TMHC 7230 Medieval Theology

The course provides an historical introduction to Christian theology in the medieval West, c. 400 - c. 1400, with a focus on medieval scholasticism. Fundamental themes include modes of theological discourse, scriptural exegesis, monasticism, mysticism, and scholasticism. The course considers how such theologians as Augustine of Hippo, Pseudo-Dionysius, Bede, Anselm of Canterbury, Bernard of Clairvaux, Hugh and Richard of St. Victor, Robert of Melun, Peter Lombard, Albert the Great, Thomas Aquinas, Bonaventure, Mechthild of Magdeburg, Gertrude of Helfta, and John Duns Scotus understood such central theological topics as the natural knowledge of God, divine revelation, Trinity, creation, the human person, sin, evil, grace, predestination, Christ, mystical union, the Virgin Mary, salvation, and the sacraments.

Course overview

Department
Theology and Ministry
School
STM
Credits
3
Level
Graduate
Offered
Periodically

Course evaluations

Response-weighted averages from Boston College’s official course evaluations (Avalanche/Blue).

Course rating
4.30 / 5 · Very Good
10 responses
Instructor rating
4.50 / 5 · Excellent
10 responses
Terms evaluated
2
Most recent: Spring 2024

Scales: overall ratings run from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent); agreement questions from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree); weekly effort from 1 (up to 1 hour) to 5 (10 or more hours).

Evaluations by term and instructor
TermInstructorCourse overallInstructor overallWell organizedClear learning objectivesIntellectually challengingHelpful assignmentsApplicable beyond courseAttendance necessaryWeekly effortResponses
Spring 2024Franklin Harkins4.54.84.74.74.34.54.54.54–6 hrs/week6 of 9
Spring 2022Franklin Harkins4.04.04.34.34.54.34.54.51–3 hrs/week4 of 7

Data freshness

Course and evaluation data last updated 2026-10-09. Source details and limitations are documented in Data Sources and Methodology.

Instructors