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Religious Studies
Religion I – Understanding Catholic Christianity
2 semesters
Mandatory for all Freshmen
This course is designed to give students a broad overview of the Catholic faith. The course covers personal identity, the nature of God and faith, Jewish history and the structure of the Hebrew scriptures, Jesus’ life and ministry, Jesus’ death and resurrection, the early church, Christian Testament, and the liturgical cycle and sacraments. The course includes a section on the contribution of African-American Catholics and the story of Mother Lange and the Oblate Sisters of Providence in the history of the Church in America.
Religion II – Christology/Christian Morality
2 Semesters
Mandatory for all Sophomores
Semester One – This course provides an overview of the New Testament Scriptures with an emphasis on the life and the message of Jesus. It is a study of Jesus as revealed historically as well as in the New Testament scriptures.
Semester Two – This class is a morality study designed to aid students to make decisions that will shape a future that is hopeful, healthy, and full. Topics covered will include identity, self-esteem, sexuality, love, self respect and respect for others, communication and decision making in the context of contemporary moral issues.
Religion III
2 Semesters
Mandatory for all Juniors
Semester One – Hebrew Scriptures. This course will survey the Hebrew scriptures concentrating on the Torah and the prophetic books. Students also will learn about the Jewish community that produced these scriptures.
Semester Two – The Holocaust Experience. This course will examine the causes and nature of the Holocaust, using it as a model of all prejudice. Students study the role of the individual and the importance of personal choices in undercutting bigotry and hatred.
All Seniors will take Christian Life Styles and either Peace and Justice or World Religions.
Semester One – Christian Lifestyles. This course explores the vocation of loving since it is the very meaning and mission of life on earth whether married, single, or religious. Emphasis is placed on the development of healthy relationships in a Christian light. Communication skills are practiced which impact all relationships. The Church’s teachings on the sacrament of marriage, divorce and annulment, and natural family planning are incorporated.
Semester Two – World Religions. This course will examine the various religions, cultures, traditions and peoples of the world. The course will expose the students to a variety of faiths through the eyes of others. The goal is to help the students to become better acquainted with the basic elements of the world’s major religions. The objective is that the students will emerge from this course with a greatly enhanced understanding of the people who adhere to the world’s various religions.
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Semester Two – Peace and Justice. This course invites students to relate their faith to issues encountered daily in their communities. Peace and justice concerns are situated in their historical contexts and connected to the Christian tradition and contemporary church teachings. This class also includes a community service component (see description under Community Service Component).
Community Service Component
Mandatory for Juniors and Seniors
In order to experience topics in religious studies and to fulfill duties as a member of the global community, juniors and seniors must meet community service requirements.
Juniors – must serve 20 hours of quality, direct community service. In order to discover interests and talents, students are invited to explore service at a variety of agencies.
Seniors – must serve 40 hours of quality, direct service at one site/agency.
2005-06 Academic Departments:
