Theology and Religious Studies

(School of Arts and Letters)

TRS 1101 Introduction to Christian Theology (X)
4 cr.
Examines faith claims in Judaism and Christianity, reflects on the religious dimension of human experience, explores the nature and function of faith, religion, and theology and addresses the issues of God, salvation, evil, ritual, scriptures and community. Special emphasis is placed on issues affecting 21st century Christianity.

TRS 1103 Introduction to the Bible (X)
4 cr.
Introduction to both Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament and Christian Scriptures/New Testament.

TRS 1104 Introduction to the Hebrew Scriptures (X)
4 cr.
An introduction to the academic study of the Hebrew Scriptures and a survey of major portions of its writings designed to acquaint students with the literary, historical, and theological character and contents of the individual texts comprising this collection. This course investigates the political, social, religious and philosophical, and literary environments in which the Hebrew Scriptures originated in order to contextualize adequately the reading and study of the documents. It introduces the methodologies employed in the investigation of the texts of the Hebrew Scripture during the modern period and the major scholarly issues that this research has addressed.

TRS 1105 Introduction to the New Testament (X)
4 cr.
An introduction to and survey of the New Testament designed to acquaint students with the literary, historical, and theological character and contents of the individual writings comprising this collection. It investigates the political, social, religious and philosophical, and literary environment in which the New Testament originated in order to contextualize adequately the reading and study of the documents. It introduces the methodologies employed in the investigation of New Testament texts during the modern period and the major scholarly issues that this research has addressed.

TRS 1110 Introduction to Catholicism (X)
4 cr.
Designed as an introductory course for anyone interested in the Catholic tradition. Course takes both an historical and contemporary approach to the complex and diverse story of Catholic spiritualities, practices and beliefs. Emphasis is on issues which touch people’s ordinary lives.

TRS 1420 Introduction to Spirituality (X)
4 cr.
An examination of spirituality and spiritual practice in the Christian tradition. The course will explore the history of Christian spirituality,classical texts of thosewho are recognized asmodels of spiritual practice, and the question of the personal development of a contemporary Christian spirituality. Beyond the reading and critical analysis of texts, participants will also choose one or several spiritual disciplines to practice gently throughout the course as a way of exploring their application to the spiritual life today.

TRS 2101 Common Good,Uncommon Questions: Moral Theology in the 21st Century (X)
4 cr.
This course deals with the principles of Christian morality. Introduces moral foundations while considering ethical issues in individual and social morality on the basis of Christian revelation.

TRS 2110 Introduction toMinistry
4 cr.
Introduces a theology of ministry and reflects on skills for lay ministers. This course is for anyone who intends to participate in some form of church ministry. Prerequisite: 1000 level TRS course or consent of the instructor.

TRS 2120 The Christian Faith in Art: The College of St. Scholastica in Rome
4 cr.
This course explores ways in which religious faith and belief are expressed through the arts, including the visual and performing arts. The theatres, museums, concert halls, and churches of Rome and its environs will be used as resources for the class. This course will be offered as an accelerated travel course. Prerequisite: 1000 level TRS course or consent of instructor.

TRS/WMS 2243 Women and Religion (X)
4 cr.
Examines scriptural and historical understandings of women’s roles in religion and churches. This course emphasizes the work of contemporary women thinkers who are exploring various dimensions of this question.

TRS 2401 Benedictine Tradition
4 cr.
Designed to explore with students the essential elements of the Benedictine tradition. The course ponders questions such as: What, if anything, in The Rule of Benedict can help us live spiritually in ourworld today? What are the core values of the Benedictine tradition that has a 1,500 year-old history? How can The Rule of Benedict provide tools for developing answers to the fundamental questions of our lives? The Rule of Benedict encompasses away of life that stresses“Doing the ordinary extraordinarily well.” Students explore ways of developing a spirituality that focuses on discovering God in the ordinary experiences of life.

TRS 2777 and 3777 Topics in Religion
2-4 cr.
Prerequisite: 1000 level TRS course or consent of instructor.

TRS 3101 Christianity and World Religions (I,WI)
4 cr.
A comparison of the teachings and practices of Christianity with the teachings and practices of selected non-Christian religions, beginning with Judaism and Islam and possibly including American Indian, Hinduismand Buddhism. The aim of the course will be to clarify similarities and differences between Christianity and other religions, to reflect on the problem posed by religious pluralism in modern culture, and to develop a Christian theology of world religions. Though there is no prerequisite for this course, students should consider taking Introduction to Christian Theology first.

TRS 3110 Gospel of John
4 cr.
A study of the Gospel of John is designed to acquaint students with the Gospel’s narrative as well as its literary, historical, and theological dimensions and important themes. This course investigates the principal issues in Johannine research, literary features, attitude toward and role of women, world view and social setting, authorship, destination and purpose, composition, Christology and eschatology. The course examines significant passages used to support various scholarly views and develops exegetical skills. Prerequisite: 1000 level TRS course or consent of instructor.

TRS 3120 Paul’s Letters
4 cr.
Examines the letters in the New Testament whose authorship by Paul is undisputed (Romans, 1-2 Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians, 1 Thessalonians, and Philemon) within the context of ancient letter writing and the socio-historical situations to which they were addressed. It considers in detail the political, social, religious and philosophical, and cultural environments in which Paul lived and wrote aswell as the specific issues and themes addressed in the letters. The course explores the interpretations of Paul’s views from ancient times to the present. Prerequisite: 1000 level TRS course or consent of instructor.

TRS 3130 Prophets
4 cr
Examines the phenomenon of prophecy as it emerged in the religion of Israel before, during, and after the Assyrian and Babylonian exiles. The course traces the development of the prophetic movement and its relationship to religious, social and political institutions as recorded in the Tanakh’s prophetic corpus. The course takes a socio-historical, redactional and comparative and phenomenological approach to the prophetic material. It explores the material’s literary and theological dimensions as well as feminist concerns lifted up by careful study of its images and characters. Prerequisite: 1000 level TRS course or consent of instructor.

TRS 3240 Sacraments and Liturgy
4 cr.
Explores Christian sacraments andworship. Deals with sacramentality and with each individual sacrament as it is understood and practiced. Emphasis is on Eucharist as central sacrament and on the role of sacraments as signs of God’s presence in ordinary life. Prerequisite: 1000 level TRS course or consent of instructor.

TRS/GER 3310 Religious Perspectives on Living,Dying and Grieving (WI)
4 cr.
Consideration of questions related to suffering, dying, prolonging and manipulating life. Study examines topics related to the meaning and end of human life according to various religious view points. Related topics include definition of quality and sacredness of life as daily lived.

TRS/HSC 3311 Religious Perspectives on Healthcare Ethics (WI)
4 cr.
Explores a variety of concrete biomedical ethical problems within our society and the healthcare system from a religious and ethical perspective. This course examines the role of new technologies, the threat of dehumanization, the questions of euthanasia, patients’ rights, genetic engineering, transplantation and fetal research from Catholic and Protestant ethical thinkers.

TRS 3315 The Church Today
4 cr.
A study of the origin, growth and development of the church from apostolic times to the present. Special emphasis is given to the theology of the church emerging at the Second Vatican Council and its meaning for today. Prerequisite: 1000 level TRS course or consent of instructor.

TRS/GER 3318 Spirituality and Aging
4 cr.
Examines the ongoing, dynamic, creative process of spiritual growth and physical development in the older adult. Foci includes: the normal aging process as it deals with meaning in life; ageism; death and dying issues;various forms of ministry for andwith the aging population and transitions of life which can facilitate the continued search for spiritual fulfillment.

TRS 3320 Religion and Politics (WI)
4 cr.
Considers issues, problems and possibilities in the complex interaction of religion and politics. The goal is to enhance the student’s appreciation for the difficulties encounteredwhen religion and politics collude and collide. Students will reflect on tradition and ideas, as well as on personal experience. Specific issues relating to the connection between religion and politics will be discussed. These could include separation of church and state, freedom of religion, religious displays on public property, and religious institutions and the civil rights movement. Prerequisite: 1000 level TRS course or consent of instructor.

TRS 3325 Faith,Values and Film (WI)
4 cr.
Explores ways in which religion, values and art find expression in the cinema. Explores theological and cultural themes, symbols, motifs, and images in foreign and domestic films. As a Catholic Studies course, Faith, Values and Film will seek to explore the connection between faith and modern culture. The interdisciplinary nature of the study will highlight for students the complementary interaction of the Catholic faith with reason, seeking to engage students with the transformative realities of art. Prerequisite: 1000 level TRS course or consent of instructor.

TRS 3350 The Person andMission of Jesus
4 cr.
Study of the person, mission and teachings of Jesus Christ in scripture, doctrine and contemporary theology. Course is designed to deepen understanding of the central figure of Christianity and provide a basis for Christian life. Prerequisite: 1000 level TRS course or consent of instructor.

TRS 3380 Women’s Spirituality and Literature (I,WI)
4 cr.
Involves students in the process of their own spiritual journey as well as examines the spirituality of female characters in literature. In addition, poetry, theology and spirituality texts are studied to provide the students with guides for reflection. This course incorporates journals, papers, presentations and final integration paper.

TRS 4130 Biblical Studies Seminar (WI)
4 cr.
Intended mainly for majors and minors, this course offers seminar topics ranging from categories based on literary genre to particular approaches to biblical studies, including feminist biblical criticism, canonical critical study and liberationist criticism, for example. The course includes a research paper and is focused on discussion.

TRS 4220 Catholic Studies Seminar (WI)
4 cr.
 A capstone, interdisciplinary class in which students demonstrate their own perception of the depth and breadth of the Catholic intellectual tradition as it is evident in their various fields of study.

TRS 4408 Theory andMethod of Teaching Religion
4 cr.
Explores philosophies of education, religious education and faith development. Course provides opportunities for experimenting with various models of Christian religious education and assists students in the development of their own philosophy/theology of teaching and also gives students opportunities to practice their skills in the teaching process. Prerequisite: 1000 level TRS course or consent of instructor.

TRS 4440 Women Mystics (WI)
4 cr.
Introduction to the study of the mystical tradition through the examination of the lives and writings of selected women mystics: Julian of Norwich, Catherine of Siena, Theresa of Avila, Therese of Lisieux, Simone Weil, Etty Hillesum and Hildegard of Bingen.

TRS 4555 Internship
1-16 cr.

TRS 4999 Independent Study
1-16 cr.