Religious Studies, Theology & Philosophy

What is Philosophy? This question seems like any other, yet we are forced to admit that is has no answer, and that perhaps it can never be definitively answered. It is an inescapable fact that all thinking emerges out of a world not of its own making. Like the dawn that follows dusk, philosophy understands reality only after the event. This course traces the history of philosophy as a sustained reflection on that paradox. In this course we will read and critically discuss some of the major tests, arguments and figures that have shaped the self-understanding of the world in which we live. Representative figures may include Plato, Aristotle, Epicurus, Epictetus, St. Augustine, St. Anselm, Aquinas, Descartes, Hume, Kant, Hegel, Nietzsche, James, Wittgenstein, and Kuhn.

Prerequisite(s): Grade of C or better in EN111, its equivalent, or EN221.

PL290 will provide students a historical survey of the major political philosophers of the Western tradition from Plato to Rawls by way of exposition and analysis of primary readings representing classical Greece, the Renaissance, the social contract tradition, Marxism and liberalism. Authors read include Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Marx, and Rawls.

Inspired by Socrates’ dictum that “The unexamined life is not worth living,” this course will engage students in a critical discussion of major philosophical themes central to the morally good life: the relation between ethical reasoning and the world’s major religious traditions; the importance of character and the moral personality; the nature of virtue and its relation to happiness; ethical criteria for moral actions; and relation of ethics to politics, the role of the individual in society. Readings will include selections from ethical literature of both East and West as represented by such thinkers as Confucius, Lao Tzu, Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas, Kant, Kierkegaard, Mill, Nietzsche, Sartre, Camus, Rawls, and MacIntyre.

Prerequisite(s): 3 credits as required to meet the current General Education requirements in either philosophy or religious studies; PL245 strongly recommended.

This course provides a basic introduction to the main ideas, debates, and traditions in the history of Western ethical and moral philosophy, especially as applied to medical practice, biotechnology, and environmental issues. Lectures and group discussions apply various ethical traditions to actual and hypothetical cases. Topics could include decision making at the beginning and end of human life; patient’s rights and professionals’ duties; ethical issues raised by biotechnologies; the environmental determinants of health; and the ethical value of sentient animals, all living things, species, and ecosystems.

Prerequisite(s): 3 credits as required to meet the current General Education requirements in either philosophy or religious studies; PL245 strongly recommended.

This course will examine the status of women as defined by traditional religion and as reconstructed by feminist theological work. Students will explore the roles of women within the following major religions of the world: Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, as well as within new religious movements, including Wicca. Ths course is cross-listed with WS201.

This course offers students an overview of significant themes of the bible. It will examine the historical, literary and theological formation of selected biblical texts and their impact on both the ancient communities and the world today. The class will include a summary of Israel’s geographical, cultural and political history and its association with other ancient Near Eastern nations. It will also provide a study of chosen New Testament texts that will afford an understanding of the growth and challenges of early Christian communities.

In this course, the student will investigate selected passages from the Bible that affect or pertain to women. The student will study these texts and traditions from the viewpoint of feminist biblical scholarship. The study will include an introduction to the methodology of feminist hermeneutics, theological traditions about women, as well as a careful study of chosen narratives, speeches, dialogues and prayers about or by women in the Bible. Applicable to Women’s Studies minor. This course is cross-listed with WS213.

An introductory course allowing students to survey and update their understanding of Christianity’s basic beliefs and insights. Drawing upon contemporary theological research, the central truths of the Christian experience are explained and analyzed.

This course invites the student to enter into an experience of a particular dimension of spirituality, rather than studying it from a distance. Thus, the student will be asked to actively participate in the topic so as to learn from the inside-out. While there will be academic assignments, there will be an emphasis on experiencing the topic. This course may be repeated if the topic is different. 1 hour lecture.

Prerequisite(s): RS208 or RS220.

In this course we examine both official Catholic social teaching (CST) and non-official Catholic social thought and action from the late 19th century to the present. Emphasis is placed on the ways in which the Catholic social-justice tradition has developed in response to social praxis within the wider church as well as to secular currents of thought, social movements and world events.

This course will provide an introduction to the Christian tradition with references to its relation, engagement, and dialogue with other major world religious traditions. We will begin with a treatment of ancient Judaism and the story of Christianity, followed by an exploration of Rabbinical Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism. We will learn about the central tenets, history, and practices of these religious traditions with references to interfaith movement.

This course offers the student an opportunity to explore various areas in religious studies. The topic will be studied for the entire semester. This course may be repeated by students as different topics are presented. This course is cross-listed with TH537.

A study of Johannine theological tradition as manifested in the fourth Gospel. The principal Johannine texts are examined in their historical context as witnesses of the Christian faith. Relevancy to contemporary Christian life is also indicated. This course is cross-listed with TH613.

This course provides a biblical, historical, and theological understanding of the nature and life of the Christian community. It will focus on the Roman Catholic Church, its origins, development, and contemporary life. The course pays particular attention to the Second Vatican Council as a watershed moment in the life of the church and to subsequent theological interpretations and movements within the church. This course is cross-listed with TH533.

Study of religious questions surrounding the notions of signs and symbols as expressions for the experience of the Transcendent. Exploration of the way in which signs can effectively render present to the individual what they signify. Focus of the study: Sacramental theology in the Catholic Tradition. This course is cross-listed with TH551.

An exploration of different conceptions of nature/creation, the human place/role in the universe, and what it means to care for God's good creation. Case studies explore both particular environmental issues/problems and relationships between theology, science, ethics, and public policy. Alternative proposals for constructing more just, sustainable communities are studied and critically evaluated.

Prerequisite(s): RS208, RS213, RS220, or RS260.

This course explores the major sources, methods and insights of Christian theological and social ethics. The study will focus on foundational sources and questions in Christian ethics and examine the moral significance of major theological claims and themes. Particular attention is given to Roman Catholic thought. It will show how these foundational theological themes and teachings guide ethical understanding for living an integrated just moral life with bearing on contemporary moral issues.

Prerequisite(s): 3 credits as required to meet the current General Education requirements in either philosophy or religious studies.

In this course, we examine both official Catholic social teaching (CST) and non-official Catholic social thought and action from the late 19th century to the present. The course focuses on CST about justice, the human person in community, the role of government, economics, and global development. Emphasis is placed on the ways in which the Catholic social-justice tradition has developed in response to social praxis within the wider church as well as to secular currents of thought, social movements and world events.

Prerequisite(s): 3 credits as required to meet the current General Education requirements in either philosophy or religious studies.

An examination of the major themes in the dominant traditions of the Asian cultural sphere (Hinduism, Buddhism, Chinese religions). A study of the diversity of historical religious traditions aims at developing a fuller appreciation of the sacred dimension in human experience. Applicable to International Area Studies minor.

This course will study comparatively the three sibling religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Students will explore the history and development of each tradition from the ancient through the modern period. In the latter part of the course, focus will be on the comparative study of major elements of these traditions such as the concept of God, worship and ritual, ethics, and theories of religion and the political order.

This course will examine the history and experience of African American religious traditions. Starting from the foundational premise that diversity of experience leads to diversity of religious expression, this course will explore major developments in the history of African American religions and the ways different traditions (e.g., Christianity, Islam, etc.) have engaged the African American community. By reading texts from within these traditions, this course will examine the way different faith traditions engage the themes of religious experience, diversity, and racism/antiracism.

Prerequisite(s): RS208, RS213, RS220, or RS260.

Intensive study in a particular area of theological thought (i.e., Scripture, theology, ethics, etc.) selected by participating students in consultation with department faculty members. Open to majors, minors, and other qualified students.

An intensive study of a particular area, theme or concern of religious studies selected by the student with the consent of a department member. Offered on application.

A course designed to offer the student a unique opportunity to go beyond the study of Scripture in the printed word. The student will visit biblical sites, archeological excavations and museums that feature ancient treasures. Further, exposure to the citizens of the land presents an occasion for the student to develop a greater awareness of other cultures, traditions and religions. Time and credit to be arranged.

An in-depth examination of selected themes in the New Testament. Explore the influences of Judaism, Hellenism and other contemporary factors on the development of New Testament texts. Examine selected texts for their contribution to the early Christian Church and their relationship to each other. This course is cross-listed with TH502 and TH624.

This course provides an advanced study of scholarly approaches to theological texts, current concepts in the literature, methods used by various schools of thought, and proper tools for research. This course is cross-listed with TH500.

An in-depth examination of selected themes, from pre-exilic Hebrew scripture, in light of literary and historical formation of the texts. Includes an overview of Israel’s history; the cultural, political, and religious circumstances that influence the authors; and an overall presentation of a God who creates, protects, and loves the world as well as the response of the community. Selected themes include an in-depth review of the materials in Genesis and Exodus, as well as a look at sections of the Book of Judges, 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, Amos, Micah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Psalms. This course is cross-listed with TH501.

This course traces Christian thought and teachings concerning the nature and identity of Jesus Christ from the biblical period, through the formation of Christian doctrine in the early councils, to subsequent interpretations of Jesus through the present day. This course is cross-listed with TH531.

Students work under the guidance of a faculty member to develop a research project or create an applied, real world project in the community pertaining to a social justice issue. Number of hours of coursework to be determined in relation to number of course credits. Offered on application. Course may be retaken up to 6 credits.

Prerequisite(s): Permission of the chairperson or instructor.

A consideration of what helps or hinders religious development and the responsibility of Church to foster growth in faith. An examination of the various theological, philosophical, and educational models that inform the foundations of religious formation. Criteria for evaluating appropriate models of religious formation will be discussed. This course is cross-listed with TH650.

This course examines the intersectionality of religious and/or spiritual identity and clinical mental health diagnosis from theoretical, philosophical, and developmental frameworks. In addition, students will explore trauma treatment that accounts for other identities (e.g, gender, age, sexual orientation, race, and culture), with an emphasis on clinical application and professional limits. (Not offered every year). This course is cross-listed with TH651.

Explore the nature, purpose, and function of Church law, using practical and pastoral applications in the Church. Special attention will be given to the role of basic canonical principles in the lives of members of the Catholic Church. This course is cross-listed with TH552.

This course explores the historical, philosophical and pastoral approaches to the basis of ministry. We will look at the sources for each of these within Scripture and the Church's tradition. The practice of the believing community will play an important part in our examination of the formation of the ministerial and pastoral activities in Christianity. We will examine the intellectual frameworks which have shaped various theologies of ministry, both Catholic and Reformed. This course is cross-listed with TH556.