last updated 07/06/04

Introduces philosophy as an essential human activity. It focuses upon the processes used by philosophers as they examine questions like: What is reason? What can we know? What is real? What ought we to do? Is there a God? Students not only experience major philosophers at work on important human issues, but also participate in this activity by developing their own skills for creative thinking, rational argument, and responsible judgment. (Offered every semester)

Surveys the philosophers of the Western tradition beginning with the pre- Socratics and including Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, the Stoics, the Epicureans, the Skeptics, Plotinus, Saint Augustine, Saint Anselm, and Saint Thomas Aquinas. Prerequisite: PL 109. (Offered by tutorial)

Surveys the philosophers of the Western tradition beginning with humanism and the Renaissance, and including rationalism, empiricism, Kantian criticism, idealism, positivism and utilitarianism. Prerequisite: PL 109. (Offered by tutorial)

Examines systems of logic, fallacies, strategies of logical persuasion and propaganda and theories of meaning and truth. The goal of the course is twofold: that students gain an appreciation of the manifold character of "everyday" reasoning, and that they develop a sensitivity to the possibilities and pitfalls of persuasive discourse. Prerequisite: PL 109. 

Studies the question of human nature. The course explores the uniqueness of human beings and inquires into the meaning and value of life. It examines the significance of freedom, action, solitude and community as essential conditions for becoming fully human. Prerequisite: PL 109. (Offered by tutorial)

Considers the value systems by which human beings ultimately determine what they do. The course analyzes the rational and psychological nature of values, their place in ethical systems, and their role in the human decision-making process. Prerequisite: PL 109. (Offered only in ACCESS)

Considers the moral dimensions of contemporary business practices. Of particular concern are areas where the profit motive seems to conflict with ethical standards. The course examines various ethical issues facing business today, such as the effects of advertising and workers' rights. Prerequisite: PL 109. (Offered only in ACCESS)

Introduces the student in a systematic way to the thought of existential thinkers such as Soren Kierkegaard, Karl Jaspers, Friedrich Nietzsche, Gabriel Marcel, Jean-Paul Sartre, etc. The aim of the course is to encourage personal existential thought. Prerequisites: PL 109 and Humanities 1 & 2. 

Explores Augustine's great autobiographical classic where he presents the course of his life from hedonism to Christianity. The course examines why the story of Augustine's spiritual journey to God still exerts a major influence upon the hearts and minds of people today as they try to cope with eternity, evil, love and God in a world often blind to these. Prerequisite: PL 109 and Humanities 1 and 2. 

Studies Plato's philosophical masterpiece. The course explores the meaning of goodness both for an individual and for society by investigating the values of wisdom, honor, money, freedom, power, love and passion. It tries to define what people can reasonably expect from themselves and from one another. Prerequisites: PL 109 and Humanities 1 and 2. 

Considers Aristotle's great treatise on ethics. The course looks at Aristotle's account of happiness as the goal of human life, and the role of moral and intellectual virtue in achieving this goal. The treatise ends with a consideration of the place of friendship, and the intellectual life, in human well-being. Prerequisites: PL 109 and Humanities 1 and 2. 

Explores the cathedral of thought of the medieval intellectual world. Situating St. Thomas historically as the synthesizer of the two great traditions of Augustinian wisdom and Aristotelian science, this course considers just how far reason can go in proving God's existence, in describing His nature and ours, in providing a useful map of reality, and in prescribing how we should live. Prerequisites: PL 109 and Humanities 1 and 2. 

Studies the Enlightenment period of the 17^th and 18^th centuries, in which individuals emphasized the power of reason to understand the universe. The course examines how the methodology of scientists influenced the thought of philosophers. It also considers the effect of a mechanistic, materialistic world view on religious understanding. Prerequisites: PL 109 and Humanities 1 and 2. 

Examines the issue of ultimate meaning. The course investigates the meaning of God, explores rational support for belief in a God, evaluates the claims of atheism, studies the problem of evil in the world, and examines the significance of religion in the life of both a person and a community. Prerequisite: PL 109. (Offered by tutorial)

Analyzes the presence, nature and function of creativity and beauty in human life. The course concentrates on the nature and value of creativity, of the work of art, and of the reception of art by the viewer or auditor. It is not intended to be a course in art appreciation but rather an analysis of the sources and modalities of human creativity and of beauty. Prerequisite: PL 109. 

Special courses that deal with particular issues in the world of philosophical thought. These will include Humanities 4 courses on "Great Works of Literature" and other courses taught by visiting professors. Prerequisite: PL 109. (Offered periodically)

Explores the actual knowing process. One of the real keys to worthwhile human living is knowing what to do; one of the tragic problems is that many simply keep blundering about. The course is designed for juniors and seniors who are looking for an integrative experience. Prerequisites: PL 109 and permission of instructor. (Offered by tutorial)

Explores the nature of reality so that we might more assuredly make the crucial distinction between what is real and what is only illusion. The course is designed for juniors and seniors who are looking for an integrative experience. Prerequisites: PL 109 and permission of instructor. (Offered by tutorial)

Explores the values associated with the use of alcohol in contemporary American society. The course investigates the nature of human happiness, relaxation and fun, the role of alcohol, college drinking, alcoholism, and the dysfunctional family. Prerequisite: PL 109. Limited to juniors and seniors. 

Explores the quality of our personal relationships as a vital component of human happiness. The course investigates these three related values that foster relationships which are life-affirming and rich in meaning. Prerequisite: PL 109. Limited to juniors and seniors.

Explores the values inherent in modern society’s use of medication as a means to personal happiness and fulfillment. The course will examine the philosophical understanding of happiness in relation to the use of pharmaceutical products and will question whether there are practical and appropriate alternatives to these and other drugs. The seminar considers the intricate relations that exist among the understanding of human nature, the advances of science, and the attainment of happiness. Limited to juniors and seniors. Prerequisite: PL 109. (Offered only in ACCESS)

Considers the value of faith and its relationship to tolerance in our modern world. The course explores the issues of fundamentalism, relativism and the role of reason in religion. Prerequisite: PL 109. Limited to juniors and seniors. 

Explores the nature of the values found in the business world and in popular "self-help" books that claim to aid the achievement of human happiness and success through time and life management. Students will benefit by learning specific organizational skills, by philosophizing about the principles underlying them, and by grappling with the ultimate issues surrounding human happiness. Prerequisite: PL 109. Limited to juniors and seniors. 

Provides the student with the opportunity to pursue independent study under the guidance of departmental faculty. Permission of the directing faculty member during the semester preceding the study is required. (Offered every semester)

[back to TOP of page]

An introduction to Roman Catholicism by way of reflection on the meaning and implications of the Christian faith. This course considers major theological topics from the viewpoint of Scripture, the Tradition of the Church, and the experience of the faithful. This course engages students in the University's mission of developing moral responsibility in the context of Christian Humanism. (Offered every semester)

A consideration of the spiritual life of the Roman Catholic Church. The course considers the personal and communal celebration of faith in prayer as essential to the development of a fully human life. It explores the phenomenon of rituals, the history and theology of each sacrament, and their liturgical celebration in the contemporary rites of the Church. Prerequisite: TH 109. 

An examination of the teachings of Jesus Christ as presented in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. After introducing the historical context, the course offers literary, structural, and rhetorical "criticisms" of the gospel texts which allow contemporary readers to dialogue with the biblical authors and the message they proclaim. Prerequisite: TH 109. 

An examination of the Hebrew Bible through a review of modern scholarship and a reading of the texts themselves. The course considers the Jewish Scriptures in themselves and in relation to Christianity. It also deals with questions of historicity, interpretation, and the applicability of biblical texts to modern life. Prerequisite: TH 109. 

An examination of Christian marriage in relation to the Catholic sacrament of matrimony. The course discusses the theological foundations of marriage, human development, interpersonal relationships, communication, and parenting skills. It addresses some contemporary challenges to marriage and family life. Prerequisite: TH 109. 

A presentation of Christian values and Church teachings on inter-personal relationships. The course focuses on human sexuality within and outside of marriage by considering such topics as: conjugal love, birth control, pre- and extra-marital sex, masturbation, and homosexuality. Prerequisite: TH 109. 

A presentation of Christian values and Church teachings with regard to health care. The course focuses on medical and nursing practice by considering topics such as: sterilization, euthanasia, abortion, human experimentation, cooperation, and confidentiality. Prerequisite: TH 109. 

An examination of the books attributed to the Hebrew prophets. The course analyzes the phenomenon of prophecy in its personal and historical settings; it also considers the relevance of the prophetic writings in terms of the theological message and its implications for contemporary social justice. Prerequisite: TH 109. 

An examination of spirituality and the inner life in the tradition of Christian Humanism. This course focuses on the meaning of personal discipline, the nature of loving relationships, the importance of fulfilling work and the power of prayer according to the life and writings of St. Francis de Sales. Prerequisite: TH 109. 

An examination of the meaning and purpose of prayer in our lives through a study of Christian prayer traditions. The course considers the stages of religious and spiritual development, analyzes reasons and motivations for prayer, investigates the theological content of prayers, and explores various methods of praying. Prerequisite: TH 109. 

An examination of the influence of the Roman Catholic Church on Western society, as the one Western institution to survive the fall of the Roman Empire. This course investigates the church/state relationship from an historical perspective by examining the strengths, weaknesses, successes and even scandals of these interrelated institutions. Prerequisite: TH 109. 

An examination of the impact of contemporary scientific developments on the understanding and functioning of society. The course raises questions about the nature and role of religion in a technological society. Students will explore differing paradigms for "truth" in our lives: according to reason in the sciences and revelation in theology. Prerequisite: TH 109. 

An introduction to Paul the Apostle and the thought he expresses in the Letters of the Christian Scriptures. The course analyzes the literary and theological dimensions of the Pauline epistles and their contemporary relevance in terms of the human person, the church, social ethics, and salvation. Prerequisite: TH 109. 

A study of what the Catholic Church is and what it does.  The course will examine the historical development of ecclesiology and its contemporary understanding in Church documents and theological models.  The course will also consider ecumenical relations between the Roman Catholic Church and other Christian denominations.  Prerequisite:  TH 109.  

An examination of the Book of Job as a forceful questioning of the meaning of life in a world of injustice. In a lecture/seminar format, the course undertakes a detailed study of this legendary tale and the diverse interpretations of its perennial themes. Prerequisites: TH 109 and Humanities 1 & 2. 

A study of the great work of Western religious literature in which St. Francis de Sales outlines his approach to living the Christian life. The course examines in depth the historical and cultural context in which this work was written. It also attempts to indicate how these Salesian insights can be brought to bear upon the Christian life as lived in our modern world. Prerequisites: TH 109 and Humanities 1 and 2. (Offered only in ACCESS)

A study of the person of Jesus Christ. The course examines the portrayal of the Man and His message as found in the Christian Scriptures, post-biblical writings and contemporary theology. The course addresses current issues such as Jesus and the treatment of women, Jesus and ecology, and Jesus and a suffering world. Prerequisite: TH 109. 

A study of the role of the Church and family life in the modern world. The course examines the Church's mission of forming a moral and spiritual communion among people. It explores the notion of the family as "domestic church," including the role of parents as primary educators and the contributions of the family as an evangelizing community, in dialogue with God, at the service of human society. 

Special courses that deal with particular issues in the world of theology. These will include courses taught by visiting professors. Prerequisite: TH 109. (Offered periodically)

A study of questions posed to the Christian faith by a skeptical modern world.  The course will examine common objections to Christian doctrines with a view toward developing rational arguments in defense of the Christian faith.  Intended primarily as a junior-level seminar for Theology majors, the course will involve individual research and reflection, as well as public discussion, in the formulation of a coherent Christian alternative to the culture of religious skepticism.  Prerequisite:  TH 109 and permission of the instructor.  

An interdisciplinary approach to caring for the sick and dying. The course considers the physical, psychological, sociological and theological aspects of the dying process. It also reflects on Christian ideals and human values which enable people to deal with the difficulties associated with human mortality. Prerequisite: TH 109. 

Investigates the theological thought of Pope John Paul II, as it is expressed in various papal documents. The course considers such topics as: the conception of God as Father of Mercy, Redeemer of Humankind, and Holy Spirit; the Church in its missionary and social activity; a Catholic challenge to modernity, and the role of the family. The course explores the "prophetic humanism" that stands at the center of this pontiff's teaching and at the heart of Roman Catholicism in the contemporary world. Prerequisite: TH 109. 

A series of one-credit courses, each of which involves a close reading of a "great book" of Western spirituality. Writings of the Doctors of the Church, as well as other religious authors, will be examined. Completion of any three of these one-credit courses fulfills the "intermediate Theology" requirement of the General Education curriculum. 

Examines the significance and meaning of the concept of "person" in Western culture from two perspectives.  From a scientific perspective the history of "personhood" will be traced in the evolution of medical concepts of human well-being.  From a theological perspective, the course will analyze religious notions of the soul as seat of human personhood.  Prerequisite:  TH 109.

An opportunity for students to integrate their knowledge of theology with other fields of study. The course emphasizes the application of theological methods to issues of contemporary importance. Individual research and reflection, as well as public discussion, are integral parts of the seminar. Prerequisites: TH 109, one "intermediate" Theology course, and permission of the instructor. Limited to juniors and seniors. (Offered as needed for Theology majors)

An exploration of the values associated with the use of violence as a means of achieving justice and peace. In particular, the course examines the experience of war and revolution within the past century, our present American fascination with violence, and Christian thought about the possibility of violence being used as an instrument of love. Prerequisite: TH 109. Limited to juniors and seniors. 

An examination of diverse issues surrounding the end of human life. The course considers bioethical concerns with regard to nutrition and hydration, organ transplantation, physician assisted suicide, and similar matters. Emphasis is placed upon the values, conflicts, and possible solutions to these dilemmas considered in light of Christian faith and Catholic moral teaching. Pre-requisite: TH 109. Limited to juniors and seniors. 

An examination of the place of women in the world from ancient times to the modern day. The course examines writings by and about women which reveal their status in the world and their role in society and in the Church. In seminar format, the course examines issues raised by today's feminist awareness and offers a critique of feminism from a Christian perspective. Prerequisite: TH 109. Limited to juniors and seniors. 

A consideration of the relationship between work and leisure in its theological, philosophical, and socio-economic dimensions. The course explores the question: Do we work to rest, or rest to work? The course proposes that the reflection and imagination central to a life of leisure can and should complement the "high tech" pace of our contemporary society. Prerequisite: TH 109. Limited to juniors and seniors. (Offered only in ACCESS)

A consideration of the role and function of the modern media, particularly musical and visual forms. The course focuses on the personal, cultural, and intellectual effects of the media. Students will discuss issues such as life in a visual society, the media's impact upon the soul, and the addiction to being "with it." Prerequisite: TH 109. Limited to juniors and seniors. 

Explores the Christian vision of the human person as embodied.  The contemporary cult of the body, with its emphasis on beauty and perfection, is the starting point for this study.  The biblical notion of the body as "temple of the Holy Spirit" serves as a reference for consideration of themes such as health, sexuality, wholeness, and resurrection of the body.  Limited to juniors and seniors. Prerequisites: TH 109. 

A consideration of the role and function of parents in a society whose social, economic, and cultural structures are undergoing rapid change. This course explores the Christian experience of mediating values amid the dilemmas faced by parents and families. Students will examine the teachings of the Church as these contribute to a theology of parenting. Prerequisite: TH 109. Limited to juniors and seniors. (Offered only in ACCESS)

An examination of the social, ethical, cultural and theological issues surrounding work. Because work consumes the greater part of our lives, it can be either humanizing or dehumanizing. The course seeks to discover how work can contribute to our happiness, holiness, and wholeness as a human person. Prerequisite: TH 109. Limited to juniors and seniors. (Offered only in ACCESS)

An examination of the nature and value of forgiveness as a means of healing pain and promoting social well-being. This course will provide philosophical, psychological, and theological analyses of sin and reconciliation. Students will also be challenged to embody the value of forgiveness from a personal and pastoral perspective. Prerequisite: TH 109. Limited to juniors and seniors. 

An examination of the enigma of evil as an ineluctable part of human experience. This course considers the mythological expression of the universality of evil, the contemporary manifestations of evil in individual and social life, and various attempts to respond to the existential problem of evil. Prerequisite: TH 109. Limited to juniors and seniors. 

Provides the Theology major with an appropriate field experience. The practicum may be taken for a maximum of twelve credits. Permission of the department chairperson is required. (Offered upon request)

Provides the student with the opportunity to pursue independent study under the guidance of departmental faculty. Permission of the directing faculty member during the semester preceding the study is required. (Offered every semester)

[back to TOP of page]