Religious
Studies (RLST)
160—Introduction to Theology, 3 Cr.
This
class is designed to familiarize students with Christian tradition—its
scripture, history, and documents—as well as with the resources and methods of
Christian theology. It provides a foundation of readings and skills to prepare
students for the further study of theology.
215—Biblical
Studies I, 3 Cr.
This course is the first two years of a four-year program supported by
the La Crosse Diocesan School of Biblical Studies. Year one offers Old
Testament foundations: Genesis through 1 & 1 Kings discussing Creation,
Abrahamic covenant, Moses and the exodus and the establishment of the nation
and kingdom of Israel. Year two offers an introduction to the New Testament foundations:
the Gospels and the life of Christ, early church development (Act of the
Apostles), substantive Pauline literature (1 & 2 Corinthians, Romans), and
a review of the Book of Revelation. Restricted to students in the Diocesan
School of Biblical Studies. May be repeated once for credit. Graded CR/NC.
216—Biblical
Studies II, 3 Cr.
This course is the last two years of a four-year program supported by
the La Crosse Diocesan School of Biblical Studies. Year three offers the Old
Testament history: the Babylonian captivity, the work of the major and Minor
prophets, and the return from exile. Year four offers an introduction to the
poetry and wisdom of the Old Testament, a review of the Gospel of Matthew, the
Pauline pastoral letters, and the Catholic Epistles. A brief review of the
Epistle to the Hebrews will conclude this course. Restricted to students in the
Diocesan School of Biblical Studies. May be repeated once for credit. Graded
CR/NC.
222—Survey of Biblical Literature, 3
Cr.
This course will review the history and
writings of the Old Testament and New Testament of Christian sacred scriptures.
A brief overview of the history and content of each book of the Bible and a
general outline of each will be presented. Major narratives in both testaments
will serve to explain the Christian worldview and the high regard many Christians
have for the Holy Bible. Prerequisite: 160, 342, VUSM 126, or 127.
230—Theology of Justice and Peace, 3
Cr.
A study of the meaning of justice and
peace: in the Biblical context, in social encyclicals and in our lives as
Christians today. An examination of forms of violence and oppression in persons
and in structures. Emphasis on possible positive responses: acting justly,
making peace, liberating the oppressed. Prerequisite: 160, 342, VUSM 126, or
127.
260—Servant Leadership, 3 Cr.
The course is an orientation to the
foundations of servant leadership. Principles of leadership, service,
organizational development and community-building will be explored as theories
and practiced as skills. Jesus Christ will be our primary example of servant
leadership. Prerequisite: 160, 342, VUSM 126, or 127.
280—Liturgy and Worship, 3 Cr.
An
exploration of the historical, liturgical, and pastoral principles of Worship
and Liturgy. This course will use the worship of the Roman Catholic Rite as the
foundation for the study of worship in the Christian tradition. This course
would be of use to anyone planning, leading, or seeking a greater understanding
of liturgical traditions and celebrations. Prerequisite: 160, 342, VUSM 126, or
127.
311—The Gospels, 3 Cr.
A comprehensive exploration and study
of the canonical Gospels and their place within Christianity. Prerequisite:
160, 342, VUSM 126, or 127.
317—Theological Perspectives in Film, 3
Cr.
As Christians, we believe that God is
in all things. Often it is difficult to see God in the world. This course uses
films (and similar media) to help participants develop and ability to recognize
theological and Christian themes and practice methods of theological
reflection. A variety of films will be shown, rated G-R, on themes of
sacrifice, vocation, leadership, forgiveness, love, family, faith, and Catholic
tradition. Prerequisite: three credits of RLST or junior standing.
Restricted to religious studies and philosophy majors and minors and to
students in the honors program. Prerequisite: 160, 342, VUSM 126, or
127.
320—Prayer and Spirituality, 3 Cr.
A consideration of prayer: its meaning,
its value and its place in our lives. A study of spirituality in both the
Eastern and Western traditions, with an emphasis on Christian spirituality in
its many different forms. Prerequisite: 160, 342, VUSM 126, or 127.
326—Religion and Sports, 3 Cr.
Nearly all sports have origins in
religious ceremonies. Popular games like football, basketball, soccer, and golf
connect directly with ancient ceremonial practices. Sports are currently
understood by enthusiasts and critics alike as a religious activity. This
course will ask and attempt to answer these questions and others: What makes a
gifted athlete or coach? Why are sports fans so devoted to their teams? What
are the vital religious forces that compliment sports and participants? How can
religious values and virtues accent the engagement of sports in contemporary
America? What can Franciscan Christian values and principles offer in the
participation and observing of American sports? Prerequisite: 160,
342, VUSM 126, or 127.
331—Church History I: Age of the
Apostles to the Reformation, 3 Cr.
A survey of the history of the Church:
its leaders, conflicts and development from the age of the Apolstles through
the 1545 Council of Trent. A study of significant factors affecting division
and unity within the Holy Catholic Church. Prerequisite: 160, 342, VUSM 126, or
127.
333—Church History II: Council of
Trent to Vatican II, 3 Cr.
Church
History II is a survey of the history of the holy Christian Catholic Church,
its leaders, doctrinal amalgamation, conflicts, and the theological
developments from the 1545 Council of Trent through the Second Vatican Council
of the 20th Century. Prerequisite: 160, 342, VUSM 126, or 127.
342—Perspectives in Christian
Theology, 3 Cr.
This
course of study will focus on the systemic nature of Christian doctrine and its
theological application in the life of the Christian Church. The theological
and doctrinal life of the church from the first century to the present era will
be reviewed with special emphasis on contemporary developments. As a Catholic,
Franciscan, ecumenical University, this Viterbo course will emphasize the
unique Christian theological experience and its application to personal and
communal life. Christian morality, and spirituality will explain the Christian
worldview as it intersects with the secular age. Restricted to students with
junior standing or higher.
345—The Catholic Community, 3 Cr.
The place of community in religious
experience; the question of leadership; authority, membership, ministry, and
life within the Catholic community. Issues particular to the Catholic Church in
the world today. Prerequisite: 160, 342, VUSM 126, or 127.
348—Franciscan Theology, 3 Cr.
A survey of the major theological
contributions of the Franciscan intellectual tradition that include the
writings of Bonaventure, Scouts, and Occam. A study of the impact Franciscan
thought has had on global Roman Catholicism. Prerequisite: 160, 342, VUSM 126,
or 127.
352—Women and Religion, 3 Cr.
This course will examine historical,
contemporary and emergent roles of women in communities of religious thought
and practice, and will analyze systemic issues regarding gender, class, race,
and ethnicity. It will investigate the ways in which women understand
themselves in relationship to the divine, to the call to wholeness, and to
worship. Prerequisite: 160, 342, VUSM 126, or 127.
356—Servant Leadership in
Comparative Religious Perspectives, 3 Cr.
The servant leadership
model of leading is about being seen as servant first. This course will explore
the servant deep down inside each of us and how to utilize this ability in our
work and home. This dialogue will help participants develop servant leadership
theory and skills; and discern their role as a servant leader in the world. Prerequisite: 160, 342, VUSM 126, 127 or junior standing.
360—Theology of Pastoral Ministry, 3
Cr.
The ministry of Christ and the
Churches. A historical overview of ministry in the Church. An exploration of
ordained and non-ordained ministry and the emergence of ecclesial ministers in
the Church today. Course includes theological reflections on the personal
experience of the minister and its pastoral implications. Prerequisite: 160,
342, VUSM 126, or 127. Restricted to students with junior standing or higher.
370—Homelessness, 3 Cr.
The
study of homelessness in America. The course will address homelessness as a
social problem and as a critical essay on society, and homeless people as
theological, humanistic, and experienced realities. Learning experiences will
include sleeping outside in a cardboard box and living for several days in a
homeless shelter. Prerequisite: 160, 342, VUSM 126, or 127. (Equivalent to SOCL
370.)
380—Environmental Spirituality, 3
Cr.
A course rooted in Biblical,
Franciscan, and Catholic social teaching heritages which explores a
spirituality that supports a Christian response to environmental issues. Social
analysis and theological reflection skill development will enable students to
make appropriate life choices and contribute to the health of the planet. Prerequisite:
160, 342, VUSM 126, or 127.
410—World Religions, 3 Cr.
A survey of the great religions of East
and West: their history, their ritual expression, the impact of culture upon
religious forms and the impact of religion on culture, government, and economic
situations. In short, a study of the human search for “the One, the More and
the Mystery.” Prerequisite: 160, 260, 342, VUSM 125, 126, 127, or 226.
425—Christology, 3 Cr.
A selective survey on how Christian
tradition has viewed Jesus Christ from Biblical to modern times; the centrality
of the role and mission of Jesus for contemporary persons. A study of Biblical
and contemporary metaphors for Jesus. Prerequisite: 160, 342, VUSM 126, or 127.
440—Religious Education and Youth
Ministry, 3 Cr.
A survey course concerned with how the
faith community interpreted and carried out its mission of religious education
throughout the history of Christianity. Course will include the contributions
of great religious educators over the centuries. Models of adult catechesis and
various teaching techniques will be studied. Prerequisite: 160, 342, VUSM 126,
or 127. Restricted to students with junior standing or higher.
450—Sacraments and Sacramentality, 3
Cr.
Religious rites have celebrated
initiation, adulthood, guilt and reconciliation, ministry and commitment,
sickness and death. A consideration of the religious person’s response to the
Divine in sacramental celebrations. Prerequisite: 160, 342, VUSM 126, or 127.
465—Christian Morality, 3 Cr.
This course delves into the processes
of moral interpretation and moral decision making. Students will understand the
moral decision-making process and the various ways in which the moral
decision-making process is utilized. They will look critically at various
church documents which speak to specific moral issues. Students will be expected
to be able to apply the processes they have learned to various moral issues.
Prerequisite: 160, 342, VUSM 126, or 127.
481—Seminar, 2 Cr.
Designed to assist majors in their
integration of doctrinal and moral teachings. Discussion of both contemporary issues
and modern theologians. Consideration given to both theoretical and pastoral
dimensions. Prerequisite: 160, 342, VUSM 126, or 127.