Interreligious Dialogue and Academic Preparation:
Religious Studies and Theology Core Curricular Requrements
At Jesuit Colleges and Universities

July, 2003

As a part of the Assistancy’s work promoting interreligious dialogue, we have compiled information from on-line university catalogs on the core curricula of the Jesuit colleges and universities.  This information explains the core theology and religious studies requirements, as well as indicates those core-fulfilling courses that include the study of traditions other than Christianity and consider issues related to religious diversity.

Please use this information as a guide for understanding how Jesuit higher educational institutions are attending to dialogue from within their university requirements.

Comments, suggestions, or revisions can be sent to Tracy Tiemeier at <tiemeier@bc.edu>.

BOSTON COLLEGE

Core Curriculum

Theology: 2 Course Sequence of one of the following:

HP 001-2 Western Cultural Tradition I & II (Honors Program)

HP 003-4 Western Cultural Tradition III & IV (Honors Program)

TH 001-2 Biblical Heritage I & II

TH 016-7 Introduction to Christian Theology I & II

TH 023-4 Exploring Catholicism: Tradition and Transformation

TH 088-9 Person and Social Responsibility I & II

TH 090-1 Perspectives on Western Culture I & II

TH 161-2 Religious Quest: Comparative Perspectives I & II

 

CANISIUS COLLEGE

Core Curriculum

Introduction to Religious Studies, plus two other courses in religious studies

COLLEGE OF THE HOLY CROSS

Core Curriculum

One course in Studies of Religion

Possible Courses

Introductory Courses

RS 101 – Intro to the Comparative Study of Religion

RS 120 – Comparative Religions/World View

RS 147 – Intro to Judaism

RS 161 – Religions: China and Japan

RS 195 – American Judaism

Intermediate Courses

RS 201 – Islamic Mysticism

RS 204 – Hinduism

RS 206 – Buddhism

RS 207 – Islam

RS 214 – The Modernization of Asian Religions: Seminar

RS 222 – Millennialism in Cross-cultural Perspective

RS 235 – Islam and Modernity

RS 260 – Comparative Mysticism

Advanced Courses

RS 305 – Mahayana Buddhism

RS 311 – Zen Buddhism

RS 312 – Theravada Buddhism

RS 315 – Women in the Muslim World

RS 333 – Comparative Theology

CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY

Core Curriculum

Theology

THL100 Christianity in Context

3 credits. Required.

THL2xx Scripture

3 credits. Select one from 200 Level Scripture Courses

THL3xx Christian Theology

3 credits. Select one from courses numbered between THL300-344.

FAIRFIELD UNIVERSITY

Core Curriculum

Three of the five courses required in Area III (Philosophy, Religious Studies, and Applied Ethics) of the core curriculum, described under Course Offerings, may be taken in Religious Studies. Introduction to Religious Studies (RS 10) must be taken by all students; a second course of the student's choosing must be taken in Religious Studies. A third course may also be chosen in Religious Studies to complete the five course requirement of Area III.

First Required Courses

RS 10 Introduction to Religious Studies

RS 10 Introduction to Religious Studies - Religion and the Critical Mind

RS 10 Introduction to Religious Studies - Religion, Culture and Community

RS 10 Introduction to Religious Studies - Asian Religions

RS 10 Introduction to Religious Studies - The Search for the Just Society

RS 10 Introduction to Religious Studies - A Model of Religion and Religions

RS 10 Introduction to Religious Studies - Prophecy and Mysticism

RS 10 Introduction to Religious Studies - Religious Autobiography

RS 10 Introduction to Religious Studies - Jerusalem as a Metaphor for the Faith of the West

RS 10 Introduction to Religious Studies - Christianity and Buddhism

RS 10 Introduction to Religious Studies - Christianity and Islam

Possible Second and Third Courses

RS 100 Introduction to Judaism

RS 101 History of the Jewish Experience

RS 150 Jewish Interpretations of Scriptures

RS 203 Women in Judaism

RS 242 Jews and Judaism in America

RS 244 Faith After the Holocaust

RS 251 The Hebrew Scriptures in Jewish Context and Christian Interpretation

RS 254 Prophets: Founders of the Judeo-Christian Tradition

RS 257 From Judaism to Christianity: A Socio-Literary Study

RS 281 Religious Values and Public Policy

RS 287 Hinduism

RS 288 Buddhism

RS 290 Religions of China

RS 291 Religions of Japan

RS 292 North Pacific Tribal Religion

RS 295 Non-Traditional American Religious Groups

RS 340 Modern Jewish Theology

RS 388 Buddhist Meditative Traditions

FORDHAM UNIVERSITY

Core Curriculum

All freshmen in Fordham College and the College of Business Administration must take RSRU 1000, Faith and Critical Reason, the first-year core theology course. All sophomores must take one core theology course numbered RSRU 2000-2999, the sophomore text course in theology, which studies the scriptures or the classical texts of various religious traditions. The theology department offers courses that fulfill American Pluralism, Global Studies, or Senior Values requirements, which are numbered between 3000 and 4999. Courses for majors and minors are also numbered between 3000 and 4999.

Possible Second Core Courses

RSRU 2810 — Scriptures of the World (3 credits)

RSRU 2811 — Sacred Texts of the Mideast (3 credits)

RSRG 3810 — World Religions (4 credits)

RSLG 2222 — Hindu Literature and Ethics (3 credits)

RSLU 2340 — Islam (3 credits)

RSLG 2780 — Classic Jewish Texts (3 credits)

RSLG 2811 — Sacred Books of the Mideast (3 credits)

RSLG 2812 — Sacred Books of the East (3 credits)

RSLG 2813 — Sacred Texts of India (3 credits)

RSLU 2815 — Mysticism East and West (3 credits)

RSLU 2251 — Classic Buddhist Texts (3 credits)

RSLU 2870 — Classic Texts in American Religion (3 credits)

Possible American Pluralism, Global Studies, or Senior Values Courses

RSLP 3420 — Religion in the 60s/70s (4 credits)

RSLU 3436 — Women and Religion (4 credits)

RSLU 3885 — Judaism and Gender (4 credits)

RSLU 3402 — Secret Societies (4 credits)

RSLU 3408 — Religion and Politics (4 credits)

RSLU 3422 — Gods of the city (4 credits)

RSLU 3433 — Goddess Traditions (4 credits)

RSLU 3802 — Religions of India (4 credits)

RSLU 3810 — World Religions (4 credits)

RSLU 3811 — World Mythologies (4 credits)

RSLU 3876 — Judaism (4 credits)

GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY

Core Curriculum

Theology 2 courses

Problem of God (THEO-001) and one intermediate level theology elective fulfill the theology requirement. Introduction to Biblical Literature (THEO-011) may be substituted for Problem of God or may be used as an intermediate level elective.

GONZAGA UNIVERSITY

Core Curriculum

Religious Studies (9 credits): Three courses in religious studies taken in sequence: one in scriptural studies (100 level), one in Christian doctrine (200 level), and one in applied theology (300 level).

JOHN CARROLL UNIVERSITY

Core Curriculum

The University core requirement in religious studies is satisfied by RL 101 and a second 3-credit RL course at a higher level.

RL 101 is a first course designed to introduce students to the discipline of religious studies and to address several issues and topics fundamental to the discipline.  The options for the second course allow students to continue study, in greater depth, of one or more of the issues and topics introduced in the first course.

Courses at the 200 and 300 level are open to all students except where prerequisites are specifically stated.  The major difference between 200 and 300 level courses is that 300 level courses have a more specific or limited focus.  Enrollment by non-majors in courses at the 400 level requires authorization by the chair.

Possible Second Courses

327. RELIGION IN BLACK AMERICA (3 cr.) 

251. COMPARATIVE RELIGIONS (3 cr.)

351. BUDDHISM (3 cr.)

352. HINDUISM (3 cr.)

353. CHINESE RELIGIONS (3 cr.)

354. JAPANESE RELIGIONS (3 cr.)

RL355 ISLAM (3cr.)

210. BASIC JEWISH RELIGIOUS THOUGHT (3 cr.)

311. CLASSICAL JEWISH THOUGHT (3 cr.)

312. CONTEMPORARY JEWISH PRACTICE (3 cr.)

313. MODERN TRENDS IN JUDAISM (3 cr.)

315. THE HOLOCAUST AND ITS MEANING (3 cr.)

LE MOYNE COLLEGE

Each Le Moyne student is required to take two courses in religious studies as part of the core requirement of the college. In addition, seniors have the option to select either a philosophy or religious studies seminar.

First Course Required

REL 200 Religious Perspectives on the Human Situation

Second Possible Courses: REL 300-399 Religious Dimensions of Reality

Rel 313 Oral Tradition and Religion

Rel 321 (Ant 311) Local Religions of Native America, Africa, Oceana

Rel 323 (Ant 312) Native American Religions

Rel 359 Muslim Communities in Transition

Rel 360 (Ant 360) Anthropology Examines Traditional Religions: Witchcraft, Oracles and Magic

Rel 336 Comparative Religious Ethics and Social Concerns

Rel 362 The Development of Jewish Thought

Rel 363 Religions of Asia

Rel 364 Religion in America

Rel 365 Islam

Rel 372 Judaism in the Second Temple Period

Rel 374 (HST 373) African-American Religions

Rel 381 Christianity in Dialogue with World Religions

Rel 382 Buddhism and Catholicism in Dialogue

Rel 383 (Phil 335) Philosophies of Judaism

Third Course Option: REL 400-440 Seminars in Religious Studies

LOYOLA COLLEGE IN MARYLAND

Core Curriculum

All students take an introduction to theology aimed at learning to interpret the Bible, understand history of Christianity, and become people who can respond intelligently, in thought and life, to the way these texts and traditions challenge (and are challenged by) our contemporary cultures.

The second theology course focuses these aims on one of four general areas: Jewish and Christian scriptures, the History of Christianity, Christian Theology, Theology and Culture (including world religions). Core ethics courses are either case-oriented or theme-oriented explorations of theological ethics.

First Required Course

TH 201 Introduction to Theology

Possible Second Courses: TH 200-280

TH 214 Friends and Foes: Jews and Christians through the Ages

TH 261 Introduction to Judaism

TH 263 Culture and World Religions

TH 266 Christian Theology and World Religions

LOYOLA MARYMOUNT UNIVERSITY

Core Curriculum

Each LMU student takes at least one 100-level theological studies course in the first two years and one 300-level course in the second two.

Possible First Courses

THST 180--Religions of the World

Possible Second Courses

THST 381--Contemporary Judaism and its Historical Background

THST 382--Religions of India

THST 383--Religions of the Near East

THST 384--Religions of East Asia

THST 385--Buddhism

LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO

Core Curriculum

Theology: 3 courses (9 hours)

Students take any three courses, but no more than two from any one group listed below. Core Curriculum in theology is divided into four areas which represent the principal fields of study in contemporary theology: (1) doctrine; (2) Biblical literature; (3) religious traditions; and (4) Christian life and practice. A student must select three courses from at least two of the four areas to complete the core requirement of nine hours in theology. Detailed descriptions of individual sections of a course are available from the department at the time of registration each semester.

Possible Courses in Third Group: History and Traditions

   172 - Basic Ideas and Practices of Judaism

   174 - Religion in America

   177 - Religions of the World

   178 - Women and Religion

   195 - Introduction to Islam

   196 - Introduction to Hinduism

   197 - Introduction to Buddhism

   198 - Jews and Judaism in the Modern World

LOYOLA UNIVERSITY NEW ORLEANS

Core Curriculum

Every student must select eight introductory common curriculum courses among English, mathematics, philosophy, religious studies, science, and history.

In advanced courses, students elect eight courses with two each in philosophy and religious studies, one in behavior/social sciences, one in humanities/arts, one in natural science, and one from any of the above areas.

MARQUETTE UNIVERSITY

Core Curriculum

Theology Core curriculum

The theology requirement for graduation is 9 hours. This must include THEO 001, one second-level course and one third-level course, in that sequence.

First Course

001. Introduction to Theology 3 sem. hrs.

Possible Courses

126. Bible in the Jewish Community 3 sem. hrs.

180. Theology of Religious Pluralism 3 sem. hrs.

182. Survey of World Religions 3 sem. hrs.

184. Jewish Thought and Practice 3 sem. hrs.

185. Islam 3 sem. hrs.

186. Hinduism, Yoga and Buddhism 3 sem. hrs.

REGIS UNIVERSITY

Core Curriculum

RS200--Introduction to Religious Studies (3 SH)

Religious Studies Elective (3 SH)

 

ROCKHURST UNIVERSITY

Core Curriculum

Theological Mode - Level 1 (6 hrs)

Must take both:

TH1000 or Honors TH1050

TH3000 or Honors TH3050

Philo / Theo Mode - Level 2 (3 hrs)

Possible Courses

PL3420 PL4300 TH4180 (TH 4180 – Religion in America)

PL3700 PL4640 TH4450 (TH 4450 – World Religions)

PL3800 PL4980 TH3450 (Jewish Faith)

PL3810 TH3150 TH4980 (New Religious Movements)

ST. JOSEPH UNIVERSITY

All students select a first course from the courses numbered THE 1111 through 1141; this course is prerequisite to all other courses offered in the department.

All students select a second course from the courses numbered THE 1511 through THE 1591.

All students select a third course from the courses numbered THE 2111 through THE 2891.

Possible Third Course

THE 2631 Spiritual Disciplines in Comparative Perspective    

ST. LOUIS UNIVERSITY

Core Curriculum

Nine hours of theology are among the core requirements in the College of Arts and Sciences. These core courses are shaped and formed in the spirit of the mission statement of St. Louis University. The first course, Theological Foundations (3 hours) introduces the student to foundations of the Judeo-Christian heritage and to the discipline of theology.

THA-100 Theology Foundations: Discovery

In response to the mission of this Catholic, Jesuit University, the Theological Foundations course (THA-100) seeks to educate students from all the undergraduate programs in a critical discourse with human experience, biblical origins, historical foundations, and historical developments of the Christian tradition. The course provides opportunity for human enrichment through creative questioning, awareness of Christian cultures, access to other cultural and religious contexts through comparative study, and a balanced appreciation of Christianity as a vital element in our global heritage.

200 Level: Insight

Courses on the 200 level are more advanced and more specific studies of comparative theology, biblical studies, historical and systematic theology which have all received a fundamental treatment in the 100 level course. Thus, there are courses in oriental religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. There are focused courses on the Hebrew Scriptures and the Christian New Testament. There are historical courses on early, medieval, and American Christianity. And there are systematic courses on specific themes in systematic theology like God, Jesus, Church, Sacraments and the like.

300 Level: Integration

Courses on the 300 level are more advanced and more specific studies of various religious traditions as well as the application of religion and theology to morality or ethics, to life in specific spheres both personal and social, and to spirituality. All of these applications have received an initial treatment in the 100 level and a more advanced and more specific treatment on the 200 level.

ST. PETER’S COLLEGE

Core Curriculum

Theology (6 credits)

Required Courses

Th110 Religious Faith in the Modern World

Th120 Christianity in the Contemporary Era

As/Th443 Black Religion may be taken in place of Th120.

SANTA CLARA UNIVERSITY

Core Curriculum

Religious Studies

Three courses in religious studies or from the list of other approved courses: (a) two 4-unit courses, normally taken during the freshman and sophomore years—one introductory level and one intermediate level; and (b) one 5-unit advanced-level course taken after completing 88 quarter units. These courses are to be taken in sequence.

Note: Introductory courses are 1-19; intermediate, 20-99; advanced, 100-199.

Possible Introductory Courses

7. South Asian Traditions

9. Ways of Understanding Religions

10. Asian Traditions

11. World Religions

13. Religion and Modernity

Possible Intermediate Courses

61. Religion of Oral Peoples

69. Jewish Traditions

70. Women in the Biblical Traditions

71. Women in Muslim Societies

73. New American Religions

75. American Judaism

76. Representing the Holocaust

77. History of Jewish/Christian Relations

81. Islam

82. Shia Islam

83. Faith and Politics in the Middle East

85. Hinduism

86. Buddhism

88. Chinese Religions

89. Japanese Religions

91. Native American Religions

Possible Advanced Courses

120. The Bhagavad Gita

150. Gnosticism and the Gnostic Imagination

153. Zen in Time and Thought

162. Asian Religions in the Bay Area.

168. Gender and Judaism

173. Modern Jews and Judaism

176. Religion in America

179. Magic, Science, and Religion

180. Religion in the Theories of Freud and Jung

182. Law and Justice in the Middle East

183. Comparative Fundamentalisms and Religious Resurgence

184. Race and Religion in the United States

185. Gender and Religion in Asia

186. Dreaming: Religious and Scientific Approaches

187. Ethical Issues in Asian Culture

189. Religion in Culture and Society

190. Islam and the Modern World

192. Mysticism

 

SEATTLE UNIVERSITY

Core Curriculum

Theology and Religious Studies Phase II 5

Any approved five-credit course selected from TRST 200-299.

Theology and Religious Studies Phase III 5

Any approved five-credit course selected from TRST 300-399.

Possible Phase II Courses

TRST 201 Torah: The Birth of a People

TRST 208 – Women and the Hebrew Bible

TRST 268 – Topics in Symbol, Ritual, and Myth

TRST 275 – Jewish Faith and Life

Possible Phase III Courses

TRST 370 – Asian Religions

TRST 371 – Christian-Buddhist Dialogue

TRST 401 – Theology of Religions

SPRING HILL COLLEGE

Core Curriculum

Theology: 9 semester hours

First course: THL 101 (or THL 190 for honors program students).

Followed by any two courses from the 200 or 300 level.

 

UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT-MERCY

Core Curriculum

A. Philosophy (3 hours)

B. Religious Studies (3 hours)

C. Philosophy or Religious Studies (3 hours - any PHL or RS course)

First Course

RS 100. Introduction to Religion

Possible Second Courses

RS 202. Eastern Religions

RS 203. Western Religions

RS 212. Introduction to Judaism: An Ecumenical Approach to Jewish Life and Thought

RS 217. Religion in U.S.A.

RS 218. Black Religion in America

RS 219. 20th Century American Jewish Life

RS 248. The Holocaust

RS 252. American Jewish History and Thought

RS 301. Anthropology of Religion

RS 302. Contemporary Religious Movements

RS 303. Hinduism

RS 305. Islam

RS 306. Buddhism

RS 359. Religion, Health and Healing

UNIVERSITY OF SAN FRANCISCO

Core Curriculum

Area D: Philosophy, Theology and Ethics (12 units)

Philosophy (4 units)

Theology (4 units)

Ethics (4 units)

Core Course

0128 - 101. Introduction to Religious Studies: Sacred Quest (4)

 

UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON

No Core Curriculum Information

WHEELING JESUIT UNIVERSITY

Core Curriculum

Core Fulfilling Theology/ Religious Studies Courses

Every student at Wheeling Jesuit University is required to take two Theology/Religious Studies courses plus either RST 305 Christian Morality Today or PHI 305 Ethics. The following courses fulfill the RST Core Curriculum requirements:

1. RST 106 (The Religious Quest) or RST 107 (Catholicism)

2. All other courses except RST 484.

3. RST 305 Christian Morality Today (juniors and seniors only).

      Please note: RST 305 does not fulfill the second RST Core requirement.

 

XAVIER UNIVERSITY

Core Curriculum

Theology 6 credit hours

Theology: Six semester hours must be completed in courses that study the human experience of God and the doctrines and rituals related to religious experience. THEO 111, Theological Foundations, serves as an introductory course in the Ethics/Religion and Society Focus and as the prerequisite for the two required theology courses. Students take one course from each set of two areas:

1. Scripture/History or Christian Systematics;

2. Theological Ethics, or Religion and Culture.