COURSE DESCRIPTIONS 

111. Introduction to Hebrew Scriptures 
This course introduces the student to the study of the Hebrew Scriptures. A principal goal of the class is to become familiar with the various methodologies utilized in contemporary scripture study and to become aware of the major themes in the Hebrew Scriptures. 

112. Introduction to Christian Scriptures 
This course provides an introduction to the Christian Scriptures utilizing the tools of modern biblical scholarship. One of the goals of this course is to introduce the student to the sources and foundational themes of the Christian faith through a historical critical investigation of the Christian Scriptures. 

121. Philosophy of Religion (Phil. 121) 
This is the departmental introduction to the study of religion. Emphasis is placed on human experience of the divine and seeks to awaken an awareness of the diversity of the human response to the concept of the divine. 

142. Christian Bioethics (Rel 142)
This course examines significant issues in contemporary biomedical ethics.  Students learn the major theological/philosophical principles employed by bioethicists as application of these principles to important cases.  Students discuss current issues in contemporary health care within the context of the Christian perspective of respect for the dignity of the human person.  The central question of the course is whether certain actions and practices affecting human life and health are consistent with an understanding of human beings as created in the image and likeness of God.

201. Studies in Moral Theology 
An examination of Christian morality within its historical, theological, and psychological framework. This course will examine the principles affecting the moral life as a response to the Divine. It investigates themes such as formation of conscience, sin and guilt, grace and salvation, and the historical development of Christian morality. Special attention will be paid to contemporary concerns in Christian morality. 

231. Ecclesiology and Ecumenism 
A study of the Church through an investigation of several models to assist the student in understanding the nature and role of the church throughout Christian history into contemporary times. There is special emphasis on ecumenical theology. 

232. Christianity in History 
This course provides a survey of Christian history. Special attention will be given to the methodological concerns of historical investigation. In some cases, a particular historical period may be the focus of the course. 

234. Christology 
An examination of the person Jesus the Christ. Students will be encouraged to investigate the development of the understanding and significance of Jesus through various Conciliar documents, to arrive at their own understanding of Jesus the Christ. 

258-9. Religious Thinkers 
An in-depth study of various major figures in the history of Christianity. This course offers the opportunity for serious investigation of a variety of religious thinkers utilizing interests of department members and students interest. 

331. Sacraments and the Encounter with God 
This course examines the sacraments as privileged ways of encountering God through human experiences of prayer in an assembled community. The relationship of the sacraments to Jesus and the Church will also be examined. Special attention will be paid to growing ecumenical agreement about sacraments. 

332. Worship, Belief, and Praxis 
A study of the expression of Christian worship through art and symbol. There is special concern for the nature and function of worship in Christianity. Attention will also be focused on the interaction of the liturgical life and life in the world. 

333. Theology and Practice of Ministry 
A study of Christian ministry, a theology of ministry, and the contributions to ministry made by other humane disciplines. The role of ordained and lay ministry will be examined as well as assisting the student in beginning to formulate her/his theology of ministry. This course would be recommended for students wishing to participate in some form of Church related ministry. 

355. Independent Study ---- 1-3 hours 

358-9. Special Studies in Religion ----- 1-3 hours 
A study in a major religious topic. Courses reflect the interest and research of department members. 

391. Ministry practicum ----- 1 hour 
Offered in coordination with Campus Ministry, this offers the student an opportunity to reflect theologically on various ministries that the student has experienced, such as: retreats, youth groups, counseling, advocacy, and service work. 

392. Liturgy practicum ------ 1 hour 
Offered in coordination with Campus Ministry, this offers the student an opportunity to reflect theologically on his or her work with campus liturgies, parish liturgical planning, and other liturgical ministries