RST 210 Phenomenon of Religion
Introduces the students to the study of religion by expanding awareness of the structure, function, and complexity of the religious experience. The course examines the relation of religion, culture, and social processes and explores the manner in which religion bears on major issues of human existence. (3)
RST 211 Religions of the World
The major religions of the world are studied as various responses to the search for ultimate meaning and purpose in human existence. The course examines the basic tenets of Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, and Christianity. (3)
RST 320 Religion in America
An examination of the religious traditions that have shaped and have been shaped by the contours of American history. Course focuses on the history of religious traditions in the United States aiming to understand the role of religion in shaping the American society. Prerequisites: EN 102 and either a U.S. history course or 200-level RST or TH course, or permission of instructor. (3)
RST 325 Religious Approaches to Death
Death has always been a central concern of the world’s religions, though religious approaches to death continue to evolve in relation to cultural changes. This course examines the myriad ways in which people turn to religion in response to death. Special attention will be given to religious practices and beliefs in contemporary societies. Prerequisite: EN 102. (3)
RST 340 Judaism in Thought and Practice
Students will explore Jewish history through the biblical, rabbinic, medieval, and modern periods; learn about Jewish rituals and liturgical practices; and examine the basic tenets of Judaism. Students will also examine issues that challenge the Jewish community today, including the role of Israel in the life of the Jewish people and intermarriage. Prerequisites: EN 102 and one other advanced course in the humanities or social sciences. (3)
TH 202 The Bible as Literature
This course, an introduction to the Bible, emphasizes literary analysis of selected readings and reflections on the relation of Scripture to faith. It examines the distinctive purpose of the Bible and what distinguishes it from other literature of the Western tradition. (3)
TH 203 The Religion of the Old Testament
Designed as an introduction to the tools, resources, and critical methods for reading and interpreting Old Testament scripture. Special attention is given to the historical context out of which the Judeo-Christian faith and its confessional documents emerged. (3)
TH 204 The New Testament Gospels
Designed as an introduction to the tools, resources, and critical methods for reading New Testament scriptures. Attention is given to the historical context of the Gospels and principal tenets of Christianity. (3)
TH 205 The New Testament Epistles
Provides a systematic and critical examination of the epistles of the New Testament. Emphasis is upon textual exegesis, the historical context, and the theological significance of the epistles. (3)
TH 210 Christ in Christianity
The course studies the interpretations of the work and person of Jesus Christ. It attends to the role of culture and the situation of the Church in shaping various portraits of Jesus and dogmas of Christ’s constitution and salvation. (3)
TH 220 The Christian God: One and Three
Presents the Christian doctrine of God in its historical and theological context. (3)
TH 230 The Foundations of Christian Theology
A study of Christian theological doctrine through fundamental theological and doctrinal topics. The course examines theological terminology, historical developments, contemporary issues, key personages, and theological themes. (3)
TH 240 The Foundations of Christian Morality
Develops a critical and systematic approach to moral theology by examining the sources of the Christian moral life and the principles for free choice. The course will examine the meaning of human freedom, conscience, sin, and grace as rooted in the nature of the human person and in the revealed word of God; it also surveys the historical development of the Christian moral life. (3)
TH 250 Faith in the Modern World: Catholic Perspectives
Presents a critical and systematic examination of Roman Catholic theology in the modern world through a study of major Catholic writers and Church documents. The course aims to envelop the student in contemporary theological thinking through the topics of revelation, God, Church, sacraments, morality, eschatology, and spirituality. (3)
TH 320 Grace and Sin, Heaven and Hell
Examines the Christian doctrines of grace and sin — looking at their historical development, present location in theology, and eschatological implications. Prerequisite: EN 102. (3)
TH 329 Early and Medieval Christianity
The history of the Christian Church surveyed from its founding by Jesus Christ to the advent of the Reformation. Emphasis is on the impact of the Church upon human culture and development. Prerequisite: EN 102. (3)
TH 330 The Church in the Modern World
A survey of the history of the Christian Church from the Protestant Reformation to the present, focusing upon the role of the Church in the development of modern culture. Prerequisite: EN 102. (3)
TH 347 Friendship, Marriage, and God: Catholic Perspectives
A systematic approach to Catholic moral teaching on interpersonal relationships. The course examines the theology of the human person in light of creation, covenant, and redemption and examines the pertinent moral issues and teaching regarding single, married, and family lifestyles. Prerequisite: EN 102. (3)
TH/RST 400 Internship
Students may register for an internship with a research or service agency in the Washington metropolitan area. The intern will be monitored by a supervising faculty member and a representative of the cooperating agency. A course in Theology or Religious Studies may be substituted for the internship with advisor approval. Prerequisites: senior status and a GPA of at least 2.0 in major courses. (3)
TH/RST 421 Project
An investigation of a selected topic in the emphasis discipline. The project is intended to demonstrate ability to conduct independent research and present the results in writing of commendable quality. (3)
TH/RST 422 Senior Seminar
The focus of the senior seminar is the student research paper that demonstrates skill in researching and writing on topics in philosophy or religion. Prerequisite: senior status. (3)
TH 450 Catholic Social and Medical Morality
Examines a variety of medical and social issues in the context of Catholic teaching as demonstrated in relevant Church documents. Issues include warfare, labor rights, international relations, euthanasia, abortion, birth control, sterilization, and organ transplants. Includes 20 hours of service learning. Prerequisite: EN 102. (3)