This course explores the ethics of marital and familial relationships in light of Scripture, Christian theology, the social sciences, and contemporary human experience. Key themes include the relation between sexual intimacy and human flourishing, divine love and human love, civil marriage and religious marriage, and the family and society. Attentive to wisdom of the past, the course takes up new questions, including “hookup culture,” sex and social media, same-sex relations/marriage, singleness as a vocation, work-family tensions, and the family’s mission in society.

What constitutes a good human life? This course pursues this question in dialog with the moral wisdom of the Christian tradition. Primary focus is given to the themes of happiness, virtue, and love, which are examined in light of traditional and contemporary sources and in conversation with student experience. The course also explores moral decision-making and responsibility in relation to the pursuit of both the personal and common good. Attention is given to the unique insights Christian ethics brings to bear on issues that impact realization of the good life in our context today.

This course examines essential elements of a Christian understanding of the human person before God. It helps students explore life’s “big questions”: where do we come from; is there a purpose to our existence; what are we to make of so much evil and suffering; where is God to be found; and for what may we hope? Students will be introduced to key biblical, historical, and contemporary sources that have shaped Christian thinking about human existence.

What does it mean to belong to a church? This course explores the mystery of the church by examining its biblical origins, its practices and rituals, and its mission in God’s plan.

This course explores biblical and theological foundations of a Christian understanding of forgiveness and the relevance of this tradition for pursuing forgiveness and reconciliation today.  Topics include the role of justice in the forgiveness process and importance of forgiveness as the basis for the goal of reconciliation. In addition to the dynamics of inter-personal forgiveness, the course examines how an ethic of forgiveness can support the political and social goals of reconciliation and restorative justice. Through consideration of moral and spiritual exemplars, students will learn the craft of exercising the virtue of forgiveness in daily life.

How can we create a more just, humane, and sustainable world? This course pursues this question in light of the vision and moral wisdom of the Catholic social tradition. In dialog with theological commitments to human dignity, the common good, and related ethical principles, students will develop their understanding of important social issues, acquire skills of social and ethical analysis, and cultivate their ability to envision practically-wise courses of action. Specific topics to be explored include: strengths and weaknesses of the free market economy; poverty and underdevelopment; the ethics of war and peace; punishment and restorative justice; work and leisure; treatment of migrants and strangers; and care for the environment.

This designation is for courses offered as electives in the Undergraduate Honors Program, and may include both Honors-only courses and augmented Honors versions of courses that are offered elsewhere in the catalog. Courses have limited enrollment and content reflects Honors Program course outcomes around rigorous critical engagement, interdisciplinarity, effective communication, and meaningful collaboration.

Introduction to earliest forms of prayer and worship practiced by Christian communities. Students will discover how Christians passed on the rituals and prayer forms enacted by Jesus and the first Christian communities. The examination of the sacramental life of the Church, especially Baptism and Holy Eucharist, will furnish a source of worship for life.

A survey of the Gospels of Mark, Matthew, Luke and John, highlighting the unique theological perspective of each evangelist and the distinctive facets of the life and ministry of Jesus that each Gospel writer emphasizes. It seeks to familiarize students with what the gospels say about Jesus, with tools for reading the gospels intelligently, and with some history of the first century world. The course examines the structure, plan, and major themes of each author and invites reflection on the meaning of the Gospel for our contemporary world. (Suggested preparation: THE 110)

Using the principles of interreligious dialogue, this course investigates the principle beliefs, rituals, and moral codes of the major world religions: Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Judaism, and Islam. It seeks to broaden awareness of religious diversity and develop attitudes of understanding, respect, and collaboration with members of other religious traditions.