The Catholic studies minor is an interdisciplinary program that introduces students to issues and themes in the study of the Catholic Church and Catholic beliefs.
Program Overview
The Catholic studies program includes a curriculum that analyzes the rich contributions of Catholicism to human history, culture and thought. The program is ideal for students interested in Catholic theology, Christianity and developing a deeper understanding of Catholic beliefs and how they informed history and impact modern society.
The Catholic studies minor includes courses from a number of Rockhurst University departments, with a required overview course, Introduction to Catholic Thought and Culture. In addition to Introduction to Catholic Thought and Culture, students complete a total of 12 upper-division credit hours (normally four courses) chosen from an approved list that includes courses in both Catholic thought and Catholic culture.
All Rockhurst University students, regardless of major, are invited to participate in the Catholic studies minor. No specific background or previous education is necessary and people of all faiths or persuasions are invited to participate.
Students who wish to complete the Catholic Studies minor will work closely with the program director for the Catholic Studies program. The minor includes a selection of courses from a range of Rockhurst University departments. Students must complete a total of 12 upper-division hours to complete the minor (4 courses).
Students can choose the four upper-division courses from the overall list of available courses, in consultation with the program director, rather than having to choose two from separate categories. No introductory course is required.
Student Reflections
"I would highly recommend the Catholic Studies minor — the people have been great and the material you cover is extremely interesting. You do not need to be a religious person to enjoy this minor, and it can really open the way you think on a daily basis.” – Whit Tegenkamp
“I loved how each of the films and books from class shed artistic light on a certain aspect of God. No message was pushed down your throat, but professors presented the story in a way where it lets the reader/viewer decide what the truth is." – Maria Kramer
Learning Outcomes
- Ability to critically evaluate a range of Catholic traditions, narratives and expressions.
- Recognition of how Catholic traditions and theology play important roles in local, national, and global issues and events.
- Appreciation for the diversity of perspectives among Catholicism, Christianity and other religious traditions.
Program Outcomes
The Catholic studies minor complements many other areas of study, giving students a well-rounded education that prepares them for various career opportunities.
Theology
Law
Government
Education
Course Map
Degree and class descriptions and requirements can be found by clicking on the course catalog listing below:
Popular Courses
An interdisciplinary course administered by the Thomas More Center for the Study of Catholic Thought and Culture that offers a synthetic overview of the nature, sources, and contributions of the Catholic tradition. Required for all Catholic Studies minors.
This course will explore the relationship between law, justice and society from the ancient world until the 17th century. The course will emphasize law as it developed in medieval Europe, particularly the revival of Roman law and its influence. Students will also examine methods of dispute resolution and social control in the pre-modern world, both formal methods, in the development of criminal justice systems, and informal methods, such as the vendetta. Topics will also include women in pre-modern law, the development of laws of proof and evidence, incarceration and punishment.
A philosophical inquiry into the rationality of religious belief, focusing in particular on two questions: 1) Does God exist? and 2) Is religious belief rational? Discussion of these questions normally involves discussion of the following issues: arguments for the existence and nature of God; the problem of evil; the questions of immortality, religious pluralism, and the relationship between religion and morality; the nature of religious experience; faith vs. reason; religion vs. science; etc.
An examination of the major theological emphases of Catholics and Protestants. Attention is given to the origins of the Protestant Reformation and the development of the various Protestant traditions arising from it. Students are introduced to literature, guest lecturers, and worship experiences from both Catholic and Protestant traditions.
Degree Info
- The Catholic studies minor is part of the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies.
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