RSP 125 | The Wisdom of Benedict | 1 hour
The student will explore the integration of his/her spiritual, emotional and physical self using the Rule of Benedict as the primary guide. This course will allow the student to explore the heritage of Benedictine values and to discover its use as a guide for individual and communal life. Throughout the class there will be opportunities to share the common heritage of Catholic teachings and to explore how those teachings impact the development of an individual who is "fully human and fully alive." Fall & Spring

RSP 126 | Critical Thinking in Ethics | 3 hours
The student will be presented ethical issues and problems to analyze, identify, and evaluate alternative solutions and develop an ethical course of action that is well reasoned. Logic, ethics, and philosophical systems will serve as the conceptual framework for the development of this skill. The student will demonstrate this skill through examination and/or a final ethical argument paper. This course is a pre-requisite for all courses in Philosophy. Fall & Spring

RSP 150 | Introduction to Christianity | 3 hours
Students will be introduced to four essential aspects of Christianity and their interconnectedness: community, scripture, beliefs, worship. The course will survey the Christian scriptures as a faith community's account of continuing experience of God; understanding and articulation of this God-experience through beliefs expressed in the Nicene creed; worship rituals for entering and deepening communion with the Christian community. This course is a pre-requisite for any other course in Religious Studies. Fall & Spring

RSP 225 | The Journey of the Whole Person | 1 hour
This course focuses on the problems of the individual in community. Working in small groups the student will explore the nature of conflict and the ways that conflict shape human life and community. Prerequisite: RSP 125 Spring

RSP 230 | Biblical Studies | 3 hours
Using approaches of modern academic biblical study rather than literal interpretation, this course introduces students to contemporary methods and resources for interpreting the Bible. Students also survey major themes, concepts, and symbols in the Hebrew and Christian scriptures. Prerequisite: RSP 150 Fall

RSP 250 | Introduction to Hebrew Scriptures | 3 hours
This course will explore the Hebrew Scriptures with a special focus on the history of Israel, developing images of God, the role of the prophet, the rise and fall of kings. It will also investigate the role that Wisdom literature played in the worship and education process of the Israelite world. Prerequisite: RSP 150 and 240, or consent of instructor Spring Odd

RSP 260 | Acts, Letters, Revelation | 3 hours
The student will embark on a detailed study of the epistles and the book of Acts. The intent of the course is to trace the development of the theology of the "Jesus Movement," beginning with Paul and ending with the late epistles and Revelation. Prerequisite: RSP 150 and 240, or consent of instructor Spring Even

RSP 270 | World Religions | 3 hours
This course will investigate the major religions of the world other than Christianity (Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and Islam). The focus is an investigation of the understandings that are developed in each faith concerning what are called in Christianity God, human nature, sin and salvation. The objective of the course is to deepen understanding and awareness of these world religions. Prerequisite: RSP 150 Fall

RSP 280 | Introduction to Theology | 3 hours
This course presents theology as a mode of faith seeking understanding. It will examine in greater depth the experiences, beliefs, and practices essential for Christian faith. Questions to be explored include: Who or what is God? What is the relationship of Jesus to God? What is revelation? What is meant by "grace," "sin," and "redemption?" What is the rightful place of scriptures in the life of faith? What is prayer? What are sacraments? Why should a Christian be concerned with the world in which we live? Prerequisite: RSP 150 Fall

RSP 301 | Gospel Morality | 3 hours
This study focuses on personal and communal moral ideals presented in the New Testament and contemporary social reality which contradicts those ideals. It also considers proposals for transforming the present situation into a closer approximation of the Christian vision of a new person in a new society. Prerequisite: RSP 150 Spring Odd

RSP 302 | Principles of Liturgy | 3 hours
Students will examine the principles and parts of the Eucharistic liturgy; the ministers within that liturgy; interplay of the elements within liturgy such as music, visuals and movement; and an overview of the liturgical year. This course is designed to assist any lay minister or parish member in participating and planning parish liturgy. Prerequisite: RSP 150 Fall Odd

RSP 321 | Synoptic Gospels | 3 hours
The gospels of Mark, Matthew, and Luke as "good news" of Jesus Christ will be explored in the light of modern biblical scholarship. This approach, emphasizing historical, literary, and theological context, aims to provide students with tools to continue reading and studying the gospels on their own. Prerequisite: RSP 150 and 240, or consent of instructor Fall

RSP 330 | Jesus the Christ | 3 hours
"Who do you say that I am?" The main purpose of this course is to enable the student to formulate an intelligent and reflective response to this gospel question. Major issues treated include: the Jesus of history and the Christ of faith; biblical Christology; heresies and councils; and contemporary approaches to the ancient Christian belief that Jesus the Christ is fully human, fully divine. Prerequisites: RSP 150 and 240, or consent of instructor Spring

RSP 332 | Symbol and Sacrament | 3 hours
Against a background of human and Christian symbol and ritual, this course will examine the scriptural bases, historical development, and contemporary theology and practice of seven ritual sacraments. The sacraments common to most Christians (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist) will receive major emphasis. Prerequisite: RSP 150 Spring

RSP 334 | Christian Marriage and Family | 3 hours
A theological approach to Christian marriage and family as covenant and sacrament. This course is recommended for those contemplating marriage and prepares students to understand marriage and family in a Christian context. Prerequisite: RSP 150 Fall

RSP 340 | Philosophical Ethics | 3 hours
This course explores how one ought to live in order to be happy. A few of the questions asked include: What does it mean to be a human being? What is happiness? What is virtue? What is justice? What is the rightful place of reason and faith in a well-ordered and happy life? Prerequisite: RSP 126 Spring Even

RSP 350 | Peace and Justice | 3 hours
Human existence in the world is communal. What is the best kind of community for human beings? What makes for justice and peace within ourselves, in society, in the world? How ought a person to act in order to fulfill the Lord's commandment, "Love one another as I have loved you"? Some of the Church's teachings on peace and justice will be studied. Prerequisite: RSP 150 Spring

RSP 351 | Philosophy of Human Nature | 3 hours
"What is human being, that you are mindful of us?" This course inquires into the mysterious nature of the human being. How is it that one kind of being can speak, do manual work, show mercy to one's neighbor, study, and pray? Furthermore, how can a human being do both good and evil, speak the truth or deceive oneself or another? What is the place for human beings in the "great chain of being?" Prerequisite: RSP 126 Fall Even

RSP 355 | The Mystery of Being | 3 hours
This course inquires into the order, unity, beauty, and the mystery of all Reality, from the movements of the stars to human culture, science, religion, including the astounding variety of life forms. One question keeps emerging: What is the Whole in which we find ourselves mysterious partners? In examining the Whole, we explore the place of faith and philosophy in understanding our world. Prerequisite: RSP 126 and 351, or consent of instructor Spring Odd

RSP 360 | Religious Education | 3 hours
This course prepares students to teach religion on the elementary or secondary level. The course familiarizes students with the content of most religion curricula and current methods and techniques of religious education. Prerequisite: RSP 150 Spring Even

RSP 361 | History of Christianity (HIS 361) | 3 hours
The origins of Christianity and the subsequent history of the Christian church. The developments of doctrines, the rise of monasticism, and the impact of Christianity on world history are emphasized. Fall

RSP 381 | History of Philosophy (Greek/Christian) | 3 hours
This course examines philosophy from its origins in ancient Greece into the Christian Middle Ages. Sources studied will be drawn from some of the most profound minds in history: the pre-Socratic philosophers; Plato; Aristotle; the Stoics; Plotinus; St. Augustine; St. Thomas Aquinas. Prerequisite: RSP 126 Fall Odd

RSP 382 | History of Philosophy (Modern/Contemporary) | 3 hours
Modern and contemporary philosophy is rich and highly diverse. This course focuses on thinkers who seek to understand what it means to be human, and what is the best possible life for human beings. Philosophers studied will include several of the following: Descartes, Pascal, Kant, Hegel, Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Bergson, Whitehead, and Voegelin. Prerequisite: RSP 126 Spring Even

RSP 424 | Ministry Practicum | 3 hours
This practicum offers field experience in a variety of areas, e.g., religious education on the elementary or secondary level, youth ministry, or pastoral care in a health care setting. The student will be required to work with a program or programs for a minimum of 60 hours and to meet periodically with the instructor to evaluate his or her ministry; at least one on-site supervisor will also evaluate the student's performance. Placements are approved and supervised by the instructor. Prerequisites: 18 credit hours in Religious Studies courses and consent of instructor Fall & Spring

RSP 490 | Senior Research | 2 hours
Each student majoring in RSP completes a major research paper and formally presents it orally to RSP faculty and students. Minors in religious studies make take this seminar but are not required to do so. Prerequisite: Completion of at least 75% of course work for RSP major or minor Fall & Spring