Theology & Religious Studies Course Descriptions

TRS 100 Theological Inquiry

By introducing the discipline of Christian theology, this course will be foundational to further studies in theology and religious studies. It primarily examines the perennial questions of existence and the answers proffered by the Christian faith. It presents an overview of the development of Christian theology with an emphasis on the role Christian theology can play in the students’ lives, the culture, and the world. The responsibilities of Christianity in a pluralistic world are also addressed. Course includes significant reading and writing components. Prerequisite or corequisite: EN 101 or higher. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: TRS-1. (3)

TRS 201 Understanding Religion

Religion matters to individuals, to families, and to societies. This course examines religion cross-culturally, seeking to understand what it is and how it works. Common features of religions such as beliefs in the supernatural, mystical experiences, myths, rituals, organizational structure, and moral guidelines will be explored through ancient and modern religious traditions. Prerequisites: TRS 100 and EN 102 with a grade of C- or better. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: DSINQ, GP, TRS-2. (3)

TRS 202 Religions of the World

Ancient and modern religions are studied as varied responses to the search for ultimate meaning and purpose in human existence. Building on foundational knowledge of Christianity learned in TRS 100, students will explore indigenous religious traditions and major world religions. Prerequisite: TRS 100. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: GP, TRS-2. (3)

TRS 251 The Religion of the Old Testament

Designed as an introduction to the tools, resources, and critical methods for reading and interpreting Old Testament scripture. Special attention is given to the historical context out of which the Judeo-Christian faith and its confessional documents emerged. Prerequisite: TRS 100. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: TRS-2. (3)

TRS 260 The New Testament Gospels

Designed as an introduction to the tools, resources, and critical methods for reading New Testament scriptures. Attention is given to the historical context of the Gospels and principal tenets of Christianity. Prerequisite: TRS 100. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: TRS-2. (3)

TRS 261 The New Testament Epistles

Provides a systematic and critical examination of the epistles of the New Testament. Emphasis on textual exegesis, the historical context, and the theological significance of the epistles. Prerequisite: TRS 100. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: TRS-2. (3)

TRS 270 Christ in Christianity

The course studies the interpretations of the work and person of Jesus Christ. It attends to the role of culture and the situation of the church in shaping various portraits of Jesus and dogmas of Christ’s constitution and salvation. Prerequisite: TRS 100. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: TRS-2. (3)

TRS 271 The Christian God: One and Three

Presents the Christian doctrine of God in its historical and theological context. Prerequisite: TRS 100. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: TRS-2. (3)

TRS 272 The Mystery of the Church

This course will explore ecclesiology, the theological study of the Christian church. Questions to be addressed include the importance and limits of ecclesial diversity, the inculturation of the church in different cultures and contexts, the role of women in the Christian church, theories of authority and church office, the relation between the Christian church and Judaism, ecumenism, and the church and salvation in a multi-religious world. Prerequisite: TRS 100. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: TRS-2. (3)

TRS 273 Worship in Christian Theology

An introduction to the study of Christian sacraments and liturgical practices. The course focuses on the historical development of Christian worship and on correspondences and differences in liturgical practices among contemporary Christian communities. Emphasis will be placed on the relation between the theological interpretation of ritual and sacramental practices and other topics in systematic theology, including doctrines of God, Christ, the church, and grace. Prerequisites: EN 102 and TRS 100. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: TRS-2. (3)

TRS 280 Faith & Doubt in Christian Theology

This course traces the theology of faith and doubt in Christian history to shed light on responses to faith and doubt within the modern world and church. This faith will be compared and contrasted with the growth of doubt within believing communities and the growth of secularism. Prerequisite: TRS 100. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: TRS-2. (3)

TRS 320 American Religious History

This course focuses on the history of religious traditions in the United States with the aim of understanding the role of religion in shaping American society. Prerequisites: TRS 100, and HI 110 or HI 111. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: TRS-2. (3)

TRS 325 Religious Approaches to Death

This course examines the myriad ways in which people turn to religion in response to death. Special attention will be given to religious practices and beliefs in contemporary societies. Prerequisites: EN 102 and TRS 100. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: GP, TRS-2. (3)

TRS 330 Religious Journeys of Young Adults

This course explores the religious lives of contemporary young adults. Students will examine how religious engagement changes in the transition from adolescence to adulthood and how young adults construct meaningful lives in conversation with religious traditions and religious communities. Students will also explore new efforts of religious institutions to engage young adults and conduct field research of a local religious group. Prerequisites: TRS 100 and one course in either sociology or psychology, or permission of instructor. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: TRS-2. (3)

TRS 340 Judaism in Thought and Practice

Students will explore Jewish history through the biblical, rabbinic, medieval, and modern periods; learn about Jewish rituals and liturgical practices; and examine the basic tenets of Judaism. Students also will examine issues that challenge the Jewish community today, including the role of Israel in the life of the Jewish people and intermarriage. Prerequisite: TRS 201 or TRS 202. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: GP. (3)

TRS 345 Buddhist Traditions

This course provides an in-depth survey of the diverse Buddhist traditions. Beginning with an examination of Buddhism’s origins in India, the beliefs and doctrines of the major Buddhist schools of Asia will be outlined as well as religious practices, including meditation, pilgrimage, and devotional rituals. Students will comparatively analyze Buddhist religious expressions in order to develop a clear understanding of the historical and cultural differences within Buddhist traditions. Prerequisite: TRS 201 or TRS 202. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: GP. (3)

TRS 351SL Christian Ethics in the Contemporary World

This course develops a critical and systematic approach to moral theology by examining the sources of the Christian moral life and the principles for free choice. The course will examine the meaning of human freedom, conscience, sin, and grace as rooted in the nature of the human person and in the revealed word of God; it also surveys the historical development of the Christian moral life. Prerequisite: TRS 100. Service Learning (SL) Designated Course: approx. 20 hours service. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: TRS-E. (3)

TRS 352 Catholic Health Care Ethics

After examining the principles of moral theology, this course specifically examines a variety of medical issues in the context of Catholic teaching as demonstrated in relevant Church documents. Issues include euthanasia, abortion, birth control, sterilization, and organ transplants. Prerequisite: TRS 100. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: TRS-E. (3)

TRS 353SL Faith, Justice, and Public Life

After examining the principles of moral theology, this course specifically examines a variety of social issues in the context of Catholic teaching as demonstrated in relevant church documents. Issues include warfare, labor rights, international relations, and social justice. Prerequisite: TRS 100. Service Learning (SL) Designated Course: approx. 20 hours service. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: TRS-E. (3)

TRS 361 Grace and Sin, Heaven and Hell

Examines the Christian doctrines of grace and sin, looking at their historical development, present location in theology, and eschatological implications. Prerequisites: EN 102 and TRS 100. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: DSINQ, TRS-2, WI. (3)

TRS 362 Friendship, Marriage, and God

A systematic approach to Catholic moral teaching on interpersonal relationships. The course examines the theology of the human person in light of creation, covenant, and redemption and examines the pertinent moral issues and teaching regarding single, married, and family life. Prerequisites: EN 102 and TRS 100. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: TRS-2, WI. (3)

TRS 370 The Bible as Literature

This course emphasizes literary analysis of selected readings and reflections on the relation of scripture to faith. It examines the distinctive purpose of the Bible and what distinguishes it from other literature of the Western tradition. Prerequisites: TRS 100 and one of the following: TRS 251TRS 260, or TRS 261, or permission of instructor. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: TRS-2. (3)

TRS 380 The History of the Early Church

The history of the Christian church surveyed from its founding by Jesus Christ to the conclusion of the Council of Chalcedon in the 5th century. Emphasis is on the development of Christian orthodoxy and the impact of the church on human culture and development. Prerequisites: EN 102 and TRS 100. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: TRS-2, WI. (3)

TRS 381 Medieval and Reformed Theology

An examination of the historical theology of the Christian church from the Scholastic Period to the Reformation. Special attention is given to the intersection of philosophy and theology in the thinkers and movements covered. Prerequisites: EN 102 and TRS 100. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: TRS-2, WI. (3)

TRS 382 The Church in the Modern World

A survey of the history of the Christian church since the Protestant Reformation. Special attention is given to Vatican II and the role of the church in the development of modern culture. Prerequisite: TRS 100. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: TRS-2. (3)

TRS 400 Internship

Students may register for an internship with a research or service agency in the Washington metropolitan area. The intern will be monitored by a supervising faculty member and a representative of the cooperating agency. Prerequisites: senior status and a GPA of at least 2.0 in major courses. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: EXP. (3)

TRS 451 Christian Faith in the Modern World

Presents a critical and systematic examination of Roman Catholic theology in the modern world through a study of major Catholic writers and church documents. The course aims to envelop the student in contemporary theological thinking through the topics of revelation, God, church, sacraments, morality, eschatology, and spirituality. Course is intended for majors, minors, and Honors Program students. Prerequisite: TRS 100. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: DSINQ. (3)

TRS 498 Project

An investigation of a selected topic in the emphasis discipline. The project is intended to demonstrate ability to conduct independent research and present the results in writing of commendable quality. (3)

TRS 499 Senior Seminar

The focus of the senior seminar is the student research paper that demonstrates skill in researching and writing on topics in theology or religion. Prerequisites: EN 102 and senior status. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: DSINQ, WI. (3)