Catholic Studies is an academic interdisciplinary minor program designed to expose students to the study of the intellectual, social, cultural, and spiritual expressions of Catholicism. It is grounded in Vatican II’s discussion of the Church in the modern world, with its focus on human culture, dignity, and justice. On the one hand, Catholic Studies’ interdisciplinary nature mirrors the complex diversity that is Catholicism, as it intersects and interacts with history and culture. On the other hand, its intellectual and academic focus gives it purpose and direction as a program intent on studying, exploring, critiquing, and understanding the relationship between faith and culture. Therefore, it welcomes students and professors from any religious background and/or faith commitment and viewpoints.
Catholic Studies students pursue such issues as the influence of Catholicism upon the development of philosophy and the arts; the relationship between Catholicism and the history of world civilizations; the intellectual and ethical issues raised by the interactions of theology, science, and modern culture; Catholic social thought and practice; and the theological foundations of Catholicism. In addition, it offers students opportunities to explore the Ignatian tradition that grounds LMU’s founding orders, the Society of Jesus, the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, and the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Orange. Moreover, it also makes available opportunities for community service and spiritual activities, expressions of the University’s commitment to a faith that does justice. Catholic Studies celebrates Catholicism as a living heritage.
Faculty from a number of LMU’s departments, schools, and colleges teach courses cross-listed with Catholic Studies.
Print this page.
The PDF will include all information unique to this page.