Religious Studies
The mission of the Religious Studies Department is to provide students with the opportunity to explore the universal dimensions of faith and religion and to study the Catholic Faith as a relevant world view within contemporary society. At the same time, students of other faiths and traditions are welcomed and encouraged to participate in an atmosphere of courtesy and respect for the traditions they represent.
This corresponds to the overall mission of the College : “to address the needs of students by providing a full complement of academic experiences along with a unique development and support system that brings students to their highest potential and fosters a love for learning, self-knowledge, and service to others and to God in the Felician/Franciscan tradition” and integrates the teachings of the Catholic Church with the lived experience of the people.
It is the goal of the Religious Studies Department that those who experience its courses will be able to:
- understand and articulate the religious beliefs, practices, and value systems of the Catholic tradition within an interfaith framework;
- utilize the insights of theological and relevant scientific and humanistic disciplines in addressing religious issues and investigating the beliefs and practices of other religions of the world;
- to critique contemporary moral and ethical positions in order to make educated moral and ethical decisions rooted in our Catholic Franciscan values.
100 and 200 level Religious Studies courses are open to all students. ALL 300 and 400 level courses are open to Juniors or Seniors who have completed their 100/200 level requirement and 60 credits, or to those students who have prior permission from the instructor.