Courses Offerings for the Theology & Religious Studies Graduate Program

Learn more about the Graduate Program in Theology and Religious Studies.

Biblical Studies

400. INTRODUCTION TO BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION (3 cr.) Problems of and approaches to understanding the Jewish and Christian scriptures.  Special focus on the methods for doing exegesis, biblical interpretation, and contemporary applications.

404. LIVES ON THE MARGINS: PROPHECY IN ISRAEL AND THE ANCIENT NEAR EAST (3 cr.) Study of prophecy and prophets in ancient Israel and its ancient Near Eastern context.   Specific focus on such biblical prophets as Amos, Hosea, Isaiah, and Jeremiah.

405. "REJECTED BOOKS" OF THE BIBLE (3 cr.) Introduction to the non-Biblical writings of formative Judaism and early Christianity. Intensive study of selections from the intertestamental, apocryphal, and pseudepigraphical literature of the Old and New Testaments, the Mishnaic and later Talmudic literature, and the writings of early Christian authors.

406. NEW TESTAMENT ETHICS FOR CONTEMPORARY CULTURE (3 cr.) Seminar centering on the ethical prescriptions and perspectives conveyed by the New Testament. The teaching and praxis of Jesus, including his concern for the poor and solidarity with the marginalized, provide the center of gravity for analysis of a cross-section of the paraenetic teaching and ethical traditions in the New Testament. Students develop sophisticated tools for understanding the new Testament's contribution to contemporary ethical debates.

408. PAUL OR TARSUS: RABBI OR REVOLUTIONARY? (3 cr.) Introduction to the cultural and historical background of the life and career of the Apostle Paul and examination of his major writings and their impact.

501. OLD TESTAMENT EXEGESIS (3 cr.) Detailed exegetical analysis of a major Hebrew Bible text that will be specified when the course is offered.

505. NEW TESTAMENT EXEGESIS (3 cr.) Detailed exegetical analysis of a major New Testament book that will be specified when the course is offered.

506. JESUS IN FILM AND HISTORY (3 cr.)  History of research on the historical Jesus from Strauss through Wrede and Schweitzer to the present.  Analysis of the primary data using the standard criteria of authenticity.  Comparisons with contemporary appropriations of the figure of Jesus in visual media, especially film. Examination of the value of historical Jesus research for contemporary Christology.

507.  SYNOPTIC GOSPELS (3 cr.)  In-depth analysis of current research on theories of synoptic relations; the relationship of the synoptics to the non-canonical Gospel of Peter and Gospel of Thomas; the literary and theological characteristics of each of the Synoptic Gospels.

509. SPECIAL TOPICS IN OLD OR NEW TESTAMENT HISTORY AND LITERATURE (1-3 cr.) Selected questions from the text and background of the Old or New Testament. Specific content and number of credits to be announced when offered.

Church History

420. THE RISE OF CHRISTIANITY (3 cr.) Emergence of Christianity into the Greek and Roman world from the first to the sixth centuries. Key topics include: Trinitarian theology and Christology, Church and State, the role of women, monasticism, the interaction with pagan culture, the establishment of ecclesiastical structures, and the early Christian art, and the Church's growing self-understanding.

421. CRADLE OF CHRISTIANITY: EARLY CHRISTIANITY IN SYRIA AND ASIA MINOR (3 cr.) Exploration of the rise of Christianity in the Roman provinces of Syria and Asia Minor (modern Turkey) through readings, lectures, and visits to the places most significant ot this development. Beginning with the early events and texts associated with the cities of Damascus and Antioch (in ancient Syria), the course traces the route of Christian development from northern Palestine through Cappadocia and Anatolia, to the coastal city of Ephesus, the "metropolis of Asia." Often done "on location" in conjunction with a study tour of Syria, Turkey, and/or Greece.

422. AUGUSTINE: LIFE, THEOLOGY, INLFUENCE 3 (cr.) Introduction to the life, theology, and influence of Augustine of Hippo (C.E. 354-431), an important figure in the history of Christian thought and contemporary Christianity. topics include Augustine's views of early church and state, marriage and secuality, original sin, and the freedom of will.

522. GOD AND RADICAL EVIL IN THE MODERN WORLD (3 cr.) Development of the idea of God's relation to evil from the Renaissance until today; emphasis on the changing notion of evil in response to cultural changes such as the Enlightenment and Darwinism; the demonic and the Gothic in the nineteenth century; modern literary and philosophical theodicies; scientific theories; theological response.

525. WOMEN IN CHRISTIAN TRADITION (3 cr.) Lives and writings of prominent women within the Christian tradition from the viewpoint of contemporary feminist theology. Emphasis on women's contribution to theology in light of their historical context.

528. HITLER, THE CHURCHES, AND THE HOLOCAUST (3 cr.) Examination of the roots of anti-Semitism, the rise of fascism in Europe as it relates to the ideology of the Nazi Party, and the "failure" in the implementation of the Final Solution. Includes the structure and purpose of the ghettos and death camps, as well as resistance efforts; also, the significance of contemporary representations of the Holocaust for a post-Shoah generation. Special emphasis on the path travelled by the Roman Catholic Church from apology and intolerance to respect, repentance, and interreligious dialogue.

529. SPECIAL TOPICS IN THE HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN THOUGHT (1- 3 cr.) Selected questions from the history of Christian thought with emphasis on reading in primary sources. Specific content and number of credits to be announced when offered.

Ethics

460. INTRODUCTION TO RELIGIOUS ETHICS (3 cr.) The sources, methods, and style of moral argumentation of religious ethics.  Focuses primarily on the Christian tradition and secondarily on an Eastern religion.

466. JUSTICE AND THE ECONOMY (3 cr.)  Team-taught, interdisciplinary seminar. Interrelationship between economic and ethical choices and their ethical and economic implications. Basic economic and theological-ethical frameworks for decision making. Case studies.

561. RELIGION, ETHICS, AND GENETICS (3 cr.) Exploration of a variety of issues raised by advances in biotechnology, especially those associated with the Human Genome Project, which open the door to widespread genetic manipulation of human and non-human beings.

564. CHRISTIAN SOCIAL JUSTICE (3 cr.) Examination of Catholic and Protestant social teachings which contribute to a social ethic. Special focus on political, economic, and cultural problems, including war and peace, poverty, and prejudice.

567. LIBERATION ETHICS (3 cr.) Exploration of the sources and paradigms of liberation theology and its ethics, which arose out of the moral indignation of Latin Americans and African Americans in response to oppression and injustice in the Americas. Liberation theology has inspired a new a new way of doing Christian ethics that takes into account the reality of the poor and oppressed as its point of departure and seeks the transformation ofpersons adn structures. Focus on the elements of praxis and experience, social analysis, social analysis, and scripture.

569. SPECIAL TOPICS IN RELIGIOUS ETHICS (1-3 cr.) Selected issues or authors in the history of Christian ethics. Specific content and number of credits to be announced when offered.

Jewish Studies

The Department of Religious Studies is privileged to offer several courses in Jewish thought and practice with the support of an endowment for the Bernard Hollander Lectureship in Jewish Studies. These courses, taught by a Rabbi, are sponsored by the Jewish Chautauqua Society.  It is the Society's goal to make accessible to students courses in Jewish history and theology.  Since 1976, this program has been made possible by a gift in the memory of Bernard Hollander.  Past holders of the lectureship include Rabbis Philip Horowitz (1976–1978), Stuart Geller (1978–1980), Arthur J. Lelyveld (1980–1995), and Jacob Shtull (1995). The current Hollander Lecturer is Rabbi Michael Oppenheimer (1996–).

While graduate-level courses are not routinely available in Jewish Studies, arrangements can be made with the Hollander Lecturer or the Biblical Studies faculty for interested students to undertake tutorial studies in this field.  For further information, see the Undergraduate Program listings in Jewish Studies.

Ministry & Practical Theology

480. INTRODUCTION TO CANON LAW (1-3 cr.) Introduction to 1983 Codex in its historical context, with a view to its pastoral application. Special attention to the canons on the sacraments of baptism, eucharist, and marriage. Case studies.

RL489; RL 489L The New Covenant & Social Justice: A Praxis Approach (4 cr.) & 1-hr lab. This course aims to link theological theory with religious and pastoral practice. Participants will investigatethe connection between New Testament theology and its concrete implications for social justice by engagingin research and community action with respect to a specific social-justice problem. A minimum of twenty-five (25) hours engaged in a concrete community service project will be combined with background researchon the topic, seminar discussion, and written reflection in light of the essential gospel message. Thisseminar is part of the Catholic Studies curriculum, and is a “Diversity” course in the University CoreCurriculum. For more information, see <http://www.jcu.edu/Bible/489/>

RL580. PASTORAL COUNSELING (3 cr.) The theory and practice of pastoral counseling. Emphasis placed on specific approaches to intervention that match the needs, populations, and contexts in which the pastoral counselor functions. Offered in conjunction with HU 580.

Seminars & Special Topics

492. INDEPENDENT STUDY (1-3 cr.) Prerequisite: consent of the chair and the instructor. In-depth study on a tutorial basis of a particular problem, approved by the chair and directed by a member of the department. A paper is required.

499. SPECIAL TOPICS (1-3 cr.) Selected topics in one of the areas of theology and religious studies. Specific content and number of credits to be announced when offered.

592. INDEPENDENT RESEARCH (1-3 cr.) Independent study involves directed research on a topic selected by the student, in consultation with a Theology and Religious Studies faculty member who will supervise the project, and culminiating in one or more papers. The RL592 Independent Study Contract form may be obtained from the department secretary or from the JCU website at: www.jcu.edu/graduate/forms. Approval for the course should be obtained no later than three weeks prior to the semester in which the student wishes to enroll in the course.

593. MASTER'S ESSAY (1-3 cr.) Culmination of the work leading to the Master of Arts degree. Takes the form of a research essay or creative project designed to show the student's skills at analysis, organization, and expression. The scope of the research involved is less extensive than that expected for the thesis (RL599). The essay or project must be approved by one faculty reader. Approval for the course must be secured no less than three weeks prior to the semester in which the student wishes to enroll. Use the Independent Study Contract form obtained from the department secretary or at www.jcu.edu/graduate/forms.

598. SPECIAL TOPICS IN RELIGIOUS STUDIES (1-3 cr.) Selected questions and issues in the field of theology and religious studies. Specific content to be announced when offered.

599. MASTER'S THESIS (6 cr.) Demonstration of a student's research ability, whose content shows originality, clarity of thought, and power of mature expression. The thesis may bring new facts to light, organize facts available in standard sources, or evaluate critically a technique, method, or trend. The thesis must be approved by three faculty readers, one of whom is the thesis advisor. Approval for the course must be secured no less than three weeks prior to the semester in which the student wishes to enroll. Use the Independent Study Contract form obtained from the department secretary or at www.jcu.edu/graduate/forms.

Spirituality

474. THEOGOLY OF RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE (3 cr.) Study of the authentic and inauthentic manifestations of religious experience and the biblically-based criteria that might be applied to validate Christian religious experience. Draws on the theoretical readings of Johnathan Edwards, William James, Rufus Jones, and Evelyn Underhill and the recorded experiences of Dionysius the Areopagite, Meister Eckhart, John of the Cross, Elizabeth of the Trinity, and Simone Weil.

571. IGNATIAN SPIRITUALITY: ORIGINS AND DEVELOPMENT (3 cr.) Study of the life and writings of Ignatius Loyola and the spirituality that emerged from his religious experience, the dissemination of Ignatian spirituality across the globe through the creation of the Jesuit order, the mission and ministry of the first Jesuits, the development of Ignatian spiritualiy through the centuries, and a focus on its contemporary relevance.

573. CLASSICS IN SPIRITUALITY (1-3 cr.) Selected readings from the works of religious leaders with attention to historical and cultural background, theological and psychological insights, and practical application. Authors to be considered: Pseudo-Dionysius, Catherine of Siena, Ignatius Loyola, Teresa of Avila, Evelyn Underhill, Peirre Teilhard de Chardin, and Henri Nouwen. Specific authors to be announced when offered.

575. THOMAS MERTON AND C.S. LEWIS (3 cr.) Study of the writings of Merton and Lewis, who continue to exercise an astonishing influence on religious thought and practice. Includes their autobiographies as well as other well known works.

Systematic Theology

430. INTRODUCTION TO SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY (3 cr.) Consideration of five basic parameters necessary for understanding how theology works: faith, revelation, scripture, symbol, and method applied to a particular work for theology. The goal is an appreciation for a particular theology as an integrated "system" and for the Trinitarian pattern and content visible with it.

437. INTRODUCTION TO FEMINIST THEOLOGY (1-3 cr.) Exploration of the way in which the feminist movement has affected the articulation of Christian doctrine through a reading and analysis of the works of contemporary feminist theologians. Includes a survey of feminist theory from the late 18th century to the present.

530. CONTEMPORARY APPROACHES TO THEOLOGY (3 cr.) Several approaches to important theological issues: varieties of postmodern theology; feminist contributions to theology; theology of religions; which "Jesus" is proclaimed? Among theologians likely to be read are: Fiorenza, Gilkey, Griffin, Hick, Knitter, Küng, McFague, Ogden, and Ruether.

531. MODELS OF GOD (3 cr.) Comparison of several models for understanding God and God's relations to the world. Personal models (Parent, Friend); the Soul-Body model; Traditional models (Monarch, Being Itself); Process models (Cosmic Lover, Creator-Redeemer-Liberator); God as Mystery.

532. SIN, GRACE AND WHOLENESS (3 cr.) Introduction to the theological anthropology, the study of the human being in relation to God and in conflict with evil, in order to secure a doctrinal foundation for the understanding of Christian spirituality. Readings include the Jewish Scriptures, Paul, Augustine, Julian of Norwich, Thomas Aquinas, Martin Luther, the Council of Trent, Karl Rahner, feminist and liberation theologians.

533. METAPHYSICS AND THEOLOGY (3 cr.) Examination of the ideas of several modern philosophers whose thought has been utilized by important theologians. Among the philosophers to be read are Whitehead, Heidegger, and Hartshorne. Among the theologians are Rahner, Ogden, and Griffin.

534. CHRISTOLOGY (3 cr.) Study of the principal developments in theological reflection on the meaning and significance of Jesus Christ in the New Testament and later church tradition; consideration of how contemporary Christology is both affected by and responds to some crucial concerns of today's culture.

535. THEOLOGY OF THE CHURCH (3 cr.) Origin, nature, and mission of the Church in light of its evolution from the preaching and mission of Jesus and his disciples, through its developing history, to its current self-understanding since Vatican II.

536. MICHELANGO: THE ARTIST AS THEOLOGIAN (3 cr.) Study of seven major works of Michelangelo Buonarotti (1475-1564) - the ceiling and Last Judgment of the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Pieta, the Rondanini Pieta, the statue of David, the Doni Tondo, and the paintings in the Pauline Chapel at the Vatican Palace - for the purpose of exploring the pre- and post-Tridentine theology reflected in these works. Attention also will be paid to other artists of the period, including Caravaggio and del Piombo.

537. BELIEF AND UNBELIEF (3 cr.) Examination of the arguments and attitudes of the three most strident "New Atheists" (Sam Harris, Richard Dawkins, and Christopher Hitchens), followed by the works of a philosopher and two theologians (Charles Hartshorne, Schubert Ogden, and David Mason), which attempt to restore "belief" to a solid ground.

538. SACRAMENTAL THEOLOGY (3 cr.) Focus on sacramental theology and praxis with particular attention to symbol, liturgical celebration, and pastoral issues which have emerged in the historical and theological development of sacraments in the Christian tradition.

539. SPECIAL TOPICS IN SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY (1-3 cr.) Selected problems or authors in systematic theology. Specific content and number of credits to be announced when offered.

Tuohy Chair

The department is honored to sponsor the Walter and Mary Tuohy Chair of Interreligious Studies which annually brings to the department a distinguished visiting scholar who offers RL 385/585. The chair, named in honor of the late Walter Tuohy, a leading railroad executive, and his wife Mary, was established in 1966.

RL 585. TUOHY CHAIR (3 cr.) Specific content will be announced; see the most recent Undergraduate Bulletin or the Tuohy website (www.jcu.edu/religion/tuohy) for further information.

World Religions

450. FAITHS OF ABRAHAM: JUDAISM, CHRISTIANITY, AND ISLAM (3 cr.) Cross-cultural approach to the study of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, all of which claim Abraham, the Biblical patriarch, as their "father in faith." Uses American and selected international religious communities as case studies.

452. PILGRIMAGE (3 cr.) Study of the phenomenon of pilgrimage as a unifying theme in the study of world religions as a key component of religious life. Isolates the theme of pilgrimage and considers it as a perspective on the unity of spirit, mind, and body as an expression of the inseparability of individuals and larger religious communities. Uses pilgrimage as a point of departure for investigations of symbols, rituals, myths, laws, doctrines, faiths, and visions manifested in world religions.

551. BUDDHISM (3 cr.)  Buddhist religion from its beginnings to its decline in India; transmissions to and preservation of Indian traditions in Tibet, China, and central and southeast Asia.  Buddhist history, regional variations, philosophical positions, and social/political applications.

552. HINDUISM (3 cr.)  Brahmanical religions in India from introduction of the Vedas to the development of the Upanishads, through the classical period.  Devotional movements, brahamanical theologies and philosophies, syntheses of Indian religions with political and social structures.

553. CHINESE RELIGIONS (3 cr.)  Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism, Ancient Chinese beliefs and practices, and the introduction and adaptations of Buddhism.  Philosophical and cultural manifestations and the gradual development of the major Chinese religious movements up to the modern period.

554. ISLAMIC SPIRITUALITY (3 cr.) An elaboration of the mystical/Sufi tradition of Islam and the emergence of Islamic spirituality. Detailed study of the Qur'anic verses and paradigms from the sayings of the Prophet that constitute the main sources for the spiritual dimensions of Islam.

559. SPECIAL TOPICS IN ASIAN RELIGIONS (3 cr.) Focus on different topics in non-Christian religions. Specific content and number of credits to be announced when offered.