This class is designed to familiarize students with Christian tradition-its scripture, history, and doctrines-and its application and misapplication to the contemporary world. Banking on the adult learner's experience and wisdom, students will be given additional tools to be critical thinkers about religion and religious experience in the public square. Students will have the opportunity to compare and contrast Christian thought with other monotheistic traditions, namely Islam and Judaism. Restricted to students with junior standing or higher. May not also take RLST-160 or 305. TI

A survey of the history of the Christian Church: its leaders, conflicts and development from the age of the Apostles to contemporary times. A study of the impact of church history for today's religious experience. Application of historical themes to the modern world. Prerequisite: 160 or 342. IFP

This course delves into foundational materials for developing a personal spirituality based on Christian principles for spiritual development. It will promote an understanding of the influence that spirituality, beliefs, and values have on human health and healing. The student will apply course content in developing a personal holistic approach in the care of self, patients, clients, families, and communities. Prerequisite: 160 or 342. IFP

This course uses films (and similar media) to help participants develop an ability to recognize theological and religious themes and pratice methods for 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: 160 or 342. IFP

A concentrated exploration and study of the four Gospel narratives of Jesus Christ and their place within Christianity and the modern world. An in-depth study of the history and content of each Gospel will be presented. Major narratives are critically analyzed as to their application to the modern world. Prerequisite: 160 or 342. IFP

Designed specifically for the adult student, this course is an examination of critical Christian doctrines and theological concepts that ground the Catholic, Franciscan, and liberal arts identity of Viterbo University. This course will explore the life of Francis of Assisi as a unique way of considering how theology influences the Christian worldview. May not also take RLST-160 or 342. This course is resticted to students in bachelor completion programs.

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 study are to be set up before the student finalizes reqistration. Refer to the academic policy section for independent study policy. An Independent Study Contract is required. May be repeated for credit.

Non-classroom experience in the field of ministry, non-profit, or other related areas. Credit for experience must be sought prior to occurence. Placements are generally part-time and off campus. Course includes theological preparation and reflection on the experience. Areas of experience include children, youth, adults, aged, sick, dying, needy, etc. Prerequisite: six RLST credits. Restricted to students with freshman or sophomore standing. Permission of advisor or internship coordinator required. Graded CR/NC.

Courses on topics of interest to religious studies students offered on the basis of need, interest, or timeliness. Restricted to students with freshman or sophomore standing. May be repeated for credit. For specific section description, click to the Section Details in VitNet.

This course is designed for the traditional undergraduate student. Students will participate in a pilgrimage/immersion experience in Rome and Assisi with the intention of deepening the overall learning experience. Franciscan Leadership is a course designed to prepare students to be sound Christian leaders in the world. The Franciscan leader is defined as one who leads as Francis did, whose model for leadership was Jesus Christ in the gospels.