Identify the defining structural features of the Church in the Middle Ages, explaining its evolution chronologically”

When Darwin's book On the Origin of Species was published, it opened up a discussion that tried to give a plausible and simple answer to life, without the need to resort to explanations of a theological nature, which were the arguments that supported the existence of God. From that moment on, the Magisterium began to be a controversial topic, and it continues to be so to this day.

In this Master's Degree in History of the Church and the Magisterium, a group of experts trained in the area will provide all the criteria to allow students to understand the current position of the institution, while considering the historical events that developed it throughout the centuries.

Therefore, the syllabus will begin by recognizing the main historical milestones of the social Magisterium. Here we will highlight the period of Hellenization, which spans the conquest of the Persian Empire by Alexander the Great (331 B.C.) to the rise of the Roman Empire (31 B.C.).

Knowledge of events in different periods, such as the 19th and 20th centuries, will help to understand the role of the Church in modern society, especially in Latin America. To this end, specific study topics are proposed in which some events such as the First General Conference of the Latin American Episcopate, held in Rio de Janeiro in 1995, will be presented in detail.

In this way, the program is a compendium of knowledge that will help students provide answers to modern questions. Thus, students will be able to conduct academic research or teach in the area.

Acquire an improved notion of the Magisterium and understand the nature of the reflection it offers on temporal questions or questions of social order” 

This Master's Degree in History of the Church and the Magisterium contains the most complete and up-to-date program on the market. The most important features include: 

• Case studies presented by experts devoted to History of the Church and the Magisterium
• The graphic, schematic, and practical contents with which they are created, provide epistemological and practical information on the disciplines that are essential for professional development
• Practical exercises where the self-assessment process can be carried out to improve learning
• Special focus on innovative methodologies in the study of History of the Church and the Magisterium
• Theoretical lessons, questions to the expert, debate forums on controversial topics, and individual reflection assignments
• Content that is accessible from any fixed or portable device with an Internet connection

The History of the Church is extensive and highly nuanced, which you have to know in order to propose new answers to the social order”

The program’s teaching staff includes professionals from the sector who contribute their work experience to this program, as well as renowned specialists from leading societies and prestigious universities.

The multimedia content, developed with the latest educational technology, will provide the professional with situated and contextual learning, i.e., a simulated environment that will provide immersive specialization programmed to learn in real situations.

This program is designed around Problem-Based Learning, whereby the professional must try to solve the different professional practice situations that arise throughout the program. For this purpose, the student will be assisted by an innovative interactive video system created by renowned and experienced experts.

Become familiar with the main events that influenced the transformation of the Christian world in Europe"

Grasp the various logical levels of knowledge generated by the Magisterium.

The content of this Master's Degree in History of the Church and the Magisterium at TECH Global University places special emphasis on the importance of knowing, distinguishing, understanding and explaining the great chronological periods in which the History of the Church is divided. The extensive and thorough content serves that purpose, so students can develop new research that will help to outline the place of the Magisterium.

With this program you will become familiar with the current situation of the Church in order to establish arguments that invite social reflection”

Module 1. History of Spirituality

1.1. History of Spirituality: Paul and John 

1.1.1. The Desert Monks
1.1.2. Western Monasticism 
1.1.3. The Franciscan Movement 
1.1.4. The German Mystics and the Modern Devotion 
1.1.5. The Protestant Reformation 
1.1.6. Spiritual Exercises and the Spanish Mystics 
1.1.7. French Spirituality and the Modern Mystics 
1.1.8. Liturgical Spirituality and Contemplative Spirituality in the 19th Century 
1.1.9. Active Spirituality in the 20th Century

1.2. Masters of Spirituality 

1.2.1. Augustine of Hippo 
1.2.2. Benedict of Nursia 
1.2.3. Francis of Assisi 
1.2.4. Thomas of Kempis 
1.2.5. Ignatius of Loyola 
1.2.6. Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross. 
1.2.7. Francis de Sales 
1.2.8. Louis M Grignion de Montfort Thérèse of Lisieux 
1.2.9. Charles de Foucauld 
1.2.10. Edith Stein 
1.2.11. Alberto Hurtado 
1.2.12. Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer and Teresa of Calcutta

Module 2. Ancient Church History 

2.1. Historical Beginnings of Christianity 

2.1.1. Christian Historiography and the Division of Church History 
2.1.2. The Historical Question of Jesus of Nazareth 
2.1.3. The Three Cultural Worlds of the Mediterranean World: Palestine, Greece, Rome 
2.1.4. Foundation of the Church 

2.2. Historical Characteristics of the First Dissemination of Christianity 

2.2.1. Community of Jerusalem 
2.2.2. Judeo-Christianity and Hellenistic-Christianity 
2.2.3. Apostolic Activities 
2.2.4. The Persecutions in the 1st Century 

2.3. Mission and Spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire 

2.3.1. Church Expansion and Organization 
2.3.2. The Church and the Roman Empire: Attacks and Apologies 
2.3.3. The Persecutions in the 3rd Century 
2.3.4. Heterodox Currents 

2.4. Hellenization of the Church 

2.4.1. The Gnostic Crisis and Ecclesiastical Refutation 
2.4.2. Schools of Alexandria and of Antioquia 
2.4.3. The Emergence of Theology 
2.4.4. Discussions about the Date of Easter 

2.5. Formation of the Great Ecclesiastical Centers 

2.5.1. Rome and North Africa 
2.5.2. Alexandria 
2.5.3. Asia Minor 
2.5.4. Liturgy and Christian Art 

2.6. The Last Persecution and the Peace of the Church 

2.6.1. Christianity and the Roman Empire on the Eve of the Last Persecution 
2.6.2. The "Constantinian Peace" and Its Impact on the Life of the Church 
2.6.3. Political and Social Function of the Church: Christianity as the Official Religion 
2.6.4. The Formation of Dioceses and the "Episcopal Audience" 

2.7. The Imperial Church 

2.7.1. The Councils of the 4th Century: Nicea and Constantinople 
2.7.2. Donatism and Arianism, Theological-Political Problems 
2.7.3. Appearance and Expansion of Monasticism 
2.7.4. The Councils of the 5th Century: Ephesus and Chalcedon 

2.8. Late Antiquity 

2.8.1. The Main Barbarian Movements
2.8.2. The Participation of the Church in the Formation of Central Europe 
2.8.3. Relations between Rome and Byzantium 
2.8.4. The Kingdom of the Franks and Its Relations with the Church

Module 3. The Magisterium in the 16th Century

3.1. Leo X. Lateran Council 

3.1.1. Of the Human Soul 
3.1.2. On the Relationship between the Pope and the Councils 
3.1.3. Of Indulgence 
3.1.4. Martin Luther 

3.2. Paul III. Council of Trent 

3.2.1. Acceptance of the Symbol of Faith 
3.2.2. Acceptance of the Sacred Books and the Traditions of the Apostles 
3.2.3. Acceptance of the Vulgate 
3.2.4. Decree on Original Sin 
3.2.5. Decree on Justification 
3.2.6. Canons on Justification 
3.2.7. Canons on the Sacraments in General 
3.2.8. Canons on the Sacrament of Baptism 
3.2.9. Canons on the Sacrament of Confirmation 

3.3. Julius III. Continuation of the Council of Trent 

3.3.1. Decree on the Eucharist 
3.3.2. Canons on the Most Blessed Sacrament of the Eucharist 
3.3.3. Doctrine on the Sacrament of Penance 
3.3.4. Doctrine on the Sacrament of Extreme Unction 
3.3.5. Canons on the Sacrament of Penance 
3.3.6. Canons on Extreme Unction 

3.4. Pius IV. The Conclusion of the Council of Trent 

3.4.1. Doctrine on Communion under the Two Species and Communion of Young Children 
3.4.2. Canons on Communion under the Two Species and the Communion of Young Children 
3.4.3. Doctrine on the Most Holy Sacrifice of the Mass 
3.4.4. Canons on the Sacrifice of the Mass 
3.4.5. Doctrine on the Sacrament of the Order 
3.4.6. Canons on the Sacrament of the Order 
3.4.7. Doctrine on the Sacrament of Marriage 
3.4.8. Canons on the Sacrament of Marriage 
3.4.9. Decree on Purgatory 
3.4.10. On the Invocation, Veneration and Relics of Saints and on Sacred Images 
3.4.11. Decree on Indulgences 
3.4.12. Of the Clandestinity that Invalidates Marriage 
3.4.13. On the Trinity and the Incarnation 
3.4.14. Tridentine Profession of Faith 

3.5. Pius V 

3.5.1. Miguel Bayo 

3.6. Gregory XIII 

3.6.1. Profession of Faith Written to the Greeks 

3.7. Clement VIII 

3.7.1. Of the Faculty of Blessing the Sacred Oils 
3.7.2. Of the Ordination of Schismatics 
3.7.3. Of the Absolution of the Absent

Module 4. Medieval Church History 

4.1. General Characteristics of the Medieval Period 

4.1.1. Society and Power: The Concept of "Christendom" 
4.1.2. The Social Impact of Latin Monasticism: Benedict of Nursia 

4.2. The Catholic Church and the Empire of Charlemagne 

4.2.1. Separation between the East and the West 
4.2.2. Civil and Ecclesiastical Organization 
4.2.3. The Investitures. Struggle between the Papacy and the Empire 

4.3. The Byzantine Civilization 

4.3.1. Comprehensive Overview: History, Society, Life and Theological Doctrine 
4.3.2. The Iconoclastic Crisis 
4.3.3. Schism of the East 
4.3.4. The Influence of Byzantine Piety on Latin Liturgy 

4.4. Presence and Importance of Islam 

4.4.1. Main Arab Settlements in Europe 
4.4.2. Greek-Islamic Cultural Transmission 

4.5. Religious Orders in the Church 

4.5.1. Charismatic Needs and Responses 
4.5.2. Hospitaller and Military Orders 

4.6. Medieval Thought 

4.6.1. Theological Currents 
4.6.2. Heresies 
4.6.3. Relevant Councils 

4.7. Toward the End of the First Millennium 

4.7.1. Popular Movements 
4.7.2. Messianism and Apocalyptic Visions 
4.7.3. Rationale for Pilgrimages and Crusades 
4.7.4. Popular Piety and Mendicant Movements 

4.8. A Diversifying Society 

4.8.1. New Nationalities 
4.8.2. Internal (Gregorian) Reformation of the Church and Socio-Political Changes 

4.9. The Intellectual Movement of the 13th Century 

4.9.1. Universities 
4.9.2. Theological Syntheses 
4.9.3. Juridico-Political Theories (Boniface VIII - Felipe IV)

Module 5. The Magisterium in the 17th and 18th Centuries 

5.1. Paulo V 

5.1.1. Of the Help or Efficacy of Grace 

5.2. Innocent X 

5.2.1. The Error of the Dual Headship of the Church 
5.2.2. The Five Errors of Cornelius Jansenius 
5.2.3. Of the Help or Efficacy of Grace 

5.3. Alexander VII 

5.3.1. On the Meaning of the Words of Cornelius Jansenius 
5.3.2. Of the Gravity of Matter in Lust 
5.3.3. Proposed Submission Form to the Jensenists 
5.3.4. Of the Immaculate Conception of the BVM 
5.3.5. Errors on Moral Matters 
5.3.6. On Perfect and Imperfect Contrition 

5.4. Innocent XI 

5.4.1. On Frequent and Daily Communion 
5.4.2. Errors on Moral Matters 
5.4.3. Errors on the Donated Omnipotence 
5.4.4. Of the Moral Systems 
5.4.5. Error on the Secrecy of Confession 
5.4.6. Miguel de Molinos 

5.5. Alexander VIII 

5.5.1. Errors about the Goodness of the Act and about Philosophical Sin 
5.5.2. Errors of the Jansenists 
5.5.3. Articles of the Gallican Clergy 

5.6. Innocent XII 

5.6.1. Marriage as a Contract and Sacrament 
5.6.2. Errors about the Purest Love for God 

5.7. Clement XI 

5.7.1. Of the Truths that by Necessity Must be Believed Explicitly 
5.7.2. Of the Obsequious Silence as to Dogmatic Facts 
5.7.3. Pascasius Quesnel 

5.8. Benedict XIV 

5.8.1. On Clandestine Marriages in Belgium and Holland 
5.8.2. Of the Minister of Confirmation 
5.8.3. Profession of Faith Prescribed to Eastern Peoples 
5.8.4. Of the Obligation Not to Ask the Name of the Accomplice 
5.8.5. Of Usury 
5.8.6. Of the Baptism of Jewish Children 
5.8.7. Mourning Errors

5.9. Pius VI 

5.9.1. On Mixed Marriages in Belgium 
5.9.2. Of the Power of the Roman Pontiff 
5.9.3. Of the Exclusive Power of the Church over the Marriages of the Baptized 
5.9.4. Errors of the Synod of Pistoia

Module 6. History of the Modern and Contemporary Church 

6.1. The Catholic Church before and after World War II 

6.1.1. The Holy See in the International Sphere. Pius XII 
6.1.2. Christian Concern for the Development of Human Rights 

6.2. The Second Vatican Council 

6.2.1. Historical Genesis of the Council 
6.2.2. Main Conciliar Guidelines and Social Impact 

Module 7. The Magisterium in the 19th Century 

7.1. Pius VII 

7.1.1. On the Indissolubility of Marriage 
7.1.2. Of the Versions of Sacred Scripture 

7.2. Leo XII 

7.2.1. On the Versions of Sacred Scripture 

7.3. Pius VIII 

7.3.1. Of Usury 

7.4. Gregory XVI 

7.4.1. Of Usury 
7.4.2. Indifferentism 
7.4.3. Of the False Doctrines of Lamennais' Happiness 
7.4.4. Condemnation of the Works of George Hermes 
7.4.5. Of Faith and Reason 
7.4.6. Of the Matter of Extreme Unction 
7.4.7. Of the Versions of Sacred Scripture 

7.5. Pius IX 

7.5.1. Of Faith and Reason 
7.5.2. On Civil Marriage 
7.5.3. Definition of the Immaculate Conception of the BVM 
7.5.4. Rationalism and Indifferentism 
7.5.5. Of False Traditionalism 
7.5.6. Of the Abuse of Magnetism 
7.5.7. Of the False Doctrine of Anthony Günther 
7.5.8. Errors of the Ontologists 
7.5.9. Of the False Freedom of Science 
7.5.10. Indifferentism 
7.5.11. From the Congresses of the Theologians of Germany 
7.5.12. On the Uniqueness of the Church 
7.5.13. On Naturalism, Communism and Socialism 
7.5.14. The Syllabus or Collection of Modern Errors 

7.6. The Vatican Council 

7.6.1. Dogmatic Constitution on Catholic Faith 
7.6.2. Canons on Catholic Faith 
7.6.3. Dogmatic Constitution on the Church of Christ 
7.6.4. Of the Double Power on Earth 
7.6.5. On the Freedom of the Church 
7.6.6. Of the Explanation of Transubstantiation 
7.6.7. Of the Placet Regius 

7.7. Leo XIII 

7.7.1. On the Reception of Converted Heretics 
7.7.2. Of Socialism 
7.7.3. Of Christian Marriage 
7.7.4. On Civil Power 
7.7.5. Of Secret Societies 
7.7.6. On the Assistance of Physicians or Confessor in Mourning 
7.7.7. Cremation of Corpses 
7.7.8. Civil Divorce 
7.7.9. Of the Constitution of the States 
7.7.10. Craniotomy and Abortion 
7.7.11. Antonio de Rosmini-Serbati 
7.7.12. On the Extension of Freedom and Citizen Action 
7.7.13. Of the Love of the Church and the Homeland 
7.7.14. On the Apostolate of Laity 
7.7.15. Of Wine, the Matter of the Eucharist 
7.7.16. Of the Right to Private Property, of the Just Remuneration of Labor and the Right to Start Private Companies 
7.7.17. On Mourning 
7.7.18. Of the BVM as Mediatrix of the Graces 
7.7.19. Of the Studies of Sacred Scripture 
7.7.20. On the Uniqueness of the Church 
7.7.21. Anglican Orders 
7.7.22. Of the Faith and Intention Required for Baptism 
7.7.23. Of Americanism 
7.7.24. Of the Matter of Baptism 
7.7.25. Of the Use of the Most Holy Eucharist

Module 8. The Magisterium in the 20th Century 

8.1. St. Pius X

8.1.1. Of the BVM as Mediatrix of the Graces  
8.1.2. "Implicit Quotations" in Sacred Scripture  
8.1.3. Of the Historical Character of Sacred Scripture  
8.1.4. Daily Reception of the Most Holy Eucharist  
8.1.5. Of the Tridentine Law of Clandestinity  
8.1.6. On the Separation of Church and State  
8.1.7. On the Mosaic Authenticity of the Pentateuch  
8.1.8. Modernists and the Church  
8.1.9. The Betrothal and Marriage  
8.1.10. On the Author and the Historical Truth of the Fourth Gospel
8.1.11. On the Authority of the Sentences of the Biblical Commission
8.1.12. On the Character and Author of the Book of Isaiah  
8.1.13. Of the Relation between Philosophy and Theology  
8.1.14. On the Historical Character of the First Chapters of Genesis  
8.1.15. Of the Authors and Time of Composition of the Psalms  
8.1.16. Oath against the Errors of Modernism  
8.1.17. On the Author, the Time of Composition and the Historical Truth of the Gospels  
8.1.18. Of the Author, the Time of Composition, and the Historical Truth of the Acts of the Apostles  
8.1.19. Of the Author, the Time of Composition and the Historical Truth of the Epistles of Paul the Apostle  
8.1.20. Of the Author and Mode of Composition of the Epistle to the Hebrews  

8.2. Benedict XV  

8.2.1. Of the "Parousia" or Second Coming of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Epistles of the Apostle Paul  
8.2.2. Of the Dying and Dead Schismatics  
8.2.3. Of Spiritualism  
8.2.4. Code of Canon Law  
8.2.5. About Some Propositions Concerning the Science of the Soul of Christ  
8.2.6. Of the Infallibility of Sacred Scripture  
8.2.7. Of the Theosophical Doctrines  

8.3. Pius XI  

8.3.1. On the Relation between Church and State  
8.3.2. Of the Law and the Way to Follow the Doctrine of St. Thomas Aquinas  
8.3.3. Of the Reviviscency of Merits and Gifts  
8.3.4. Of the Kingship of Christ  
8.3.5. Of Secularism  
8.3.6. Of the Connection of the Sacred Liturgy with the Church  
8.3.7. On the Christian Education of Youth  
8.3.8. Of Christian Marriage  
8.3.9. Of the Abuse of Marriage  
8.3.10. Of Causing the Death of a Fetus  
8.3.11. Of the Emancipation of Women  
8.3.12. Of Divorce  
8.3.13. Of “Sex Education” and of “Eugenics”  
8.3.14. On the Authority of the Church in Social and Economic Matters  
8.3.15. Of Socialism  
8.3.16. On the Necessity and Mission of Priesthood   

8.4. Pius XII  

8.4.1. On Natural Law  
8.4.2. Of the Law of Nations  
8.4.3. Of the Members of the Church  
8.4.4. Of the Jurisdiction of Bishops  
8.4.5. Of the Holy Spirit as the Soul of the Church  
8.4.6. Of the Kinship between the BVM and the Church  
8.4.7. Of the Literal and Mystical Meaning of Sacred Scripture  
8.4.8. Of the Purpose of Marriage  
8.4.9. Of the Presence of Christ in the Mysteries of the Church  
8.4.10. Of the Participation of the Faithful in the Priesthood of Christ  
8.4.11. Of Artificial Insemination  
8.4.12. Of Marriage and Virginity  
8.4.13. Mitigation of Eucharistic Fasting

Module 9. History of the Church in Latin America 

9.1. Encounter of Two Worlds 

9.1.1. Human and Religious Situations of Pre-Hispanic Civilizations 
9.1.2. Situation of the Missionaries and Conquistadors 

9.2. Monuments of the History of the Church in Peru, Brazil and Venezuela 

9.2.1. Peru between Ethnic and Spanish Wars. Dioceses and Councils 
9.2.2. The Brazilian Church Born in the Midst of Invasions 
9.2.3. The Reductions of Paraguay and the Dispute over the Treaty of Tordesillas 
9.2.4. The Conquest of the Tropical Orinoco Territories 

9.3. Christian Presence in Cuba and the Antilles 

9.3.1. Establishment of the Church in the Dominican Republic and Haiti 
9.3.2. Cuba, the Starting Point of the Mission to the Continent 

9.4. The Indian Orb. Inculturation and Formation of a Creole Civilization 

9.4.1. Overcoming Idolatry. The Encomienda System 
9.4.2. The Spiritual Conquest in Mexico and Guatemala 
9.4.3. The Presence of the Religious Orders in New Spain 
9.4.4. Erection of Dioceses and Peninsular Dependence 
9.4.5. Mission to the Californias, Texas and Florida 

9.5. Political and Economic Changes in the Configuration of the Church in America 

9.5.1. The Bourbon Reforms of the 18th Century. Civil Political Dominance over the Church 
9.5.2. The Crisis of Conscience of the Church in Relation to the 19th Century Independence Movements and the Insurgent Movements Arising from Catholic Thought 
9.5.3. Social Catholicism in the Latin American Church from the Social Teaching of Leo XIII: Mexico and Chile 
9.5.4. The Church and the First Outbreaks of Protestantism 
9.5.5. Liberation Theology 

9.6. The Church in North America 

9.6.1. The Conformation of a Christian Continent. Analysis of the Church in Mexico during the 20th Century. Juridical, Social, Political and Pastoral Status 
9.6.2. The Catholic Church in the United States 
9.6.3. The Catholic Faith within Migratory Movements: From Latin America to the United States 

9.7. Updating the Latin American Church. (1900-1940) 

9.7.1. Analysis of the Latin American Church based on the Episcopal Conferences (CELAM) 
9.7.2. Reflection on Latin American Identity. Plenary Council of Latin America and General Episcopal Conferences. Synod of America (Instruction Church in America) 
9.7.3. The Pastoral Visits of John Paul II in America 

9.8. Historical Criticism of the Church in America 

9.8.1. The Church in Latin America between Real Communion and Utopia 
9.8.2. The Situation of the Catholic Church in the Face of Economic and Human Mobility 
9.8.3. The Hispanic Presence in the Catholic Communities of the United States 

Module 10. The Magisterium in Latin America 

10.1. First General Conference of the Latin American Episcopate. Rio de Janeiro (1955) 

10.1.1. Apostolic Forces in Latin America 
10.1.2. Strengthening Faith in Latin America 
10.1.3. Renewed Evangelization 
10.1.4. Protestantism 
10.1.5. Masonry 

10.2. The Second General Conference of the Latin American Episcopate. Medellín (1986) 

10.2.1. Poverty 
10.2.2. Institutionalized Violence 
10.2.3. Evangelization and Growth in Faith 
10.2.4. The Transformation of Reality and its Limitations 
10.2.5. Basic Ecclesial Communities 

10.3. The Third General Conference of the Latin American Episcopate. Puebla (1979) 

10.3.1. Institutionalized Violence in the Americas 
10.3.2. The Oppressed and the Face of Christ 
10.3.3. Respect and Promotion of Human Rights 
10.3.4. Evangelization as a Pillar of Development and Liberation in the Americas 
10.3.5. Liberation Theology 
10.3.6. Poverty and Youth in the Americas 

10.4. The Fourth General Conference of the Latin American Episcopate. The Dominican Republic (1992) 

10.4.1. Poverty and Youth in the Americas 
10.4.2. Inculturation and the New Evangelization 
10.4.3. Human Promotion 
10.4.4. The Indigenous Reality 
10.4.5. Consumer Society and Capitalism 
10.4.6. Ecology 

10.5. The Fifth General Conference of the Latin American Episcopate. Aparecida (2007) 

10.5.1. Globalization and its Impact on the Americas 
10.5.2. Jesus Christ, Source of a Dignified and Full Life 
10.5.3. Disciples and Missionaries

History is the substance and support of Christianity and the Church”