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

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

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 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. The course will use scriptural understandings of leadership, and the writings of Francis and the Franciscans, to show a distinctive kind of selfless leadership. Students will be required to complete the study abroad application process and be accepted to the study abroad program prior to registration. Travel dates and costs will be announced. Concepts that students will come away with include: leadership as service; the common good; acceptance and empathy; moral leadership; community. Prerequisite: 160 or 342. IFP

This class is designed to familiarize students with Christian tradition-its scripture, history, and doctrines-and its application and misapplication to the contemporary world. Students will be given the tools and language 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. TI

Designed for students intending a course of study in religious studies and theology. The emphasis will be on the development of effective learning, writing, and reading skills needed for the discipline. Topics include reading of primary texts, presenting on theological work, goal setting, research skills and resources. Restricted to and required for RLST majors during their first four semesters in the department; recommended for RLST minors. May be repeated for credit. OC

This course is the first two years of a four-year a 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.

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.

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 are critically analyzed as to their application to the contemporary world. Prerequisite: 160 or 342. WCII, 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 or 342. IFP