Religious Studies
Women's College and College of Adult Undergraduate Studies
Overview
Major
Minor
Four-year plan
Course descriptions
Brian D. Berry, Ph.D., Chair
Eileen Eppig, SSND, Ph.D.
Sharon Kanis, SSND, Ph.D.
Lyle K. Weiss, S.T.D.
Henrietta L. Wiley, Ph.D.
The religious studies department of the School of Arts and Sciences offers a major and minor in Religious Studies to students in the Women's College and College of Adult Undergraduate Studies. The religious studies major explores various dimensions of the Christian message and its impact on human activity, especially in the development of human values. The program is firmly based on biblical studies, systematic theology, practical theology, religion and culture, and religious ethics. Women's contributions to spirituality, religious thought and history, as well as the ecumenical and interfaith aspects of the discipline, are woven into the program and are treated in greater depth in courses devoted exclusively to these topics. The program stresses critical thinking and respect for the religious commitments of all persons, and also is seen as a step toward transforming society. Graduates are ordained ministers, religion teachers, guidance counselors, parish educators, directors of religious education, pastoral and youth ministers, campus ministers, hospital chaplains, parish music ministers, leaders in diocesan offices, and employees of Catholic Charities.
In addition to the major, the religious studies department offers minors in Religious Studies and Catholic Studies and a track within the liberal arts major (seven courses for the primary track or five for the supporting track).
Transfer credits from the religious studies or theology department of an accredited college or university will be accepted after assessment by the chair of the religious studies department. Credits should have been earned since 1990.
The general education requirement includes two courses in religious studies, one of which must be at the 300- or 400- level. To fulfill the general education requirement in values, a student may take any of the following courses: RST-303, 304, 306, 331, 345, IDS-369, IDS-471.
The following courses satisfy the general education requirement at the 300- or 400-level: RST-300, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 309, 311, 312, 315, 316, 317, 325, 327, 331, 340, 341, 345, 347, 360, 361, 370, 401, 405, 409, 415, 421, 424, 427, 430, 431, 432, 433, 445, 450, 452, 471; IDS-340, 369, 471.
Religious studies courses that satisfy the general education requirement in cross-cultural studies are: RST-311, 331, 345, 350, 360, 361, 401 (depending on topic), 427, 445, 450, 452.
Religious studies courses that satisfy the general education requirement in gender studies are: RST-305, 308, 340, 341, 390, 471 (depending on topic)
All courses credited toward the major or minor must be completed with a grade of C or higher.
Programs of Study
The religious studies major provides the student with proficiency in four categories: biblical studies, systematic theology, practical theology/religion and culture, and religious ethics.
The curriculum requirements of 45 credits are as follows.
Required Courses For a Major in Religious Studies
Biblical Studies (12 credits)
RST-201 Introduction to Biblical Studies (3)
RST-315 Old Testament (3)
RST-317 New Testament (3)
Any one of the following
RST-308 Gender and Power in the Book of Genesis (3)
RST-309 Revelation and the Apocalyptic Imagination (3)
RST-316 Psalms (3)
RST-327 John's Gospel and Epistles (3)
RST-430 Topics in Pauline Theology (3)
Systematic Theology (12 credits)
RST-312 Sin and Grace (3)
RST-325 Jesus Christ (3)
Any two of the following
RST-307 Trinity: Images of God (3)
RST-415 Church (3)
RST-421 Christian Worship (3)
Practical Theology/Religion and Culture (12 credits)
Students are required to choose one course from practical theology
and one from religion and culture.
Practical Theology
RST-305 Marriage and Family (3)
RST-341 Theology of the Body (3)
RST-347 Introduction to Spirituality (3)
RST-409 Death and Dying (3)
RST-431 Teaching Religion to Adolescents (3)
RST-432 Faith Development of Children and Adolescents (3)
RST-433 Teaching Religion to Children (3)
Religion and Culture
RST-300 American Catholicism (3)
RST-311 World Religions (3)
RST-360 Islam (3)
RST-361 African American Christianity (3)
RST-424 Creation, Ecology and Theology (3)
RST-427 Study Tour (3)
RST-445 Islamic Perspectives on Peace and Conflict (3)
RST-450 Judaism, Christianity and Islam (3)
RST-452 Buddhism and Christianity (3)
Students are also required to complete any two other courses from
either practical theology or religion and culture.
Religious Ethics (9 credits)
RST-303 Christian Ethics (3)
Any one of the following
RST-304 Christian Social Ethics (3)
RST-345 Justice and Peace (3)
IDS-471 Honors: Politics and Ethics of War and Peace (3)
Any one of the following
RST-306 Christian Bioethics (3)
RST-331 Comparative Religious Ethics (3)
IDS-369 Honors: Genethics (3)
For those planning to seek catechist certification from the Roman
Catholic Archdiocese of Baltimore, it is recommended that at least
one course from RST-431, 432 and 433 be selected.
Religious studies majors and minors are encouraged to choose
RST-427 Study Tour. Internships in religious studies are also
available.
Capstone Experience
The religious studies capstone experience provides students with the opportunity to reflect on their religious studies program and synthesize what they have learned. The capstone experience has three related components: a portfolio preparation workshop and compilation of a portfolio, an interview with department faculty, and a presentation to department faculty, current religious studies students and alumnae. It Is required of all religious studies majors and is typically completed during the student's final semester.
Required Courses for a Minor in Religious Studies
The curriculum requirements of 21 credits are as follows
RST-201 Introduction to Biblical Studies (3)
RST-315 Old Testament or RST-317 New Testament (3)
One systematic theology course (3)
One practical theology or religion and culture course (3)
One religious ethics course (3)
Any two other courses from departmental offerings (6)
Four-year Plan
The following plan provides a sample program of study for the religious studies major. Students should select courses with the assistance of a religious studies faculty advisor.
See course descriptions for description of courses.
| Fall | Spring | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| First year | |||
| IDS-100 Perspectives in Education | 3 | RST-300/400-level course | 3 |
| ENG-101 College Writing | 3 | Foreign Language | 3 |
| Foreign Language | 3 | General Education/Electives | 9 |
| RST-201 Intro. Biblical Studies | 3 | [15 credits] | |
| General Education/Electives | 3 | ||
| [15 credits] | |||
| Second year | |||
| RST-300/400-Level Courses | 9 | RST-300/400-Level Courses | 9 |
| General Education/Electives | 6 | General Education/Electives | 6 |
| [15 credits] | [15 credits] | ||
| Third year | |||
| RST-300/400-Level Courses | 9 | RST-300/400-Level Courses | 6 |
| General Education/Electives | 6 | General Education/Electives | 9 |
| [15 credits] | [15 credits] | ||
| Fourth year | |||
| RST-300/400-Level Course | 3 | RST-300/400-Level Course | 3 |
| General Education/Electives | 12 | General Education/Electives | 12 |
| [15 credits] | [15 credits] |
Course Descriptions
RST-201 INTRODUCTION TO BIBLICAL STUDIES
Introduces the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures of the
Judeo-Christian tradition, exploring their historical and literary
contexts, as well as interpretations of religious meaning. Presents
modern methods of biblical study, including Roman Catholic,
Protestant and Jewish scholarship. Fulfills general education
requirement for 200-level religious studies. [3 credits]
RST-300 AMERICAN CATHOLICISM
Studies Roman Catholicism in the United States. Topics include the
history of American Catholic self-understanding; the influence of
the Catholic Church on politics, education and social issues; and an
examination of American Catholic socio-religious issues.
Prerequisite: RST-201. Fulfills general education requirement for
300/400-level religious studies. [3 credits]
RST-303 CHRISTIAN ETHICS
Presents a historical overview of Christian ethics as presented by
the Bible, Augustine of Hippo, Thomas Aquinas, Martin Luther, John
Calvin and contemporary figures. Examines selected topics in sexual
ethics, bioethics and social ethics. Prerequisite: RST-201. Fulfills
general education requirements for 300/400-level religious studies
and values. [3 credits]
RST-304 CHRISTIAN SOCIAL ETHICS
Provides students with an opportunity to understand and evaluate
various Christian positions on a range of contemporary moral issues
related to life in society. Examines selected topics in economic
ethics, social ethics and political ethics. Prerequisite: RST-201.
Fulfills general education requirements for 300/400-level religious
studies and values. [3 credits]
RST-305 MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
Explores marriage as a covenant, human institution and Christian
sacrament. Issues include sexuality, human intimacy, responsible
parenting and family life. Prerequisite: RST-201. Fulfills general
education requirements for 300/400-level religious studies and
gender studies. [3 credits]
RST-306 CHRISTIAN BIOETHICS
Provides students with an opportunity to understand and evaluate
various Christian positions on a range of contemporary moral issues
related to biology, technology and medicine. Examines selected
topics in the ethics of reproduction, genetics and research,
end-of-life care, and the allocation of scarce resources.
Prerequisite: RST-201. Fulfills general education requirements for
300/400-level religious studies and values. [3 credits]
RST-307 TRINITY: IMAGES OF GOD
Studies the three persons of God in the Christian tradition from the
viewpoint of contemporary scholarship. Historical, biblical and
contemporary images of the three persons of God are considered.
Prerequisite: RST-201. Fulfills general education requirement for
300/400-level religious studies. [3 credits]
RST-308 GENDER AND POWER IN THE BOOK OF GENESIS
Examines the book of Genesis in depth both in its historical context
and its interpretive history. Explores how gender is constructed in
the book of Genesis and the impact of that construction on identity,
social status, and interpersonal relationships. Considers the
questions of what is means to be a man or a woman and whether these
definitions are fixed or dynamic. Prerequisite: RST-201. Fulfills
general education requirements for 300/400-level religious studies
and gender studies. [3 credits]
RST-309 REVELATION AND THE APOCALYPTIC IMAGINATION
Examines the book of Revelation and its historical context and
evaluates its interpretation over time. Explores the dynamics of
apocalyptic theology from early Judaism to the present, and
considers whether and how one can read Revelation responsibly.
Prerequisite: RST-201. Fulfills general education requirement for
300/400-level religious studies. [3 credits]
RST-311 WORLD RELIGIONS
Considers the concept of God and perennial religious questions as
found in such religions as Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Taoism,
Confucianism and Judaism. Prerequisite: RST-201. Fulfills general
education requirements for 300/400-level religious studies and
cross-cultural studies. [3 credits]
RST-312 SIN AND GRACE
Presents a historical overview of traditional Christian
understandings of original sin and grace as presented by the Bible,
Augustine of Hippo, Thomas Aquinas, Martin Luther and the Council of
Trent. Explores contemporary interpretations of original sin and
grace by Roman Catholic, Protestant, feminist and liberation
theologians. Prerequisite: RST-201. Fulfills general education
requirement for 300/400-level religious studies. [3 credits]
RST-315 OLD TESTAMENT
Explores the origin of the books of the Hebrew scriptures, also
known as the Old Testament, in light of the history and culture of
the people who produced them. Students will be able to identify
major themes and characters and will become familiar with the
relevant scholarly methodology. Prerequisite: RST-201. Fulfills
general education requirement for 300/400-level religious studies.
[3 credits]
RST-316 PSALMS
Introduces the major types of psalms, their origins and their
artistry, and the major biblical themes they encompass. Also
discusses the continuing interpretive life of the psalms in Jewish
and Christian worship, art, and literature. Prerequisite: RST-201.
Fulfills general education requirement for 300/400-level religious
studies. [3 credits]
RST-317 NEW TESTAMENT
Examines the literature of the early Christian church with an
emphasis on content and composition in light of the history and
culture of the people who produced them. Students will be able to
identify major themes and characters and will become familiar with
relevant scholarly methodology. Prerequisite: RST-201. Fulfills
general education requirement for 300/400-level religious studies.
[3 credits]
RST-325 JESUS CHRIST
Studies the person and work of Jesus Christ from the viewpoint of
contemporary scholarship. The course explores the life, death, and
resurrection of Jesus and his central significance for Christian
faith as found in the Christian scriptures, in the history of
Christological doctrine, and in contemporary Christology.
Prerequisite: RST-201. Fulfills general education requirement for
300/400-level religious studies.
[3 credits]
RST-327 JOHN'S GOSPEL AND EPISTLES
Studies the biblical literature traditionally attributed to the
disciple John, and considers the continuing interpretive life of
these texts both inside and outside the Christian tradition.
Emphasis is on the historical developments of the ancient "community
of the beloved disciple" and the historical roots of that community.
Prerequisite: RST-201. Fulfills general education requirement for
300/400-level religious studies.
[3 credits]
RST-331 COMPARATIVE RELIGIOUS ETHICS
Provides students with the opportunity to understand and evaluate
various religious positions on a range of contemporary moral issues.
Examines Christian, Jewish, Islamic, Hindu and Buddhist perspectives
on selected topics in sexual ethics, bioethics and social ethics.
Prerequisite: RST-201. Fulfills general education requirements for
300/400-level religious studies, values and cross-cultural studies.
[3 credits]
RST-340 WOMEN IN WORLD RELIGIONS
Provides the opportunity for students to evaluate the impact of
world religions upon women in Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism,
Christianity and Islam. Students will engage primary and secondary
source material to better understand the historical and theological
contexts within which the world religions view women. Prerequisite:
RST-201. Fulfills general education requirements for 300/400-level
religious studies and gender studies. [3 credits]
RST-341 THEOLOGY OF THE BODY
An exploration of the meaning of life lived in a human body. Topics
include: creation in the image of God, freedom and person, gender
and vocation, theobiology and sexuality. Primary attention is given
to the impact of body theology on women's self-understanding.
Prerequisite: RST-201. Fulfills general education requirements for
300/400-level religious studies and gender studies. [3 credits]
RST-345 JUSTICE AND PEACE
Analyzes contemporary issues of justice and peace, including
classism, racism, sexism and violence. Topics such as world hunger,
terrorism and heterosexism will be considered from personal,
communal and global perspectives within the context of theological
and moral teachings of various religious traditions. Prerequisite:
RST-201. Fulfills general education requirements for 300/400-level
religious studies, values and cross-cultural studies. [3 credits]
RST-347 INTRODUCTION TO SPIRITUALITY
Considers the question: Are all persons spiritual by nature? This
course explores the meaning and practice of spirituality in
contemporary society, considering various religious traditions as
well as newly developing forms of spiritual practice. Topics include
diverse meditation practices, gender-based spirituality and
spirituality for the sake of justice. Prerequisite: RST-201.
Fulfills general education requirement for 300/400-level religious
studies. [3 credits]
RST-360 ISLAM
Examines the foundation, beliefs and practices of this major
religion. Issues include the place of women in Islam, the world-wide
spread of Islam and the challenges of modernism. Prerequisite:
RST-201. Fulfills general education requirement for 300/400-level
religious studies and cross-cultural studies. [3 credits]
RST-361 AFRICAN AMERICAN CHRISTIANITY
Studies African American Christianity in the United States,
historically and experientially. The course explores African and
slave roots, historical and political contexts, the centrality of
Jesus and the Bible, and themes of liberation and protest.
Prerequisite: RST-201. Fulfills general education requirements for
300/400-level religious studies and cross-cultural studies. [3
credits]
RST-370 CHRISTIAN HOPE
Presents an historical overview of the Christian understanding of
hope. The course will explore themes central to the Christian
theological tradition's understanding of death, resurrection,
heaven, hell and the fulfillment of history from personal and
communal perspectives. Focus will be given to biblical origins,
historical developments, and contemporary interpretations.
Prerequisite: RST-201. Fulfills general education requirement for
300/400-level religious studies. [3 credits]
RST-390 CONTEMPORARY SPIRITUALITY
Considers the question: Are all persons spiritual by nature? This
course explores the meaning and practice of spirituality in
contemporary society, considering various religious traditions as
well as newly developing forms of spiritual practice. Topics include
diverse meditation practices, gender-based spirituality for the sake
of justice. Open to Accelerated College students only. Prerequisite:
RST-201. Fulfills general education requirements for 300/400-level
religious studies and gender studies. [3 credits]
RST-401 TOPICS IN RELIGION
Investigates one specific topic, significant movement or writer,
providing an opportunity to consider a matter of interest in depth.
May be taken more than once on different topics. Recent courses
included: Jewish Thought and Culture, DaVinci Code: Fact or Fiction,
and Life and Legacy of Pope John Paul II. Prerequisite: RST-201. Can
fulfill general education requirement in cross-cultural studies
(depending on topic) and 300/400-level religious studies. [3
credits]
RST-409 DEATH AND DYING
Examines the phenomena and meanings attending death. What do
religion and science tell us about the process of death? What are
the various historical and contemporary beliefs about afterlife? The
course focuses on dying persons, survivors, health care
professionals and providers of death-related services. Prerequisite:
RST-201. Fulfills general education requirement for 300/400-level
religious studies.
[3 credits]
RST-415 CHURCH
Presents an historical overview of the development of traditional
Christian understandings of the nature and function of the church as
presented by the New Testament, Augustine of Hippo, Martin Luther,
the First Vatican Council, and the second Vatican Council. The
course will explore contemporary interpretations of the church by
Roman Catholic, Protestant, feminist, liberation, and non-Western
theologians. Prerequisite: RST-201. Fulfills general education
requirement for 300/400-level religious studies. [3 credits]
RST-421 CHRISTIAN WORSHIP
Provides opportunities for studying and experiencing the diversity
within worship practices among Christians. The course examines the
history of worship from pre-Christian times to the present with an
emphasis on communal rituals such as baptism and communion.
Prerequisite: RST-201. Fulfills general education requirement for
300/400-level religious studies. [3 credits]
RST-424 CREATION, ECOLOGY AND THEOLOGY
Reinterprets various Christian doctrines considered through the lens
of ecology and the contemporary ecological crisis. Doctrines
examined include creation, the human person, God, sin and
redemption. Service-learning course. Prerequisite: RST-201. Fulfills
general education requirement for 300/400-level religious studies.
[3 credits]
RST-427 STUDY TOUR
Provides opportunities to visit and study regions of importance for
religious studies. Tours are organized and directed by members of
the department and offered periodically in summer and winter.
Fulfills general education requirements for 300/400-level religious
studies and cross-cultural studies. [3 credits]
RST-430 TOPICS IN PAULINE THEOLOGY
Explores the apostle Paul's life, mission, and letters, as well as
his historical and social context. Examines the development of his
theology on such topics as faith, law, salvation, spirituality, and
life in community. Considers the diversity of the early Christian
Church and how others received and interpreted Paul's message.
Prerequisite: RST-201. Fulfills general education requirement for
300/400-level religious studies. [3 credits]
RST-431 TEACHING RELIGION TO ADOLESCENTS
Explores the spiritual and religious development of faith in the
life of adolescents. The course draws upon studies in spirituality,
psychology and sociology to determine the optimal approach for
assisting teens in their religious and moral choices. Prerequisite:
RST-201. Fulfills general education requirement for 300/400-level
religious studies. [3 credits]
RST-432 FAITH DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS
Explores the development of religious and spiritual understanding in
the lives of children until they reach young adulthood. We will
examine various ways that parents, teachers and others can engage in
meaningful conversation or teaching with children about matters of
faith. While the course focuses on Christian religious tradition,
individuals may consider other faith traditions in the required
research. Fulfills general education requirement for 300/400-level
religious studies. [3 credits]
RST-433 TEACHING RELIGION TO CHILDREN
Provides opportunities to practice teaching religious and moral
content to children. The practical application is based on the study
of spiritual and religious development of faith in the lives of
children from pre-school to middle school ages. The course prepares
parents, catechetical instructors and elementary school teachers to
approach religious topics suitably and at age-appropriate levels.
Pre-requisite: RST-201. Fulfills general education requirement for
300/400-level religious studies. [3 credits]
RST-445 ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVES ON PEACE AND CONFLICT
Focuses on the teachings of Islam on peace from the Qur'an and the
Sunnah (words and deeds of Muhammad). Considers also the
contradictory passages in the Qur'an and Sunnah about peace and
conflict, the interpretation of Islam in various parts of the world
today, and the practice of Islam by extremists and fundamentalists.
Examines in depth the meaning of "jihad," often misinterpreted as
"holy war." This course will explore some tenets of Islamic religion
and thought in the context of Islamic history and Middle Eastern
Culture. Prerequisite: RST-201. Fulfills general education
requirements for 300/400-level religious studies and cross-cultural
studies. [3 credits]
RST-450 JUDAISM, CHRISTIANITY AND ISLAM
Examines the three faiths that claim Abraham as their father from
historical, contemporary, scriptural, and cultural
perspectives. Looks at origins as well as theological similarities
and differences, using the Bible and the Qur'an as well as other
sources. Prerequisite: RST 201. Fulfills general education
requirements for 300/400-level religious studies and cross-cultural
studies. [3 credits]
RST-452 BUDDHISM AND CHRISTIANITY
Introduces the Christian and Buddhist traditions in comparison with
each other, as valuable paths to God. Examines the wisdom sayings of
Buddha and Jesus, as well as parallel concepts such as Christian
self-kenosis and Buddhist emptiness. Prerequisite: RST 201. Fulfills
general education requirements for 300/400-level religious studies
and cross-cultural studies. [3 credits]
RST-463 INDEPENDENT STUDY
Provides an opportunity for individual study of an area or topic of
special interest in religious studies. Usually involves research
under the guidance of a faculty member of the department.
Prerequisite: RST-201. Fulfills general education requirement for
300/400-level religious studies. [3 credits]
RST-465 DIRECTED READINGS: SELECTED TOPICS IN RELIGION
Provides an opportunity for individual study of an area or topic of
special interest in religious studies. Usually involves regular
discussions of written works with a faculty member of the
department. Prerequisite: RST-201. Fulfills general education
requirement for 300/400-level religious studies. [3 credits]
RST-471 HONORS: THEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS
Engages students in the exploration of current scholarship about a
person, event or topic of religious or theological significance.
Prerequisite: RST-201, Morrissy scholar or permission. Fulfills
general education requirement for 300/400-level religious studies.
[3 credits]
IDS-340 INTRODUCTION TO CATHOLIC STUDIES
Provides an overview of various dimensions of the Roman Catholic
faith, including Catholic practices, histories,
cultures and doctrines. Topics to be considered are: Catholic
spirituality and institutions, Catholic ecumenism and interreligious
dialogue, Catholicism and the arts, sciences and social action; the
history of the Catholic Church, global Catholicism, contemporary
Catholic theology, and the future of the Catholic Church.
Prerequisite: RST-201. Fulfills general education requirement for
300/400-level religious studies.
IDS-455 SEMINAR IN CATHOLIC STUDIES
Serves as the capstone for the Catholic Studies minor. As such, it
provides students with a focused seminar experience that encourages
substantial guided research on a topic in Catholic Studies mutually
agreed upon by student and professor. May include a service learning
component. Prerequisite: IDS-340. [3 credits]
RST-460 CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE
Provides students with the opportunity to reflect on their religious
studies program and synthesize what they have learned.
The capstone experience has three related components: a portfolio
preparation workshop and compilation of a portfolio, an interview
with department faculty, and a presentation to department faculty,
current religious studies students and alumnae. Required of
all religious studies majors and liberal arts majors with a primary
track in religious studies, and typically completed during the
student's final semester. [1 credit]