The College of St. Scholastica

Overview of Theology and Religious Studies at St.Scholastica

Peace Doors

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 forstudents to gain a critical appreciation for faith and religion. In sodoing, the dynamic of Anselm's axiom that theology is "faithseeking understanding" is loosed to stimulate and broadenstudents' 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 valuablecontributors to society and to provide leadership for itstransformation. Theology and Religious Studies represents an idealliberal arts major that is attractive to graduate schools andemployers alike because of the insights that students gain into themost profound questions of human existence and the skills that theyacquire in critical analysis and problem solving. Although explicitlyshaped by the Benedictine Catholic tradition in which we stand, weengage and reflect on that heritage in dialogue with other religioustraditions. In order to meet the needs of a diverse student body, theDepartment offers a broad curriculum that includes courses intheology, biblical studies, ethics/moral theology, religion andculture, spirituality, and world religions. The Department offersmajors and minors in Theology and Religious Studies and in CatholicStudies.

Theology and Religious Studies (40 semester credits)

Students majoring in Theology and Religious Studies choose one of Theology andReligious Studies Concentrations: Theology and Religion, Pastoral Ministry,or Youth Ministryand 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:

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

CSS Student

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

The College offers a major and minor in Catholic Studies. TheBraegelman Program in Catholic Studies is designed for studentsinterested in deepening their knowledge of Catholicism's richtradition and its interaction with culture. Students who wish to knowmore are welcome to contact Father William Graham at WGraham@css.edu or visit the Catholic Studies website.