An examination of the breadth of the Catholic experience from a 1st-century Jewish religious movement to a 21st-century global religion.

An experience-centered introduction to the Catholic Church in Chicago. Includes site visits.

A study of the development of the Catholic Church from the time of Jesus to the Renaissance. Religious movements, piety and art as well as theology and ecclesiastical history will be examined.

A study of the development of Catholicism since 1500 exploring the Catholic Reformation, Catholicism's encounter with the Enlightenment, the missionary movement and the Catholic Church in the United States.

Introduction to several ecclesiologies that co-exist in Catholicism. Both historical and contemporary ecclesiologies will be considered. Cross-listed as PSC 335.

An historical and theological study of the ways in which the Scripture have been interpreted in the Catholic Tradition. In addition to the historical survey, the interpretation of particular texts (creation, resurrection, miracle stories, moral discourses, etc.) will be examined. Formerly CTH 225.

The development of Judaism from Moses to the Rabbinic era with special attention to social and historical questions. Cross-listed with REL 232.

A critical investigation of the New Testament. Topics include the earliest Christian writings (letters of Paul), the production of "gospels" about Jesus, and the development of early churches in the context of ancient history and society. Cross-listed with REL 233.

An investigation of the early Christian Gospels and other sources for reconstructing the life of Jesus of Nazareth. The relation of historical reconstruction and religious interpretation, and the significance of conflicting interpretations of Jesus, will also be considered. Cross-listed as REL 238.

An examination of multicultural diversity in early Christianity through a study of materials excluded from the New Testament canon; Christian apologists defending the church against pagan intellectuals and Roman imperial magistrates; comparisons of early Christian fiction and ancient Greek novels; and an examination of Gnostic writings. Cross-listed as REL 234.

A critical study of Paul's literary remains as primary sources for reconstructing the development of the Christian movement, focusing on Paul's communities, ethics and theology. Early interpretations and assessments of Paul will also be considered. Cross-listed as REL 235.

A detailed exploration of the history, issues, personalities, theologies and results of Vatican II studied against the backdrop of modernity and post-modernity.

Rooted in Catholic tradition but inclusive of the call for all Christians to proclaim the Good News. This class explores preaching as a graced communication and, in addition to transactional and theological communication theory, examines the preacher's: call, spiritual formation, present mandates and future potentials, scripture study fundamentals and presentational approaches. The course provides opportunities for in-class, on-campus, and off-campus preaching and observation experiences as well as listener feedback and diversity education.

SPECIAL TOPICS IN SCRIPTURES, COUNCILS AND CREEDS