60 courses with the subject TRS, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
TRS 100THE BIBLE3
(formerly THE 100) A study of the Bible, focusing on selected major texts and themes in both the Hebrew scriptures (or Old Testament) and the Christian New Testament. Attention is also given to how the Bible was written, formed and transmitted and how it has been interpreted and applied.
A study of the Bible, focusing on selected major texts and themes in both the Hebrew scriptures (or Old Testament) and the Christian New Testament. Attention is also given to how the Bible was written, formed and transmitted and how it has been interpreted and applied.
(formerly THE 101; formerly Major Religious Writings) What beliefs emerge from the scriptures of the world’s religions? This course is a careful study of several short but significant religious texts from places and times very different from our own. A “journey” to visit and appreciate these diverse texts involves learning how to study them as a key to understanding their messages.
What beliefs emerge from the scriptures of the world's religions? This course is a careful study of several short but significant religious texts from places and times very different from our own. A "journey" to visit and appreciate these diverse texts involves learning how to study them as a key to understanding their messages.
TRS 1020Introduction to Theology and Religious Studies3
This course introduces students to the fundamental questions, sources, and content of the Christian theological tradition, with special attention to Catholic Christianity, and its significance for Christian faith and life in the world today. It also introduces students to the academic study of religion and focuses on concepts including but not limited to: sacred objects, rituals and pilgrimages, critical approaches to religion, and contemporary sociological and cultural trends.
(formerly THE 104; formerly Religion and Modern Culture) An introductory study of the nature of religious experience and of the interaction between religion and modern culture, including areas of influence and conflict such as relativism, pluralism, political ideologies, nature, science and technology. 410
An introductory study of the nature of religious experience and of the interaction between religion and modern culture, including areas of influence and conflict such as relativism, pluralism, political ideologies, nature, science and technology.
An introductory survey of major religions of the world, and of the methods used to study them in the field of Religious Studies. Several religious traditions—Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and the religions of China—are studied in a historical and global framework. Attention is given to their relationships with each other and the cultures in which they are located, and to the challenges they face in the contemporary world.
This course examines several accounts of Jesus’ last week, in both words and music, and considers their significance. Building on a study of historical knowledge and gospel accounts, the course focuses on hearing and viewing, and on studying and comparing, audio and video portraits of Jesus in various kinds of music, including classical and contemporary, and sacred and secular forms. Among other works, primary attention is given to two historically significant yet very different portraits of Jesus: the classic work of baroque sacred music, St. Matthew Passion (1727), by J. S. Bach, and the modern rock opera, Jesus Christ Superstar (1971), by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. The course may be appreciated by those who enjoy music, but does not require any specialized musical knowledge.
IN THE UNITED STATES This course will introduce students to the theological perspective that has been developing in the Latino/a community in the e United States, and will include examination of the religious, social and cultural development of this community on Long Island. Through a combination of Latino/a theological readings, lectures, student research and discussions, the class will learn how to understand and interpret the popular religious and devotional practices of this community. Among topics given attention will be marginality, mestizaje (racial and ethnic integration), migration, the role of the Latino/a community in the American Catholic Church and the mutual effects of this community and the surrounding American community on each other.
TRS 1310Latino/A Theology and Popular Religion in the United States3
This course will introduce students to the theological perspective that has been developing in the Latino/a community in the United States, and will include examination of the religious, social and cultural development of this community on Long Island. Through a combination of Latino/a theological readings, lectures, student research and discussions, the class will learn how to understand and interpret the popular religious and devotional practices of this community. Among topics given attention will be marginality, mestizaje (racial and ethnic integration), migration, the role of the Latino/a community in the American Catholic Church and the mutual effects of this community and the surrounding American community on each other.
In 1500, religious differences in the Christian West were suppressed, those who disagreed with official beliefs were viewed as threats, and those judged to be heretics were executed. By contrast, today and throughout Western societies, religious differences are generally tolerated and legally protected, not only among Christians, but among all religions, and many celebrate the peaceful coexistence of diverse religious communities in their own countries. The five centuries between these two scenes tell a story of a profound change, which those in Western societies largely view favorably. This course makes two broad inquiries: What were the key factors that caused this enormous transformation in how religions and religious differences are viewed and treated in Western societies? And what have been, and what are today, the challenging consequences of, and responses to, this change, including the growing secularization of society, the privatization of religion, divergent responses to this change within Western societies, and collisions with external cultures and religions that have not gone through this change?
This course examines the political and cultural forces through the centuries contributing to anti-Semitism, the social, historical and theological context following World War I, and the rise of Hitler and Nazism, which led to genocide and the Holocaust. The course will also examine religious prejudices and their effect on civilization. Some consideration will also be given to the consequences of World War II. 3 credits
This course introduces students to the burgeoning field of research in religion and media. It considers various negotiations by religious communities with media such as television, film and the internet. It also considers the role of mediation more broadly within religious contexts.
This course introduces students to the burgeoning field of research in religion and media. It considers various negotiations by religious communities with media such as television, film and the internet. It also considers the role of mediation more broadly within religious contexts.
The existence of many religions in the world and in American society creates both questions and opportunities. The course starts by examining contemporary discussion among three Christian theological views – that only Christianity is true; that religions can be ranked in terms of their truth with Christianity first; and that all religions are true. It expands to consider relate dimensions of inquiry – such as philosophical, social scientific, moral and political dimensions – and various actual and possible relationships among religions – such as isolation and domination, conflict and toleration, competition and dialogue. The goal is to explore how scholars and the public, how people of Christian and non-Christian faith and the ‘nones’ of no particular faith, are addressing the challenging yet inescapable reality of religious diversity today. 3 credits
This course presents an introductory survey of religions of Japan in their historical development and contemporary expression. Particular attention will be given to the dynamic relation between religion and Japanese culture throughout the major phases of Japan’s history, and the manner in which Japanese religions/cultural forms have been notably present in the contemporary context of cultural globalization. The course is recommended for students who will participate in the Molloy College International Education Study Abroad trip to Japan, although enrollment in the Study Abroad trip is not a prerequisite for the class.
This course presents an introductory survey of religions of Japan in their historical development and contemporary expression. Particular attention will be given to the dynamic relation between religion and Japanese culture throughout the major phases of Japan’s history, and the manner in which Japanese religions/cultural forms have been notably present in the contemporary context of cultural globalization. The course is recommended for students who will participate in the Molloy University International Education Study Abroad trip to Japan, although enrollment in the Study Abroad trip is not a prerequisite for the class.
(formerly THE 283: Phenomenology of Religion) This course is an introduction to the study of religion on the basis of modern academic methods, and to selected major questions, discoveries, issues, theories, and figures in this field. Topics include the nature and dimensions, the functions and consequences, of religion for individuals, groups, cultures and nations. The course also explores how work in religious studies has influenced, and been influenced by, a variety of theories, including Christian and atheistic perspectives, regarding the significance of religion and its relationship to claims about the sacred.
This course is an introduction to the study of religion on the basis of modern academic methods, and to selected major questions, discoveries, issues, theories, and figures in this field. Topics include the nature and dimensions, the functions and consequences, of religion for individuals, groups, cultures and nations. The course also explores how work in religious studies has influenced, and been influenced by, a variety of theories, including Christian and atheistic perspectives, regarding the significance of religion and its relationship to claims about the sacred.
CITIZENS: CONTEMPORARY PERSPECTIVES A study of central themes in several of the world’s major religions, focusing on perceptions of the sacred, the nature of reality, and understandings of the human person, society and the natural environment. The course approaches perennial questions of human religious experience in light of the contemporary context of cultural globalization. Encountering the life stories and thought of contemporary religious figures who express not only the human search for meaning, but also compelling perspectives on cultural diversity, our shared humanity, reverence for life and the search for the common good, the course considers the contribution of world religions to the evolving meaning of the term, ‘global citizens.’ Honors students only.
(formerly THE 221) This course is a contemporary critical investigation of the message and the meaning of the New Testament, of its origin and of the historical situation in which it was written. The books of the New Testament are studied individually and collectively, and important scriptural terms, ideas and themes are examined. d
This course is a contemporary critical investigation of the message and the meaning of the New Testament, of its origin and of the historical situation in which it was written. The books of the New Testament are studied individually and collectively, and important scriptural terms, ideas and themes are examined.
The course explores the role and contributions of selected/representative world religions in confronting the challenges of the global ecological crisis. Integral ecology approaches the global ecological crisis within a wider context that necessitates a fundamental reexamination of what it means to be human. It therefore intersects with not only the historical realm of the world’s perennial wisdom traditions, but also contemporary expressions of religious humanism. Through encountering the life stories and thought of both scientists and contemporary religious figures who exemplify not only the integrity of the human search for meaning, but also compelling perspectives on the integration of scientific and religious perspectives, reverence for life, and the search for the common good, the course presents an introduction to the study of human religious experience, as well as an overview of two specific religious traditions.
The question "Does God exist?" is only one of the many questions currently raised in western societies about the sacred. With many differing beliefs in the world about what is divine – and many reasons to doubt that anything is sacred – there is much at stake in "the God question," whatever form it takes. The course explores some of the reasons that have been offered for and against various conceptions of what is sacred, divine or ultimate. It examines ways in which traditional Christian beliefs have been reinterpreted to be more meaningful in our scientific and pluralistic age. Students are encouraged to engage the debates sparked by some famous thinkers to better understand our shared reality.
A study of historical questions and faith interpretations of Jesus the Christ as seen in the Gospels, traditional doctrinal formulations and contemporary interpretations.
(formerly THE 241 Religion and the American Tradition) A study of religion in the history and/or contemporary life of the United States. Topics may include the character of American Christianity, the role of religion in political life, religious diversity in America and the effects of religion and culture on each other.
A study of religion in the history and/or contemporary life of the United States. Topics may include the character of American Christianity, the role of religion in political life, religious diversity in America and the effects of religion and culture on each other.
A study of the attitudes of religions toward gender throughout history, with emphasis on the Judeo-Christian tradition. It will include a discussion of the feminist tradition and critique of these attitudes.
(formerly THE 254) A survey of Protestant Christianity, with attention to its origins, causes and consequences, and primary denominational forms, its influence on Western and particularly American society, its relationship to Catholicism and its contemporary challenges.
A survey of Protestant Christianity, with attention to its origins, causes and consequences, and primary denominational forms, its influence on Western and particularly American society, its relationship to Catholicism and its contemporary challenges.
(formerly THE 260 Religions of the West) This course concentrates on the three major monotheistic religious traditions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The origins, beliefs, scriptures, social life, and contemporary challenges of each are explored, with attention to their relationships to each other, and their areas of commonality and difference. 3 credits
This course concentrates on the three major monotheistic religious traditions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The origins, beliefs, scriptures, social life, and contemporary challenges of each are explored, with attention to their relationships to each other, and their areas of commonality and difference.
(formerly THE 263) The history, sacred literature, doctrine and ethical teaching of Judaism, including an examination of contemporary Jewish life and thought. This course is in memory of Rabbi George B. Lieberman. 3 credits
The history, sacred literature, doctrine and ethical teaching of Judaism, including an examination of contemporary Jewish life and thought. This course is in memory of Rabbi George B. Lieberman.
(formerly THE 265) An introduction to the origins, scriptures, beliefs, and historical development of Islam. Particular attention may be given to the characteristics of contemporary Muslim-majority societies and their complex relationship to modern Western culture.
An introduction to the origins, scriptures, beliefs, and historical development of Islam. Particular attention may be given to the characteristics of contemporary Muslim-majority societies and their complex relationship to modern Western culture.
Information Literacy Course A study of the history of the Christian church, its beliefs, institutions, and diverse branches and their interaction with surrounding cultures over the centuries. Particular attention is given to the modern era, including the past and future challenges of modernity, such as industrialization, democracy and cultural diversity.
(formerly THE 340; formerly Religious Ritual; formerly THE 274 Christian Celebration; formerly Symbol and Celebration) A study of the role of symbol and ritual in religious traditions, and the ways in which they address the human condition. This course gives primary attention to the symbols and rituals of Christianity, especially as they relate to history, culture and other religious traditions.
(formerly THE 285) An investigation of the cinematic treatment of religious themes. Selected films will be analyzed and critiqued. (Offered Intersession, Summer)
TRS 2900HWorld Religions, Global Citizens: Contemporary Perspectives3
A study of central themes in several of the world’s major religions, focusing on perceptions of the sacred, the nature of reality, and understandings of the human person, society and the natural environment. The course approaches perennial questions of human religious experience in light of the contemporary context of cultural globalization. Encountering the life stories and thought of contemporary religious figures who express not only the human search for meaning, but also compelling perspectives on cultural diversity, our shared humanity, reverence for life and the search for the common good, the course considers the contribution of world religions to the evolving meaning of the term, ‘global citizens’. Honors students only.
This course explores the theological foundations of Catholic social teaching. Main sources include but are not limited to the major ecclesial documents and doctrinal sources of the social doctrine of the Catholic Church from the 19th to 21st century, as well as selected representative theological texts.
The study contemporary Catholicism, focusing on developments in Catholic doctrine and practice since Vatican Council II. Emphasis will be given to formal Church teaching, an understanding of the sacraments, and the nature and mission of the Church.
A study of the role of symbol and ritual in religious traditions, and the ways in which they address the human condition. This course gives primary attention to Christian sacraments, especially as they relate to history, culture and other religious traditions.
(formerly THE 291; THE 470) Open to qualified students who wish to pursue in-depth a specialized area of theology or religious studies. Directed readings, research and discussion under the guidance of a member of the department.
ENG 110, Sophomore standing, nine credits in Theology, and permission of department chairperson. Does not fulfill General Education requirement. (Offered upon request)
TRS 4701Independent Study1
Open to qualified students who wish to pursue in-depth a specialized area of theology or religious studies. Directed readings, research and discussion under the guidance of a member of the department. Does not fulfill General Education requirement.
Open to qualified students who wish to pursue in-depth a specialized area of theology or religious studies. Directed readings, research and discussion under the guidance of a member of the department. Does not fulfill General Education requirement.
Open to qualified students who wish to pursue in-depth a specialized area of theology or religious studies. Directed readings, research and discussion under the guidance of a member of the department. Does not fulfill General Education requirement.
Information Literacy Course In-depth study of major themes, issues or figures in theology or religious studies. Required of majors; other students by permission of chairperson.