Intellectual Formation

Intellectual Formation“There is a reciprocal relationship between spiritual and intellectual formation. The intellectual life nourishes the spiritual life, but the spiritual also opens vistas of understanding—credo ut intelligam... Intellectual formation is a fundamental demand of man's intelligence by which he participates in the light of God's mind and seeks to acquire a wisdom which in turn opens to and is directed towards knowing and adhering to God." (Program for Priestly Formation #136)

Cardinal Glennon College's academic program is a four year collaborative-model which operates in cooperation with Saint Louis University.  Classes for the first two years of study focus upon the general liberal arts education and are taken both at the Seminary and the University.  The final two years focus upon the major concentration, philosophy, at the Seminary which awards the Bachelor of Arts degree after successful completion of the program of study.

The course of studies consists of:

  • PHILOSOPHY  (36 credit hours):  Introduction to Philosophy, Logic, Philosophy of Nature, Epistemology, Philosophical Anthropology, Metaphysics, Natural Theology, Ethics, History of Philosophy (Ancient, Medieval, Modern, Contemporary),  and Philosophy Synthesis required
  • THEOLOGY  (12 hours):  Catholic Doctrine, Catholic Morality, Liturgy & Sacraments, Introduction to Scripture, and Christian Prayer
  • LANGUAGES  (12 credit hours) Latin (9 hours) and Greek (3 hours); Other languages according to the needs of the seminarian’s sponsoring bishop; An applicant who studied Latin and/or Greek and can demonstrate proficiency in the language may receive 3 credit hours and an exemption from the language requirement 
  • COMPOSITION, LITERATURE, and COMMUNICATIONS  (15 credit hours):  Composition (6 hours), Literature* (6 hours), Communications (3 hours)
  • MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCES  (15 credit hours):  Mathematics (3 hours), Science (12 hours, including a minimum of 3 credit hours in each of the following: Natural Science, Psychology and Social Science) 
  • HISTORY  (13 credit hours)  Western Civilization (6 hours), Church History (4 hours) and one History elective*
  • FINE ARTS  (6 credit hours)
  • CATECHETICAL METHODS  (3 credit hours)
  • ELECTIVES  (8 hours) 

CARDINAL GLENNON COLLEGE:   COURSE OF STUDY SEQUENCE

College I:  Fall Semester  (17 hours)                College I:    Spring Semester  (17 hours)

         Composition (3 hours)                                         Composition, 3 hours

         Western Civilization I (3 hours)                            Western Civilization II (3 hours)

         Oral Communications (3 hours)                           Natural Science (3 hours)

         Psychology (3 hours)                                           Social Science (3 hours)

         Latin I (3 hours)                                                   Latin II (3 hours)

         Catholic Doctrine (2 hours)                                  Catholic Morality (2 hours)

College II:  Fall Semester  (17 hours)              College II:  Spring Semester (15 hours)

          Logic (3 hours)                                                     Introduction to Philosophy (1 hour)

          Literature (3 hours)                                              History (3 hours)

          Mathematics (3 hours)                                         Fine Art (3 hours)

          Fine Arts (3 hours)                                               Science (3 hours)

          Latin III (3 hours)                                                  Literature (3 hours)

          Liturgy and Sacraments I (2 hours)                      Liturgy and Sacraments II (2 hours)

College III:  Fall Semester  (15 hours)              College III:  Spring Semester (14 hours)

           Philosophy of Nature (3 hours)                            Philosophical Anthropology (3 hours)

           Ancient Philosophy (3 hours)                               Medieval Philosophy (3 hours)

           Greek (3 hours)                                                   Epistemology (3 hours)

           Church History I (2 hours)                                   Church History II (2 hours)

           Elective (2 hours)                                                Catechetical Methods (1 hour)

           Elective (2 hours)                                                Elective (2 hours)

College IV:  Fall Semester (13 hours)               College IV:  Spring Semester (12 hours)

           Natural Theology (3 hours)                                  Ethics (3 hours)

           Metaphysics (3 hours)                                         Contemporary Philosophy (3 hours)

           Modern Philosophy (3 hours)                              Philosophy Synthesis (2 hours)

           Introduction to Scripture (2 hours)                      Christian Prayer (2 hours)

           Catechesis in the Classroom (2 hours)               Elective (2 hours)

  • For transfer students:  A philosophy elective may be substituted for Introduction to Philosophy
  • Option:  6 credits of Modern Language or 6 credits of Math/Science may be substituted for one Literature and one History requirement

 “A crucial stage of intellectual formation is the study of philosophy which leads to a deeper understanding and interpretation of the person, and of the person’s freedom and relationship with the world and with God.” (Pastores Dabo Vobis # 52)

The College Seminary staff expects each student to display excellence in academic achievement according to his unique God-given ability.  While "educational standards should not be so rigid or restrictive as to close the door to candidates who are lacking in some dimension of the required educational background" (PPF, #183),  it is the expectation of Cardinal Glennon College Seminary that all students accepted into the program will be able to achieve a 2.5 grade point average or better. Any student whose grade point average in the previous quarter is below 2.5 will have his study habits monitored and non-academic activities curtailed.

To avoid academic probation, the College Seminary Program requires every seminarian to study on the average of at least three hours a day. Study is a major part of the student’s life and it cannot be neglected without serious harm to his vocational pursuits. The daily schedule allows significant time in the evening for the seminarian to devote his attention to study.

Expectations in Intellectual Formation:

  • Punctual attendance at all classes
  • Consistent and diligent class work
  • Respect and politeness towards professors, staff, and other students
  • Honesty in submitting only his own personal work on assignments, papers, and exams
  • Excellence in academic achievement according to one’s ability