosophy
An advanced follow-on for PHIL102 graduates who want more philosophy.
Study PHIL101 or PHIL102 on your own
Prefer to go at your own pace? You can take the ICC Philosophy 101 and 102 courses on your own and start any time. The lectures and readings are free. The Trust also runs full cohorts that study together as a class.
Costs
What it costs
The ICC lectures are free. Any Trust costs will be confirmed with each intake.
Before you join
Questions
Do I need to be Catholic?
The courses are taught within the Catholic intellectual tradition. Anyone willing to engage seriously with that tradition is welcome.
Do I need any background?
PHIL101 is the starting point and requires no background in philosophy. PHIL102 builds on PHIL101.
What does it cost?
The ICC lectures are free. Any Trust costs will be confirmed with each intake.
How much time each week?
Allow about an hour for the lecture, plus time for the reading and the group tutorial. Check the individual course page for its meeting rhythm.
What is ICC?
ICC is the Institute of Catholic Culture, a US adult education organisation that publishes free online university-level courses. The Trust does not run ICC.
What does a team leader do?
A team leader keeps the group meeting, confirms the time and place, opens and closes discussions using the Trust's guide, checks in with anyone who misses a week, and passes unanswered questions to the Trust coordinators. They are not a lecturer.
Can I join online from outside Christchurch?
Get in touch with the Trust to ask about joining online from outside Christchurch and the arrangements for the next cohort.
Get in touchWhat if I miss a week?
Your team leader checks in with you. Catch up on the recorded lecture and reading before rejoining the discussion.
Is there a certificate?
ICC courses include quizzes and a final exam. Ask the Trust about recognition for the cohort you would like to join.
When is the next intake?
Dates are to be announced. Use the Let me know about the next intake form to record your interest.
Study with us