Reading course: theology and spirituality WT-SSTA-RCT
The course is conducted as a seminar-style reading course (konwersatorium). Its aim is not the preparation of a diploma thesis, but the formation of the skills of attentive reading, understanding and interpreting texts belonging to the theological and spiritual tradition of the Church. Students read selected source texts (patristic, medieval and modern) together with relevant secondary literature. They learn to identify the literary genre, structure, argument and key concepts of a text and to place it in its historical and theological context. They also learn to assess the interpretive consequences of translation choices, where possible working with the original languages (Latin, Greek). Each meeting combines an introduction by the teacher, a presentation prepared by a student, and a common discussion of the text. Particular attention is paid to the relation between theology and spiritual life, and to the ways in which the texts read may inform pastoral, catechetical and formative work and ecumenical dialogue. The selection of texts is adapted to the students' fields of interest and research.
(in Polish) Dyscyplina naukowa, do której odnoszą się efekty uczenia się
(in Polish) E-Learning
(in Polish) Grupa przedmiotów ogólnouczenianych
Course coordinators
Term 2025/26_Z: | Term 2026/27_Z: |
(in Polish) Opis nakładu pracy studenta w ECTS
Subject level
(in Polish) Punkty ECTS
Learning outcome code/codes
Type of subject
Preliminary Requirements
Learning outcomes
U_W01: The student explains the methodological specificity of spiritual theology within theology and describes the main methods of reading and interpreting theological and spiritual texts (historical-contextual, philological, hermeneutical, lectio divina) (STLA_W01, STLA_W03).
EU_W02: The student characterises the authors, currents and key concepts of the Christian spiritual tradition discussed in the texts read (e.g. imago Dei, theosis, contemplation, apatheia, discernment of spirits, spiritual ascent, apophatic theology) (STLA_W03).
EU_W03: The student explains how the texts read can inform pastoral and catechetical practice, spiritual accompaniment and ecumenical dialogue based on the shared heritage of Eastern and Western spirituality (STLA_W05).
EU_U01: The student searches for and selects critical editions, translations and secondary literature (printed sources and databases), evaluates their reliability and integrates the information obtained (STLA_U01).
EU_U02: The student carries out a close reading of a theological or spiritual text by identifying its genre, structure, line of argument, key terms and historical context (STLA_U02).
EU_U03: The student interprets passages in the original language (Latin or Greek) or compares different translations and indicates the interpretive consequences of translation choices (STLA_U03).
EU_U04: The student presents their own interpretation of a text in class discussion, justifies it with textual evidence and secondary literature, and independently interprets a previously unknown text under classroom conditions (STLA_U06).
EU_U05: The student prepares a proposal for using the text read in a pastoral, catechetical or formative context (e.g. a reading session, retreat conference or catechesis) (STLA_U10).
EU_K01: The student critically assesses their own competence in reading and interpreting texts, plans their reading work and meets agreed deadlines (STLA_K01, STLA_K04).
EU_K02: The student cooperates in an international group, taking different roles in discussion (presenter, respondent, moderator) and respecting other interpretive perspectives (STLA_K03).
Assessment criteria
For mark "five" (very good): The student fully and precisely explains the methods of interpreting spiritual texts and characterises all key concepts and authors discussed, relating them to pastoral and ecumenical practice (EU_W01–W03). They independently find and critically evaluate editions, translations and literature. They carry out an in-depth close reading covering genre, structure, argument and context, and competently use the original language or a comparison of translations (EU_U01–U03). They formulate an original, well-argued interpretation both in their presentation and in the in-class interpretation of an unseen text, and propose an apt and creative pastoral application (EU_U04–U05). They show mature self-assessment, work systematically and actively animate group discussion in various roles (EU_K01–K02).
For mark "four" (good): The student correctly explains most of the methods and key concepts discussed and indicates their pastoral or ecumenical relevance (EU_W01–W03). They find and select appropriate sources with minor help, analyse a text correctly though not always comprehensively, and use the original language or translations in a basic but correct manner (EU_U01–U03). They present a coherent interpretation supported by textual evidence, also when interpreting an unseen text in class, and propose a relevant pastoral application (EU_U04–U05). They generally meet deadlines and take part in group discussion (EU_K01–K02).
For mark "three" (satisfactory): The student names the basic methods and key concepts discussed (EU_W01–W03). With the teacher's help they find basic sources and identify the main theme and structure of a text, relying mainly on translations (EU_U01–U03). They present a simple interpretation with limited argumentation, identify only the main theme of an unseen text, and offer a general pastoral application (EU_U04–U05). They complete the required tasks and take part in discussion to a limited extent (EU_K01–K02).
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: