Catholic Studies (CATH)

This course introduces students to the New Testament writings in their historical, literary, social/ political, and religious contexts. Students will learn various methodological approaches to the study of the NT, as well as consider the history of interpretation and the role of modern social-location in the interpretive process. University Core fulfilled: Foundations: Theological Inquiry

This course is an examination of Catholics' search for transcendent meaning throughout the history of the United States. It examines the way Catholicism has formed in a historically Protestant land from its diverse colonial origins (Spanish, French, and English) through successive waves of immigration to today's multicultural context. University Core fulfilled: Foundations: Theological Inquiry.

(See THST 1030).

(See THST 3020.)

(See THST 3021.)

(See THST 3022.)

(See THST 3023.)

(See PHIL 3100.)

(See PHIL 3105.)

(See PHIL 3110.)

(See PHIL 3115.)

(See PHIL 3120.)

This course traces the two significant developments of Christianity in Mesopotamia, Central Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia and East Asia: during the eastwards spread in the first millennium and then its second movement since the Age of Discovery. Fulfills Interdisciplinary Connections.

(See ARHS 3200.)

(See THST 3211.)

(See THST 3220.)

(See THST 3221.)

(See THST 3222.)

(See THST 3223.)

In this course, students study migration and the border, coming to terms with the empirical reality of contemporary immigration while constructing their own theological response. The course begins with an examination of the social science of migration, with special emphasis on sociological study of migration and immigrant adaptation. Students then critically examine biblical and other historical texts that treat migration and movement, followed by a deep engagement with Christian theologies of migration, with a comparison to Jewish and Muslim approaches to migration. The course includes a visit to the U.S.-Mexico border, observing and discussing the institutions of border control and the stories of immigrants and deportees on both sides of the border. For those unable to go, equivalent engaged learning experiences will be available.  University Core fulfilled: Integrations: Faith and Reason.

See THST 3230.

(See THST 3231.)

(See THST 3232.)

This course examines the modes of discourse, levels of reflection, and diverse experiences of individuals and communities in the search for God. University Core fulfilled: Integrations: Faith and Reason.

(See THST 3237.)

(See THST 3240.)

(See THST 3241.)

(See THST 3242.)

Historically and contemporaneously, the cross, a foundational image of Christian faith, has also been associated with political terror. In this course, beginning with the landmark theological work of Black liberation theologian Dr. James Cone, we will explore the meaning of the cross during the Roman Empire and in the post Reconstruction American South. We will ask who are crucified, and the effect of Black and Brown people being framed as crucifiable. We will reflect on what the cross and the lynching tree mean to Christians and to followers of other traditions and examine what role we play as the narrative of crucifixion and empire is played and replayed. This course examines questions of faith, God, religious practice, humanity, spirituality, and liberation in light of diverse African American experiences, ideas, and practices. By an analysis of diverse sources in both Black and Womanist theology, the class explores the complex dynamics between race and religion and highlights how Black voices contribute to the human search for God. Fulfills: INT: Faith and Reason.

(See THST 3250.)

A critical examination of ordinary practices of everyday life as a source for spiritual knowledge and social-political transformation. University Core fulfilled: Integrations: Faith and Reason; Flag: Engaged Learning.

(See THST 3252.)

Guided by LMU's mission to educate the whole person, this particular Ignatian-themed theological course aims to form Ignatian leaders by providing a unique curricular experience that highlights the University's tripartite mission to encourage learning, foster holistic education, and serve faith while promoting justice in an intentional way. Highlighting the Ignatian roots of the Mission statement as sponsored by the Jesuits, the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, and the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Orange, this course seeks to help students understand and intentionally live out this Mission that grounds their education at LMU in creative, practical ways by providing activities that balance body, mind, heart and spirit, as well as fostering action and reflection grounded in Ignatian principles and praxis for leadership. IFTR: INT: Faith and Reason; FQTR: FND: Quantitative Reasoning. Pre-requisites: Lower division CATH or THST course.

(See THST 3281.)

(See THST 3285.)

This course draws on theology and peace and conflict studies in order to understand the relationship between religion and violence. Students examine theories of religious violence, analyze how religions have understood and enacted either violence or nonviolence, and assess the role of religion in peacebuilding. University Core fulfilled: Integrations: Faith and Reason.

(See CHST 3310).

(See ENGL 3339).

(See PHIL 3400.)

A philosophical exploration of the relationship between faith and reason, especially with regard to their common object, carried on in the light of the Catholic intellectual tradition. University Core fulfilled: Integrations: Faith and Reason.

(See THST 3561.)

(See THST 3563.)

(See PHIL 3712.)

(See THST 3741.)

An exploration of the desert as a root metaphor for deep spiritual experience and place of social, political struggle. University Core fulfilled: Integrations: Interdisciplinary Connections; Flag: Engaged Learning.

(See THST 3752.)

(See THST 3780.)

(See THST 4023.)

(See THST 4031.)

(See THST 4040.)

(See THST 4051.)

(See THST 4090.)

(See HIST 4142.)

A philosophical examination of the relationship(s) between science and religion, with special attention to historical and contemporary developments. Satisfies the Contemporary Philosophy requirement for Philosophy majors.

(See ARHS 4240.)

(See ARHS 4250.)

(See ARHS 4260.)

Study of selections of the Bible, combining historical criticism and exegesis with the relevant archaeology. University Core fulfilled: Integrations: Faith and Reason.

This seminar focuses on interreligious engagement and experience, exploring the diversity of faith traditions at LMU, in Los Angeles, and throughout the nation and world, by deliberate encounters with the Other. It will challenge students to reflect on fundamental questions of faith and identify within communities. It will examine the theory and practice of interreligious engagement, including: Bilateral (e.g., Catholic-Jewish) and trilateral (e.g., Christian-Jewish-Muslim) seminars and conferences of scholars and clergy; Multi-faith religious celebrations and worship services; Joint social action and social justice programs; Conflict resolution projects; Coalitions based on shared values. The readings, discussions, and site visits will provide theoretical and theological foundations for consideration of pluralism and other inclusive approaches to our interreligious context. Readings and class discussions will educate students about the beliefs, practices, and communities of diverse religious groups. Students will develop leadership strategies to establish, sustain, and advance interreligious engagements. University Core fulfilled: Flags: Faith and Reason, Engaged Learning.

The capstone seminar in Catholic Studies explores the relationship between Catholicism and culture organized around a central theme. This interdisciplinary course provides an opportunity for students to synthesize their Catholic Studies courses.