• Faculty
• Description
• Minor Requirements
• Program Policies
• Course Descriptions

Margaret Karwowski, OSF, Assistant Professor of Religious Studies

The Religious Studies and Theology Program provides students with the opportunity to explore perennial human questions concerning ultimate meaning and value. Because of its formative role in Western culture, Christianity serves as the point of departure for the academic study of theology; the Catholic tradition provides a focus because of Trinity's own origins in the mission of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. Trinity also offers students the opportunity to study world religions and the interaction between religion and society.

Program objectives for students include:

• To make possible a thoughtful examination and critical analysis of specific religious beliefs, worldviews, and ethical norms.
• To facilitate students' articulation of spirituality and their own personal stance toward life.
• To refine each student's moral vision and develop her skills at evaluating experience, personal and social, within an ethical framework.
• To enhance a student's capacity not only to understand and respect religious and cultural diversity but also to elicit a firm commitment to justice and a sense of responsibility for the larger society.

The Religious Studies and Theology Program offers a minor to students in the College of Arts and Sciences. Students who elect to minor in Religious Studies and Theology may select one of two tracks. The track in Catholic Theology introduces the student to the discipline of Theology and provides the student with an overview of the various branches of this discipline in the context of Catholic/Christian thought. This minor is especially helpful to those students who plan to do graduate work in Theology or Ministry.

The track for Religious Studies helps students explore the significant role which religion has played in historical, political and economic institutions, both in the past and in the present. Through this exploration, students will be challenged not only to develop a deeper personal understanding of the interplay between religion and cultural institutions but also to act on that understanding through interreligious dialogue and works of justice and peace. This track will also prove beneficial for those students who plan to do graduate work in Religious Studies or Theology.

The Program in Religious Studies and Theology is an essential part of the general education curriculum in the College of Arts and Sciences, and its courses are designed to complement and support the major programs offered.

Catholic Theology Track

ONE introductory course in theology:

THE 121

FIVE additional courses at the 200-level or above.  At least three of these additional courses must have the THE designation

Religious Studies Track

ONE introductory course in religious studies:

RST 101

FIVE additional courses at the 200-level or above, at least three of these additional courses must have the RST designation.

Students should consult with a member of the Religious Studies and Theology Program once they decide to pursue the minor in order to determine which track is most appropriate.

Advanced Placement:
Credits earned through AP examinations do not fulfill requirements of the Religious Studies or Theology minor.

CLEP Policy:
Credits earned through CLEP examinations do not fulfill requirements of the Religious Studies or Theology minor.

Grades in Required Courses:
Students are required to earn a grade of "C" (2.0) or better in all courses counted to fulfill requirements for the minor.

Pass/No Pass:
Courses in the minor may not be taken pass/no pass.

TELL Policy:
TELL credits will not count toward the minor in Religious Studies or Theology.

Transfer Credits:
The Religious Studies and Theology Program does not accept transfer credits for the minor; all course work must be completed at Trinity.

RST 101
RST 210
RST 225
RST 245
RST 250
RST 265
RST 290
RST 302
RST 310
RST 370
RST 372

THE 121
THE 201
THE 202
THE 203
THE 222
THE 223
THE 240