Franciscan Theology
A survey of the major theological contributions of the Franciscan intellectual tradition that include the writings of Francis, Clare, Bonaventure, Scotus, Ockham and others. Students will consider the theological…
This course will examine historical, contemporary and emergent roles of women in communities of religous thought and practice, and will analyze systemic issues regarding gender, class, race, and ethnicity. It will…
Foundations for Public Ministry
This course is designed to equip persons to serve effectively as reflective leaders in the contemporary church and related Christian or faith-based ministries. This course includes a comprehensive and holistic study of…
Faith and Environmental Justice
While this course is rooted in Biblical, Franciscan, and Catholic social teaching, it will also explore other spiritualities (Islam, Judaism, Native American, etc.) that respond to environmental issues. Social analysis…
Christianity and Economic Equality
In the face of the vast, increasing economic inequality, this seminar interrogates the role of religious institutions and individuals. Do our religious institutions sustain or challenge economic inequality, and how This…
Contemporary Practice in World Religions is a course introducing students to diverse religious traditions. Coursework will review various faith practices in their contemporary applications. Students will explore the…
Foundations of Ritual and Worship
This course considers the origins and developments of, as well as the current theological issues concerning Christian rites and symbols. Students will engage with the shape and practice of worship and rituals as they…
Contemporary Moral Issues
This course delves into the processes of moral interpretation and moral decision making in the fast-changing contemporary world. Students will learn the foundations for a moral decision-making process and the various…
Capstone: Interpreting Religion
This two semester course requires the student to work closely with two religious studies professors writing a major research paper that integrates historical, practical, exegetical, and systematic theology in a paper…
Special Topics
Courses on topics of interest to religious studies students offered on the basis of need, interest, or timeliness. Restricted to students with junior standing or higher. May be repeated for credit. For specific…
Experiential Learning: Internship
Non-classroom experiences in the field of ministry, non-profit, or other related areas. Placements are off-campus, and may be full- or part-time, and with or without pay. Includes internship experience arranged by…
Independent Study
With the consent of chairperson and in consulation with a faculty member in the department, a student may engage in independent study in any of the areas approved by the instructor. Goals and objectives, and courses of…
Introduction to Sociology
This course will introduce students to the theories and scientific methods that sociologists use to explain human behavior and describe the organization of society. Students will acquire a sociological perspective to…
This course will provide students with an overview of the criminal justice system. The structure and function of the police, courts, and corrections, as well as the policies these agencies use to control crime, will be…
Data Analysis in the Social Sciences
This course prepares students to understand, interpret, and conduct analyses of data for psychological studies and experiments. The course emphasizes the following concepts: 1) descriptive statistics (e.g., means,…
Social Gerontology
This course is an introduction to the field of gerontology. It is multidisciplinary, examining biological, psychological, and sociological issues related to the aging process. Major theories, research methods and…
Sociology of Sports
This course will examine the social aspects of sports and how sports are a social construction that influences how people think, feel, and behave. This course will address various aspects of sports such as social and…
Special Topics
Courses on topics of interest to sociology students offered on the basis of need, interest, or timeliness. Prerequisite: 125. Restricted to students with freshman or sophomore standing. May be repeated for credit. For…
Experiential Learning: Internship
Non-classroom experiences in the field of sociology. Placements are off-campus, and may be full- or part-time, and with or without pay. Credit for experiences must be sought prior to occurance, and learning contracts…
Independent Study
Independent reading and/or research under the supervision of a faculty member. Refer to the academic policy section for independent study policy. Independent study contract is required. Prerequisite: 125. May be…
Death and Dying
This course takes a sociological perspective on the subject of death. This means that the course is not designed to be therapeutic (e.g., it does not teach students how to grieve "properly" nor does it offer a…
Sociology of Gender
This course is designed to provide students with a sociological framework for analyzing gender arrangements in contemporary American society. It will examine the significance of social forces in shaping differences…
Race and Ethnicity in Society
This course will examine, from a sociological perspective, the ways race and ethnicity matters in society and the consequence of how we organize these concepts for peoples lives. These questions will be addressed: How…
Cultural Anthropology
Culture of pre-literate and contemporary societies. Concept of culture; elements of culture, including technology, economic and political organization, family and kinship, associations, ideology, arts, and language;…
Social Science Research
This course will provide an overview of research in the social sciences. In this course you will learn how to read and evaluate research methods and design your own research study. The course follows the basic steps in…