Religious Studies
Major:
Minors:
- Disability Studies
- Jewish Studies
- Marianist Studies
- Religions and Professional Practice
- Religious Studies
- Theology- Catechesis
- Theology
The Department of Religious Studies sees itself as a community of scholars serving the University community and the local community by teaching, research, criticism, and action. The main concern of the department is an understanding and elucidation of the Judaeo-Christian religious experience as it is exemplified in the Roman Catholic tradition. This implies not only a deep investigation of the Roman Catholic position but also a dialogue with other Christian traditions and with other world religious.
All religious studies and theology majors must show basic practical communicative proficiency in one foreign language.
FACULTY LISTING
Bachelor of Arts, Religious Studies and Theology (REL) minimum 124 hours
The Common Academic Program (CAP) is an innovative curriculum that is the foundation of a University of Dayton education. It is a learning experience that is shared in common among all undergraduate students, regardless of their major. Some CAP requirements must be fulfilled by courses taken at UD (e.g., Capstone and Diversity and Social Justice). Some major requirements must also be fulfilled by courses taken at UD. Students should consult with their advisor regarding applicability of transfer credit to fulfill CAP and major program requirements.
| Common Academic Program (CAP) 1 | ||
| First-Year Humanities Commons 2 | 12 cr. hrs. | |
| Introduction to Global Historical Studies | ||
| Introduction to Religious and Theological Studies | ||
| Introduction to Philosophy | ||
| Writing Seminar I 3 | ||
| Second-Year Writing Seminar 4 | 0-3 cr. hrs. | |
| Writing Seminar II | ||
| Oral Communication | 3 cr. hrs. | |
| Principles of Oral Communication | ||
| Mathematics | 3 cr. hrs. | |
| Social Science | 3 cr. hrs. | |
| Arts | 3 cr. hrs. | |
| Natural Sciences 5 | 7 cr. hrs. | |
| Crossing Boundaries | up to 12 cr. hrs. | |
Faith Traditions | ||
Practical Ethical Action | ||
Inquiry | ||
Integrative | ||
| Advanced Study | ||
Philosophy and/or Religious Studies (6 cr. hrs.) | ||
Historical Studies (3 cr. hrs.) 6 | ||
| Diversity and Social Justice 7 | 3 cr. hrs. | |
| Major Capstone 8 | 0-6 cr. hrs. | |
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The credit hours listed reflect what is needed to complete each CAP component. However, they should not be viewed as a cumulative addition to a student's degree requirements because many CAP courses are designed to satisfy more than one CAP component (e.g., Crossing Boundaries and Advanced Studies) and may also satisfy requirements in the student's major.
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May be completed with ASI 110 and ASI 120 through the Core Program.
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Must include two different disciplines and at least one accompanying lab.
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May be completed with ASI 110 and ASI 120 through the Core Program.
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May not double count with First-Year Humanities Commons, Second-Year Writing, Oral Communication, Social Science, Arts, or Natural Sciences CAP components, but may double count with courses taken to satisfy other CAP components and/or courses taken in the student's major.
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The course or experience is designed by faculty in each major; it may, or may not, be assigned credit hours.
A major in Religious Studies and Theology deepens knowledge of Catholic and other Christian traditions as well as a variety of non-Christian traditions, and their impact on modern life and issues. The major also prepares students for church ministry, graduate school in theology/religious studies, or work in a range of professions (health care, business and more) where knowledge of religion is beneficial.
| Liberal Studies Curriculum | ||
| Creative and Performing Arts (May include CAP Arts) | 3 | |
| L2 Proficiency (Proficiency in a language other than English) | 0-11 | |
| Literature (May include CAP Components) | 3 | |
| Mathematics, excluding MTH 205 (Satisfies CAP Mathematics) | 3 | |
| Natural Sciences (Satisfies CAP Natural Science) | 11 | |
| Social Sciences (Includes CAP Social Science) | 12 | |
| Major Requirements: | 36 | |
| No more than 3 courses may be taken at the 200-level toward the major. At least 2 courses, in addition to the REL 490 Capstone, must be at the 400-level. | ||
| REL 103 | Introduction to Religious and Theological Studies | 3 |
| or ASI 110 | The Roots and Development of Western Culture in a Global Context | |
| REL 399 | Readings in Religious Studies (Majors take this 1-credit course three times.) | 3 |
| REL 490 | Capstone Seminar (Satisfies CAP Major Capstone) | 3 |
| Four 3-credit courses from four of the following topic areas: | 12 | |
| Church History | ||
| REL 228 | Faith Traditions: Historical Encounters | 3 |
| REL 323 | History of Early Christianity | 3 |
| REL 324 | History of Christianity II | 3 |
| REL 325 | History of Christianity IV: Modern and Contemporary | 3 |
| REL 326 | Protestant Christianity | 3 |
| REL 327 | United States Religious Experience | 3 |
| REL 328 | United States Catholic Experience | 3 |
| REL 329 | African-American Religion | 3 |
| REL 330 | Faith of Immigrants | 3 |
| REL 356 | The Christian Tradition of Prayer | 3 |
| REL 359 | The Road to Hell: The Apocalypse in Classical and Contemporary Forms | 3 |
| REL 429 | Modern Catholicism | 3 |
| Ethics | ||
| REL 261 | Faith Traditions: Human Rights | 3 |
| REL 363 | Faith & Justice | 3 |
| REL 365 | Christian Theology and Environmental Ethics | 3 |
| REL 367 | Christian Ethics & Health Care Issues | 3 |
| REL 368 | Christian Ethics & the Business World | 3 |
| REL 369 | Christian Ethics and Engineering | 3 |
| ASI 375 | Professional Ethics in a Global Community – Religious Studies | 3 |
| Religion and Culture | ||
| REL 232 | Women in Faith | 3 |
| REL 270 | Popular Culture, American Religions | 3 |
| REL 277 | Faith Traditions: Women and Gender | 3 |
| REL 322 | Latino/Latina Religious Experiences | 3 |
| REL 357 | Peacebuilding | 3 |
| REL 372 | Religion & Film | 3 |
| REL 373 | Religion & Literature | 3 |
| REL 374 | Visual and Material Cultures of Religion | 3 |
| REL 375 | Religion & Science | 3 |
| REL 376 | Theology & the Social Sciences | 3 |
| REL 378 | Religion, Society and Global Cinema | 3 |
| REL 379 | Sustaining Art and Faith | 3 |
| REL 383 | Philosophy of Religious Education | 3 |
| Bible | ||
| REL 210 | Introduction to Scripture | 1 |
| REL 211 | Introduction to the Old Testament | 1 |
| REL 212 | Introduction to the New Testament | 1 |
| REL 213 | The New Testament and Related Ancient Literature | 3 |
| REL 214 | Magic, Medicine, or Miracles: Disability in the Ancient World, the Bible, and Today | 3 |
| REL 310 | The Pentateuch | 3 |
| REL 311 | The Prophets | 3 |
| REL 312 | The Psalms & the Wisdom Literature | 3 |
| REL 315 | The Gospels | 3 |
| REL 316 | New Testament Theologies | 3 |
| REL 317 | Studies in St. John | 3 |
| REL 318 | Studies in Paul | 3 |
| REL 319 | The Book of Revelation | 3 |
| Systematic Theology | ||
| REL 205 | Orthodox Christianity | 3 |
| REL 227 | Faith Traditions: Beliefs in Dialogue | 3 |
| REL 244 | Faith Traditions: Celebrating and Living the Eucharist | 3 |
| REL 256 | Faith Traditions: Prayer | 3 |
| REL 305 | Eastern Orthodoxy | 3 |
| REL 340 | The Church | 3 |
| REL 343 | Theology of Humanity, Sexuality, and Marriage | 3 |
| REL 352 | Understanding Sacred Music in Worship in the Local Church | 3 |
| REL 358 | Liberation Theologies | 3 |
| REL 425 | Augustine | 3 |
| REL 437 | Significance of Jesus | 3 |
| REL 440 | The Church | 3 |
| REL 441 | Theology of Mary | 3 |
| REL 442 | Does God Exist? | 3 |
| REL 443 | The Sacraments | 3 |
| REL 444 | God in Christian Tradition | 3 |
| REL 446 | Christian Liturgy | 3 |
| REL 447 | Selected Catholic Doctrines | 3-4 |
| REL 448 | Issues in Theology | 3 |
| REL 449 | Aquinas | 3 |
| REL 464 | Liberation Theology | 3 |
| REL 474 | Women & the Global Church | 3 |
| REL 475 | Theology of Inculturation | 3 |
| World Religions | ||
| REL 207 | Faith Traditions: Judaism | 3 |
| REL 208 | Faith Traditions: Islamic Religious Traditions | 3 |
| REL 304 | Hinduism | 3 |
| REL 306 | Buddhism | 3 |
| REL 307 | Topics in Judaism | 3 |
| REL 308 | Islam | 3 |
| REL 309 | Afro-Latin Religions | 3 |
| REL 471 | Women & Religion | 3 |
| REL 472 | Ecology & Religion | 3 |
| 15 additional credits in open REL electives, including any 1-credit REL courses students may wish to take. | 15 | |
| ASI 150 | Introduction to the University Experience | 1 |
| Total Hours to total at least | 124 | |
Minor in Disability Studies (DST)
The minor offers students opportunity to become aware of an array of disabilities and the concerns of people with disabilities; understanding of the history and theory in the field of disability studies; and to develop advocacy or other experiential work related to disability. The minor consists of a foundational course in disability studies as well as three elective courses that focus on awareness, theory/history, and advocacy/experience from a wide selection across the university.
| DST 100 | Foundations of Disability Studies 1 | 3 |
| Choose 9 credit hours from at least two of the following three areas: 2 | 9 | |
| Awareness | ||
| Topics in Medical Anthropology | ||
| Writing in the Health Professions | ||
| Community Psychology | ||
| Social Services in the Health Field | ||
| Mental Health Services | ||
| Perspectives on Aging | ||
| Diversity in Creative & Performing Arts | ||
| Diversity in Creative & Performing Arts | ||
| Theoretical and Historical Knowledge | ||
| Communication for Health Professionals | ||
| Communicating Health Disparities | ||
| Studies in Film | ||
| Research Seminar-Writing | ||
| Medical Ethics | ||
| PHL 333 | Philosophy & Cognitive Science | 3 |
| Human Growth & Development | ||
| Magic, Medicine, or Miracles: Disability in the Ancient World, the Bible, and Today | ||
| Theology of Humanity, Sexuality, and Marriage | ||
| Christian Ethics & Health Care Issues | ||
| Sport and Bodies | ||
| Sport and Bodies | ||
| Health and Inequality | ||
| Advocacy/Experience | ||
| Intercultural Communication | ||
| Introduction to Education of Learners with Mild-Intense Learning Needs | ||
| Health Literacy and Social Justice | ||
| Motor Control and Learning | ||
| Adapted Physical Activity | ||
| Exercise for Special Populations | ||
| Premed Community Health Experience | ||
| Hospital Elder Life Program | ||
| Introduction to Therapeutic Movement | ||
| Introduction to Music Therapy | ||
| Music Therapy Treatment Processes | ||
| Practicum in Music Therapy I | ||
| Ensembles | ||
| Interviewing & Counseling | ||
| Advocacy Practice in Social Work | ||
| Total Hours | 15 | |
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Required of all Minors
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The remaining credits are to be fulfilled from the following list (9 credits). Students must take courses in at least two of the three areas. Students may register for 0-3 credits of experiential learning to complete these 9 credits (a maximum of 3 credits total of experiential learning may count towards the minor).
Minor in Jewish Studies (JST)
This 12-credit hour minor requires students to take a 3-credit general overview course (REL 207 or REL 307), and three electives that can be drawn in combination from the list below (taking one from area 1 and two from area 2). Courses will help students engage the history of Judaism, development of Jewish thought, religious practice, and culture. The Learning Objectives listed below are all introduced in REL 207 and REL 307, but the remaining courses in the minor connect with one or more of these objectives as well.
Learning Objectives
Students will be able to:
1. Describe significant aspects of the history of the Jewish people, including the diaspora and constructions of a Jewish state.
2. Identify Jewish readings of the Hebrew Bible, and the ways in which these readings complement, and diverge from, readings in other faith traditions.
3. Describe the role that Jews and Judaism play in their own religious, philosophical, and political thinking, particularly in terms of global politics, rights, justice and equality in society.
4. Explain the problems with essentialist readings of religious traditions and cultures.
5. Describe Judaism as an internally diverse tradition.
Students will take either of the introductory courses (3 credits):
| Required Course | ||
| Faith Traditions: Judaism | ||
or REL 307 | Topics in Judaism | |
| Area 1: Students will take at least one course from the following list of courses: | ||
| The Pentateuch | ||
| The Prophets | ||
| The Psalms & the Wisdom Literature | ||
| Area 2: Students will take at most six credits from the following list of courses: | ||
| The Masters of Suspicion: Marx, Nietzsche, and Freud on Religion | ||
| Fairy Tales | ||
| Gender, Sexuality & the Holocaust | ||
| Nazi Cinema and Mass Manipulation in the Third Reich | ||
| The Holocaust in Literature, Film & Culture | ||
| Holocaust | ||
| Jewish, Christian, and Islamic Philosophy | ||
| Faith Traditions: Human Rights | ||
| Medieval and Early Modern Jews in Literature | ||
| Total Hours | 12 | |
Minor in Marianist Studies (MND)
This interdisciplinary 12-credit minor, housed in the Religious Studies department, investigates key sources of the Catholic Marianist tradition with emphasis on their import for today’s world. Students must take REL 355, REL 441, and one of the following: SOC 310, SOC 426/POL 426, SOC 352. In addition, students take one (1) minor elective: REL 457, REL 355 (under a different topic), or another of: SOC 310, SOC 426/POL 426, SOC 352.
Program Objectives
Students will be able to:
1. Explain the founding of the Society of Mary in historical and theological context.
2. Analyze the development of major themes in the Marianist tradition, such as stability, Marianist prayer, community, Marianist approaches to justice, mission of Mary, etc.
3. Articulate several major theological themes in the area of mariology.
4. Apply major themes of the Marianist tradition to our contemporary world.
| Required Courses | ||
| REL 355 | Topics in Marianist Studies | 3 |
| REL 441 | Theology of Mary Minor Requirement | 3 |
| Choose one course from the following: | 3 | |
| Literature for the Common Good | ||
| Perspectives on Education and Social Justice | ||
| Community | ||
| Leadership in Building Communities | ||
| Choose one elective from the following list: | 3 | |
| Topics in Marianist Studies Under a different topic if also taken from above list | ||
| Living as Marianist Student Communities | ||
| Perspectives on Education and Social Justice Can only be taken once | ||
| Community Can only be taken once | ||
| Leadership in Building Communities Can only be taken once | ||
| Total Hours | 12 | |
Minor in Religions and Professional Practice (RPP)
Practice your profession with greater understanding and appreciation for the perspectives, values, and contributions of persons who have a religious faith, whether co-workers, customers, clients, or community members.
| Non-Christian Religious Tradition: Must take 1 course from the following list, or similar course as approved by minor advisor: | 3 | |
| Faith Traditions: Judaism | ||
| Faith Traditions: Islamic Religious Traditions | ||
| Rel of the East | ||
| Hinduism | ||
| Buddhism | ||
| Topics in Judaism | ||
| Islam | ||
| Islam in the Modern World | ||
| Professional Ethics: Must take at least 1 course from the following list. | 3 | |
| Faith & Justice | ||
| Christian Ethics & Health Care Issues | ||
| Christian Ethics & the Business World | ||
| Christian Ethics and Engineering | ||
| Professional Ethics in a Global Community – Religious Studies | ||
| Must take 3 additional REL elective courses, 1 of which is at the 400-level. 1 | 9 | |
| Total Hours | 15 | |
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Students minoring in Religions and Professional Practice should consult with advisers in order to choose courses that provide the best fit with their majors and/or professional goals. For example, for students in Pre-Medicine or any health-related field, consider REL 214, "Magic, Medicine, or Miracles: Disability in the Ancient World, the Bible, and Today," as well as REL 343, "Theology of Humanity, Sexuality, and Marriage." For those in Communications, Political Science, or Pre-Law, REL 328, "United States Catholic Experience," and REL 329, "African American Religions," could serve their interests. Biology or other science majors could appreciate REL 375, "Religion and Science," or REL 472, "Ecology and Religion." Those studying visual arts, graphic design, or art history would benefit from REL 374, "Visual and Material Cultures of Religion," and REL 379, "Sustaining Art and Faith." Those in International Studies can choose from REL 378, "Religion, Society and Global Cinema," REL 474, "Women and the Global Church," and REL 475, "Theology of Inculturation." This list only suggests elective courses of potential interest for selected majors. Students from any major choosing the Minor in Religions and Professional Practice can work with an advisor in the Religious Studies department to make course selections most in keeping with their needs and interests.
Minor in Religious Studies (REL)
Explore how a variety of religious people (non-Christian and Christian) view the world and human beings, through study of the diversity of religious beliefs, ethical values, and devotional practices.
| Religious Studies | ||
| Choose 5 courses from the following list or other courses as approved by minor advisor. At least one course should be at the 400-level. | 15 | |
| Faith Traditions: Judaism | ||
| Faith Traditions: Islamic Religious Traditions | ||
| The New Testament and Related Ancient Literature | ||
| Magic, Medicine, or Miracles: Disability in the Ancient World, the Bible, and Today | ||
| Faith Traditions: Special Topics in Religious Studies 1 | ||
| Faith Traditions: Human Rights | ||
| Holocaust | ||
| Popular Culture, American Religions | ||
| Faith Traditions: Women and Gender | ||
| Rel of the East | ||
| Hinduism | ||
| Buddhism | ||
| Topics in Judaism | ||
| Islam | ||
| Afro-Latin Religions | ||
| The Pentateuch | ||
| The Prophets | ||
| The Psalms & the Wisdom Literature | ||
| The Gospels | ||
| Studies in Paul | ||
| The Book of Revelation | ||
| Latino/Latina Religious Experiences | ||
| History of Early Christianity | ||
| United States Catholic Experience | ||
| African-American Religion | ||
| Peacebuilding | ||
| The Road to Hell: The Apocalypse in Classical and Contemporary Forms | ||
| Christian Ethics & the Business World | ||
| Religion & Film | ||
| Visual and Material Cultures of Religion | ||
| Religion & Science | ||
| Religion, Society and Global Cinema | ||
| Sustaining Art and Faith | ||
| Islam in the Modern World | ||
| Women & the Global Church | ||
| Theology of Inculturation | ||
| Total Hours | 15 | |
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Credit for REL 250 depends on topic taken, in consultation with the advisor.
Minor in Theology-Catechesis (CTE)
The Minor in Theology - Catechesis (CTE) offers students an excellent opportunity to prepare to teach religion (catechesis) in Catholic schools, or parish ministry today. The minor is grounded in the official principles of catechesis required by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The minor incorporates the basic courses required by most dioceses across the country for achieving diocesan certification in content, methodology, and praxis experiences. It is open to all students who desire to engage in a religion teaching ministry either on a full-time professional or a volunteer basis following graduation.
| Religious Studies - Catechesis 1 | ||
| REL 328 | United States Catholic Experience 2 | 3 |
| Forum for Young Catechetical Leaders | 4 | |
| Forum for Catechetical Leaders I | ||
| Forum for Catechetical Leaders II | ||
| Forum for Catechetical Leaders III | ||
| Forum for Catechetical Leaders IV | ||
| Select one Liturgy course from: | 3 | |
| The Christian Tradition of Prayer | ||
| The Sacraments | ||
| Christian Liturgy | ||
| Spirituality & Religious Education | ||
| Select one Scripture course from: | 3 | |
| The Pentateuch | ||
| The Prophets | ||
| The Gospels | ||
| Studies in Paul | ||
| Select one Morality or Ethics course from: | 3 | |
| Christian Ethics | ||
| Faith & Justice | ||
| Current Moral Issues | ||
| Select one Ecclesiology or Church History course from: | 3 | |
| History of Early Christianity | ||
| History of Christianity II | ||
| The Church | ||
| Total Hours | 19 | |
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These hours are in addition to REL 103 (or REL 198 or ASI 110), which is usually taken in the student's first year.
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Or equivalent.
Minor in Theology (THE)
Engage sources of Christian tradition (Bible, historical developments, church teaching, liturgical practice, artistic/cultural expressions, systematic theological reflection), with appreciative analysis, critical engagement, constructive development, and prayerful reflection. Discover more about the faith one has embraced, and out of that faith serve others and promote the common good.
| Take 15 credits from the following list of designated Theology courses, or other courses as approved by minor advisor. At least one course must be at the 400-level. These hours are in addition to REL 103 (or ASI 110), which is usually taken in the student's first year. | 15 | |
| The New Testament and Related Ancient Literature | ||
| Magic, Medicine, or Miracles: Disability in the Ancient World, the Bible, and Today | ||
| Faith Traditions: Celebrating and Living the Eucharist | ||
| Faith Traditions: Special Topics in Religious Studies | ||
| Faith Traditions: Prayer | ||
| Faith Traditions: Human Rights | ||
| Faith Traditions: Moral Reasoning | ||
| Faith Traditions: Women and Gender | ||
| Forum for Catechetical Leaders I | ||
| Forum for Catechetical Leaders II | ||
| Forum for Catechetical Leaders III | ||
| Forum for Catechetical Leaders IV | ||
| Eastern Orthodoxy | ||
| The Pentateuch | ||
| The Prophets | ||
| The Psalms & the Wisdom Literature | ||
| The Gospels | ||
| Studies in Paul | ||
| The Book of Revelation | ||
| Latino/Latina Religious Experiences | ||
| History of Early Christianity | ||
| African-American Religion | ||
| Theology of Humanity, Sexuality, and Marriage | ||
| Peacebuilding | ||
| Liberation Theologies | ||
| Christian Ethics | ||
| Faith & Justice | ||
| Christian Ethics & Health Care Issues | ||
| Christian Ethics & the Business World | ||
| Christian Ethics and Engineering | ||
| C.S. Lewis: Life and Christian Writings | ||
| Religion & Science | ||
| Sustaining Art and Faith | ||
| Augustine | ||
| Modern Catholicism | ||
| Significance of Jesus | ||
| The Church | ||
| Theology of Mary | ||
| Does God Exist? | ||
| The Sacraments | ||
| God in Christian Tradition | ||
| Christian Liturgy | ||
| Selected Catholic Doctrines | ||
| Aquinas | ||
| Theology of Inculturation | ||
| Total Hours | 15 | |
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| ASI 150 | 1 | ASI 120 (CAP Humanities Commons) | 8 |
| ASI 110 (CAP Humanities Commons) | 7 | MTH (CAP Mathematics) | 3 |
| CMM 100 (CAP Communication) | 3 | Language 141 | 4 |
| Language 101 | 4 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| REL Major Elective | 3 | REL Major elective | 3 |
| SSC 200 (CAP Social Science) | 3 | REL Major elective | 3 |
| Literature | 3 | CAP Arts | 3 |
| INSS (CAP Natural Science w/lab) | 4 | INSS (CAP Natural Science w/lab) | 4 |
| Language 201 or contextual course | 3 | Social Science - intro level | 3 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| REL Major (CAP Faith Trad) | 3 | REL Major | 3 |
| REL Major | 3 | REL Major | 3 |
| Creative & Performing Arts | 3 | CAP Advanced Historical Studies | 3 |
| INSS Natural Science | 3 | CAP Advanced Philosophy | 3 |
| Social Science - elective | 3 | Social Science - 300/400 level | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| REL Major | 3 | REL 490 (Satisfies CAP Major Capstone) | 3 |
| REL Major | 3 | REL Major | 3 |
| CAP Advanced Philosophy | 3 | CAP Inquiry | 3 |
| CAP Integrative | 3 | CAP Diversity and Social Justice | 3 |
| CAP Practical Ethical Action | 3 | General elective | 3 |
| General elective | 2 | ||
| 17 | 15 | ||
| Total credit hours: 124 | |||
Courses
REL 103. Introduction to Religious and Theological Studies. 3 Hours
This course introduces students to two academic disciplines: the study of religions as historical and embodied realities, and theology as faith seeking understanding. By learning about these two disciplines, students will gain a critical self-awareness of the ways in which the modern context shapes their engagement with religion. The course emphasizes learning how to read Scripture and other primary religious sources, and to learning how the Catholic intellectual tradition addresses the question of God, the meaning of human life, and the significance of human diversity.
REL 199. Wayfinders: Topics in Catholic Theology. 1 Hour
This one-credit course, partnered with the Wayfinders program, introduces students to Catholic theological reflections and questions around the practice and metaphor of pilgrimage, the Church, the nature of faith, prayer, discernment and/or other topics as germane to the program. Students will explore these topics with faculty, colleagues, undergraduate student mentors, and community partners.
REL 1HC. CAP Humanities Commons Religious Studies - Transfer Course Only. 3 Hours
This is an equivalency for transfer courses ONLY. Courses other than typical introductory Religious Studies or Theology courses may be equated to this course in the Transfer Evaluation System (TES) after review by a transfer specialist in the College of Arts and Sciences. Functionally, the course will both fulfill the Humanities Commons requirement of the Common Academic Program (CAP) and function as a pre-requisite for any courses requiring REL 103.
REL 207. Faith Traditions: Judaism. 3 Hours
Introduction to Judaism: religious thought, practice, mysticism, and history, from Biblical times to the present day.
Prerequisite(s): REL 103 or REL 1HC or ASI 110.
REL 208. Faith Traditions: Islamic Religious Traditions. 3 Hours
Historical and topical survey of the origins and development of Islam.
Prerequisites: REL 103 or REL 1HC or ASI 110.
REL 213. The New Testament and Related Ancient Literature. 3 Hours
Introduction to historical and literary study of the New Testament with emphasis on the Gospels, the Pauline letters, and the Book of Revelation with attention given also when pertinent to early Christian Apocrypha and Jewish intertestamental literature. An analysis of early Christian faith commitments in their diversity from each other and in their diversity from those of major Christian churches today.
Prerequisites: REL 103 or REL 1HC or ASI 110.
REL 214. Magic, Medicine, or Miracles: Disability in the Ancient World, the Bible, and Today. 3 Hours
Exploration of ancient attitudes towards sickness and healing including the practices observed in Greek and Roman medical authors, ancient inscriptions, the Bible, and other ancient Jewish and Early Christian texts. Study of these ancient perspectives in relation to contemporary attitudes toward disability.
Prerequisite(s): REL 103 or ASI 110 or REL 1HC.
REL 227. Faith Traditions: Beliefs in Dialogue. 3 Hours
Exploration of selected beliefs of diverse religious systems and the ways such beliefs impact social justice.
Prerequisites: REL 103 or REL 1HC or ASI 110 or equivalent; CMM 100 or CMM 1OC or CMM 320 or CMM 351.
REL 228. Faith Traditions: Historical Encounters. 3 Hours
Comparative historical exploration of changes and continuities in distinct faith traditions including the impact on social justice.
Prerequisites: (REL 103 or REL 1HC or ASI 110 or equivalent); CMM 100 or CMM 1OC or CMM 320 or CMM 351.
REL 244. Faith Traditions: Celebrating and Living the Eucharist. 3 Hours
Exploration of the history, theology, ritual, and spirituality of the Eucharist (the Mass), in dialogue with other Christian traditions, and with attention to its impact on daily Christian living.
Prerequisites: (REL 103 or REL 1HC or ASI 110) and (CMM 100 or CMM 1OC or CMM 320 or CMM 351).
REL 250. Faith Traditions: Special Topics in Religious Studies. 3 Hours
A variable special topics course that builds on themes from REL 103, Introduction to Theology and Religious Studies. Students explore major aspects of at least one faith tradition, engage in dialogue about critical issues in theology and religious studies, and develop a more advanced knowledge of the Catholic intellectual tradition.
Prerequisites: (REL 103 or REL 1HC or ASI 120) and sophomore standing.
REL 256. Faith Traditions: Prayer. 3 Hours
Exploration of the rationale for and practice of prayer in diverse faith traditions, with an emphasis on the connection between prayer and social justice.
Prerequisites: REL 103 or REL 1HC or ASI 110.
REL 261. Faith Traditions: Human Rights. 3 Hours
Exploration of diverse faith traditions in dialogue on theory of and activism for human rights. Compares and contrasts elements of the international human rights movement with major sources from other philosophical and religious traditions, with attention to historical development and to spiritual practices for enduring, challenging, and rebuilding after suffering and injustice.
Prerequisite(s): REL 103 or ASI 110 or REL 1HC.
REL 266. Faith Traditions: Moral Reasoning. 3 Hours
Exploration of diverse moral perspectives regarding social justice within religious traditions, emphasizing the cultivation of skills for dialogue about those differences.
Prerequisites: REL 103 or REL 1HC or ASI 110 or equivalent; CMM 100 or CMM 1OC or CMM 320 or CMM 351.
REL 267. Holocaust. 3 Hours
Study of the holocaust and its effects upon contemporary religion, art, theology, and philosophy.
Prerequisite(s): REL 103 or ASI 110 or REL 1HC.
REL 269. Faith Traditions and Care for the Earth. 3 Hours
Exploration of Christianity and at least one other faith tradition in relation to ecological degradation and the care of the Earth. Questions to be explored include: in what ways have faith traditions contributed to ecological degradation? In what ways have faith traditions contributed to care for the Earth and a constructive response to the ecological crisis?
Prerequisites: REL 103 or ASI 110 or REL 1HC.
REL 270. Popular Culture, American Religions. 3 Hours
Exploration of major themes, issues and practices of modern American popular culture as historical context for religious peoples, communities and expressions in America. Examines the role of popular culture in the production, circulation and reception of religious identities in American cultural history.
Prerequisite(s): REL 103 or ASI 110 or REL 1HC.
REL 277. Faith Traditions: Women and Gender. 3 Hours
Examination of gender and women in at least two major faith traditions. Survey of both traditional and contemporary thought, practice, and attitudes toward women and gender.
Prerequisite(s): REL 103 or ASI 110 or equivalent; CMM 100.
REL 281. Forum for Catechetical Leaders I. 1 Hour
Study of key themes of The National Directory for Catechesis regarding 'The Tasks of Catechesis and Faith Formation'. Themes include (a) Introduction to the Catechetical Ministry of the Church, (b) The Vocation of the Catechist, (c) Faith Formation, and (d) Fundamentals for Designing Catechetical Plans.
Prerequisite(s): REL 103 or ASI 110 or equivalent.
REL 282. Forum for Catechetical Leaders II. 1 Hour
Study of key themes of The National Directory for Catechesis regarding 'The Art of Communicating Faith: Scripture and Tradition'. Themes include (a) Effective Catechesis, (b) Four Pillars of Our Catholic Faith, (c) Integrating Scripture in Catechetical Ministry, and (d) Integrating Liturgy and Liturgical Experiences in Catechetical Ministry.
Prerequisite(s): REL 103 or ASI 110 or equivalent.
REL 283. Forum for Catechetical Leaders III. 1 Hour
Study of key themes of The National Directory for Catechesis regarding: 'Liturgy, Popular Devotions, Literature and the Religious Imagination. Themes include (a) Storytelling, (b) Popular Devotions and Faith Experiences, (c) Role of Mary in Catechesis, and (d) Diverse Religious Traditions and the Quest for God.
Prerequisite(s):REL 103 or ASI 110 or equivalent.
REL 284. Forum for Catechetical Leaders IV. 1 Hour
Study of key themes of The National Directory for Catechesis regarding: 'Discipleship (Catholic Moral Life), Catholic Social Teachings and Catechetical Planning'. Themes include (a) Developing a Pastoral Catechetical Plan, (b) Call and Challenge of Discipleship, (c) Catholic Social Teachings, and (d) Communications Technology and Catechesis.
Prerequisite(s): REL 103 or ASI 110 or equivalent.
REL 304. Hinduism. 3 Hours
Study of the world's oldest living religion. Examines the historical development of major Hindu teachings, texts, practices and paths from ancient times to present, including forms of Hinduism taking root in the West today.
Prerequisite(s): REL 103 or ASI 110 or equivalent.
REL 305. Eastern Orthodoxy. 3 Hours
Exploration of the history and theology of the Eastern Orthodox Church, from the Apostles to Byzantium to Russia and the United States.
Prerequisite(s): REL 103 or ASI 110 or equivalent.
REL 306. Buddhism. 3 Hours
Exploration of the 2,500-year-old Buddhist tradition - the life of its founder, development of its teachings, rituals, and meditation techniques. Survey of the spread of Buddhism to the West in the twentieth century. Parallels and contrasts with the Christian tradition.
Prerequisite(s): REL 103 or ASI 110 or equivalent.
REL 307. Topics in Judaism. 3 Hours
A variable topic course that builds on themes from REL 103, Introduction to Religious Studies and Theology. Students explore major aspects of Judaism, engage in dialogue about critical issues in Jewish history and theology. The purpose of this course is to develop students' knowledge of the Jewish tradition's diversity and historical dynamism.
Prerequisites: ASI 110 or REL 103 or REL 1HC.
REL 309. Afro-Latin Religions. 3 Hours
The study of Voudou, Santeria and other religions which arose when the religious traditions of West Africa were transplanted to the Americas and the Caribbean where practitioners encountered Christianity. These religions' historical and contemporary forms as well as issues of syncretism and church-state relations are considered. Prerequisite(s): REL 103 or ASI 110 or equivalent.
REL 310. The Pentateuch. 3 Hours
Introduction to historical-critical, theological and other methods of biblical exegesis through an examination of the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, focusing on the historical and literary traditions that relate primeval beginnings, ancestral history, the exodus, wilderness wanderings, and the legal codes. A reconstruction of the history of the text.
Prerequisites: REL 103 or REL 1HC or ASI 110.
REL 311. The Prophets. 3 Hours
Study of the prophetic texts of the Old Testament as reformulations of ancient religious traditions to meet new historical situations and study of the relevance of the prophets to contemporary life.
Prerequisites: REL 103 or REL 1HC or ASI 110.
REL 312. The Psalms & the Wisdom Literature. 3 Hours
Critical examination of the biblical books of Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, and Ben Sira and of related literature within the historical context in which they arose. The contemporary relevance of this literature.
Prerequisite(s): REL 103 or ASI 110 or equivalent.
REL 313. Topics in New Testament Studies. 3 Hours
Study of focused topics within or adjacent to the 27 books known as the New Testament.
Prerequisites: REL 103 or REL 1HC or ASI 110.
REL 315. The Gospels. 3 Hours
Introduction to the cultural heritage of the early Christian movement and its place in both the Jewish and Greco-Roman world. Traditional historical-critical study of the texts of gospels in the Christian tradition that will serve as a background for contemporary narrative and scholarly approaches.
Prerequisites: REL 103 or ASI 110 or REL 1HC.
REL 316. New Testament Theologies. 3 Hours
Survey of New Testament writings with a focus on the religious ideas specific to each; special attention to authors' christology, eschatology, and soteriology; exploration of relevance of the New Testament message to Christian faith today. Prerequisite(s): REL 103 or ASI 110 or equivalent.
REL 318. Studies in Paul. 3 Hours
Detailed examination of the letters of Paul, stressing the historical circumstances affecting their composition as well as the main religious ideas of Paul that govern their content.
Prerequisites: REL 103 or REL 1HC or ASI 110.
REL 319. The Book of Revelation. 3 Hours
Detailed critical analysis of various biblical apocalyptic texts as found in Judaism and early Christianity. Focus on the Book of Revelation against the background of other biblical and intertestamental apocalyptic texts.
Prerequisite(s):REL 103 or ASI 110 or equivalent.
REL 322. Latino/Latina Religious Experiences. 3 Hours
Exploration of the diversity of Latino/Latina religious experiences and communities in North America, with an emphasis on Roman Catholic experiences.
Prerequisites: REL 103 or ASI 110 or REL 1HC.
REL 323. History of Early Christianity. 3 Hours
Study of the historical variables involved in Christianity's rise from an obscure first century religious movement to a respected world religion. Examination of different movements within the History of Christianity from the first century C.E. to the fourth century C.E., comparing the continuities and discontinuities between the people who have called themselves Christian in different times and places.
Prerequisites: REL 103 or ASI 110 or equivalent.
REL 324. History of Christianity II. 3 Hours
Study of important events, movements, ideas, and people in the development of Christianity from 1100 to the present, including the separation of the Churches of the East and West, rise of the mendicant orders, Scholasticism, key themes and figures of the Reformation, Vatican I, Modernist crisis, ecumenism, and Vatican II. Prerequisite(s): REL 103 or ASI 110 or equivalent.
REL 326. Protestant Christianity. 3 Hours
Survey of the development of Protestant thought from the Reformation. Prerequisite(s): REL 103 or ASI 110 or equivalent.
REL 327. United States Religious Experience. 3 Hours
Study of a variety of religious traditions in their engagement with and influence within the U.S. social and cultural context including the effects of pluralism, religious liberty, secularization, and consumer capitalism.
Prerequisite(s): REL 103 or ASI 110 or equivalent.
REL 328. United States Catholic Experience. 3 Hours
Survey of the growth and development of Catholic Christianity in the U.S.; its interaction with America, its culture, and its people.
Prerequisites: REL 103 or ASI 110 or REL 1HC.
REL 329. African-American Religion. 3 Hours
Study of the role religious beliefs, institutions, leaders and commitments have played in the lives of people of African descent in the United States of America from the 16th century to the present.
Prerequisites: REL 103 or ASI 110 or equivalent.
REL 330. Faith of Immigrants. 3 Hours
This course will examine the faith traditions of all those people who came to the united States, either voluntarily or involuntarily, and the changes that they made upon those who were there before them, the changes in their own faith, and the effect upon other faith traditions. Prerequisites: REL 103 or ASI 110 or equivalent.
REL 333. Topics in Islam. 3 Hours
Course examining the history and thought of Islam in relation to contemporary questions.
Prerequisites: REL 103 or REL 1HC or ASI 110.
REL 334. History of Christianity II: Medieval. 3 Hours
Study of the historical variables involved in Christianity's expansion and institutional development throughout Europe, including the far north and the far east, as well as its decline in Africa and Asia Minor. Examination of different movements within the history of Christianity from the fifth century, C.E. to the mid-fourteenth century, C.E., comparing the continuities and discontinuities between the people who have called themselves Christian in different times and places.
Prerequisites: REL 103 or ASI 110 or REL 1HC.
REL 335. History of Christianity III: Reformations and Early Modern. 3 Hours
Study of the history of reformations in western Christianity and Christianity's development in the early modern period including the expansion and institutional development throughout the rest of the world. Examination of different movements within the History of Christianity from the mid-fourteenth century and the mid-eighteenth century with particular attention to continuities and discontinuities among Christians in different times and places.
Prerequisites: REL 103 or REL 1HC or ASI 110.
REL 336. History of Christianity IV: Modern and Contemporary. 3 Hours
Study of the historical variables involved in modern and contemporary Christianity's development, particularly in terms of its global presence and the pluralities of cultures, societies, and perspective in the modern era. Examination of different movements within the History of Christianity from the mid-eighteenth century to the present, comparing the continuities and discontinuities among the peoples who identify as Christian in different times and places.
Prerequisites: REL 103 or REL 1HC or ASI 110.
REL 343. Theology of Humanity, Sexuality, and Marriage. 3 Hours
Study of theological anthropology (what it means to be human in relation to God) with historical and gender studies questions about gender, sexuality, and marriage. Topics include: scriptural and historical examinations of gender; what it means to be made in the image of God; sexuality, including LGBT+ and celibacy; states of singleness and vowed religious life; and historical/theological accounts of Christian marriage.
Prerequisites: REL 103 or ASI 110 or REL 1HC.
REL 344. Christian Marriage. 3 Hours
Analysis of the sanctifying dignity of Christian marriage as a sacrament and commitment to share in the divine creative plan.
Prerequisite(s): (ASI 110, 120 or equivalent) or (REL 103 or REL 198).
REL 352. Understanding Sacred Music in Worship in the Local Church. 3 Hours
Study of the important relationship between music and worship in the life of the individual and in the life of the corporate Christian church with an emphasis on developments in recent decades. Studies the distinction and interconnectedness of the local church (congregation) and the Institutional Church. An historical overview of music and worship with Biblical foundations is provided.
Prerequisites: REL 103 or ASI 110 or REL 1HC.
REL 355. Topics in Marianist Studies. 3 Hours
This course examines themes related to the Catholic Marianist tradition in historical and theological perspective, with a view toward application to contemporary questions.
Prerequisites: REL 103 or ASI 110 or REL 1HC.
REL 357. Peacebuilding. 3 Hours
Exploration of theories and practice of peacebuilding, including cultivation of skills in addressing violence on multiple levels. Pre-requisite: any Crossing Boundaries: Faith Traditions course.
Prerequisites: REL 103 or ASI 110 or REL 1HC.
REL 358. Liberation Theologies. 3 Hours
Study of the theology of liberation and its specific expression among theologians of the Third World, particularly Latin America.
Prerequisites: REL 103 or ASI 110 or REL 1HC.
REL 359. The Road to Hell: The Apocalypse in Classical and Contemporary Forms. 3 Hours
Study of depictions of the apocalypse in classical and contemporary literature, film, and speech with special attention to the rhetorical dimensions of those messages.
Prerequisites: ASI 110 or REL 103 or REL 1HC; CMM 100 or CMM 1OC or CMM 320 or CMM 351.
REL 360. Christian Ethics. 3 Hours
Introduction to the reflection upon Christian morality; discussion of various approaches in Christian ethics, the elements of ethical judgments, and some specific ethical issues.
Prerequisite(s):REL 103 or ASI 110 or equivalent.
REL 363. Faith & Justice. 3 Hours
Exploration of the theory and practices of Catholic social tradition in the contemporary context, with particular attention to questions of economic justice.
Prerequisites: REL 103 or ASI 110 or REL 1HC.
REL 364. Current Moral Issues. 3 Hours
An examination of one or more issues (individual and/or social) in contemporary reflection on Christian moral life. May be repeated when topic changes.
Prerequisite(s): REL 103 or ASI 110 or equivalent.
REL 365. Christian Theology and Environmental Ethics. 3 Hours
A survey of Christian theological traditions, ethical reasoning, and spiritual practices supporting a constructive response to anthropogenic ecological degradation.
Prerequisites: REL 103 or ASI 110 or REL 1HC.
REL 366. The Holocaust: Theological & Religious Responses. 3 Hours
Examination of the religious and theological literature of the Holocaust, focusing especially on Jewish and Christian responses.
Prerequisite(s): REL 103 or ASI 110 or equivalent.
REL 367. Christian Ethics & Health Care Issues. 3 Hours
Study in virtue ethics related to contemporary practices of health care. Community engaged learning is a required component of the course.
Prerequisites: (REL 103 or REL 1HC or ASI 110) and Junior standing or higher.
REL 368. Christian Ethics & the Business World. 3 Hours
Study in Christian ethics related to contemporary practices of business.
Prerequisites: REL 103 or REL 1HC or ASI 110.
REL 369. Christian Ethics and Engineering. 3 Hours
Study in theological virtue ethics using engineering design as the paradigm for practical reasoning in both technology and everyday life. Intended for junior- or senior-level standing engineering students. Is in keeping with ABET standards which require ethics instruction for students enrolled in accredited engineering programs. Practice in formulating proper ethical arguments using standard notions of (claim, reasons, warrants and backing) culminating in the construction of proper ethical argument over some contemporary engineering artifact, process or issue.
Prerequisites: REL 103 or ASI 110 or REL 1HC; junior standing.
REL 371. C.S. Lewis: Life and Christian Writings. 3 Hours
Study of the life of C.S. Lewis and a selection of his Christian writings in different genres, exploring their relevance for today.
Prerequisites: REL 103 or REL 1HC or ASI 110.
REL 372. Religion & Film. 3 Hours
Study of the multiple intersections of film and religion and theology in contemporary, American, and world cinemas.
Prerequisites: REL 103 or ASI 110 or REL 1HC.
REL 373. Religion & Literature. 3 Hours
Joint study of literature and religion, seeking the sacred in the secular, discussing the doctrines of humans and of God in major modern writings, especially those of current collegiate interest.
Prerequisite(s): REL 103 or ASI 110 or equivalent.
REL 374. Visual and Material Cultures of Religion. 3 Hours
Study of the multiple intersections between religions and visual and material cultures including art, architecture, material expressions and visual practices.
Prerequisites: REL 103 or ASI 110 or REL 1HC.
REL 375. Religion & Science. 3 Hours
Survey of the ways science has affected religion on specific doctrines, methods of knowing what is true, and general world views; study of religious response to these.
Prerequisites: REL 103 or ASI 110 or REL 1HC and any Crossing Boundaries: Faith Traditions course.
REL 376. Theology & the Social Sciences. 3 Hours
Exploration of developments in Christian theology that have paralleled or responded to the rise of the human sciences, including history, anthropology, sociology, and psychology, concerning such topics as the origin and nature of religion, belief in God, religious community, and modern secularity. Pre-requisite: any Crossing Boundaries Faith Traditions course.
Prerequisite(s): REL 103 or ASI 110 or equivalent.
REL 378. Religion, Society and Global Cinema. 3 Hours
Interdisciplinary survey of the post-World War II film movement of Italian neorealism and its influence in global cinema. Major films, directors and critical debates involving neorealism will be examined. Topics include cinema and society, religion and movies, and culture and Catholicism. (REL 103 or ASI 110 or equivalent) and any Crossing Boundaries: Faith Traditions course.
Prerequisites: REL 103 or REL 1HC or ASI 110.
REL 379. Sustaining Art and Faith. 3 Hours
Exploration of the interrelated nature of faith traditions and the art connected to those traditions in terms of how they inform and sustain each other.
Prerequisites: REL 103 or ASI 110 or REL 1HC.
REL 380. The Masters of Suspicion: Marx, Nietzsche, and Freud on Religion. 3 Hours
Analysis of Marx, Nietzsche, and Freud’s critical systems, and study of the religious, theological, and philosophical responses to them. Special focus will be paid to the effect these systems continue to have on public discourse.
Prerequisites: (REL 103 OR REL 1HC) AND (PHL 103 OR PHL 1HC); OR (ASI 110 AND ASI 120).
REL 382. Theories of Religion. 3 Hours
This course examines modern theories of religion from the 19th century to the present. It provides students with an exploration of key concepts and perspectives that inform the field of Religious Studies.
Prerequisites: REL 103 or REL 1HC or ASI 110.
REL 399. Readings in Religious Studies. 1-3 Hours
Directed readings in a specific area of interest under the supervision of a staff member. May be taken more than once. By permission only.
Prerequisite(s):REL 103 or ASI 110 or equivalent.
REL 401. Biblical Hebrew. 3 Hours
Introduction to the morphology and syntax of biblical Hebrew to facilitate the handling of basic tools and the reading of simple prose texts.
REL 402. Biblical Greek. 3 Hours
An introduction to Biblical Greek, including study of vocabulary, grammar, and syntax, in order to facilitate selective readings of New Testament texts.
REL 405. Ecclesiastical Latin. 3 Hours
Development of a basic reading knowledge of Latin as manifested in the documents of western Christianity (ca. 300 through the present). Students will learn fundamentals of Latin grammar and core vocabulary, and will read selected texts from the Vulgate and Church documents.
REL 408. Islam in the Modern World. 3 Hours
Historical and topical survey of the development of Islamic thought in the last two centuries.
Prerequisites: REL 103 or REL 1HC or ASI 110.
REL 425. Augustine. 3 Hours
Examination of the life and work of Augustine of Hippo (354-430), a major theologian of Western Christianity, including Augustine's major works. The course also considers his influences on Protestant and Catholic traditions in several areas, including sexual ethics, church-state relations, and Trinitarian and sacramental theology.
Prerequisites: (REL 103 OR REL 1HC) AND (HST 103 OR HST 1HC) AND (PHL 103 OR PHL 1HC) OR (ASI 110 AND ASI 120).
REL 429. Modern Catholicism. 3 Hours
An examination of Modern Catholicism based on a close study of the context, process, decisions, implementation, and challenges of Vatican II in the Roman Catholic Church.
Prerequisite(s): REL 103 or ASI 110 or equivalent.
REL 437. Significance of Jesus. 3 Hours
Emphasis on the identity of Jesus and on the significance that his ministry, death, and resurrection have for the salvation of humankind.
Prerequisite(s): REL 103 or ASI 110 or equivalent.
REL 440. The Church. 3 Hours
A Catholic and ecumenical study of the meaning of the Church which explores key documents of the Second Vatican Council, the meaning of vocation, and the mission of the Church in the world of today.
Prerequisites: REL 103 or REL 1HC or ASI 110 or equivalent.
REL 441. Theology of Mary. 3 Hours
Using the sources of Scripture and Sacred Tradition, and with particular reference to the documents of the Second Vatican Council (1962-65), this course is dedicated to theological reflection on the person of Mary, the Mother of God, in the context of the other central truths of the Catholic faith.
Prerequisites: REL 103 or REL 1HC or ASI 110.
REL 442. God & Atheism. 3 Hours
Study of some recent contributions made by theology, philosophy, psychology, and the humanities to the current discussion of God's existence, nature, and relationship to humanity.
Prerequisite(s): REL 103 or ASI 110 or equivalent.
REL 443. The Sacraments. 3 Hours
Study of the meaning of sacramentality. The sacraments in the context of Christ as the sacrament of the human encounter with God and in the context of the Church as the sacrament of Christ. Personal, ecclesial, and ethical dimensions of sacraments. Theological and Ritual Studies methodologies.
Prerequisites: REL 103 or ASI 110 or equivalent.
REL 444. God in Christian Tradition. 3 Hours
Review of theologies of God in Christian tradition, from biblical through contemporary sources, especially as these theologies have affected overall Catholic thought and spirituality.
Prerequisite(s): REL 103 or ASI 110 or equivalent.
REL 446. Christian Liturgy. 3 Hours
Study of the basic principles of liturgy, the development of some of the basic forms of liturgy, and applications of the principles within current rites.
Prerequisite(s): REL 103 or ASI 110 or equivalent.
REL 447. Selected Catholic Doctrines. 3-4 Hours
Detailed study of several important current theological questions primarily from a Catholic systematic and historical perspective.
Prerequisite(s): REL 103 or ASI 110 or equivalent.
REL 449. Aquinas. 3 Hours
Theology of Aquinas including: Trinity, human nature, providence, grace, virtue, Christ, and sacraments. Some attention given to historical context and contemporary interpretation, but the main focus will be reading and understanding the Summa.
Prerequisite(s):REL 103 or ASI 110 or equivalent.
REL 457. Living as Marianist Student Communities. 3 Hours
Study of Marianist founders and charism through the disciplines of history and theology as well as interdisciplinary fields such as Marianist studies, peace and justice studies, and human rights studies; only for those living in a Marianist Student Community. Students attend the course all year (meeting once per week for an hour) but officially register for the course in either fall or spring to best suit their scheduling needs.
Prerequisites: REL 103 or ASI 110 or equivalent and Permission of instructor required.
REL 471. Women & Religion. 3 Hours
Examination of the impact of the women's movement on Judaism, Christianity, and other major world religions. Survey of traditional religious attitudes toward women. Relevance of feminist approaches to scripture, ethics, spirituality, and ministry in understanding contemporary global issues.
Prerequisite(s): REL 103 or ASI 110 or equivalent.
REL 472. Ecology & Religion. 3 Hours
Examination of the relationship between religion and ecology; bridges the contributions of traditional theological inquiry and modern scientific insights and offers an enlarged vision of ecological concerns.
Prerequisite(s): REL 103 or ASI 110 or equivalent.
REL 474. Women & the Global Church. 3 Hours
An exploration of the intersection between faith communities, traditional and non-traditional, and particular cultures in the lives of contemporary women.
Prerequisite(s): REL 103 or ASI 110 or equivalent.
REL 475. Theology of Inculturation. 3 Hours
Interdisciplinary examination of the Christian understanding of the relationship between the local and universal Church, with an emphasis on the incarnation of Christian faith in local cultures; examination of inculturation in the context of the shift of worldwide Christianity to the Global South (Latin America, Africa, Asia).
Prerequisites: REL 103 or ASI 110 or equivalent.
REL 477. Honors Thesis Project. 3 Hours
First of two courses leading to the selection, design, investigation, and completion of an independent, original Honors Thesis project under the guidance of a faculty research advisor. Restricted to students in the University Honors Program with permission of the program director and department chairperson. Students pursuing an interdisciplinary thesis topic may register for three semester hours each in two separate disciplines in consultation with the department chairpersons. Prerequisite(s): Approval of University Honors Program.
REL 478. Honors Thesis Project. 3 Hours
Second of two courses leading to the selection, design, investigation, and completion of an independent, original Honors Thesis project under the guidance of a faculty research advisor. Restricted to students in the University Honors Program with permission of the program director and department chairperson. Students pursuing an interdisciplinary thesis topic may register for three semester hours each in two separate disciplines in consultation with the department chairpersons. Prerequisite(s): Approved 477; approval of University Honors Program.
REL 485. Lay Ministry. 3 Hours
Critical examination of lay ministry and its theological basis, in light of Vatican II and recent trends in the world and Church. Special topics: family ministry, ministry in the marketplace, leadership, evangelization, catechesis, women, social justice. Prerequisite(s): REL 103 or ASI 110 or equivalent.
REL 488. Spirituality & Religious Education. 3 Hours
Exploration of impact of liturgy and spirituality on contemporary models of religious education; study of interrelationship between faith experience and religious content; basic principles for developing practical programs.
Prerequisite(s):REL 103 or ASI 110 or equivalent.
REL 490. Capstone Seminar. 3 Hours
Integrative academic experience focused on student-produced research and scholarship in various fields of religious/theological studies. Required of all REL majors, open to REL minors. Must have 24 credits including one 400 level REL course.
Prerequisites: REL 103 or ASI 110 or REL 1HC, 24 additional REL credits including one 400-level REL course.
REL 491. Philosophical Theology. 3 Hours
Until late in the modern period, philosophy was understood to be an important constitutive component of theological thinking. The past four centuries years have witnessed the steady bifurcation of theology and philosophy into distinct academic disciplines. However, this has not altered the conceptual interdependence of philosophy upon theology and theology upon philosophy. This course aims particularly at developing budding theologians’ dependence upon philosophical history and concepts for doing theology well.
Prerequisites: Completion of all 100-level CAP components met (eg, REL 130 + PHL 103; Or ASI 110-120) AND completion of 200-level CAP component met.
REL 492. Special Topics. 1-3 Hours
Concentrated study of issues and subjects pertinent to religion. May be repeated when topic changes.
Prerequisite(s):REL 103 or ASI 110 or equivalent.