Why minor in Catholic studies at Canisius?
The Catholic studies minor at Canisius College examines the doctrinal, historical, legal, spiritual, and cultural traditions of Catholicism, and prepares students for leadership positions within the Catholic Church and church-affiliated organizations. This interdisciplinary study includes dialog with people of other faiths and the examination of other intellectual disciplines that have been influenced by Catholicism, such as art, architecture, communications, law, literature, politics and psychology.
Outside the classroom
As part of the Catholic studies minor, students are encouraged to participate in internships with local Catholic institutions, such as Catholic Charities, Diocesan offices, area parishes, or parochial schools or hospitals. Internships provide students with a community service experience, give them an opportunity to become involved with the institutional infrastructure of the Catholic Church and help students better understand the church’s workings and influences.
Study abroad opportunities are also available to students pursuing a Catholic studies minor and may include a semester at the Loyola University Rome Center or at another center of Catholic thought, such as Paris or Campion Hall, Oxford.
Life after Graduation
A minor in Catholic studies is an excellent preparation for the following career options:
- Graduate work in theology
- Preparation for entering the seminary or a religious order
- Teaching in the Catholic educational system
- A career in a Catholic social work agency or health care system
Catholic Studies Minor Courses
The Catholic Studies minor at Canisius College examines the doctrinal, historical, legal, spiritual and cultural tradi-tions of Catholicism. In addition, it includes dialog with people of other faiths and the examination of intellectual disciplines that have been influenced by Catholicism, such as art, history, law, literature, politics, philosophy and the sciences. As a result, this program requires study in several departments of the college and highlights the Catholic tradition upon which the college was founded.
Any person who wishes to know more about the Catholic heritage, to further one’s personal development, or to pursue a principle-based career in public service, medicine or law would find this minor relevant. Those with church-related career or academic objectives would also want to complete this program. Future seminarians, lay ministers, teachers especially interested in the Catholic educational system, those preparing for graduate work in theology or religious studies and anyone planning to pursue a career in a Catholic organization such as a social work agency or health care system would be the types of people whom this program would help. The program director will help the student choose appropriate courses or appoint an advisor to do so.
All courses in the Catholic Studies minor except CTH 400 are offered in traditional academic departments and usually meet the criteria established by these departments for field studies or major credit. Most courses in the minor are part of the college’s core curriculum and therefore can be taken as a way to fulfill and focus core requirements.
Students who complete this minor will be able to 1) be knowledgeable about some facet of Catholic doctrine or piety and the relevance of a concept that originates from the Catholic philosophical or social traditions; 2) be able to think critically about the Catholic contribution in one area of history or culture; 3) become an effective scholarly researcher and writer about Catholicism and its intellectual heritage.
Structure of the Catholic Studies Minor
| RST 231 Introduction to Catholic Studies (AS VI) | 3 credits | |
| CTH 400: Research in Catholic Studies | 3 credits | |
| One course in each of four areas: Catholic Theology and Life; Catholic Culture: Literature, Art, Music & Science; Catholic History & Politics; and Catholic Social Thought & Philosophy — but no more than two courses from any one department in these areas. |
12 credits | |
| TOTAL (6 courses) | 18 credits |
COURSES: 2009 - 2011
RST 231 Introduction to Catholic Studies 3 credits
Major movements and personalities in Catholic theology, history, culture and spirituality. The Catholic worldview and its relation to society. (Field 1) Prerequisite: RST 101
CTH 400 Research in Catholic Studies 3 credits
Capstone course in which a student does independent research and a project on a person or topic of interest within the Catholic Studies minor under the supervision of a faculty advisor. Prerequisite: Director’s approval.
Internships: May be done with special readings and reflection as an extra course for 3 or included within a project for CTH 400. Prerequisite: Consent of director.
Courses in specialty areas follow. Course descriptions and their years of offering will be found in the appropriate departmental listing.
I. Catholic Theology and Life
| RST 230 Catholic Belief Today (Field 1) | 3 credits | |
| RST 260 The History of Catholic Belief (Field 1) | 3 credits | |
| RST 327 The Church: Its Mission and Structure (Field 1) | 3 credits | |
| RST 328 Sacramental Theology (Field 1) | 3 credits | |
| RST 350 or HON 327 Christian Concept of God (Field 1) | 3 credits | |
| RST 354 Jesus Christ and Modern Culture (Field 1) | 3 credits | |
| RST 359 Revelation and Faith (Field 1) | 3 credits |
II. Catholic Culture: Literature, Art, Music and Science
| ENG 233 Medieval Literature (for non-majors) (Field 3) | 3 credits | |
| ENG 303 Medieval Literature | 3 credits | |
| ENG 320 Contemporary American Catholic Fiction (Field 3) | 3 credits | |
| ENG 330 The Bible as Literature (Field 3) | 3 credits | |
| FAH 224 Medieval Art (Field 3) | 3 credits | |
| FAH 245 Renaissance Art (Field 3) | 3 credits | |
| FAM 216 Medieval & Renaissance Music (Field 3) | 3 credits | |
| HON 328 Age of Michelangelo | 3 credits | |
| RST 314 New Testament in Literature/Art (Field 1) | 3 credits | |
| RST 343 Religion & the Challenge of Science (Field 1) | 3 credits |
III. Catholic History and Politics
| CLS 308 Pagans & Christians (Field 1) | 3 credits | |
| HIS 106 The Medieval World (Field 4) | 3 credits | |
| HIS 131 History of Latin America to 1830 (Field 4) | 3 credits | |
| HIS 306 History of Religion in America (Field 1) | 3 credits | |
| HIS 316 Reformation | 3 credits | |
| HON 319 Religion and Politics: U.S. Roman Catholic Perspectives | 3 credits | |
| HON 356 Jesuit Spirituality and History | 3 credits | |
| RST 235 Religion and Politics (Field 1) | 3 credits | |
| RST 325 Early Christianity (Field 1) | 3 credits | |
| RST 328 The Jesuits: History, Spirituality and Culture (Field 1) | 3 credits | |
| RST 329 Religions in North America to 1865 (Field 1) | 3 credits | |
| RST 330 Religions in North America 1865-present (Field 1) | 3 credits |
IV. Catholic Social Thought & Philosophy
| HON 234 Contemporary Catholic Social Ethics | 3 credits | |
| HON 355 Religion’s Public Role: Catholic Perspectives | 3 credits | |
| PHI 302 Medieval Philosophy | 3 credits | |
| PHI 267 Catholic Social Thought (Field 2) | 3 credits | |
| RST 340 Moral Issues Today (Field 1) | 3 credits | |
| RST 341 Catholic Social Ethics: Theological Perspectives (Field 1) |
3 credits | |
| RST 345 Bio-Moral Problems (Field 1) | 3 credits |