A professor working with a student in a religion class

Pursuing Religious Studies

The Religious Studies curriculum at Regis trains students in critical thinking, writing, and speaking about the religious dimensions of human knowledge and experience. Students search for truth and meaning by studying religious traditions, examining the dynamic relationships between faith and reason, and exploring how faith promotes justice. The curriculum offers opportunities to learn about Catholic and Jesuit traditions, participate in interfaith dialogue, visit local religious sites and communities, and gain practical experience with lay ministry.
Classroom

B.A. in Religious Studies

Degree Overview

The Department of Religious Studies offers a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies with three possible areas of focus:

  1. Christian Theology (conversation between Christian faith and reason)
  2. Lay Ministry (practical experience applying theology to the work in religious organizations)
  3. Religious Studies (study of diverse religious traditions as well as the interaction between religion and culture)

The major cultivates critical thinking primarily in one of these three areas. The major is particularly amenable to combination with another major. Graduates from our program have gone on to pursue a wide range of careers in business, law, education, the arts, volunteer work with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps and other organizations, parish work, and religious life.  They have pursued graduate work at some of the most prestigious graduate programs in the country.

Mission

Rooted in Catholic tradition and Jesuit mission, the Department of Religious Studies dedicates itself first and foremost to undergraduate liberal arts education animated by the best of these traditions.  We strive to:

  • engage in genuine search for truth through conversation between faith and reason,
  • critically examine religious dimensions of human knowledge and experience with particular emphasis on theological inquiry,
  • explore how faith promotes justice,
  • support and challenge students to become authentically free human beings with an ability and desire to understand and serve our world—especially through constructive dialogue with its diverse religious and humanistic traditions, and
  • collaborate with each other as well as faculty from across the College in our teaching, research, and service for the common good.

Program Requirements

Listed below are the required courses for completion of this degree at Regis University. Please note that recent course requirement updates may not be reflected in the list below and you should contact the Office of Enrollment Services at 303.458.4126 for recent changes and updates.

This degree program requires 128.00 credit hours for completion. Please contact your advisor or the Office of Enrollment Services at 303.458.4126.

Regis College: Core Requirements

Economics

The course descriptions for the above mentioned class could not be found. Please contact Academic Records & Registration at 303-458-4126 with questions. Some additional course information is available and shown here.

(3-6 SH)
Take 1 of the following groups:
Group 1: EC 200 - Intro to the American Economy
Group 2: EC 320 - Principles of Macroeconomics
and
EC 330 - Principles of Microeconomics

EN 250 - Literature Matters

Introduces the literary genres of poetry, fiction, and drama, with an emphasis on works that have had a profound influence on our world. Students will write a series of analytical essays, including at least one research essay.

Pre-requisite: TAKE RCC*200

Fine Arts

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(3SH)
Take three (3) semester hours of Fine Arts
from the following courses:
any 200-level FAC course, FAHS 211, FAHS 212

Foreign Lang

The course descriptions for the above mentioned class could not be found. Please contact Academic Records & Registration at 303-458-4126 with questions. Some additional course information is available and shown here.

(6-8SH)
Take two classes in one language

Foundational

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(6 SH)
Take 1 of the following groups:
Group 1: RCC 200 - Writing Analytically (Fall)
Communicative Intensive (Spring)
Group 2: Commitment Program Students
RCC 200A - Writing Analytically A (Fall)
RCC 200B - Writing Analytically B (Spring)
Group 3: Honors Program Students
RCC 200H - Honors Writing Seminar (Fall)
RCC 300H - Honors Trad & Innovation (Spring)

History

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(3SH)
Three (3) credits from any 200-level History course

Integrative

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(12SH)
Take all of the following courses:
RCC 400D (Group 1), RCC 410E (Group 2),
RCC 420J (Group 3), RCC 430M (Group 4)

Mathematics

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(3-4SH)
Take one of the following Mathematics course:
MT 201, MT 204, MT 270, MT 270C, MT 272, MT 272C
MT 360A, MT 360B

Natural Sci

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(4SH)
Take one Natural Science course (Group 1) with the
accompanying lab (Group 2).
Eligible courses include:
BL( 204/5E-W, 208/9, 216/17, 260/1, 262/3), ENVS 250/1,
GE 208/9, PH (202A, 205A, 304A, 305A), NS 260/1
AS 250/1 (Non-Science majors)

Philosophy

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(3SH)
Take one of the following Philosophy courses:
PL 270, PL 270C, PL 270H, PL 270P

Public Speak

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(3SH)
Speech Communication

Religious Stdy

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(3SH)
Any 300 level RT course

RT 201 - Religion and the Human Quest

Considering human existence in relation to the sacred and drawing on Eastern and Western religious traditions, this course explores religious perspectives on human questions about life, suffering, goodness, and ultimacy.

Cross listing(s): RT 201C.

Social Sci

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(3SH)
Take three (3) semester hours from the following course list
ED 204, POL 215, POL 231, POL 241, PY 250, PY 250C, PY 250H,
SO 200, SO 200C, SO 203, AN/SO 204, PJ 200

RC: Religious Studies Major-Lower Division

RT 201 - Religion and the Human Quest

Considering human existence in relation to the sacred and drawing on Eastern and Western religious traditions, this course explores religious perspectives on human questions about life, suffering, goodness, and ultimacy.

Cross listing(s): RT 201C.

RT 300 Electives

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Take two (2) 300-level RT courses

RC: Religious Studies Major-Upper Division

Electives

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(18SH)
Take six (6) 400-Level RT courses
(Take a minimum of one course in non-Christian religion or
an interdisciplinary approach to the study of religion.)

RT 426 - Classics of Christian Thought

Explores significant contributors to Catholic intellectual tradition as well as of the basic issues that have determined that tradition: the role of faith and reason, the place of culture in Christian evangelization, spirituality and autobiography. Emphasizes the study of primary texts.

Pre-requisite: TAKE RT*201;

Cross listing(s): CAS 400E.

Senior Project

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RT 499A-Senior Project A
and
RT 499B-Senior Project B

Course Descriptions

Listed below are the available courses offered at Regis University within this respective degree program. The courses below include the degree program requirements as well as subject related courses. Please contact the Office of Enrollment Services at 303.458.4126 for recent changes and updates. No course descriptions found.

RT 201 Religion and the Human Quest (3.00)

Considering human existence in relation to the sacred and drawing on Eastern and Western religious traditions, this course explores religious perspectives on human questions about life, suffering, goodness, and ultimacy.

Cross listing(s): RT 201C.

RT 201H Honors Religion & the Human Quest (3.00)

Cultivates curiosity about what it means to be human in the face of the sacred, the ultimate, the mystery of existence, and how different people historically have understood this. Develops and enhances ability to evaluate critically various approaches to existential and social questions about meaning, suffering, goodness, and ultimacy. Note* Honors only or Permission of Instructor

RT 301 In the Beginning: Bible and Belief (3.00)

Introduces the study of the Old and New Testaments. Examines the historical background of the texts and what its authors have to say to people today on important religious questions, such as the nature of God, human beings, and the world in which we live, and what it means to live a whole, purposeful life.

Pre-requisite: TAKE RT*201 OR RT*201C;

RT 302 Faith and Justice in World Christianity (3.00)

Examines how the enculturation of Christianity in different times and places produces distinctive beliefs about Jesus and engages the pursuit of justice in the context of religious and cultural injustice.

Pre-requisite: TAKE RT*201 OR RT*201C;

RT 303 Mystics, Saints and Radicals (3.00)

Explores questions about God, and such topics as suffering, justice, and salvation through the lenses of various traditions of spiritual discipline using examples from ancient to modern spiritual writers.

Pre-requisite: TAKE RT*201 OR RT*201C;

RT 304 Catholic Moral Tradition (3.00)

Addresses questions about the human person, happiness, and the good life by employing the concept of virtue and a picture of human fulfillment in terms of virtues. Focuses on how Christian faith transforms the virtues and how the virtues can serve as a bridge between Jesus and contemporary Christians.

Pre-requisite: TAKE RT*201;

RT 305 Belief and Unbelief (3.00)

Explores questions of belief and doubt from Christian and secular perspectives, for example, regarding science, philosophy, and the experience of suffering.

Pre-requisite: TAKE RT*201 OR RT*201C;

RT 306 Jesuit Spirituality (3.00)

Study of the spirituality of Saint Ignatius Loyola (founder of the Jesuits) and its relevance for contemporary spirituality. Topics include prayer, discernment, meaning and vocation.

Pre-requisite: TAKE RT*201;

RT 307 Catholic Social Justice (3.00)

Examines the living tradition of Catholic social thought with respect to social and economic justice, war and peace, and other major issues and themes. Note: May include a community and/or service learning component.

Pre-requisite: TAKE RT*201;

RT 308 Catholic Christianity (3.00)

An interdisciplinary investigation of the foundational sources of Catholic Christianity emphasizing historical development of the tradition and academic approaches to expressions of that development such as biblical literature, sacramental and liturgical practice, official church teachings (especially Vatican Council II), and Christian mission in the modern world.

Pre-requisite: TAKE RT*201 OR RT*201C;

Cross listing(s): CAS 308.

RT 309 Western Spiritual Paths (3.00)

Investigates some of the traditions, practices and ways of life that shape spiritual paths in Christianity, Judaism and Islam in the west. Areas of study will include monasticism, pilgrimage, law and mysticism.

Pre-requisite: TAKE RT*201;

RT 310 Science and Religion (3.00)

An investigation into the relationship between science and religion including its history as well as its different possibilities, e.g., conflict, independence and dialog. Considers the implications of science for religious values and vice versa.

Pre-requisite: TAKE RT*201;

RT 311 Psychology and Religion (3.00)

Explores the relationships between psychology and religion with a particular emphasis on the psychological study of Christian traditions, beliefs and experiences.

Pre-requisite: TAKE RT*201;

RT 312 Religion in the Post Modern Age (3.00)

Explores the collapse of the Modern age, the emergence of Postmodernism and the impact of these developments on religion in general and Christianity in particular.

Pre-requisite: TAKE RT*201;

RT 313 Christian Love and Marriage (3.00)

Investigates the nature of Christian love focusing on the Christian understanding of marriage.

RT 314 Faith and Healing (3.00)

Explores the complex role faith plays in the healing process, including the ways that people rely on religious beliefs and practices to cope with illness and disability.

Pre-requisite: TAKE RT*201;

RT 400E-W Religion and Diversity (3.00)

Explores the connections between religion and diversity, integrating different perspectives and/or disciplinary approaches.

Pre-requisite: TAKE RS*200 RT*201;

RT 401E-W Religion and the Environment (3.00)

Explores the connections between religion and the environment, integrating different perspectives and/or disciplinary approaches.

Pre-requisite: TAKE RT*201 RT*201C RS*200;

RT 402E-W Religion and Justice (3.00)

Explores the connections between religion and justice, integrating different perspectives and/or disciplinary approaches.

Pre-requisite: TAKE RT*201 RT*201C RS*200;

RT 403E-W Religion and Meaning (3.00)

Explores the connections between religion and meaning, integrating different perspectives and/or disciplinary approaches.

Pre-requisite: TAKE RT*201 RT*201C RS*200;

RT 410E-W Topics in Biblical Studies (3.00)

Investigates key themes in the Bible, using methods and resources of modern biblical scholarship. May focus on particular books or themes, as well as historical, social, theological, literary, cultural, and postcolonial approaches.

Pre-requisite: TAKE RT*201;

RT 411H Honors Religious Studies (3.00)

Explores themes central to the study of religion, such as, classics of Christian thought, major thinkers, topics in Christianity, including church history, ethics, or spirituality; topics from Old and New Testament studies; intersections between various traditions, as well as between Religious Studies and other disciplines. NOTE: Honors students only.

Pre-requisite: TAKE RT*201H;

RT 412 Gospels (3.00)

Investigates the four canonical gospels, as well as touching on some important non-canonical gospels.

Pre-requisite: TAKE RT*201;

RT 420E-W Topics in Theology (3.00)

Explores central theological issues in Christianity in historical and contemporary contexts. Topics may include God, Christology, ecclesiology, sacramental theology, religious dialog, ecumenism, theological anthropology, and revelation.

Pre-requisite: TAKE RT*201;

RT 426 Classics of Christian Thought (3.00)

Explores significant contributors to Catholic intellectual tradition as well as of the basic issues that have determined that tradition: the role of faith and reason, the place of culture in Christian evangelization, spirituality and autobiography. Emphasizes the study of primary texts.

Pre-requisite: TAKE RT*201;

Cross listing(s): CAS 400E.

RT 430E-W Topics in the History of Christianity (3.00)

Explores selected topics in the history of Christianity, examining historical, social, cultural, and theological influences and developments. May include early Christianity, medieval, Renaissance and Reformation, modern, colonial, and postcolonial eras.

Pre-requisite: TAKE RT*201;

RT 440E-W Topics in Ethics & Moral Theology (3.00)

Examines issues in method and/or particular topics of contemporary concern, such as method in Protestant and Catholic moral thought, interreligious ethics, feminist ethics, medical ethics, economic justice, and war and peace.

Pre-requisite: TAKE RT*201;

RT 450E-W Topics in World Religions (3.00)

Exploration of specific world religions, including traditions, scriptures, key historic figures, and contemporary issues. May cover Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Islam, or Judaism in more depth.

Pre-requisite: TAKE RT*201;

RT 460E-W Topics: Philosophy of Religion (3.00)

Examines significant philosophical issues within the context of religion, including the relationship between faith and reason, the problem of evil, the existence and nature of God, life after death, and, among others, religious language.

Pre-requisite: TAKE RT*201;

RT 465E-W Topics in Religion & Culture (3.00)

Investigates the dynamic relationship between human culture and religion. Topics can include death and dying, love, art, literature, violence, politics, technology, and economics.

Pre-requisite: TAKE RT*201;

RT 470E-W Topics in Spirituality (3.00)

Investigates the dimensions of Christian spiritualties from historical and contemporary perspectives and challenges. Areas include spiritual leaders and saints, including Ignatius of Loyola, prayer, mysticism, social justice, and community life in Christian tradition.

Pre-requisite: TAKE RT*201;

RT 480E-W Topics in Christian Life & Leadership (3.00)

Explores topics in Christian life and leadership including church life, lay ministry, vocations and community leadership. Addresses these topics from the standpoints of history, theology, spirituality, liturgical studies, practical theology and/or ministry studies.

Pre-requisite: TAKE RT*201;

RT 481 Lay Ministry Practicum (1.00 - 3.00)

Practice of and critical reflection upon aspects of lay ministry, such as leading communal prayer, scripture study, liturgical ministry, catechesis, youth ministry, campus ministry, social justice work, or parish leadership.

Pre-requisite: TAKE RT*201;

RT 490E Independent Study in Religious Studies (1.00 - 3.00)

Provides focused research on a topic in religious studies not covered in regular course offerings. Note: Specific assignments and meeting times are arranged with the instructor.

Pre-requisite: TAKE RT*201;

RT 490E-W Independent Study in Religious Studies (1.00 - 3.00)

Provides focused research on a topic in religious studies not covered in regular course offerings. Note: Specific assignments and meeting times are arranged with the instructor.

Pre-requisite: TAKE RT*201;

RT 491E-W Directed Research (1.00 - 3.00)

Provides individualized scholarly research in a topic in religious studies.

Pre-requisite: TAKE RT*201;

RT 498E-W Internship (3.00)

Offers interested students an opportunity to explore religious studies in its practical application to various working areas or contemporary life and to reflect critically and constructively on their experience.

Pre-requisite: TAKE RT*201;

RT 499A Senior Project A (1.00)

Explores proposed area of research with a supervisor and two outside readers. Includes project proposal, annotated bibliography, or list of resources crucial to the project, and short paper on a central theme of the research.

Pre-requisite: TAKE RT*201;

RT 499B Senior Project B (2.00)

Continuation of RT 499A. Requires completion of the research project designed in RT 499A and a public presentation of research results. NOTE: Second part of a two-semester research project required for all religious studies majors.

Pre-requisite: TAKE RT*201;

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