Courses on 

Roman Catholicism

Roman Catholicism Today

Offered Next during J-Term 2009

Course Description: This course will examine and discuss a number of aspects of Roman Catholicism with particular focus on what the Catholic Church is today, key historical moments, doctrine and current events.  This is an academic, for-credit course and students are expected to participate with integrity.  It should also be understood that evangelization is not a goal of the course.  Catholics and non-Catholics alike are encouraged to take the course.  No doubt some material could be review for some Catholics, but there will be a good deal of new material and depth of discussion for anyone who enrolls.  It is simply assumed that you will come to class prepared to discuss and learn.  Regardless of faith background, students are expected to be respectful of one another's religious background and avoid being defensive or criticizing.

Will be offered next in January 2009

Meets Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 9:00 AM-1:00 PM

Kevin A. O'Donnell, Instructor

Registration for this course will be done during the Fall semester.  

This course does not satisfy any general education requirements for Theology and Religion.

Questions, email Kevin

Christian Rome

Through the Centuries:

A History of Religious and Economic Influence

Will be offered again January 2010

Course Description:      Institutional Christianity rode on the coattails of the Roman Empire across the Western World.  Despite the early persecution, Christians spread their religion and eventually benefited from the infrastructure, the leadership, and the demise of the Roman Empire.  Christian Rome Through the Centuries: A History of Religious and Economic Influence will look at the history of Christianity in Rome, from the Apostles Peter and Paul to today’s pope.  The religious significance of Christian Rome will be examined in the art and architecture of Rome, Vatican City State, churches, monuments, relics, tombs and liturgical events as well as the personalities and movements of figures like the popes, saints and religious orders.  Christian Rome’s economic influence will be examined from the days of Rome’s official adoption of Christianity, to the 5^th century as it filled the void left by the Roman Emperors, to the days of being the maker of kings to the Holy Roman Empire, and finally to the modern day as a sovereign state with diplomatic relationships around the world.

Locations:       Rome, Vatican City State and a weekend pilgrimage to Assisi

Dates:             Approximately January 2-24, 2010

Instructors:     Kevin A. O’Donnell, Theology and Religion

                        Joan Vilim, Center for Business and Economics

Price:              Approximately $4,000-$4,500

Registration:  Begins April 15, 2009

Maximum of 22 participants, No Foreign Language needed, Fulfills Business Major Requirement Bus 271