Plan of Study – Religious Studies

A survey of Christianity, its origins, teachings, customs, and rituals, as well as its historical highlights and impact on world beliefs, with special emphasis on how the life of St. Francis of Assisi exemplifies Franciscan values.

This course is an introduction to the major non-Christian religions of the world, to include but not restricted to Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism, this course will examine each religion's hostory and major beliefs in relation to Christianity and Catholicism.

A survey of the major religious traditions of Asia, including Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism, Buddhism, Inner Asian Shamanism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Shinto; their historical backgrounds, cultural contexts, beliefs, meanings, values, and customs.

Study of the doctrines, practices, and persons formed by and reflective of the Catholic tradition in history and in the Vatican II ecumenical experience, and particularly as epitomized in St. Francis of Assisi and in Franciscan values.

An in-depth study of the Hebrew Scriptures, from the Pentateuch to the historical writings, with special focus on major historical events that form the foundation of Judaism, and Old Testament theological themes of creation, election, exodus, covenant, exile, monotheism, and fidelity.

A study of the Books of the Prophets and the Wisdom and Deuterocanonical Literature, with an emphasis on their historical background, role in the development of Judaism, and theological significance. Particular focus on Old Testament themes of election, covenant, exile, monotheism, faithfulness, and justice.

A study of the historical development and foundations of the four Gospels, with special focus on themes and theological perspectives unique to each and on the distinctive approaches of the four evangelists to the life, message, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

A study of the development of the Christian Church in the first century A.D., of the epistles that reflect its unique concerns, and of the historical background, symbolism, and theology of the Book of Revelation.

Examination of significant themes of Catholic Social Teaching (including the dignity of the human person; social, political, and economic life; justice and peace; and care for the environment) and Franciscan values through a study of Church documents and the witness of St. Francis of Assisi. Focus on the implications of Catholic social justice teachings for the shaping of social institutions and policies.

Study of the Christian experience of the relationship between God and God’s people as reflected in the history of the Christian religion. Examination of the major schools and figures that have contributed to Christian approaches to union with God through the practice of the Christian life, prayer, mysticism, and contemplation.

Overview of the historical, theological, spiritual, and cultural aspects of the Christian worship of God with a focus on the meaning of Christian prayer, symbols, and ritual. Includes an examination of the biblical roots and development of the seven sacraments of the Church.

The captone project of the Religious Studies major reflects the student's concentration and goals. It takes the form of a thesis in theology, a summary of and reflection upon a ministry experience, or a synthesis of a significant focus/theme in the academic program. The project is selected in consultation with the student's RST advisor and is designed to integrate Religious Studies course content and achievement of program outcomes.

A study of the biblical foundations, theology, history, and development of the Christian concept of “ministry” or service with focus on the apostolate and contributions of the laity in the life of the Church, the priestly ministry, and lay ecclesial ministry.

Introduction to the field of pastoral care and counseling. A presentation of theological, pastoral, and psychological foundations of pastoral care and counseling; investigation of skills and techniques for this special type of caregiving; and analysis of various areas of need typically encountered by those involved in pastoral ministry.

Examination of the theology of Church: its nature, founding, authority, scriptural foundations and background, its communal structure, sacramental nature, salvific purpose, relation to the Incarnation, Mary, and the Eucharist, and the role of the laity.

An exploration of the person of Christ and his salvific mission, tracing the development of christological thought over the centuries, through the biblical materials, the work of theologians, conciliar decisions, modern and contemporary discussions, and ecumenical dialogue.

Explores questions about human identity, authenticity, meaning, love, purpose, and freedom. Examines a variety of schools of thought, including those categorized as “personalist".

Beginning with the question, “What is (a) religion?” examines the meaning of religion from etymological, philosophical, and socio-cultural perspectives. Exploration of: 1) the meaning of “God” in the context of arguments for the existence of God; 2) common or universal features of the doctrine of God; 3) the relationship between reason and faith; and 4) conceptions of ultimate reality and of ultimate human fulfillment characteristic of religions.

Introduces students to the practice, meaning, and purpose of the discipline that “originates in wonder.” Explores questions, concepts, arguments, and schools of thought characteristic of the philosophical tradition.

Instruction and practice in the establishment of rapport with individuals through the use of empathic listening skills. The material is presented in the context of developing a helping relationship.