course descriptions
Prerequisite Grade
Theology & Religious Studies 01 is a prerequisite for any upper division Theology and Religious Studies course; however, only a passing grade in TRS 01 is required, not a minimum grade of C-.
Lower Division
01 Introduction to Biblical Literature
An exploration of the Bible as a whole, its basic contents and contexts, and the various critical methods of interpretation used to understand it.
Upper Division
Christian History
100 Topics in Christian History
An investigation of a topic in Christian history not covered by the regular offerings of the department. Topics are announced prior to registration each semester. Prerequisite: TRS 01.
101 Origins and Development
The Christian religion begins its story with only a few dozen followers of a crucified man in the first century – backwater, uneducated, and unlikely to survive very long in a Mediterranean world dominated by much more powerful religious systems. Yet, within less than three centuries, Christianity would overwhelm the Roman Empire and beyond, building an elaborate theological and ecclesiastical system that would last until the present day. This course examines the rise of this Christian movement, focusing on such topics as Gnosticism, martyrdom, and the development of Christian ideas about Jesus. Prerequisite: TRS 01.
102 The Middle Ages
The European Middle Ages was a world dominated by monks, popes, and mystics. Life was an uninterrupted struggle between heaven and hell, life and death, priests and kings. This course is an introduction to the major figures,
events, and movements of this period from the fall of Rome to the dawn of modernity. Students will have the opportunity to explore the great pillars of medieval religion – monasticism, papalism, theology, and mysticism – as well as delve into the darker side of the Crusades and the burning of heretics. Prerequisite: TRS 01.
103 Reformations
Every age of Christian history has been marked by the call for religious reform – renewing both the personal lives of each believer and the institutional structures that endure through the centuries. However, such a universal passion for reform took on special importance in the 15th and 16th centuries, a period that has come to be known as The Reformation. This course explores the variety of reforming voices, Protestant and Catholic, that shaped the future of Christianity, giving special attention to the major theological and political issues that dominated the time. Prerequisite: TRS 01.
104 Challenge of Modernity
A study of the life and faith of the Christian community as it faced the challenges of the Enlightenment and the upheavals of the French Revolution. Prerequisite: TRS 01.
105 History of the Church
A study of the life and faith of the Christian community from New Testament times to the present. Prerequisite: TRS 01.
Scripture
110 Topics in the Study of Scripture
An investigation of a topic in Scripture not covered by the regular offerings of the department. Topics are announced prior to registration each semester. May be repeated for credit when content changes. Prerequisite: TRS 01.
111 The Pentateuch
A study of the first five books of the Bible, the history of their composition, and their theological contributions to Judaism and Christianity. Prerequisite: TRS 01.
114 The Gospel of Mark
A close study of the Gospel of Mark with an emphasis on its literary, historical, social, and political background. Prerequisite: TRS 01.
115 Jesus and His Teaching
An exploration of teachings attributed to Jesus in the Synoptic Gospels (e.g., the Sermon on the Mount, parables, and other memorable statements), emphasizing the ways in which Jesus’ statements have been interpreted and appropriated. Prerequisite: TRS 01.
116 Paul’s Letters and Legacy
An in-depth examination of the letters of Paul, focusing on the mission and message of the apostle in his Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts. Students develop a broad understanding of the apostle’s work and thought, as well as an appreciation for the historic and continuing impact of these documents. Prerequisite: TRS 01.
117 Wealth and Poverty in the Bible
Explores biblical and theological perspectives and values on wealth, poverty, and economic justice, paying particular attention to potential implications those issues may have for the contemporary Christian community and wider society. Prerequisite: TRS 01.
119 The Apocalyptic Impulse: Literature and Legacy
An exploration of the Book of Revelation as well as other early Jewish and Christian apocalyptic literature not included in the biblical canon, seeking to understand the social and historical contexts that gave rise to these writings, how the documents functioned for their original readers, and the ways this literature has been understood and appropriated in various times and places during Christian history. Prerequisite: TRS 01.
Contemporary Christian Thought
120 Topics in Contemporary Christian Thought
An investigation of an area of Christian Thought not covered by the regular offerings of the department. May be repeated for credit when content changes. Prerequisite: TRS 01.
121 Belief and Unbelief
An investigation, theoretical and existential, of the challenge of faith today. Prerequisite: TRS 01.
122 Jesus: The Person and the Myth
This course examines the traditional sources of the Christian community’s understanding of Jesus of Nazareth in the light of contemporary concerns and critiques. Prerequisite: TRS 01.
123 Sex and the Spirit
An exploration of a contested area in Christian thought today, setting traditional understandings in dialogue with contemporary concerns and critiques. Prerequisite: TRS 01.
124 War and Violence
This course provides a brief overview of Christian attitudes toward war, and then explores current authors, with the aim of stimulating students to arriving at a considered and responsible position. Prerequisite: TRS 01.
125 Women in the Christian Tradition
An introduction to the major themes and tensions that shape the study of women in the Christian tradition. Prerequisite: TRS 01.
Sacraments & Spirituality
130 Topics in Spirituality
An investigation of a topic in spirituality not covered by the regular offerings of the department. Topics are announced prior to registration each semester. May be repeated for credit when content changes. Prerequisite: TRS 01.
131 Christian Spirituality
An investigation of the theoretical and practical problem of how to live authentically today in the light of the gospel of Jesus. Prerequisite: TRS 01.
132 Sexuality, Marriage and Family: A Catholic Perspective
A presentation of the teaching of the Church on all aspects of sexuality, marriage and family. Prerequisite: TRS 01.
133 Life Stories and Theology
Uses narratives of exemplary lives, ancient and modern, Christian and non-Christian, as a tool to investigate the task of authentic existence today in the light of the gospel. Prerequisite: TRS 01.
134 The Catholic Imagination
Catholicism is much more than a set or intellectual propositions. The doctrine of the church grows out of a faith experience and a worldview that is rich and deeply fascinating. That worldview includes the stories of scripture and the symbolism of the sacramental tradition. It includes the mystical experience of women and men of prayer as well as art, music, poetry, and fiction. This course invites students into a comprehensive study of the Catholic imagination. Prerequisite: TRS 01.
Ethics
140 Topics in Christian Ethics
An investigation of a topic in Ethics not covered by the regular offerings of the department. Topics are announced prior to registration each semester. May be repeated for credit when content changes. Prerequisite: TRS 01.
141 Christian Ethics
This course examines the principles and norms by which choices lead to morally good or bad actions, in the light of contemporary issues and critiques, and with special attention to the Catholic tradition. Prerequisite: TRS 01.
142 Medical Ethics
Explores the relation between religious and moral values and the choices we as individuals and as a society make about health care. Prerequisite: TRS 01.
143 Catholic Social Teachings
Explores the Catholic approach to questions of social justice (e.g., the problems of poverty, exploitation, and racism). Prerequisite: TRS 01.
World Religions
150 Topics in World Religions
An investigation of a topic in World Religions not covered by the regular offerings of the department. Topics are announced prior to registration each semester. May be repeated for credit when content changes. Prerequisite: TRS 01.
151 Introduction to Judaism
This course investigates the evolution of Jewish thought, worship, traditions, theology, and history. Prerequisite: TRS 01.
152 Islam: Beliefs and Practices
This courses provides students with an understanding of Muslim beliefs, practices, and cultural heritage. Prerequisite: TRS 01.
153 Eastern Religions
An examination of some of the world’s major Eastern traditions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism), either singly or in concert. Prerequisite: TRS 01.
154 Hinduism
This course examines the cultural/religious phenomenon of “Hinduism” in a number of its ancient and modern forms by examining how it has developed in the context of historical forces and responded to the modern world as it adapts to a global setting. It examines dimensions of Hindu theology and philosophy; the role of deities, temples, and cultural practices; investigates central myths, much-loved stories, global gurus, and Bollywood films. Prerequisite: TRS 01.
155 Buddhism
This course examines the history, thought, and practice of Buddhism by studying the enduring themes and cultural adaptations of its main schools through primary and secondary texts, art, video/audio, and fieldtrips. Prerequisite: TRS 01.
156 Religions of India
The course focuses on the religious traditions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, and Sikhism and examines their interaction in historical context and contemporary India. Prerequisite: TRS 01.
157 Pluralism and Interreligious Dialogue
This course proceeds under the assumption that various of the world's religions are similar in enough ways to make some comparison possible and different enough to make it interesting. The history, prospects, and limitations of interreligious dialogue are considered within the context of an increasingly pluralistic world. . Prerequisite: TRS 01.
Religion & Culture
160 Topics in Religion and Culture
An investigation of a topic of religion and culture not covered by the regular offerings of the department. Topics are announced prior to each semester. May be repeated for credit when content changes. Prerequisite: TRS 01.
161 Religion and Literature
An exploration of the rich relationship between literary productions and religious commitment. Prerequisite: TRS 01.
162 Biblical Themes in Literature
Religious and biblical themes are woven into important works of modern American fiction. This course usually features a critical reading of biblical texts like Genesis, Exodus, and Maccabees followed be a reading of plays and novels like Inherit the Wind, A Different Drummer, and The Chosen. Prerequisite: TRS 01.
164 Dante and The Divine Comedy
This course offers an in-depth spiritual and literary exploration of one of the greatest works of world literature: Dante's Divine Comedy. Prerequisite: TRS 01.
167 Seeing Salvation: Christian Art and Architecture
This course examines the buildings, paintings, and sculptures that Christian artists over the centuries have created in their attempts to give visible embodiment to their religious experiences. The course will focus on what their creations reveal of how they understood the gospel, how well they gave expression to the deepest longings of the human heart, and the influence of their creations on our understanding of the Christian faith. Prerequisite: TRS 01.
197 Special Study
An independent study or research course for students whose needs are not met by the regular course offerings of the department. Permission of the department chair and instructor required. Prerequisite: TRS 01.
198 Special Study—Honors
An independent study or research course for upper division majors with at least a B average in Theology and Religious Studies. Permission of the department chair and instructor required.
