This course introduces students to Roman Catholic tradition and its faith, doctrines, theology, ritual, spirituality and moral life. Its goals include 1) acquainting students with the distinctive spirit of the Catholic vision and tradition as it relates to other Christian denominations and religious traditions; 2) helping students to recognize that Catholicism is a theological heritage that encompasses a rich tradition of persons, doctrines, ways of celebrating, moral living, praying and social justice; and 3) familiarizing students with the challenges that contemporary Catholicism faces in the Third Millennium.

Three influential mathematical developments of the 20th century have had repercussions in theology: Gödel’s Incompleteness Theorems, Cantor’s transfinite cardinals and non-Euclidean geometries. We will learn enough math to support our understanding of these results. We will also consider the historical, philosophical and theological contexts in which these results were developed, exploring various controversies associated with these developments. This course also earns one (1) semester hour toward the math major or minor.

An introduction to the official social teachings of the Catholic Church and the lived experience of the Judeo-Christian tradition in the United States since the end of the nineteenth century. Attention is given to the theological vision, the anthropology, and the principles used by the Church in its moral reflection on the various social problems of our day including rights and duties of workers and employers, racism, sexism, attacks on the dignity of human life and the family, political tyranny, economic injustice in the Third and Fourth worlds, and war.

Course offered fall of even years An investigation of the masters and monuments from 1250–1550. Emphasis is placed on Italy culminating in a study of Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Raphael and their legacy; however, Northern masters and styles will be introduced.

Special topics in Catholic Studies offered on an occasional basis by faculty or visiting scholars.