Theology & Religious Studies

THEOLOGY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES

THRS1103 Exploring Catholic Theology

Religious Thought: Christian Tradition (RCT) Religious Inquiry: Christian Tradition (RICT)

This course explores the central aspects of Catholic theology today. Catholic theology is the result of the Church’s reflection upon its own experience of faith, which is shaped by the historical and cultural contexts in which it takes place. In this academic approach to theology, students will explore critically Catholic understandings of God, of Jesus Christ, of the Church, sacraments, biblical interpretation, tradition and morality, among other themes. Special emphasis will be placed on the transformation of Catholic practice and theology after the Second Vatican Council. Fall and spring semesters. 4 credits

THRS1111 Exploring the Bible

Religious Thought: Christian Tradition (RCT) Religious Inquiry: Christian Tradition (RICT)

The Christian Bible consists of two parts: the first testament contains those sacred texts that comprise the Jewish Bible, and the second testament adds the early Christian writings held sacred by the Church. This course explores the meaning of these texts to believing communities today by examining the cultural, theological and historical influences that shaped them. Students will become acquainted with the basic plot, characters, literary forms, religious institutions, theology and ethical teachings of the Bible. Fall and spring semesters. 4 credits

THRS1115 Jesus and Christian Ethics

Religious Thought: Christian Tradition (RCT) Religious Inquiry: Christian Tradition (RICT)

Christian ethics can only be “Christian” in reference to Jesus Christ, who, according to Christian faith, continues to call people to become his disciples. On the basis of the study of the Synoptic Gospels, the course compares the kind of ethics that the NT proposed to the first Christians, and the kind of ethics that it proposes to Christians today. The course will also introduce the students to diverse ethical models and systems espoused by Christian authors today, with special emphasis on virtue ethics. Spring semester. 4 credits

THRS2101 What is Religion?

Religious Thought (R) Religious Inquiry (RI)

This course offers an introduction to the academic study of religion. In addition to some of the theories of religion, students will explore some of the most common phenomena found in religious traditions, such as symbols, rituals, human identity, ethics, ideas of the afterlife, and so forth. Fall semester. 4 credits

THRS2102 In the Beginning: Adam to Moses

Religious Thought: Christian Tradition (RCT)

This course will enable students to acquire a detailed familiarity with of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible). The focus will be on the main events and characters of these books, for example, Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham and Sarah, Moses and the deliverance from Egypt, as well as most significant religious institutions in Israel, such as the Sabbath, worship, covenant and Law. Topics will be examined using the methods of modern biblical interpretation as well as ancient Christian and Jewish methods of interpretation. Spring semester, odd years. 4 credits.

THRS2105 Judaism

Religious Thought (R) Religious Inquiry (RI) Diversity & Multiculturalism (DM)

This course offers an introduction to Judaism and surveys its history. It examines scripture, beliefs, ritual, ethics, intellectual life and the roles of women. Spring semester, even years. 4 credits

THRS2108 Religion and the Environment: Ethical Explorations

Religious Thought (R)

In this course, students will engage in the debate about the relationship between humans and their environment from a comparative religious ethical perspective. Discussion will address such questions as the roots of current environmental concerns, various religious ethical perspectives on these concerns and personal responsibility to the other-than-human world. Fall semester, even years. 4 credits

THRS2111 Love and Justice

Religious Thought: Christian Tradition (RCT) Religious Inquiry: Christian Tradition (RICT) Social Justice (SJ)

This course explores how Christians’ faith shapes their understandings of what to do and how to be. Attention is paid to the sources and methods in Christian ethics, focusing on the Biblical ideas of justice and love as key themes. A variety of ethical issues such as economic justice, marriage and sexuality, the environment, and topics in health care are examined, drawing on a range of historical and contemporary approaches to these questions. This course includes a required service learning component. Fall semester. 4 credits

THRS2114 The Prophets: Power, Politics and Principles

Religious Thought: Christian Tradition (RCT) Religious Inquiry: Christian Tradition (RICT) Social Justice (SJ)

The Hebrew prophets were vocal critics of the power structures and political institutions of their day. They took a stand against the abuse of power, exploitation of the poor, land grabbing, self-seeking, religious corruption, and other societal ills. This course will examine the range of ethical issues the prophets addressed, discover the principles they championed, and invite students to make application of these principles to present-day social issues. Spring semester, even years. 4 credits

THRS2116 Science and Religion

Religious Thought: Christian Tradition (RCT) Religious Inquiry: Christian Tradition (RICT)

Science and religion are two of the most powerful forces in the modern world. This course will address their relationship, which has ranged from the harmonious to the conflictual. Major historical intersections between science and religion will be studied as well as different conceptual formulations of their relationship. A range of options will be considered, and students will be free to voice their own well-considered interpretations. Fall semester. 4 credits

THRS2130 Catholic Social Teaching

Religious Thought: Christian Tradition (RCT) Religious Inquiry: Christian Tradition (RICT) Social Justice (SJ)

This course will provide an introduction to over 100 years of Catholic social teaching, using papal encyclicals and pastoral letters from the U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops primarily. Analysis of the documents and critiques of the teachings will also be used. Each of the documents will be grounded in its sociological, political, economic and religious context. A service-learning component will be included in the course introducing students to service to people in poverty in the Boston area. The mission of national and international Catholic social justice organizations will also be highlighted. Spring semester, even years. 4 credits (Cross-referenced with SOC2131)

THRS2131 Relationships and Sexuality: Christian Perspectives

Religious Thought: Christian Tradition (RCT) Religious Inquiry: Christian Tradition (RICT) Social Justice (SJ)

This course explores diverse Christian views on human sexuality and relationships with

particular attention to issues of social justice, gender studies and sexual orientation. Spring semester, odd years. 4 credits

THRS2135 World Religions

Religious Thought (R) Religious Inquiry (RI) Diversity & Multiculturalism (DM)

Students will encounter some of the world’s many religious traditions by studying their origins, writings, rituals and beliefs as well as contemporary expressions of these religions. Spring semester. 4 credits

THRS2150 Contemplation and Action: An Introduction to Christian Spirituality

Religious Thought: Christian Tradition (RCT) Religious Inquiry: Christian Tradition (RICT)

The world’s great religions all link the inner, spiritual transformation of individuals to the outward transformation of their lives and of the world. This travel course to Italy and Belgium will examine how some Christians have understood the transformation of their personal lives and expressed that transformation through their active engagement in the world. A particular focus of this course is development of both contemplative traditions and “active” spiritualties, as we will examine various forms of mysticism, Benedictine, Franciscan and Jesuit spirituality. We will also focus on two contemporary groups by visiting their places of origin: the Sisters of Notre Dame in Namur, Belgium and the lay Community of Sant’Egidio in Rome, Italy. Travel component required Spring semester, even years. 4 credits.

THRS2154 India: Religion, Culture, Justice

Religious Thought (R) Religious Inquiry (RI) Diversity & Multiculturalism (DM)

India is a rising power that will play an important geopolitical role in the 21st century. This is a travel course to that rising power. In the spring prior to our summer travel, students will take a preparatory course introducing them to Indian history and culture. A travel component will occur over a three-week period in June. The focus of our interest will be India’s religious pluralism, struggles for justice and cultural expressions such as art and architecture. Travel component required Spring semester, even years. 4 credits

THRS2201 War, Peace and Religions

Religious Thought (R) Religious Inquiry (RI) Social Justice (SJ)

Does religion primarily pacify or foment violence? Adherents of many of the world’s religions understand their religions to be religions of peace. Yet there is no denying the many instances of religiously inspired violence in today’s world. This course will explore the ways in which world religions promote war and peace, with an eye toward understanding when and how our own religious communities can be more effective at peacemaking and the promotion of human rights. Fall semester. 4 credits

THRS2202 Hinduism

Religious Thought (R) Religious Inquiry (RI) Diversity & Multiculturalism (DM)

India is one of the world’s rising powers, and its dominant religion is Hinduism. This course will provide students with an introductory knowledge of Hindu tradition, including its history, beliefs, practices and cultural expressions such as art and architecture. Spring semester, even years. 4 credits

THRS2205 The Gospels: Portraits of Jesus

Religious Thought: Christian Tradition (RCT) Religious Inquiry (RI)

The four canonical gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) are the primary sources for the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. This course will explore how the

words spoken by Jesus became oral stories about Jesus and were finally written down as the texts we have today. We will focus on each gospel’s distinctive theological interpretation of the historical figure of Jesus and will examine what makes each gospel unique with respect to the others. The course will also discuss some of the gospels that are not included in the Bible, such as The Infancy Gospel of James, and The Gospel of Mary Magdalene. Fall semester, even years. 4 credits

THRS2207 Controversy in the Church: Reading the Signs of the Times

Religious Thought: Christian Tradition (RCT) Religious Inquiry (RI) Social Justice (SJ)

The Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) addressed the relationship between the Catholic Church and the modern world, reminding us that “the Church has always had the duty of scrutinizing the signs of the times.” This course will discuss the impact of the Second Vatican Council and the key principles of Catholic social teaching. It will explore the role of the sacraments, and also address a variety of contemporary social and ethical issues, including but not limited to peace, justice, the environment, race, women’s rights, and dialogue with nonChristian religions and other expressions of Christianity. It will consider the official teachings of the Magisterium, along with the perspectives of various scholars and theologians, some of which challenge current teaching. This course will also explore the question of whether reform is needed and imagining what reform might look like. Fall semester, even years. 4 credits

THRS2209 History of Christianity: Between Prophecy and Compromise

Religious Thought: Christian Tradition (RCT) Religious Inquiry: Christian Tradition (RICT)

This survey course will address the major historical, theological and doctrinal developments in the 2,000-year-long history of the Christian church. Special attention will be given to the most influential turning points and to the recurring tension between those who tried to accommodate the Christian message to the surrounding culture in order to make it more socially relevant, and those who interpreted the role of Christianity as a witness against the prevailing culture’s values and expectations. Fall semester, odd years. 4 credits

THRS2211 Islam

Religious Thought (R) Religious Inquiry (RI)

This course will introduce students to Islam from its classical period to the present day, including its interaction with the West. Particular attention will be paid to ethical teachings and practices, the lived experiences of Muslims, and the theological, cultural and geographical diversity within the tradition. The course will include a field trip to a local mosque. Fall semester, even years. 4 credits

THRS2212 Buddhism: Beliefs and Practices

Religious Thought (R)

Buddhism is an important world religion that is growing rapidly in America. This course will introduce students to Buddhism as a textual tradition and as a lived, historical reality. Students will be encouraged to consider Buddhism and its ultimate claims regarding human existence in a sympathetic yet critical manner. Spring semester, odd years. 4 credits

THRS2213 Liberation Theology

Religious Thought: Christian Tradition (RCT)

Liberation Theology is one of the main Christian theologies today and it originated in Latin America. This course will focus on the methodology of Liberation Theology, on its Christology, and on its view of the church and the church’s role in society. The main authors to be studied are Gustavo Gutiérrez, Leonardo Boff, and Jon Sobrino. The discussion of the topic will be introduced by a review of Latin American history and

religion between 1492 and present time, of Vatican II and its impact on current Catholicism, and of some of the sociological and philosophical methodologies appropriated by Liberation theologians such as “theory of dependence” and Marxism. Since part of the ecclesial practice in which Liberation Theology originates includes political persecution and martyrdom, the course will also study briefly personalities such as Mons. Romero, Ignacio Ellacuría S.J., Sr. Dorothy Stang, SND. Spring semester, odd years. 4 credits

THRS2217 Women in the World Religions

Religious Thought (R)

This course addresses issues of concern to women in comparative perspective. Drawing on women’s voices from multiple religious and cultural traditions, the course explores such issues as women’s leadership roles, languages and imagery, family life and sexuality, relationship to sacred texts, and so forth. Fall semester, odd years. 4 credits

THRS2219 Women in Christian Traditions

Religious Thought: Christian Tradition (RCT) Religious Inquiry: Christian Tradition (RICT) Diversity & Multiculturalism (DM)

The theologies of a diversity of women across various Christian traditions form the basis of this course. Topics include basic gender and intersectionality theory; the changing roles women have played in multiple cultural historical and denominational expressions of Christianity; language and imagery; leadership and women’s ordination; topics of particular interest to class participants. Spring semester, even years. 4 credits

THRS2221 Progressive Christianity

Religious Thought: Christian Tradition (RCT) Religious Inquiry: Christian Tradition (RICT) Social Justice (SJ)

The American media have an obsession with fundamentalist Christianity, but rarely pay attention to justice-oriented, activist Christianity. This course will attempt to correct that imbalance by studying those Christians who express their faith in the most compassionate, dangerous, unconventional and self-sacrificial ways. In so doing, we will gain knowledge of an important sociological movement, as well as the provocative theology that energizes it. Fall semester, odd years. 4 credits

THRS2222 Social Justice and Global Health

Religious Thought: Christian Tradition (RCT) Religious Inquiry: Christian Tradition (RICT) Social Justice (SJ)

This course will introduce students to social justice as understood through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching. The principles of Catholic Social Teaching will then be applied to an examination of contemporary issues in global and public health. Fall semester,odd years. 4 credits

THRS2223 The First Christians

Religious Thought: Christian Tradition (RCT) Religious Inquiry: Christian Tradition (RICT)

The first followers of Jesus of Nazareth were a diverse group of people who left behind a significant body of writings, only some of which are found in the New Testament. Among the first Christians there were competing understandings of important issues. Who is Jesus? Was he simply a good and righteous man? A powerful prophet; the Son of God? What does it take to join this group called Christians? Is there a place for women? How should a follower of Jesus live? How should the Christian community organize itself: what are its structures, how is authority used, and who gets to decide? This course will examine these and other issues by carefully studying all the most important letters of the New Testament as well as other early Christian writings not found in the New Testament. Fall semester,odd years. 4 credits Arts and Sciences Course Descriptions for

THRS2305 Southern Africa: Ethics, Religion & Global Health

Religious Thought: Christian Tradition (RCT)

This travel course and service learning course will examine the connections between religion, culture, and health care in South Africa and Swaziland as a case study in the ethics of global health. How have religious communities have been both an obstacle and a resource in the struggle for racial justice and health justice, particularly during and after apartheid, the AIDS epidemic, and current migration challenges. During the two-week travel portion in May, students will have the opportunity to visit faith communities, health care organizations, and important historical sites. They will also carry out service with a Hospice at Home program for AIDS patients in Swaziland. Travel component required. Spring semester, odd years. 4 credits

THRS3133 Social Justice and Religious Traditions

Religious Thought (R) Religious Inquiry (RI) Social Justice (SJ)

The relationship of social issues with religious belief and commitment is the subject of investigation in this course. Students will study past and present social teachings of some of the major religious traditions, exploring how religious beliefs can translate into social visions of justice, developing some tools and techniques of social and religious analysis, and discussing and analyzing social issues of particular concern to class participants in light of how some of today’s religious communities struggle to resolve these concerns. Fall semester, even years. 4 credits Prerequisite: One previous THRS course or permission of instructor THRS3203 World Religions in Conflict and Dialogue

Religious Thought: Christian Tradition (RCT) Religious Inquiry: Christian Tradition (RICT) Diversity & Multiculturalism (DM)

World Religions in Conflict and Dialogue will address the crucial issue of interreligious relations from a variety of approaches. How do religions understand themselves? How do they interpret the religious other? Why do some religious leaders fear interaction with other religions, while other religious leaders embrace it? In order to address these questions, we will study disciplines such as interreligious dialogue (the practice of substantive conversation with a member of a different religion), theology of religions (how religions interpret another), and comparative theology (thinking across religious boundaries). Fall semester, odd years. 4 credits Prerequisite: One previous THRS course or permission of instructor

THRS4178 Directed Study Fall and spring semesters. 4 credits Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

THRS4182 Directed Research Fall and spring semesters. 4 credits Prerequisite: Permission of instructor