TRS 100 Theological Inquiry
This course functions as an introduction to the discipline of Christian theology and thus will be foundational to further studies in theology and religious studies. It primarily examines the perennial questions of existence and the answers proffered by the Christian faith. It presents an overview of the development of Christian theology with an emphasis on the role Christian theology can play in the students’ lives, culture, and world. The issue of the responsibilities of Christianity in a pluralistic world is also addressed. Course includes significant reading and writing components. Prerequisite: completion of, or enrollment in, EN 101 or higher. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: TRS-1. (3)
TRS 201 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 interaction of religion, culture, and social processes and explores the manner in which religion bears on major issues of human existence. Prerequisite: TRS 100. (3)
TRS 202 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 Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, and Judaism. Prerequisite: TRS 100. (3)
TRS 251 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. Prerequisite: TRS 100. (3)
TRS 260 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. Prerequisite: TRS 100. (3)
TRS 261 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. Prerequisite: TRS 100. (3)
TRS 270 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. Prerequisite: TRS 100. (3)
TRS 271 The Christian God: One and Three
Presents the Christian doctrine of God in its historical and theological context. Prerequisite: TRS 100. (3)
TRS 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: TRS 100, and HI 210 or HI 211. (3)
TRS 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. Prerequisites: EN 102, and TRS 201 or TRS 202. (3)
TRS 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. Prerequisite: TRS 201 or TRS 202. (3)
TRS 341 Buddhist Traditions
This course provides an in-depth survey of the diverse Buddhist traditions. Beginning with an examination of Buddhism’s origins in India, the beliefs and doctrines of the major Buddhist schools of Asia will be outlined as well as religious practices including meditation, pilgrimage, and devotional rituals. Students will comparatively analyze Buddhist religious expressions in order to develop a clear understanding of the historical and cultural differences within Buddhist traditions. Prerequisite: TRS 201 or TRS 202. (3)
TRS 351 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. Service learning: 20 hours. Prerequisite: TRS 100. (3).
TRS 352 Catholic Medical Morality
After examining the principles of moral theology, this course specifically examines a variety of medical issues in the context of Catholic teaching as demonstrated in relevant Church documents. Issues include euthanasia, abortion, birth control, sterilization, and organ transplants. Prerequisite: TRS 100. (3)
TRS 353 Catholic Social Morality
After examining the principles of moral theology, this course specifically examines a variety of social issues in the context of Catholic teaching as demonstrated in relevant Church documents. Issues include warfare, labor rights, international relations, and social justice. Service learning: 20 hours. Prerequisite: TRS 100. (3)
TRS 380 The History of the Early Church
The history of the Christian Church surveyed from its founding by Jesus Christ to the conclusion of the Council of Chalcedon in the fifth century. Emphasis is on the development of Christian orthodoxy and the impact of the Church upon human culture and development. Prerequisite: TRS 100. (3)
TRS 381 Medieval and Reformed Theology
An examination of the historical theology of the Christian Church from the Scholastic Period to the Reformation. Special attention is given to the intersection of philosophy and theology in the thinkers and movements covered. Prerequisite: TRS 100. (3)
TRS 382 The Church in the Modern World
A survey of the history of the Christian Church since the Protestant Reformation. Special attention is given to Vatican II and the role of the Church in the development of modern culture. Prerequisite: TRS 100. (3)
TRS 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. Prerequisites: senior status and a GPA of at least 2.0 in major courses. (3)
TRS 451 Christian Faith in the Modern World
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. Course intended for majors. minors, and Honors Program students. Prerequisite: TRS 100. (3)
TRS 452 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: One of the following: TRS 270, TRS 271, TRS 380, or TRS 381. (3)
TRS 453 Friendship, Marriage, and God
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: One of the following: TRS 351, TRS 352, or TRS 353. (3)
TRS 470 The Bible as Literature
This course 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. Prerequisite: One of the following: TRS 251, TRS 260, or TRS 261, or permission of instructor. (3)
TRS 498 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)
TRS 499 Senior Seminar
The focus of the senior seminar is the student research paper that demonstrates skill in researching and writing on topics in theology or religion. Prerequisite: senior status. (3)