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Course Catalog

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Catholic Studies

Director: Joe Mudd 
Associate Director: Bryan Pham, S.J. 

The program offers one minor:

Minor in Catholic Studies

The Catholic Studies program at Gonzaga University offers an interdisciplinary exploration of the Catholic intellectual tradition. In our program, students explore both the development of the teachings and practices of the Roman Catholic Church, and the ways in which the Catholic intellectual tradition brings those teachings and practices into dialogue with various cultures.

Courses examine Catholic history, theological doctrines, liturgy, social teachings, ecumenical and interreligious dialogues, literature, and the arts. Students who choose to study abroad at Gonzaga in Florence can complete most of the minor in Italy. In addition to our academic offerings, students participate in a variety of co-curricular opportunities that engage the Catholic intellectual tradition, including the Catholic Studies Speaker Series. Students in the program also frequently participate in student clubs and various offerings in University Ministry.

The study of Catholicism not only expands your awareness of various histories and cultures but also builds critical thinking skills, preparing you for a future in law, religious ministry, religious education, social justice advocacy, and many other careers. A minor in Catholic studies complements majors across the university with an interdisciplinary program of study that adds depth to the undergraduate experience. Previous minors have gone on to careers in Catholic primary and secondary education, law, engineering, and ministry. 

The following courses are required for the minor and may also be used to fulfill courses required by the University Core. Students are also required to complete a portfolio as a capstone project. NOTE: No more than nine (9) credits cross-listed in any single department (excluding the required lower division course) can count toward elective credit.

 

Minor in Catholic Studies: 22
Lower Division  
CATH 499 Catholic Studies Symposium 3 credits
One of the following Scripture courses: 3 credits
CATH 156/RELI 126 Introduction to Christian Theology
CATH 258/RELI 228 Catholicism
  
CATH 260/RELI 230 Contemporary Church
  
Three of the following courses:  9 credits
CATH 111/MUSC 171 Music in the Humanities
  
CATH 117/MUSC 157 Liturgical Music Ensemble
   (only 3 total credits count for elective)
  
CATH 151/RELI 103 The New Testament
  
CATH 152/RELI 107 Gospels: Life/Teachings of Jesus
  
CATH 240/PHIL 280 Persons and Conduct
  
CATH 250/RELI 202 Spirituality of Apostle Paul
  
CATH 255/RELI 276 Principles of Christian Ethics
  
CATH 256/RELI 226 Challenges in Catholic Theology
  
CATH 257/RELI 227 Theology in Global Contexts
  
CATH 262/RELI 232 Global Christologies
  
CATH 263/RELI 233 Christian Spirituality
  
CATH 265/RELI 235 Christian Mysticism
  
CATH 266/RELI 236 God and Evil
  
CATH 269/RELI 267 Early Christianity
  
Upper Division   
Three of the following courses:  9 credits
CATH 331/HIST 311 Medieval Europe (Florence)
  
CATH 332/HIST 312 Renaissance Europe (Florence)
  
CATH 333/HIST 321 Irish History Since 1500
  
CATH 334/HIST 322 20th Century Northern Ireland
  
CATH 335/HIST 354 American Latina/o History
  
CATH 340/PHIL 310 History of Medieval Philosophy
  
CATH 355/RELI 342 Trinity
  
CATH 356/RELI 341 Christian Morality and Eating
  
CATH 357/RELI 376 Christian Sexual Ethics
  
CATH 359/RELI 339 Ignatian Spirituality
  
CATH 441/PHIL 403 Christian Metaphysics
  
CATH 443/PHIL 443 Dorothy Day and the Catholic Worker Movement
  
CATH 447/PHIL 467 Faith and Reason
  
CATH 432/RELI 432 CIS: Catholic Social Thought: Public Health
 
CATH 498 Catholic Studies Capstone  1 credit 
Lower Division
CATH 111 Music in the Humanities
3.00 credits
Historical survey of the development of music from antiquity to the present. Relationships between the other arts, philosophies, and social structures presented in context with the evolution of music. Emphasizes the understanding of music history through lecture, performance, and recordings.
Equivalent:
MUSC 171 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
CATH 117 Liturgical Music Ensemble
1.00 credit
The Liturgical Music Ensemble consists of singers and instrumentalists who lead music at the university's festive liturgies, student Masses, ecumenical liturgies, and interfaith services. The course utilizes a diverse repertoire of sacred music, including new compositions, contemporary arrangements, repertoire from the Catholic tradition, hymns, anthems, Mass settings, gospel music, and repertoire from global cultures.
Equivalent:
MUSC 157 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
CATH 151 New Testament
3.00 credits
An exploration of the world and environment of the New Testament writers as well as Christianity's roots in the Jewish tradition. A basic introduction to the writings of the New Testament. Offered every other semester.
Equivalent:
RELI 103 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
CATH 152 Gospels: Life/Tch of Jesus
3.00 credits
Who was Jesus? An academic study of Jesus as he is presented in the three synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) in the New Testament. Specific attention is given to the unique perspectives of each gospel, and to the ethical implications of Jesus’s life and teachings. Offered every year.
Equivalent:
RELI 107 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
CATH 156 Intro to Christian Theology
3.00 credits
An introduction to the academic discipline of Christian theology and the way in which the Christian community makes believing possible and meaningful for contemporary people of faith. Offered every semester.
Equivalent:
RELI 126 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
CATH 190 Directed Study
1.00- 3.00 credits
Topic to be determined by faculty.
CATH 228 Catholicism
3.00 credits
Equivalent:
RELI 228 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
CATH 240 Persons and Conduct
3.00 credits
Two basic dimensions of philosophical investigation are inquiry into the nature and meaning of our being human (the philosophy of human nature) and inquiry into the right life and conduct of a human being (ethics). This course undertakes these closely related investigations from a personalist perspective.
Equivalent:
PHIL 280 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
CATH 250 Spirituality of Apostle Paul
3.00 credits
Explore Paul's personal experience of faith in what he perceives as the cosmos altering significance of the life and death of Jesus of Nazareth on the one hand, and the practical implications of the Christ event for living transformed lives in the setting of communal fellowship, on the other. Offered every other semester.
Equivalent:
RELI 202 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
CATH 255 Principles of Christian Ethics
3.00 credits
How are Christians to fashion moral choices, character, and communities? What are the sources, tools, and rules of Christian ethics? What kind of justice does the Christian faith demand? Offered every semester.
Equivalent:
RELI 276 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
CATH 256 Challenges in Catholic Theol
3.00 credits
This course aims to explore the teachings and debates around several classical and perennial themes in Christian theology around which significant dialogue and debate exist today. Offered every year.
Equivalent:
RELI 226 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
CATH 257 Theology in Global Contexts
3.00 credits
A course in Christian and Catholic traditions with a Global Studies designation (GS), which investigates opportunities and challenges posed by religious and cultural diversity in our world today. Topics include Theologies of Religion, Culture, World Christianity, and Catholic Social Teaching. Offered most summers.
Equivalent:
RELI 227 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
CATH 260 Contemporary Church
3.00 credits
A theological and historical examination of the contemporary church from the perspective of the Second Vatican Council.
Equivalent:
RELI 230 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
CATH 262 Global Christologies
3.00 credits
Examine how Christian theological interpretations of the significance of the person of Jesus of Nazareth are shaped by the context in which church communities live. After examining Christological method, the biblical witness to Jesus, and early Christological doctrines, the course moves continent by continent to examine different contextual Christologies and the ways they call the Christian community to social transformation toward the reign of God. Offered every other semester.
Equivalent:
RELI 232 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
CATH 263 Christian Spirituality
3.00 credits
The sources, nature, and forms of Christian spirituality historically and within the contemporary context. Offered every semester.
Equivalent:
RELI 233 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
CATH 265 Christian Mysticism
3.00 credits
Explore the history, theology and practice of Christian mysticism from the early Church to the present day. Students are guided by the curriculum of the contemplative master, Thomas Merton, who situates the discipline of mysticism in the center of Christian life, and in relation to tradition, doctrine, worship, spiritual experience and ethical action. Offered every semester.
Equivalent:
RELI 235 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
CATH 266 God and Evil
3.00 credits
Explore the problem of God and the experience of evil from within the Christian theological tradition. Our exploration includes an examination of theological texts, poetry, film and the visual arts. Offered every other year.
Equivalent:
RELI 236 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
CATH 269 Early Christianity
3.00 credits
Focus on the rise of Christianity in the religious pluralism of late antiquity, and the way in which the early Christians, as citizens of a non-Christian culture, defined themselves, the church and their place in society. Examine the philosophical, social and religious context in the Roman empire, and central theological and institutional developments in the church from its origin to the fourth century. Offered every year.
Equivalent:
RELI 267 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
CATH 290 Directed Study
1.00- 3.00 credits
Topic to be determined by faculty.
Upper Division
CATH 331 Medieval Europe
3.00 credits
Developments in the first flowering of western Europe circa 500-1350, including feudalism, the rise of representative assemblies, the commercial revolution and the papal monarchy. Gonzaga in Florence only.
Equivalent:
HIST 311 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
ITAL 366 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
CATH 332 Renaissance Europe
3.00 credits
A history of western Europe circa 1350-1550, examining the political, religious, social, and economic context for the cultural achievements of the humanists, artists, dramatists, scientists, architects, and educators of the age of Joan of Arc, Michelangelo, the Tudors, and the Medici.
Equivalent:
HIST 312 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
ITAL 367 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
CATH 333 Irish History Since 1500
3.00 credits
This course has two purposes: to provide a broad overview of the major historical developments in Ireland from the seventeenth century to the twentieth century, and to introduce students to the historiographical debates that shape the study of modern Irish history. We will read about and discuss pivotal moments in Irish history during this time period, trying to understand what the primary agents of historical change in the country were, and what variable factors might have allowed the country’s history to follow a different path.
Equivalent:
HIST 321 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
CATH 334 20th Century Northern Ireland
3.00 credits
This course explores the troubled history of Northern Ireland from the perspective of the two communities that live within it, as well as that of the British and Irish governments. It examines key events in Northern Ireland’s recent history such as Bloody Sunday, internment, the murder of Lord Mountbatten, the hunger strikes, the Enniskillen and Omagh bombings, and the steps to the Peace Process. The course emphasizes how peace has been achieved in the wake of the "Troubles" as it examines whether the Good Friday Agreement can offer lessons to other conflict zones around the world.
Equivalent:
HIST 322 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
INST 348 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
CATH 335 American Latina/o History
3.00 credits
An introduction to the history of American Latina/o communities from the nineteenth-century wars that brought northern Mexico, Cuba, and Puerto Rico under U.S. control; through the first major waves of immigration that brought Mexicans and other Latinas/os to the U.S.; through multiple generations of hardship, cultural transformation, and political mobilization; and finally to the issues and challenges of the early twenty-first century. Themes and topics include military conquest and resistance, immigration, discrimination and segregation, labor and migration, community formation, gender and sexuality, military service, religious faith and activism, civil rights activism, the farmworker movement, cultural nationalism, the evolution of diverse Latinx identities, and the overarching context of U.S. relations with Latin America.
Equivalent:
HIST 354 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
CATH 340 History of Medieval Philosophy
3.00 credits
A survey of the major philosophical movements in the Latin, Greek, and Arabic traditions from the seventh to the fourteenth centuries. Spring.
Equivalent:
PHIL 310 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
CATH 355 Trinity
3.00 credits
An introduction to the theology of the Trinity in its historical developments and contemporary interpretations, this course examines the content and method of Christian theology by focusing on the doctrine of the Trinity. Offered every year.
Equivalent:
RELI 342 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
CATH 356 Christian Morality and Eating
3.00 credits
Why biblical and Christian morality demands just and sustainable agricultural systems that feed the hungry, compensate and protect workers, and treat animals humanely. Offered every year.
Equivalent:
RELI 341 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
CATH 357 Christian Sexual Ethics
3.00 credits
Explore Christian perspectives on the ethical dimensions of human sexuality and issues of gender. Offered every semester.
Equivalent:
RELI 376 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
WGST 353 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
CATH 359 Ignatian Spirituality
3.00 credits
This course is designed to introduce students of Christian and non-Christian backgrounds to Ignatian Spirituality. The major part of the course will study the dynamics of the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius by exploring the Ignatian themes of spiritual discernment, contemplation in action, and finding God in all things. Offered every semester.
Equivalent:
RELI 339 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
CATH 390 Directed Study
1.00- 3.00 credits
Topic to be determined by faculty.
CATH 432 CIS:
3.00 credits
The Core Integration Seminar (CIS) engages the Year Four Question: “Imagining the possible: What is our role in the world?” by offering students a culminating seminar experience in which students integrate the principles of Jesuit education, prior components of the Core, and their disciplinary expertise. Each section of the course will focus on a problem or issue raised by the contemporary world that encourages integration, collaboration, and problem solving. The topic for each section of the course will be proposed and developed by each faculty member in a way that clearly connects to the Jesuit Mission, to multiple disciplinary perspectives, and to our students’ future role in the world.
CATH 441 Christian Metaphysics
3.00 credits
A philosophical articulation of the Christian worldview is provided by classical metaphysics as developed in the Thomistic tradition. This seminar will study the hylomorphic principles of nature, the cosmological argument for the existence of God, the real distinction of being and essence, the nature of divine causality, the analogy of being, ontological participation, and the transcendental properties of being. Fall, every year.
Equivalent:
PHIL 403 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
CATH 443 Dorothy Day&the Cath Wkr Mvmt
3.00 credits
This course investigates the life, times, and leading ideas of Dorothy Day and the Catholic Worker Movement in a variety of disciplinary contexts, including history, philosophy, and religious, women's, and social justice studies.
Prerequisite:
PHIL 201 Minimum Grade: D or PHIL 201H Minimum Grade: D
Equivalent:
PHIL 443 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
CATH 447 Faith and Reason
3.00 credits
This course will address a cluster of fundamental problems of faith and reason--the nature of knowledge, especially in connection with religious claims, evidence for the existence of God, the relevance of recent advances in cosmology to the Christian world view, the problem of evil and suffering, and the challenge of atheism.
Equivalent:
PHIL 467 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
CATH 489 Catholic Studies Symposium
3.00 credits
A capstone course in which students will integrate their experiences in other Catholic Studies courses. Student will be responsible for writing a thesis under the direction of the instructor.
Equivalent:
CATH 499 - Taken before Fall 2024
CATH 490 Directed Study
1.00- 3.00 credits
Topic to be determined by faculty.
 

In addition to their major and minor areas of study, all undergraduate students follow a common program designed to complete their education in those areas that the University considers essential for a Catholic, Jesuit, liberal, and humanistic education. The University Core Curriculum consists of forty-five credits of course work, with additional designation requirements that can be met through core, major, or elective courses.

The University Core Curriculum is a four-year program, organized around one overarching question, which is progressively addressed through yearly themes and questions. Hence, core courses are best taken within the year for which they are designated. First year core courses encourage intellectual engagement and provide a broad foundation of fundamental skills. Second and third year courses examine central issues and questions in philosophy and religious studies. The fourth year course, the Core Integration Seminar, offers a culminating core experience. Taken at any time throughout the four years, broadening courses intersect with the core themes and extend students’ appreciation for the humanities, arts, and social and behavioral sciences. Finally, the designation requirements (writing enriched, global studies, and social justice) reflect important values and reinforce students’ knowledge and competencies.

Overarching Core Question: As students of a Catholic, Jesuit, and Humanistic University, how do we educate ourselves to become women and men for a more just and humane global community?
Year 1 Theme and Question: Understanding and Creating: How do we pursue knowledge and cultivate understanding?

  • The First-Year Seminar (DEPT 193, 3 credits): The First-Year Seminar (FYS), taken in the fall or spring of the first year, is designed to promote an intellectual shift in students as they transition to college academic life. Each small seminar is organized around an engaging topic, which students explore from multiple perspectives. The FYS is offered by many departments across the University (click here [PDF] for list of FYS courses).  
  • Writing (ENGL 101, 3 credits) and Reasoning (PHIL 101, 3 credits): The Writing and Reasoning courses are designed to help students develop the foundational skills of critical reading, thinking, analysis, and writing. They may be taken as linked sections. Writing (ENGL 101) carries one of the three required writing-enriched designations (see below).
  • Communication & Speech (COMM 100, 3 credits): This course introduces students to interpersonal and small group communication and requires the application of critical thinking, reasoning, and research skills necessary to organize, write, and present several speeches.
  • Scientific Inquiry (BIOL 104/104L, CHEM 104/104L, or PHYS 104/104L, 3 credits): This course explores the scientific process in the natural world through evidence-based logic and includes significant laboratory experience. Students pursuing majors that require science courses will satisfy this requirement through their major.
  • Mathematics (above Math 100, 3 credits): Mathematics courses promote thinking according to the modes of the discipline—abstractly, symbolically, logically, and computationally. One course in mathematics, above Math 100, including any math course required for a major or minor, will fulfill this requirement. MATH 100 (College Algebra) and courses without the MATH prefix do not fulfill this requirement.

Year 2 Theme and Question: Being and Becoming: Who are we and what does it mean to be human?

  • Philosophy of Human Nature (PHIL 201, 3 credits): This course provides students with a philosophical study of key figures, theories, and intellectual traditions that contribute to understanding the human condition; the meaning and dignity of human life; and the human relationship to ultimate reality.
  • Christianity and Catholic Traditions (RELI, 3 credits). Religious Studies core courses approved for this requirement explore diverse topics including Christian scriptures, history, theology, and practices as well as major contributions from the Catholic intellectual and theological traditions (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses) .

Year 3 Theme and Question: Caring and Doing: What principles characterize a well lived life?

  • Ethics (PHIL 301 or RELI, 3 credits): The Ethics courses are designed to help students develop their moral imagination by exploring and explaining the reasons humans should care about the needs and interests of others. This requirement is satisfied by an approved ethics course in either Philosophy (PHIL 301) or Religious Studies (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).
  • World/Comparative Religion (RELI, 3 credits): Religious Studies courses approved for this core requirement draw attention to the diversity that exists within and among traditions and encourage students to bring critical, analytical thinking to bear on the traditions and questions considered. These courses carries one of the required two global-studies designations (see below) (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).

Year 4 Theme and Question: Imagining the Possible: What is our role in the world?” 

  • Core Integration Seminar (DEPT 432, 3 credits). The Core Integration Seminar (CIS) offers students a culminating core experience in which they integrate the principles of Jesuit education, prior components of the core, and their disciplinary expertise. Some CIS courses may also count toward a student’s major or minor. The CIS is offered by several departments across the University (click here [PDF] for list of CIS courses).

The Broadening Courses

  • Fine Arts & Design (VART, MUSC, THEA, 3 credits): Arts courses explore multiple ways the human experience can be expressed through creativity, including across different cultures and societies. One approved course in fine arts, music, theatre, or dance will fulfill this requirement (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).
  • History (HIST, 3 credits): History courses are intended to develop students’ awareness of the historical context of both the individual and the collective human experience. One course in History (HIST 101, HIST 102, HIST 112, HIST 201, HIST 202) will fulfill this requirement.
  • Literature (3 credits): Literature courses foster reflection on how literature engages with a range of human experience. One approved course in Literature (offered by English, Classics, or Modern Languages) will fulfill this requirement (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).
  • Social & Behavioral Sciences (3 credits): Courses in the social and behavioral sciences engage students in studying human behavior, social systems, and social issues. One approved course offered by Criminal Justice, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, or Women and Gender Studies will fulfill this requirement (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).

The Designations
Designations are embedded within already existing core, major, minor, and elective courses. Students are encouraged to meet designation requirements within elective courses as their schedule allows; however, with careful planning students should be able to complete most of the designation requirements within other core, major, or minor courses.

  • Writing Enriched (WE; 3 courses meeting this designation): Courses carrying the WE designation are designed to promote the humanistic and Jesuit pedagogical ideal of clear, effective communication. In addition to the required core course, Writing (ENGL 101), which carries one of the WE designations, students must take two other WE-designated courses (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).
  • Global-Studies (GS; 2 courses meeting this designation): Courses carrying the GS designation are designed to challenge students to perceive and understand human diversity by exploring diversity within a context of constantly changing global systems. In addition to the required core course, World/Comparative Religion (RELI 300-level), which carries one of the GS designations, students must take one other GS-designated course (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).
  • Social-Justice (SJ; 1 course meeting this designation): Courses carrying the SJ designation are designed to introduce students to one or more social justice concerns. Students must take one course that meets the SJ designation (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).

Major-specific adaptations to the University Core Curriculum

All Gonzaga students, regardless of their major, will complete the University Core Curriculum requirements. However some Gonzaga students will satisfy certain core requirements through major-specific programs or courses. Any major-specific adaptations to the core are described with the requirements for the majors to which they apply.