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.
Individual and independent reading, research, and writing under the guidance of a faculty member. Refer to academic policy section for independent study policy. May be repeated for credit. Restricted to students with junior or senior standing.
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 advisor and/or internship coordinator. Prerequisites: six credits of RLST. Restricted to students with junior standing or higher. Graded CR/NC.
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, 305, or 342. SJE, IFP
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 implications for our world today. Prerequisite: 160, 305, or 342. IFP
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 investigate the ways in which women understand themselves in relationship to the divine, to the call to wholeness, and to worship. Prerequisite: 160, 305, or 342. IFP
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 factors inherent to the practice of leadership and ministry in a variety of settings. Research based theories and models of leadership, organizational design, and administrative principles will be discussed and evaluated from biblical-theological and cultural perspectives.
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 and theological reflection skill development will enable students to better articulate the conflicts humans have in relationship with the rest of the natural world and how they can contribute to the health of the planet. Prerequisite: 160, 305, or 342. IFP
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 class will attempt to answer this question with a focus on three types of texts: classical texts that shaped 20th Century U.S. Christian consciousness; contemporary works that analyze the effects of economic inequality on the social fabric; and texts that clarify the vital roles some contemporary religious movements are playing in supporting economic inequality. SJE, IFP
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, 305, or 342. IFP