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RELIGION COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
FRESHMAN RELIGION (101)
Course description: Freshman Religion is divided into two courses. The first semester includes coming to terms with each person's unique contribution to society and reviewing basic beliefs about God and the Catholic Church. Students will participate in prayer services in Gibault's Chapel.
The second semester is entitled "Issues in Sexuality". The Church's approach to Human Sexuality is studied in all of its dimensions: spiritual, physical, moral, social, intellectual and emotional.
Prerequisite: Required for all Freshmen
Length of course: One year Credit: One
SOPHOMORE RELIGION (102)
Course description: The first semester is an introduction to the Hebrew Scripture. The Hebrew Scripture is the foundation for much of our Christian faith. This course acquaints students with the books of the Hebrew Scripture. The class will analyze each work for historical significance and for what it reveals to each student religiously. A close reading of the Bible will be undertaken in order to help students become closer to their faith. Each student will be required to bring or purchase a Bible. Students will plan prayer services, integrating what they learn in the Bible with worship.
The second semester will be a study of the Christian Scripture including the historical Jesus and the Jesus of faith.
Prerequisite: Required for all Sophomores
Length of course: One year Credit: One
JUNIOR RELIGION (103)
Faith and Sacraments
Course description: First semester-- This course combines a study of the Sacraments of the Catholic Church with some of the basic beliefs which Catholics express in the Creed. The purpose of this course is not only to give the students a deeper knowledge of the Sacraments and their Catholic Faith, but it is also hoped that this will lead to a deeper appreciation and a more meaningful living of their Catholic Faith.
Christian Morality
Course description: Second semester-- During this course Juniors will have opportunities to ponder choices in their personal behavior and lifestyles, as well as societal values and norms that influence those choices. The course affirms the belief that Jesus and his Church provide a life-affirming vision, thoughtful guidance, inspiring stories, and essential norms for making decisions about how to dwell together creatively and conscientiously. The first part of the course concerns the traditional categories used within the community to formulate its moral purpose such as the teaching of Jesus, Scripture, conscience, character, law, sin, and virtue. The second part is a systematic presentation of major moral issues. Students will learn what Church leaders have to say about these current and controversial topics. Student evaluation is based on tests, papers, and projects.
Prerequisite: Required for all Juniors
Length of course: One year Credit: One
SENIOR RELIGION (105)
THE CHURCH AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
Justice
Course description: First semester--This course will direct the students’ attention to justice issues in today’s world. A study of Church statements and government documents on the issues will be covered. Students are required to perform a final research project on a justice issue.
Christian Lifestyles
Course description: Second semester--This course covers units on the single life and the consecrated life including the ordained vocation. The course also covers preparation for marriage, the sacrament of marriage, and family life.
Prerequisite: Required of all Seniors
Length of course: One year Credit: One
ISLAM AND CHRISTIANITY (108)
Course description: In this elective course, students will examine the history, beliefs and customs of the major religions of the world, especially Islam, in order to come to a better understanding of the people, governments, and creeds in our world today. The goal of the course is to promote better relations between Christians and other religions. As students compare and contrast their own to other religions, they will come to a deeper appreciation of their faith. This course will serve as a step toward peacemaking at the local and global level.
Prerequisite: Senior or Junior standing.
Length of course: One semester every other day
Credit: 0.25
RELIGION AND THE ARTS (107)
Course description: This elective course is a study of the vital connection between art and religion. Instruction/activities include field trips to various cathedrals, the St. Louis Art Museum, and MOCRA on SLU campus to observe firsthand some of the fine local examples of religious art. In-class discussion will focus on the history and themes of religious art and on research of the major styles, time periods and artists. The purpose of this elective is to expose students to the value and contribution of art to religion.
Prerequisite: Senior or Junior
Length of course: One semester (every other day)
Credit: 0.25
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