Plan of Study – Religious Studies

Note: A Semester Hour (s.h.) is a unit of academic credit representing an hour of class (such as lecture class) or three hours of laboratory work each week for an academic semester. Most courses are two, three or four semester hours.

Religious Studies: Minor

Minor Courses (Minimum of 21 semester hours required.)

RST 1330/1500 Option (Minimum of 3 semester hours required. Choose from: RST 1330 and RST 1500.)

RST 1330 Survey of Christianity (3 s.h.)

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.

RST 1500 Catholicism (3 s.h.)

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.

RST 1450/1460 Option (Minimum of 3 semester hours required. Choose from: RST 1450 and RST 1460.)

RST 1450 Survey of Western Religions (3 s.h.)

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.

RST 1460 Survey of Eastern Religions (3 s.h.)

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.

RST 2240/3150 Option (Minmium of 3 semester hours required. Choose from: RST 2240 and RST 3150.)

RST 2240 Theology of Ministry (3 s.h.)

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.

RST 3150 Christian Spirituality (3 s.h.)

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.

RST 2560 Old Testament: Torah and Historical Writings (3 s.h.)

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.

RST 2580 New Testament: The Four Gospels (3 s.h.)

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.

RST 2990/3610 Option (Minimum of 3 semester hours required. Choose from: RST 2990 and RST 3610.)

RST 2990 Catholic Social Teaching for the 21 st Century (3 s.h.)

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.

RST 3610 Pastoral Counseling (3 s.h.)

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.

RST 3490 Worship and Sacraments (3 s.h.)

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.

Recommended Support Courses

Recommended Spprt Courses

SW 2160 Empathy Listening Skills (SOC/SW*) (1 s.h.)

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.

Required Support Courses

Support Course (Minimum of 3 semester hours required.)

PHL 1010 Introduction to Philosophy (3 s.h.)

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.