PCS - Program in Catholic Studies

A team-taught course introducing: 1) the biblical and scholastic roots of Catholic social teaching; 2) Catholic incarnational, sacramental and analogical reasoning; and 3) general social justice theory, with emphasis on current opportunities for furthering the common good within existing social, political and economic systems.

This course traces the development of prophecy and the prophetic tradition in biblical and contemporary times. Selected prophetic texts focus on the character, personality, and mission of various prophets. Other topics include prophetic imagination, creativity, religious experience, justice, compassion, hope and the portrayal of God. Central to the course is the prophets' transformative vision for all times.

From Beowulf to 1500, readings from key poets, playwrights, and prose writers from the Anglo-Saxon and medieval periods examined in the context of linguistic, social, and literary history. In addition to Beowulf, readings will include selections from The Canterbury Tales, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, hagiographies (saints' lives), and The Book of Margery Kempe.

Analysis of several contemporary Catholic ethicists, including Curran, O'Connell, Regan, and McCormick, who have influenced the development of Catholic ethics. A critical examination of natural law, human freedom, conscience, authority, and the moral and rational capacity.

A study of Chaucer's major works, especially the Canterbury Tales in a Middle English text, examined in the context of linguistic, social, and literary history and fourteenth-century literary history and historical background.

The issues of justice from a Catholic perspective as they affect society locally, nationally, and internationally.

A study of Dante's epic journey through the realms of hell, purgatory, and heaven in search of justice, love, and happiness, with a study of Dante's Vita Nuova, which shows his allegorical style and the significance of his love for Beatrice.

This course examines what changing notions of sanctity and heresy reveal about Christian societies during the Middle Ages. Using primary texts the course will look at the political, economic and religious values through several important works by leading scholars of medieval history.

A broad study of the history of Medieval Europe, from St. Augustine to the Hundred Years' War, with special emphasis on politics and culture.

This course studies some major topics and approaches in the history of philosophical reflection on Being and ontology from the beginnings of metaphysical speculation in the pre-Socratics through the contemporary period. Topics may include potency and act, essence and existence, causality, the ontolological foundations of logic, and the question of God.

This course will examine European history from 1500 to 1688. This period runs from the Reformation to the birth of the modern state system. Special emphasis on intellectual, artistic, and cultural developments as well as the theological and military transformations in European life during this time.

An historical and theological examination of the Catholic Mass (Lord’s Supper) in Church teaching and ecumenical perspective. Special emphasis to be given to the intrinsic nature of its parts in Word and Eucharist, to the devout and active participation by the faithful, and to its significance as source and summit of Christian spirituality in contemporary time and culture.

Enrich an awareness of God's presence in the world through a theological and historical exploration of Christian spiritual practices such as lectio devia, meditation, and contemplation. Students will examine key concepts that inform these practices, such as discernment and gratitude, through active and self-reflective participation in spiritual practices.

An exploration of Christian spirituality in terms of images of God, Christian anthropology, prayer, as well as social and ecological concerns. A critical and dialogical engagement with selected classical text from the Christian tradition that suggest ways of being in right relationship with God, self, others and the natural world within the context of the 21st century.

Historical development of conflicts, especially over the theory of evolution, and the variety of positions presented today by theologians, scientists, and philosophers.

This course will explore the Catholic theological tradition, primarily as it finds expression in five novelists whose writing is influenced by that tradition.

Augustine of Hippo (d. 430) grounds the history of western theology, and still informs modern fields like psychology and linguistics.  While situating him in Roman antiquity, the course studies his thought as an account of Christian faith seeking understanding.  We will read in depth his classic, theologically profound conversion story, the Confessions, and study his thought on God, Scripture, and the grace of Christ.

A project-oriented seminar in which student teams with varying backgrounds in environmental studies develop action plans to deal with regional environmental issues.

Examines major economies of the world from a historical, theoretical and applied perspective. Students will analyze how different national economic systems have evolved through time as changing economic ideas and practices spread across national boundaries.

This course will examine ethical issues in medicine, biotechnology, and related fields. Issues to be discussed may include the concept of informed consent, stem cell research, reproductive technologies, human enhancement, end of life issues, the global AIDS epidemic, genetics, biomedical research, and justice in the distribution of healthcare.

This course will engage each student in a service practicum in a local parish or agency, while studying how Catholic thought, culture, and principles of social justice are practiced there. The course will require a synthesis of readings on social justice and Catholic thought, as well as the practical experience gained.

This course will explore the Catholic theological tradition, primarily as it finds expression in six novels whose writing is influenced by that tradition.

This course is devoted to an intensive study of the work of a single philosopher. Different philosophers will be featured in different semesters.

The major philosophers from Augustine through late scholasticism with particular attention to Augustine, Anselm, Aquinas, Bonaventure, Scotus, and Ockham. Taught biennially.

This course investigates the relationship between theology and science, the science of ecology and the related field of environmental science, the major aspects of our current environmental crisis, underlying historical and social reasons for this crisis, and current attempts to reformulate Christian theology from the perspective of ecology. This course also explores possible solutions for a sustainable future.