The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religious Studies introduces the student to the major areas of theological exploration and discourse, as well as the broader context of the academic study of religion.  Graduates of this program will be familiar with the various methods used to study religion within the contemporary academy, as well as the more specifically theological areas of knowledge such as Bible, church history, systematic theology, ethics and inter-religious dialogue.  They will be able to engage in a critical and constructive dialogue with the theological tradition, analyze and evaluate other's contribution to that tradition, and begin to create their own theological contributions.  The program seeks to reflect the pluralism and variety of contemporary theology, and hence is not bound to any one theological method.  Although offered in the context of a Catholic college, the degree is available to students of any or no religious tradition.  Religious Studies majors are strongly encouraged to take English 103 before taking any Religious Studies courses.  History 111-112 is recommended

B.A. in  Religious Studies  (124 hours)
The following are required for a baccalaureate degree:

1. 56 hours:  General Education
   
   
2.  6 hours:  Requisites for the Major
   
   RLST 110  Freshmen Experience:  Social Justic or  RLST 210  Transfer Experience:  Social Justice
   RLST 130 Introduction to Religious Studies
   (Included in General Education requirements)
   
   
3. 24 hours:  Upper Level Courses in Major
   
   Systematic:  6 hours – See course listings (S)
   RLST _____                               
   RLST _____       
   Biblical:  6 hours – See course listings (B)
   RLST _____                               
   RLST _____
   Moral Theology:  3 hours – See course listings (M)
   RLST _____                               
   History:  3 hours – See course listings (CH)
   RLST _____                               
   RLST _____ (upper level course only)
   RLST 499 Senior Seminar in Religious Studies
   
   
4. 44 hours:  Electives

The Associate of Arts Degree in Religious Studies is designed to meet the needs of the undergraduate student who wishes a general and flexible introduction to the discipline of Religious Studies, either as a preparation for further academic work or for local lay ministry.  Graduates of this program will have a broadly based knowledge of the various subject areas within theology, a knowledge of the pluralism of methods within theology and within religious traditions, and the ability to begin to analyze and evaluate these traditions and beginning experience in communicating this knowledge and analysis to others.

A.A. in Religious Studies  (61 hours)
The following courses are required for the Associates degree:    

1. 34 hours:   General Education
   
   
2. Requisites for the Major
   
   RLST 110  Freshmen Experience:  Social Justice or  RLST 210  Transfer Experience:  Social Justice
   RLST 130  Introduction to Religious Studies
   (Included in General Education requirements
   
   
3. 12 hours:  Upper Level Courses in Major
   
   RLST 320  Introduction to New Testament
   RLST 330  History of Christianity Ior  RLST 331  History of Christianity II
   or  RLST 345  Religion in America
   RLST 370  Christology:  The Person and Work of Jesus
   RLST 430  Contemporary Christian Morality
   
   
4. 18 hours:  Electives

Minor in Religious Studies  (15 hours)
The Minor in Religious Studies allows a student pursuing another degree at the College to explore the discipline beyond the requirements of the General education program.

The following courses are required for a minor in Religious Studies:

1. RLST 110  Freshmen Experience:  Social Justice or  RLST 210  Transfer Experience:  Social Justic
2. RLST 130  Introduction to Religious Studies
3. RLST 330  History of Christianity I or RLST 331  History of  Christianity II
4. RLST 350  The Gospels
5. RLST 370  Christology:  The Person and Work of Jesus

Second Degree in Religious Studies (30 hours)
Any student with a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university can obtain a second degree in Religious Studies by completing the following courses:

1. RLST 110  Freshmen Experience:  Social Justice or RLST 210  Transfer Experience:  Social Justice
   
   
2. RLST 130  Introduction to Religious Studies
   
   
3. 24 hours:  Upper Level Courses in Major
   
   Systematic:  6 hours – See course listings (S)
   RLST _____                               
   RLST _____       
   Biblical:  6 hours – See course listings (B)
   RLST _____                               
   RLST _____
   Moral Theology:  3 hours – See course listings (M)
   RLST _____                               
   History:  3 hours – See course listings (CH)
   RLST _____

Certificate in Religious Studies  (18 hours)
The Certificate program in Religious Studies provides a solid foundation in the discipline either for those who already have a degree in some other field and wish to increase their knowledge of theology, or for those who plan to pursue further theological education or serve in local pastoral ministry.  It is designed to be very flexible in meeting student needs and areas of interest.

The following courses are required to receive a certificate in Religious Studies:

1. RLST 110  Freshmen Experience:  Social Justice or RLST 210  Transfer Experience:  Social Justice
2. RLST 130  Introduction to Religious Studies  
3. RLST 320  Introduction to New Testament
4. RLST 330  History of Christianity I or RLST 331  History of  Christianity II
   or RLST 345  Religion in America
5. RLST 370  Christology:  The Person and Work of Jesus
6. RLST 430  Contemporary Christian Morality

Additional Information
In collaboration with the Diocese of Gary and the Catholic Theological Union of Chicago, the College offers undergraduate credit. In Religious Studies for courses given in the Diocesan Ministry Formation Program.

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