Theology and Religious Studies

Overview of Theology and Religious Studies at St.Scholastica

The Theology and Religious Studies Department is the heart of theCatholic Christian presence at St. Scholastica and, as such, represents the center of the College's Benedictine Catholicidentity. Our unique charism is to lift up the theological disciplinesas vital to the College's mission by providing opportunities for students to gain a critical appreciation for faith and religion. In so doing, the dynamic of Anselm's axiom that theology is "faithseeking understanding" is loosed to stimulate and broaden students' critical thinking skills, to contribute to their moral, ethical, and spiritual development, and to shape their attitudes, values, and interests in ways that will enable them to become valuable contributors to society and to provide leadership for its transformation. Theology and Religious Studies represents an ideal liberal arts major that is attractive to graduate schools and employers alike because of the insights that students gain into the most profound questions of human existence and the skills that they acquire in critical analysis and problem solving. Although explicitly shaped by the Benedictine Catholic tradition in which we stand, we engage and reflect on that heritage in dialogue with other religious traditions. In order to meet the needs of a diverse student body, the Department offers a broad curriculum that includes courses in theology, biblical studies, ethics/moral theology, religion and culture, spirituality, and world religions. The Department offers majors and minors in Theology and Religious Studies and in Catholic Studies.

Theology and Religious Studies (40 semester credits)

Students majoring in Theology and Religious Studies choose one of Theology and Religious Studies Concentrations: Theology and Religion, Pastoral Ministry,or Youth Ministry and Religious Education. Majors complete the following coursework:

1. 12 semester credits from among departmental core courses:

• 4 credits in Theology, selecting from among
  TRS 1101 Introduction to Christian Theology
  TRS 1110 Introduction to Catholicism
  TRS 1122 Faith, Foundations, and Great Ideas

• 4 credits in Biblical Studies, selecting from among:
  TRS 1103 Introduction to the Bible
  TRS 1104 Introduction to the Hebrew Scriptures
  TRS 1105 Introduction to the New Testament
• 4 credits in World Religions:
  TRS 2601 Religions of the World

2. 16 semester credits from among departmental area courses:

• 4 credits in Theology (TRS 3240, 3315, 3350, or 4777)
• 4 credits from Biblical Studies (TRS 3110, 3120, 3130, or 4130)
• 4 credits from Moral Theology ( TRS 2101, 3310, 3311, or 4777)
• 4 credits from World Religions (TRS 3601, 3602, 3603, 4777)

3. 12 additional semester credits, with requirements for eachconcentration as follows:

• Theology and Religion
  12 credits in 3000/4000 level department elective courses

• Pastoral Ministry
  TRS 2110 Introduction to Ministry
  TRS 4555 Internship in Pastoral Ministry
  4 additional credits in 3000/4000 level departmental elective courses
• Youth Ministry and Religious Education
  TRS 2110 Introduction to Ministry
  TRS 4555 Internship in Pastoral Ministry
  TRS 4408 Theory and Method of Teaching Religion

The Department also offers a minor in Theology and Religious Studies. Students who pursue a minor in Theology and Religious Studies are required to complete 24 semester credits as follows: 8 credits from among the departmental core courses and 16 credits from among all departmental courses, 8 of which must be in 3000/4000 level departmental elective courses.

The College offers a major and minor in Catholic Studies. The Braegelman Program in Catholic Studies is designed for students interested in deepening their knowledge of Catholicism's rich tradition and its interaction with culture. Students who wish to know more are encouraged to contact Father William Graham at WGraham@css.edu or visit the Catholic Studies website.