Seat of Wisdom Seminary, Owerri

SEAT OF WISDOM SEMINARY, OWERRI

ACADEMIC PROGRAMME

The Academic Programme is determined by the demands of the catholic priesthood as directed and stipulated by the tradition of the Catholic Church. In the documents of the Second Vatican Council concerning the revision of ecclesiastical studies this idea is clearly stated. It maintains that: “Before seminarians commence their specifically ecclesiastical studies, they should already have received that literary and scientific education which is a prerequisite to higher studies in their country.” (Optatam Totius, no. 13). Other documents of the Church are also eloquent as they prescribe the appropriate decorum to adopt in our academic programme. They are particular about worthwhile lectures in the sacred sciences based on good morals as rooted in the written word of God, the direction of the magisterium and the mystery of salvation. Nevertheless, ecclesiastical history and other auxiliary disciplines are not left out. (Cf. CIC Canon 248-252; Pastores Dabo Vobis no. 56).

We are affiliated to the Pontifical Urban University, Rome and the Imo State University, Owerri. It is in line with these, that we also include the prescriptions of these universities in our academic programme. These prescriptions border on curricula concerning specific disciplines, style of setting questions and other specific requirements from these universities.

There are two departments in the seminary and every seminarian is expected to graduate from each of these successfully.

Finally, the ultimate end of the two major studies (Philosophy and Theology) is not only to be a good Priest. It is also geared towards forming a balanced personality. This effort is aimed at forming a good Christian, a good citizen whose dream is to fashion a progressive future for the society that will be for the good of man and the greater glory of God.

All lectures in the seminary are compulsory, due to the formative role they play in the life of the future Catholic priests. In addition to the classroom courses, every seminarian should attend and participate actively in the seminars, conferences and symposia held in the seminary from time to time. The courses for the award of degrees in philosophy and theology/religious studies are arranged to cover a four- year, (8 semesters) programme. The whole academic programme must help the seminarians to manifest the ability of written and oral expressions especially in English language, capability for independent research, good use of the principles of scientific methodology and proper motivation toward graduate studies. During the lectures the whole atmosphere must be orientated towards a holistic formation of a future Catholic priest, bearing in mind the different branches of formation exercise, viz: Human, spiritual, intellectual, pastoral and rules of general disciplines.

GRADING AND MARKING SCHEME

A lecturer should normally mark all scripts for the courses he has taught and be responsible for the conduct of oral examinations; using an approved marking scheme to determine the grade(s) to be awarded to each candidate. The marks must be submitted to the office of the Head of Department for final vetting. The same provision applies to term papers and exercitatio  practica.

Percentage (%) is used in determining and expressing a candidate’s raw scores in every examination. However these are converted into grades which are weighted by being assigned points values. The table below shows the ranges of marks and their corresponding grades and points according to the Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria marking/grading system.

The Old Pontifical Urban University, Rome grading system is as follows:

The current Pontifical Urban University, Rome grading system is as follows:        

SUMMARY OF SEAT OF WISDOM (SWS)/PONTIFICAL URBAN UNIVERSITY (PUU) GRADING SYSTEM

SWS Score       PUU Equivalent Score      Grade Point Average       Grade

0 – 39                  1.00      –    59.99                            0                       Non Probatus            

40 – 44                60.00    –    69.99                            1                       Probatus                    

45 – 49                70.00    –    79.99                            2                       Bene Probatus

50 – 59                80.00    –    89.99                            3                       Cum Laude Probatus

60 – 69                90.00    –    95.99                            4                       Magna Cum Laude Probatus

70 – 100              96.00     –    100                              5                       Summa Cum Laude Probatus.

i.          COMPUTATION OF GRADE POINT AVERAGE

All examination taken by a student make up for his cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA). These courses are computed for the semester, sessional and final degree results.

ii.         The Grade Point Average (GPA) of every candidate is computed by dividing the total aggregate of the Grade Points by the number of Semester Units. A Grade Point is therefore obtained by multiplying the point scored, in each course with the number of semester units assigned to that course, e.g.,

G.P.A  =      24    :       6             =                  4.00 (2^nd Class Upper)

When the Grade Point Average of a semester is computed, it shall be added to that of the second semester to determine the sessional GPA. The results of each semester are brought into a composite form for screening and approval by the Head of Department and Examination Board.

            At the end of the year, the result of each student is sent to his superior or Local Ordinary. However, the office of the Registrar and Head of Department may make such a result available to individual seminarians.