The study of the Sacred Scriptures, the writings of the Fathers of the Church,
the liturgy, and the Tradition of the Church are at the center of a curriculum
that begins with a thorough course in historical and systematic philosophy.
The undergraduate curriculum will provide the students with a basic knowledge
of the sources for philosophy and theology - from the ancient to the post-modern
periods - while seeking to foster the students' capacity for critical reflection.
As a prerequisite for the ad fontes approach the University has established
a strong program in the languages of the texts of the Church's tradition (especially
Greek, Latin, Hebrew, and Church Slavonic). For example, students are required
to take Greek for two years, four hours per week (Lviv division). Further training
in Greek is optional for those planning to specialize in biblical or patristic
studies. The Greek language program was developed in close cooperation with
faculty of the Pontifical Biblical Institute. Through the intensive teaching
of Greek and Latin the UCU will have a strong impact on classical philology
in Ukraine, where at the many state universities there is only one Faculty of
the Classics (Lviv National University), which graduates only about 10 students
per year.
Beginning with the third year of studies some classes are taught by anglophone
lecturers, supplementing the Ukrainian-speaking faculty. The University requires
all students to develop proficiency in English by the end of the second year
of studies. Languages are taught in classes of 6-10 students.
Besides the requisite courses in systematic, moral, and pastoral theology,
church history, and canon law the first cycle program of studies also includes
Byzantine history and art history. A main challenge for the University is to provide
students with adequate Ukrainian-language textbooks for disciplines that have
been excluded from or neglected in curriculums in Ukraine for over half a century.
Even for subjects that were taught in Soviet universities (i.e. History
of Philosophy, Logic, or English) the UCU is preparing
its own teaching materials and textbooks to replace the existing ideological
handbooks or to reflect innovative pedagogical approaches.
An emphasis on sources, on historical courses in the various disciplines,
and on tradition is being guided not by historicizing, traditionalist, or nostalgic
sentiment but rather by a vision according to which a solid grounding in the
basics is the best preparation for creative reflection and discourse. A propedeutic
year offered in the Seminary division includes courses in world and Ukrainian
history, introduction to the narrative of the Bible, Ukrainian composition,
art history, public speaking, and language study.
After successfully completing the requirements of the five-year educational
program and defending the Senior Thesis the student receives a Bachelor's
degree in Theology (STB according to the Roman system).
