
Full course description
CHIST-N161-History of Vatican Council II (1 CEU)
The most significant event in the life of the Church in the
modern era, the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) was summoned by Pope Saint
John XXIII to help the Church proclaim the eternal truths of the Faith in a way
that the modern world would be able to comprehend. While shrouded at times in
controversy because of the struggles that were faced in implementing its
documents, the Council remains an essential area of study for all Catholics,
especially the true history of its deliberations, the content of its documents,
and the task of applying its call for authentic renewal and reform. Students
who complete this independent study course will be able to discuss the reasons
for its convoking by Pope Saint John XXIII, detail the progress of its sessions
and the drafting of its documents, and assess the challenges of the
post-conciliar period.