Religious Studies Courses

The Study of Jewish Scriptures - Several important themes are discussed. The History of Yahweh's Covenant to Israel as a loving, involved, forgiving Father serves as a model for the students' personal relationship with Him. The freedom with which the Israelites responded to God's Law emphasizes the importance of the students' own ethical choices, and Israel's lack of trust in God serves as a model for our own human frailty and need for repentance. The students use a text supplemented by numerous selections from the Bible and are expected to recall the course of events that make up Salvation History. This course also has two other components. There will be an introduction to religion in which the nature and function of religion will be examined through a study of some of the major religions of the world. There will also be a sex education component, which examines the basic biology and morality of sexuality.

Required

Prerequisite
None

This introductory course traces the development of the Jesus tradition. From the earthly ministry of Jesus, through the proclamation of the early community, to the written sources of the early church. A critical examination of selected scriptures for their meaning and relevance should provide a clearer understanding of the historical Jesus and the requirements for Christian discipleship. A consideration of the sacraments as the faith community's ritual remembrance and reenactment of the saving acts of Jesus attempts to make present and relevant the graciousness of our God.

Required

Prerequisite
none

The course is designed to identify basic historical periods (e.g. Early Church, Medieval Period, the Renaissance, the Reformation, etc.). Students will locate important events within these periods and recognize the causal interaction among religious, military, economic, aesthetic, and political movements. A primary concern of the course is to certify the reality of change in the Christian community and to clarify the process of development as it applies to religious beliefs, ethical demands and church structure. The course is intended to help students locate their roots in the Christian community to help give them some sense of where they have come from and what it has cost.

Required

Prerequisite
none

In this course, students will examine Catholic moral decision-making. Topics will include methods of decision-making, Christian values and principles derived from Scripture and Catholic tradition, conscience, evil and sin, and Jesus as the model of moral behavior. These concepts will be applied to specific areas of moral concern, including bioethical and sexual issues, with major concentration of social justice issues such as poverty, capital punishment, business ethics, the environment, and discrimination.

Required

Prerequisite
none

This course examines and explains the fundamental Catholic beliefs, their origin, meaning and purpose. Special attention is paid to the developmental character of these beliefs and the need for a personal response by each student. Topics include: The Existence of God, Revelation, Incarnation, Salvation, Church Structure, Original Sin, the Sacraments, and Resurrection.

Required

Prerequisite
none

Within the context of the Roman Catholic moral tradition, students will examine contemporary medical-moral issues, especially as they impact on both the student's life and on society at large. In addition to shaping informed and responsible personal conclusions, social policies will also be evaluated. Early in the course, students will acquire an understanding of key concepts necessary for analyzing issues clearly and comprehensively. Issues treated include abortion, treatment of handicapped infants, death and the dying process (including physician-assisted, or rational, suicide), care for the elderly, organ transplants, genetic engineering/reproductive technologies, and health care reform. Special attention will be directed to holistic health cares and the internal, natural capacity for self-healing.

Prerequisite
none

This one semester course will utilize the insights of depth psychology, spirituality and social ethics to grapple with this fascination and fear regarding the warrior within all of us. How can this inner warrior be directed to assist the person in the human journey without destroying oneself or others? Once this internal investigation takes place, then the ethical examination regarding the role of the warrior in society can be discussed. This course will focus upon the Roman Catholic ethical tradition including the views of pacifism and the just war tradition. Films, case studies and current events will be used to highlight the role of conscientious decision-making in this process. The student will be challenged to personally reflect and apply the course material to one's life journey.

Prerequisite
none

By means of reading, instruction, discussion and experience, journaling and shared reflection, this course aims to provide a systematic treatment of the various facets of Ignatian spirituality to interested members of the senior class.

In presenting the various facets of Ignatian spirituality the course seeks to provide students with a learning experience that engages their minds, hearts and wills. The course seeks to employ the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm of experience, reflection, action, and evaluation. Ultimately the course seeks to both educate and form participants in the regular practice of the Ignatian Way.

Throughout the course students and their instructors will be practicing the Examen and journaling on a daily basis. The fruit of such practice/reflection will be shared in small groups. Regular opportunities for service with and among the urban poor will be worked out with the Director of Ignatian Service. Students will also be expected to participate in either a modified directed 19th Annotation retreat or a four day silent, directed Ignatian Retreat towards the end of the semester.) Means of Assessment and Evaluation: Four in class essay tests: 25% of semester grade; One research paper: 25% of semester grade; One synthesis essay: 25% of semester grade; Participation: 25% of semester grade.

Prerequisite
none