Religious Studies Minor

Religious Studies Minor Information:

The Religious studies minor explores diverse religious traditions, their development, beliefs, sacred texts, rituals and traditions, in light of contemporary theology. Students examine their own values and beliefs and articulate their understanding religion within human experience. Students analyze artistic and literary religious works and interpret their moral-ethical meaning and significance.

Students also explore the historical significance of diverse religious traditions and their implications for the religious beliefs, practices, and institutions of contemporary life. Students can clarify and affirm the content of their own beliefs. Religious Studies practitioners utilize theological resources and relevant scientific and humanistic disciplines to address religious issues.

Students identify religious topics for investigation and use designed approaches to problem solve and make decisions in collaboration with others as they engage in theological inquiry.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Scriptural and Theological Interpretation: Understand and articulate the elements of hermeneutical theories and apply them by effectively interpreting religious texts and traditions.
2. Critical and Metaphorical Thinking: Responds analytically and aesthetically to stories, symbols, and rituals expressive of religious experience.
3. Religious Pluralism: Critically explore the unique meanings and values expressed in various religious traditions [recognizing the contribution they make in the quest for the transcendent in life].
4. Moral and Ethical Responsibility: Develop and articulate a personal and moral ethical stance responsive to the complexity of contemporary issues.
5. Professional Integration of Theological and Spiritual Practice: Articulate a personal theology based in core concepts, theories, and methods of the discipline and make applications related to personal and professional goals.

Dunn, Steven Ph.D. Professor of Religious Studies, email: Steven.Dunn@alverno.edu

Courses taught: Spirituality and Society (HUM 150); Control of Life and Death RL 210; Images of Jesus RL 214; The Gospels RL 311; Judaism, Christianity, and Islam RL 250; Medical Ethics RL 252; The Biblical Worldview RL 350; Ministry RL 475

Religious Studies _{(RL.D.SUP.2022)} Minor Requirements  25-26 Catalog

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Choose 16 Credits From Below:		16
RL-210	Control of Life & Death
RL-214	Images of Jesus: Past & Present
RL-250	Judaism, Christianity, Islam
RL-251	Asian Religions
RL-252	Medical Ethics
RL-310	Religious Experience/Myth & Symbol
RL-311	The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
RL-313	Moral Theology
Total Credits		16