Religious Studies and Theology

Faculty

Sr. Camilla Burns, SND, PhD, Distinguished Professor of Religious Studies (program chair)
Sr. Mary Johnson, SND, PhD, Distinguished Professor of Sociology and Religious Studies

Description

The religious studies and theology program provides students with an opportunity to explore religion for informed global citizenship in a religiously pluralistic world and to explore perennial human questions concerning ultimate meaning and value.  Because of its formative role in Western culture, Christianity serves as the point of departure for the academic study of theology; the Catholic tradition provides a focus because of Trinity’s own origins in the mission of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.  Inspired by the global mission of the Sisters of Notre Dame and the vision of Vatican II, the program is committed to ecumenical and interfaith dialogue.

This program is an essential part of the general education curriculum in the College of Arts and Sciences, and its courses are designed to complement and support the major programs.  Additionally, the program offers a minor to students in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Program objectives for students include:

• To analyze, evaluate and appreciate specific religious beliefs and worldviews.
• To increase her ability to acquire an understanding of spiritual traditions and develop her own personal stance toward life.
• To better understand and respect religious and cultural diversity as well as to encourage a firm commitment to social justice and a sense of responsibility for the global society.

Minor Requirements

Choose ONE of the following courses:

• RST 101 Religion and Human ExperienceAn introduction to the study of religion as an academic discipline. Students examine contemporary expressions and understandings of religion, especially religious traditions other than their own, and the role that religion plays in our time not only in constructive but also in destructive ways. The course examines the expression of religious experience in history as well as psychological and sociological perspectives on religious experience. In addition to methods for studying religion, attention is given to the roles of myth, creed and symbol in religious discourse.
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: None
  General Education Area: Values and Beliefs
• RST 102 Religions of the WorldA Survey of the great religious traditions of the world – Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Islam, Judaism, Christianity, and the religions of Primal peoples. S pecial emphases will be given to the history, belief systems, ceremonies, and structures of these traditions as they touch upon and reflect the human quest for ultimate meaning. Formerly RST 290 - Religions of the World.
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: None
  Gen Ed: Values and Beliefs
• THE 101 Introduction To BibleIntroduces the Old Testament and New Testament, their geographical, historical and cultural backgrounds and their relationship with each other. Students will learn some methods of interpretation and develop an ability to understand many facets of this complex book. Formerly THE 101 - Introduction to Scripture.
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: None
  General Education Area: Values and Beliefs
• THE 201 Introduction to the Old TestamentExamines the Hebrew Scriptures using the tools of contemporary exegesis; the historical, cultural, and social contexts in which the texts were written; theological themes of the Pentateuch and historical books; and the prophetic and wisdom traditions.
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: None
  General Education Area: Values and Beliefs
• THE 210 Introduction to the New TestamentExamines the Greek Scriptures using the tools of contemporary exegesis; the historical, cultural and social contexts in which the texts were written; theological themes of the Gospels, Acts, Letters and Book of Revelation.
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: None
  General Education Area: Values and Beliefs

Choose TWO of the following courses:

• RST 201 Religion: Ritual & SymbolConsiders the nature of ritual and symbol and the Christian sacramental worldview. The course also studies the history and theology of the individual Christian sacraments as well as rituals and symbols of other major religions. Formerly RST 302, Religion: Ritual and Symbol
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: Any 100 level RST or THE course, or THE 201 or THE 210
• RST 202 Sociology of ReligionSociology of Religion is a course that analyzes the institution of religion scientifically, using theory, research methods and demographics to compare and contrast religious structures. We shall examine religious belief systems,organizational cultures, and religious roles across a variety of local, national and international religious groups. Particular attention will be paid to issues of polity and gender. Cross-listed with SOCY 202.
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: SOCY 100
• RST 204 Western ReligionsExamines the nature and function of religion through the belief systems, rituals, and ethical practices of the major religions of the Book: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Formerly RST 372, Religions of the West.
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: Any 100 level courses in RST and THE as well as THE 201 or THE 210
• RST 205 Eastern ReligionsExamines the nature and function of religion: belief systems, rituals, and ethical practices of the major religions of the East: India, China and Japan. Formerly RST 370, Religions of India.
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: Any RST or THE 100 level courses or THE 201 or THE 210
• RST 230 Religion & Politics: Citizen and BelieverStudents analyze the intersection of religion and politics on the national and international levels. The course focuses on theoretical and empirical analyses of the inter-relationship of these two complex and significant global social institutions. Particular attention is paid to the intersection of religion and state issues in the United States.
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: None
• RST 240 Religion and EthicsIntroduces the basic principles and norms of the Christian ethical tradition with its roots in the Bible and the deposit of Ecclesial teachings. The course focuses on the practical application of this ethical tradition to contemporary personal concerns, social problems, and medical issues. Formerly THE 240, Theological Ethics.
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: Any THE or RST 100 level or THE 201 or THE 210
• RST 250 Indigenous ReligionsExamines the nature and function of religion-belief systems, rituals, and ethical practices of indigenous religions such as those of Native American, African, Australian and New Zealand. Formerly RST 250, African American Religious Experience
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: Any 100 level courses in RST and THE or THE 201 or THE 210
• THE 220 Introduction to ChristianityThis course examines the origins of Christianity in its historical and cultural settings and its fundamental beliefs. The historical development of Christianity into many different expressions is also discussed. Formerly THE 121, Intro to Catholic Theology
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: THE 101, THE 201, THE 210, RST 101 or RST 102
• THE 222 Christian SpiritualityThis course surveys the contemplative and mystical aspects of Christianity as reflected in the lives and writings of historical and contemporary individuals (e.g. Teresa of Avila, Francis of Assisi, John & Charles Wesley, Dorothy Day, Thomas Merton, Martin Luther King, Jr., Richard Rohr) who have found in the Christian tradition a significant way to achieve wholeness and integration in life. Spirituality is viewed as a way of life in progress, and as a gift that comes with openness to receiving it.
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: THE 101, THE 201, THE 210, RST 101 or RST 102
• THE 223 Christ, Church, and Social JusticeFocuses on the principles developed in over 100 years of Catholic social thought (such as the dignity of the human person, solidarity, etc.) in order to apply them to local, national and international issues of social justice as articulated in the Christian churches.
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: None

Choose THREE of the following courses:

• RST 265 Western Religion and the FamilyGives an overview of the understanding of Christian churches on marriage and family. The course also considers traditional and contemporary understandings of human sexuality and examines contributions of feminist analysis of church positions on family and the roles of men and women in families.
  3 credits
  FLC Area III 
  General Education Requirements: Values and Beliefs
• RST 301 Religion and CultureThis course explores the dialectic that exists between religion and different aspects of contemporary culture (e.g., between religion and psychology, economics, politics, feminism, the environment and the media). The objective is to understand the way in which religious beliefs and traditions shape our cultural systems and in turn affect religious renewal. Formerly RST 210 - Religion and Culture
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: Any 200 level in RST or THE 220 and above
• RST 305 Religion and EconomicsConsiders the relationship between religion and economics and how each shapes the other. The course also looks at the significance of money in contemporary society and examines Christian teaching about money and economic justice. Formerly RST 245 - Religion and Economics
  3 credits
  Prerequisite Any 200 level in RST or THE 220 and above.
• RST 307 Religion and WomenThis course examines the nature of the feminist critique of religion, but especially as this relates to the Christian tradition. The course looks at the way classic symbols (e.g., God, Christ, redemption/salvation) have traditionally been construed and studies the creative new meanings being found in these symbols that originate in theological reflection on women's experience. Special attention is given to the most recent contributions of African American and Hispanic women theologians as well as women theologians from the developing world. Formerly RST 225, Religion and Women.
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: Any 200 level in RST or THE 220 and above
• RST 353 Sociology of Health Care and ReligionProvides an overview of the relationship of religion and spirituality to health care in the US and internationally. The course moves from a macro-analysis of the relationship of religion and spirituality to health care systems, social movements, and institutions to a micro-look at the role religious and spiritual practices play in the lives of some patients, family members, and health care personnel.
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: SOCY 100
• THE 310 Interpreting Biblical TextsThis course explores significant portions of the Old Testament as works of literature and examines the historical times and cultures that shaped these works, as well as the sources from which they were derived. The segments of the Old Testament examined will rotate between the Pentateuch, the Prophets and the Writings.
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: THE 101, THE 201 or THE 210
• THE 328 Paul and the Book of RevelationExamines modern critical methodologies and the historical and cultural setting of the major themes of the Pauline Corpus (letters written by Paul and those attributed to him) and the Book of Revelation. Formerly THE 202, Acts, Paul, Revelation.
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: THE 101, THE 201 or THE 210
• THE 330 Gospel Tradition and ActsExamines modern critical methodologies and the cultural and historical background of the Greco-Roman world of contemporary Judaism. The course considers the individual gospels as well as the Acts of the Apostles and their interrelationships in addition to the teachings of Jesus and various dimensions of his ministry, death, and resurrection. Formerly THE 203, Gospel Traditions.
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: THE 101, THE 201 or THE 210

Program Policies

Advanced Placement:
Credits earned through AP examinations do not fulfill requirements of the minor.

CLEP Policy:
Credits earned through CLEP examinations do not fulfill requirements of the minor.

Grades in Required Courses:
Students are required to earn a grade of “C” (2.0) or better in all courses counted to fulfill requirements for the minor.

Pass/No Pass:
Courses in the minor may not be taken pass/no pass.

TELL Policy:
TELL credits will not count toward the minor in religious studies or theology.

Transfer Credits:
The religious studies and theology program does not accept transfer credits for the minor; all course work must be completed at Trinity.

Course Descriptions

Religious Studies

• RST 101 Religion and Human ExperienceAn introduction to the study of religion as an academic discipline. Students examine contemporary expressions and understandings of religion, especially religious traditions other than their own, and the role that religion plays in our time not only in constructive but also in destructive ways. The course examines the expression of religious experience in history as well as psychological and sociological perspectives on religious experience. In addition to methods for studying religion, attention is given to the roles of myth, creed and symbol in religious discourse.
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: None
  General Education Area: Values and Beliefs
• RST 102 Religions of the WorldA Survey of the great religious traditions of the world – Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Islam, Judaism, Christianity, and the religions of Primal peoples. S pecial emphases will be given to the history, belief systems, ceremonies, and structures of these traditions as they touch upon and reflect the human quest for ultimate meaning. Formerly RST 290 - Religions of the World.
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: None
  Gen Ed: Values and Beliefs
• RST 201 Religion: Ritual & SymbolConsiders the nature of ritual and symbol and the Christian sacramental worldview. The course also studies the history and theology of the individual Christian sacraments as well as rituals and symbols of other major religions. Formerly RST 302, Religion: Ritual and Symbol
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: Any 100 level RST or THE course, or THE 201 or THE 210
• RST 202 Sociology of ReligionSociology of Religion is a course that analyzes the institution of religion scientifically, using theory, research methods and demographics to compare and contrast religious structures. We shall examine religious belief systems,organizational cultures, and religious roles across a variety of local, national and international religious groups. Particular attention will be paid to issues of polity and gender. Cross-listed with SOCY 202.
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: SOCY 100
• RST 204 Western ReligionsExamines the nature and function of religion through the belief systems, rituals, and ethical practices of the major religions of the Book: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Formerly RST 372, Religions of the West.
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: Any 100 level courses in RST and THE as well as THE 201 or THE 210
• RST 205 Eastern ReligionsExamines the nature and function of religion: belief systems, rituals, and ethical practices of the major religions of the East: India, China and Japan. Formerly RST 370, Religions of India.
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: Any RST or THE 100 level courses or THE 201 or THE 210
• RST 230 Religion & Politics: Citizen and BelieverStudents analyze the intersection of religion and politics on the national and international levels. The course focuses on theoretical and empirical analyses of the inter-relationship of these two complex and significant global social institutions. Particular attention is paid to the intersection of religion and state issues in the United States.
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: None
• RST 240 Religion and EthicsIntroduces the basic principles and norms of the Christian ethical tradition with its roots in the Bible and the deposit of Ecclesial teachings. The course focuses on the practical application of this ethical tradition to contemporary personal concerns, social problems, and medical issues. Formerly THE 240, Theological Ethics.
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: Any THE or RST 100 level or THE 201 or THE 210
• RST 250 Indigenous ReligionsExamines the nature and function of religion-belief systems, rituals, and ethical practices of indigenous religions such as those of Native American, African, Australian and New Zealand. Formerly RST 250, African American Religious Experience
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: Any 100 level courses in RST and THE or THE 201 or THE 210
• RST 301 Religion and CultureThis course explores the dialectic that exists between religion and different aspects of contemporary culture (e.g., between religion and psychology, economics, politics, feminism, the environment and the media). The objective is to understand the way in which religious beliefs and traditions shape our cultural systems and in turn affect religious renewal. Formerly RST 210 - Religion and Culture
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: Any 200 level in RST or THE 220 and above
• RST 305 Religion and EconomicsConsiders the relationship between religion and economics and how each shapes the other. The course also looks at the significance of money in contemporary society and examines Christian teaching about money and economic justice. Formerly RST 245 - Religion and Economics
  3 credits
  Prerequisite Any 200 level in RST or THE 220 and above.
• RST 265 Western Religion and the FamilyGives an overview of the understanding of Christian churches on marriage and family. The course also considers traditional and contemporary understandings of human sexuality and examines contributions of feminist analysis of church positions on family and the roles of men and women in families.
  3 credits
  FLC Area III 
  General Education Requirements: Values and Beliefs
• RST 307 Religion and WomenThis course examines the nature of the feminist critique of religion, but especially as this relates to the Christian tradition. The course looks at the way classic symbols (e.g., God, Christ, redemption/salvation) have traditionally been construed and studies the creative new meanings being found in these symbols that originate in theological reflection on women's experience. Special attention is given to the most recent contributions of African American and Hispanic women theologians as well as women theologians from the developing world. Formerly RST 225, Religion and Women.
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: Any 200 level in RST or THE 220 and above
• RST 353 Sociology of Health Care and ReligionProvides an overview of the relationship of religion and spirituality to health care in the US and internationally. The course moves from a macro-analysis of the relationship of religion and spirituality to health care systems, social movements, and institutions to a micro-look at the role religious and spiritual practices play in the lives of some patients, family members, and health care personnel.
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: SOCY 100

Theology

• THE 101 Introduction To BibleIntroduces the Old Testament and New Testament, their geographical, historical and cultural backgrounds and their relationship with each other. Students will learn some methods of interpretation and develop an ability to understand many facets of this complex book. Formerly THE 101 - Introduction to Scripture.
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: None
  General Education Area: Values and Beliefs
• THE 201 Introduction to the Old TestamentExamines the Hebrew Scriptures using the tools of contemporary exegesis; the historical, cultural, and social contexts in which the texts were written; theological themes of the Pentateuch and historical books; and the prophetic and wisdom traditions.
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: None
  General Education Area: Values and Beliefs
• THE 210 Introduction to the New TestamentExamines the Greek Scriptures using the tools of contemporary exegesis; the historical, cultural and social contexts in which the texts were written; theological themes of the Gospels, Acts, Letters and Book of Revelation.
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: None
  General Education Area: Values and Beliefs
• THE 220 Introduction to ChristianityThis course examines the origins of Christianity in its historical and cultural settings and its fundamental beliefs. The historical development of Christianity into many different expressions is also discussed. Formerly THE 121, Intro to Catholic Theology
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: THE 101, THE 201, THE 210, RST 101 or RST 102
• THE 222 Christian SpiritualityThis course surveys the contemplative and mystical aspects of Christianity as reflected in the lives and writings of historical and contemporary individuals (e.g. Teresa of Avila, Francis of Assisi, John & Charles Wesley, Dorothy Day, Thomas Merton, Martin Luther King, Jr., Richard Rohr) who have found in the Christian tradition a significant way to achieve wholeness and integration in life. Spirituality is viewed as a way of life in progress, and as a gift that comes with openness to receiving it.
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: THE 101, THE 201, THE 210, RST 101 or RST 102
• THE 223 Christ, Church, and Social JusticeFocuses on the principles developed in over 100 years of Catholic social thought (such as the dignity of the human person, solidarity, etc.) in order to apply them to local, national and international issues of social justice as articulated in the Christian churches.
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: None
• THE 310 Interpreting Biblical TextsThis course explores significant portions of the Old Testament as works of literature and examines the historical times and cultures that shaped these works, as well as the sources from which they were derived. The segments of the Old Testament examined will rotate between the Pentateuch, the Prophets and the Writings.
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: THE 101, THE 201 or THE 210
• THE 328 Paul and the Book of RevelationExamines modern critical methodologies and the historical and cultural setting of the major themes of the Pauline Corpus (letters written by Paul and those attributed to him) and the Book of Revelation. Formerly THE 202, Acts, Paul, Revelation.
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: THE 101, THE 201 or THE 210
• THE 330 Gospel Tradition and ActsExamines modern critical methodologies and the cultural and historical background of the Greco-Roman world of contemporary Judaism. The course considers the individual gospels as well as the Acts of the Apostles and their interrelationships in addition to the teachings of Jesus and various dimensions of his ministry, death, and resurrection. Formerly THE 203, Gospel Traditions.
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: THE 101, THE 201 or THE 210