Undergraduate Catalog 2022-2023 | Page 304

Course
Name
Long Title
Min Credits
Description
Requisites
RS-231
Bioethics
3
RS-241
Theology of Suffering
3
RS-252
Contemporary Catholicism
3
RS-256
Sexuality , Gender , Culture and Religion
3
RS-264
Theology of Marriage and the Family
3
RS-299
Selected Topics in Religion
3
RS-437
Special Topics
3
Exploration of the ethical dilemmas arising from recent advances in the biological sciences , for example , genetic engineering , patients ’ rights , and the social or private control of research . Designed to give students an in-depth understanding of salient legal , cultural , religious and philosophical issues as those impact the biological sciences . Students will be given the tools with which they can analyze ethical arguments , especially in relation to social responsibility , diversity , equity and inclusion . As an exploration of the theological issues that arise in the face of human suffering , this course addresses questions about God and the human condition . Particular attention is given to various kinds of suffering , to how people find meaning in the face of suffering and to sources of hope within the Judeo-Christian tradition .
After placing into a fuller context the Second Vatican Council of the Roman Catholic Church , this course examines the significant topics that have characterized more contemporary Roman Catholic discussions and aspirations since the Council ended in 1965 .
The course examines the emergent Christian feminist movement in the churches and it examines the implications of feminist theology for all persons in the churches today , both in a critical and an appreciative manner . In Roman Catholic understanding , the family is the basic unit of secular society and is also essential to a proper self-understanding of the nature of the church . From biblical , ecclesial and pastoral perspectives , the course reflects upon the gift and challenges of committed love , parenting , widowhood , marriage breakdown and various roles of lay ministry . The church annulment process is examined , as are various pre-marriage preparation programs .
This course offers a detailed study of a specialized subject area that will vary based on student / faculty interest . The topic , course structure and instructor will be announced prior to pre- registration . There are no prerequisites . Specialized topics , not covered in the range of topics above are chosen by a professor for presentation on an ad hoc basis .