Overview of Theology and Religious Studies at St. Scholastica

The Theology and Religious Studies Department is the heart of the Catholic Christian presence at St. Scholastica and, as such, represents the center of the College's Benedictine Catholic identity. Our unique charism is to lift up the theological disciplines as 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 "faith seeking 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 course work:

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, selecting from among:
     TRS 2601 Introduction to World Religions
     TRS 3101 Christianity and World Religions
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 each concentration 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 Braegelman Program in Catholic Studies (36 semester credits)

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. The Program introduces students to the Catholic Intellectual Tradition on which the very idea of a modern university is based. The Tradition sweeps across and includes all fields of study with the conviction that all seeking is search for truth and those who seek truth will find God. The program invites and facilitates dialogue between faith and modern culture. The interdisciplinary nature of the study highlights for students the complementary interaction of faith and reason. The curriculum, beginning with and grounded in theology and philosophy, is both broad and diverse as it seeks to engage students with the transformative realities of the arts and sciences. The curriculum is designed to appeal to the student of any faith tradition who seeks greater appreciation for western culture. The major is designed to fit nicely with any number of other fields of study and will work well as a second major (double major) for many students. The major culminates in a capstone Seminar in Catholic Studies in which students reflect on the different courses they have completed in the arts and sciences through the lens of Catholic culture, values, and traditions. Catholic Studies majors complete the following course work:

1. 8 semester credits from among the following departmental core courses:
   • 4 credits from Theology, selecting from among:
     TRS 1101 Introduction to Christian Theology
     TRS 1110 Introduction to Catholicism
     TRS 1122 Faith Foundations and Great Ideas
   • 4 credits from 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
2. 12 semester credits from the following required departmental courses:
   • TRS 3240 Sacraments and Liturgy
   • TRS 3350 The Person and Mission of Jesus
   • TRS 4777 Catholic Studies Seminar
3. 16 additional semester credits from theology and religious studies, the arts, philosophy, social sciences, and natural sciences courses chosen in consultation with the Program Director. At least 8 of these credits must be at the 3000/4000 level.

In addition, students may pursue a certificate in Catholic Studies by completing 12 semester credits in theology and religious studies courses, and 4 additional credits from theology and religious studies, the arts, philosophy, social sciences, and natural sciences courses chosen in consultation with the Program Director.

Theology and Religious Studies Faculty and Support Staff

Gary Boelhower, Ph.D. , Chair
The Rev. William C. Graham, Ph.D., Director, Braegelman Catholic Studies Program
William Sanger Campbell, Ph.D.
A. Denise Starkey, Ph.D.
Sharon LaTour, School of Arts and Letters Coordinator, Administrative Assistant
Pat Greenwood, School of Arts and Letters/Benedictine Education Administrative Assistant

For Further Information

If you would like more information about our programs or financial aid, please contact:

Admissions Office
The College of St. Scholastica
1200 Kenwood Avenue Duluth, Minnesota 55811
(218) 723-6046 or 1-800-447-5444
TTY/TDD (218) 723-6790
email: admissions@css.edu

Visitors are always welcome! To help us plan for your visit, please call us in advance. The College of St. Scholastica is an equal opportunity educator and employer.