Theology and Religious Studies Minor

Theology and Religious Studies Minor

Our program is designed for students who are fascinated by big questions and how humans have responded to them, throughout history and worldwide. 

We will prepare you to systematically and critically analyze a wide range of theological perspectives and ethical questions that are central to the formation of religious identity. As a Theology and Religious Studies minor, you will have the opportunity to explore many facets of the Christian tradition—biblically, historically, theologically, ethically, and aesthetically—and a wide array of world religions. In our increasingly diverse nation and globalizing world, it is crucial that responsible citizens and future leaders understand the beliefs of our neighbors and dialogue partners. 

Our outstanding, attentive faculty will guide you through the myriad dimensions of religion in culture, particularly courses that focus on the intersections of religion and critical issues of gender, race, and economics. And as a Hispanic Serving Institution, we offer courses that explore dimensions of Latinx religious experience and spirituality.

Graduates of our program are critical thinkers with a passion for the people. You will be well-equipped for a future in academia, ministry, public service, and so much more.

 

Learn More About Our Program

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Theology & Religious Studies, Minor

Requirements

Christian Foundations

  • Take TRS 281, or if you are a transfer student with 30+ units upon admission, take any TRS course numbered between 380 and 389.
  • Christian Foundations (3 units)
  • Or for transfer students, take one of the following:
  • Great Themes (4 units)
  • The Bible & Economic Justice (4 units)
  • Development of Doctrine (4 units)
  • Reading the Bible Through the Ages (4 units)
  • Catholic Social Teaching (4 units)
  • The Bible & World Religions (4 units)
  • Visual Theology (4 units)
  • Women and the Bible (4 units)
  • Reading the Bible Latinamente (4 units)
  • MLK & the Bible (4 units)

Theories, Methods & Explorations

  • Take either TRS-429 or TRS-479, PLUS at least one more 400-level TRS course. (We encourage you to strive to take as many 400-level classes as possible.)
  • Complete both of the following groups:

Group 1

  • Foundations of Theology (4 units)
  • OR
  • Theory and Method in the Study of Religion (4 units)

Group 2

  • Take 1
  • Studies in the Synoptic Gospels (4 units)
  • Reading the Bible Through the Ages (4 units)
  • Foundations of Theology (4 units)
  • Christianity & Interreligious Dialogue (3 units)
  • Theory and Method in the Study of Religion (4 units)
  • TRS Internship (1-4 units)
  • TRS Capstone (3 units)
  • TRS Independent Study (1-4 units)

Electives

  • Select from the rich array of courses in TRS to reach a total of at least 18 units of coursework for the minor.
  • Christian Foundations (3 units)
  • Topics: Study of Scripture (3 units)
  • The Pentateuch (3 units)
  • Narrating Jesus (3 units)
  • The Gospel of John (3 units)
  • Jesus and His Teaching (3 units)
  • Paul's Letters and Legacy (3 units)
  • The Bible & Economic Justice (3 units)
  • The Bible and Econ Justice EL (1 units)
  • Women and the Bible (3 units)
  • Apocalypse and Eschatology (3 units)
  • Topics in Christian History (3 units)
  • Origins of Christianity (3 units)
  • Medieval Christianity (3 units)
  • Reformations (3 units)
  • The Enlightenment & Modernity (3 units)
  • Christian History in the U.S. (3 units)
  • Great Theologians (3 units)
  • The Second Vatican Council (3 units)
  • Topics in Systematic Theology (3 units)
  • Belief and Unbelief (3 units)
  • Revelation & Christology (3 units)
  • The Trinity (3 units)
  • Theology of Christian Worship (3 units)
  • The Catholic Imagination (3 units)
  • Vatican, Nazis, & Common Good (3 units)
  • Colonialism, Race, and Relig (3 units)
  • Theologies of Liberation (3 units)
  • Theology After the Holocaust (3 units)
  • Our Lady of Guadalupe (3 units)
  • Our Lady of Guadalupe EL (1 units)
  • Latinx Religious Exp./Theology (3 units)
  • Latinx Spirituality (3 units)
  • Afro-Latinx Theology (3 units)
  • Hispanic Ministry (3 units)
  • Topics: Christian Ethics (3 units)
  • Christian Ethics (3 units)
  • Christian Ethics EL (1 units)
  • Medical Ethics (3 units)
  • Catholic Social Teaching (3 units)
  • Catholic Social Teaching EL (1 units)
  • Virtues and Vices (3 units)
  • Tensions in Catholic Ethics (3 units)
  • Topics: World Religions (3 units)
  • Judaism (3 units)
  • Islam: Beliefs and Practices (3 units)
  • Asian Religions (3 units)
  • Hinduism (3 units)
  • Buddhism (3 units)
  • Religions of India (3 units)
  • Topics in Religion & the Arts (3 units)
  • Theology and Literature (3 units)
  • Theology, Religion, & Film (3 units)
  • Visual Theology (3 units)
  • Christian Spirituality (3 units)
  • Spiritual, Not Religious (3 units)
  • Life Stories and Theology (3 units)
  • Christian Art: Rome (1 units)
  • Topics in Religion & Culture (3 units)
  • Gender & Religion (3 units)
  • Spirituality in Practice (3 units)
  • Sociology of Religion (3 units)
  • Great Themes (4 units)
  • The Bible & Economic Justice (4 units)
  • Development of Doctrine (4 units)
  • Bible Through the Ages (4 units)
  • Catholic Social Teaching (4 units)
  • Bible & World Religions (4 units)
  • Visual Theology (4 units)
  • Women and the Bible (4 units)
  • Reading Latinamente (4 units)
  • MLK & the Bible (4 units)
  • Studies in the Gospels (4 units)
  • The Bible Through the Ages (4 units)
  • Foundations of Theology (4 units)
  • Interreligious Dialogue (3 units)
  • Theory and Method (4 units)
  • TRS Internship (1-4 units)
  • TRS Capstone (3 units)
  • TRS Independent Study (1-4 units)
  • Vocation & Spirituality of the (3 units)
  • Liturgy Sacraments Faith Form (3 units)