Chairperson: Shannon F. Dunn
Professors: E. Clark, H. Doohan (Emerita), L. Doohan (Emeritus), J. Downey (Emeritus), S. Dunn, P. Hartin (Emeritus), R. Large, K. McCruden, P. McCormick, J. Milos, C.S.J (Emerita), M. Rindge, L. Schearing (Emerita), J. Sheveland, C. Siejk (Emerita), B. Tyrrell, S.J. (Emeritus)
Associate Professors: , G. Chien, E. Goldstein, R. Hauck (Emeritus), M. McCabe, J. Mudd, R. Siebeking, A. Wendlinder, K. Vander Schel
Assistant Professors: , S. Porter
Senior Lecturer: P. Baraza, S. Starbuck,
Lecturers: Q. Tran, S.J., B. Kevin Brown
The department offers one major and one minor:
Bachelor of Arts, Religious Studies major
Minor in Religious Studies
Religious Studies at Gonzaga University is guided by a recognition of the increasingly globalized and diverse character of the contemporary world. Complementing such diversity, the course offerings in the Department of Religious Studies employ a rich array of academic methods to investigate the cultural, social, and religious realities that animate the subjects of Religion and Theology. In order to better understand the complex, globalized world in which they find themselves living, Religious Studies majors are given the tools to explore a diversity of religious traditions. In addition, through the appreciation of the variety of methods and approaches that define the academic study of religion, Religious Studies majors cultivate the kinds of robust, critical thinking skills that will better enable them to navigate the many complex issues and problems that define the contemporary world.
Students majoring in Religious Studies are required to fulfill 36 credit hours in accordance with the following four methodological areas: one course in Sacred Texts and Traditions; one course in Theology and Spirituality; one course in Religion, Culture, and Society; one course in Ethics. In addition, majors are required to take one course in Methodology (399) and at least four seminar (400 level) courses, including Senior Thesis (499) and/or Internship (497). The remaining nine credits for the major are electives and may be fulfilled by taking courses in any of the four methodological areas listed.
Students minoring in Religious Studies are required to fulfill 18 credit hours in accordance with the following: one course in Ethics; one course in Methodology (399); and two courses at or above the 400 seminar level. Any remaining credits needed for the required total of 18 credit hours are electives and may be fulfilled by taking courses in any of the four methodological areas listed.
Lower Division
This course offers an introduction to the literature, religion, and social practices of the people of ancient Israel as it is reflected in the Hebrew Bible. Offered every year.
A study of both Old and New Testaments as the scriptures of Christianity. Offered occasionally.
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:
CATH 151 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
This course introduces 51Թs to three different scholarly, interpretative methodologies for studying Jesus and the New Testament: historical criticism, narrative criticism, and application of the social sciences. Offered every other semester
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:
CATH 152 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
RELI 124 - Taken before Fall 2020
RELI 124 - Taken before Fall 2020
An introduction to the academic discipline of Christrian theology and the way in which the Christian community makes believing possible and meaningful for contemporary people of faith. Offered every semester.
Equivalent:
CATH 156 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
Topic to be decided by faculty.
The First-Year Seminar (FYS) introduces new Gonzaga 51Թs to the University, the Core Curriculum, and Gonzaga’s Jesuit mission and heritage. While the seminars will be taught by faculty with expertise in particular disciplines, topics will be addressed in a way that illustrates approaches and methods of different academic disciplines. The seminar format of the course highlights the participatory character of university life, emphasizing that learning is an active, collegial process.
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:
CATH 250 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
This course introduces 51Թs to the Hebrew Bible with special attention given to texts dealing with women. Offered occasionally.
Equivalent:
WGST 251 - OK if taken since Fall 2020
A comparative approach to human-human, human-divine, and divine-divine relationships in the Hebrew Bible and the ancient Near East, focusing on the human relational context and commitments towards social justice among warring cultures. Building intercultural competence, this course carries a global studies emphasis. Offered every year.
Equivalent:
HONS 227 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
Examine the controversial issues “messiah” and “covenant” in the biblical text as well as its appropriations and distortions within the Christian and Catholic traditions. Students will better understand competing perspectives in the Old and New Testaments, the multivalent nature of the biblical text historically, culturally, and theologically, and modern critical comparative methods for applying the text and thinking theologically. Offered every year.
Exploration of the identity of the Roman Catholic tradition with emphasis on Catholicism's dialogue with the contemporary world.
Equivalent:
RELI 220H - OK if taken since Spring 2001
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:
CATH 256 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
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:
CATH 257 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
Exploration of the identity of the Roman Catholic tradition with emphasis on Catholicism's dialogue with the contemporary world. Offered every semester.
Equivalent:
CATH 228 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
An introduction to the history, beliefs, and practices of a wide variety of denominations within Christianity such as Orthodox, Lutheran, Anglican, Reform, Anabaptist, and others. Students will also explore the impact of culturally diverse expressions of Christianity. Offered every semester.
A theological and historical examination of the contemporary church from the perspective of the Second Vatican Council.
Equivalent:
CATH 260 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
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.
The sources, nature, and forms of Christian spirituality historically and within the contemporary context. Offered every semester.
Equivalent:
CATH 263 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
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. Particular attention is given to the impact of feminist scholarship on the doing of Christian theology. Offered every other semester.
Equivalent:
WGST 252 - OK if taken since Fall 2023
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:
CATH 265 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
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:
CATH 266 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
Topic to be determined by instructor.
The choice of violence or nonviolence as methods of social change to create a more just society is one of the central issues in Christian ethics. Global events have refocused attention on methods of social change necessitating decisions regarding violence and nonviolence. Martin Luther King faced this choice. Based on his understanding of Christianity, he chose the way of nonviolence. Beginning with scriptural readings and following an historical overview of nonviolence within the Christian tradition, this course then moves to an in-depth analysis of King’s nonviolent ethic, its religious and theological foundations, his reasons for rejecting violence, and his vision of justice. We will examine King’s religious beliefs, sources, presuppositions, and goals of his understanding of nonviolence as we seek to determine whether nonviolence can achieve a more just society. Although King frames his belief in nonviolence with a Christian context, the course will also show the influence of Mohandas Gandhi on King’s development of nonviolence. Fundamentally both King and Gandhi, and thinking about nonviolence, refer us to the Year 2 theme of the Core, Being and Becoming: Who are we and what does it mean to be human?
Introduces 51Թs to the variety of African American religions that developed in the Americas during and after the Atlantic slave trade up to today. Within various forms of Christianity, Islam, and even Hip Hop, we will examine the interplay between religion, race, colonialism, and self determination. Offered every other semester.
Equivalent:
CRES 252 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
Introduction to the history of Islamic civilization centering on the relationship of religion to society and culture; the origins of Islam; Islamic belief and practice; Islam, politics, and society; fine arts and intellectual developments; and Islam in the modern world. Offered every semester.
Equivalent:
INST 368 - OK if taken since Fall 2020
A thematic and chronological framework for understanding the diversity of Christianities in American history and culture. We investigate the powerful social, cultural, political, and intellectual role Christianity has played throughout our nation's past. Offered every other semester.
This course introduces 51Թs to a variety of religions in the African diaspora. As such, the course focuses on theoretical understandings of diaspora, Africa, the Caribbean, and the United States. Diaspora forces a unique approach to the study of religion, as communities in diaspora prompt questions about identity, multivocality, ritual, home, story, and space. Offered every year.
Introduction to various forms of religiosity in sub-Saharan Africa. Through the study of religion, this class prompts 51Թs to better understand various aspects of African cultures by dismantling stereotypes and assumptions that have long characterized the study of religions in Africa. Offered every semester.
Equivalent:
HONS 222 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
What can we learn about Christianity from its critics? Examine people (such as, Jesus, Voltaire, Victor Hugo, Nietzsche, Freud, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, Jr., Stephen Colbert) and the Church’s treatment of groups (Jews, Latin Americans, women, LGBTQ persons) in order to understand the critiques of those within and outside the Church. Offered every year.
A historical, topical, and socio-cultural survey of Christian-Muslim relations from the 7th century (CE) to today. Our exploration will revolve around on a series of diverse case studies on different dynamics of this encounter, to include key historical episodes, literary productions, theological discourses, and modern challenges and opportunities. Offered every year.
This survey course introduces the following Asian religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism, and Shinto. We examine the teachings of these Asian traditions in the context of their diverse cultural and historical settings. We also consider how these Asian religions have adapted to fit the contemporary world and how they have influenced popular culture. Offered every semester.
Equivalent:
INST 330 - OK if taken since Fall 2020
Designed to give 51Թs of Christian and non-Christian backgrounds an introductory knowledge of the growth and development of Christianity from its beginnings to the present day. Offered every year.
Introduction to the foundations and milestones of Hinduism and the importance of Hindu mythology in shaping Indian culture and rituals. Offered infrequently.
Introduction to Buddhism examines the historical and cultural contexts in which Buddhist beliefs and practices were developed in Asia and how they spread to the West. We also study how, throughout history, Buddhism has adapted to a changing world. Offered every other semester.
Equivalent:
INST 333 - OK if taken since Fall 2020
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:
CATH 269 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
Explore Judaism as a living religion and a diverse religio-cultural phenomenon. Topics include Judaism’s history and a survey of contemporary Jewish religious practices. Offered every other year.
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:
CATH 255 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
Biblical texts address multiple moral and ethical issues, often framing such issues as questions of justice or injustice. This class explores four contemporary ethical issues by placing personal narratives/experiences into mutually critical dialogue with biblical texts. Offered every year.
Equivalent:
WGST 357 - OK if taken since Fall 2020
Selected topics in Religious Studies in the areas of either Sacred Texts and Traditions or Spirituality and Theology. Topic to be determined by instructor.
Selected topics in Religious Studies in the areas of either Religion, Culture, and Society or Ethics. Topic to be determined by instructor.
Topic to be determined by faculty.
Upper Division
A literary, historical, and socio-cultural introduction to the Quran and its exegesis through the stories of the prophets. Overall explore how stories and storytelling can help us ask fundamental questions, not only about Islam but also about the human experience broadly. Offered every other year.
Explore different ways in which religion (and theology) and film can be placed into mutually critical conversation. Specific attention given to constructing mutually enriching dialogues between recent films (1999-present) and specific biblical texts. How can biblical texts provide new lenses for the viewing of films? In what ways can films enrich the understanding and interpretation of biblical texts? Offered every semester.
Equivalent:
FILM 370 - OK if taken since Fall 2023
HONS 325 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
HONS 325 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
A detailed survey of Christian and Catholic liturgy, including the roots and contemporary manifestations of celebration, ritual, and symbol. Offered every year.
This course examines the role of women in the sacred texts of the Jewish tradition. Particular attention is given to the legal status of women, complex issues of identity, tradition, and family, and the geographic diversity of Judaism in history and today. Offered every other semester.
Equivalent:
WGST 354 - OK if taken since Fall 2023
This course explores classical, modern, and contemporary theological voices that address the shifting conceptions of human personhood, the nature of religious experience, and the tasks and ends of Christian living. Particular attention is given to the themes of creation in the image of God, human freedom, original sin and divine grace, redemption and liberation, Christian community, and the changing perspectives on Christian anthropology in contemporary thought. Offered every other year.
An inquiry into the political shifts in religious faith and practice in the wake of globalization and modern secularism. Students explore critiques of classic accounts of divine transcendence and religious authority, the growing recognition of the plight of the poor and marginalized, and the increasingly political focus of contemporary theologians and religious thinkers in response to this rapidly shifting intellectual milieu. Offered every year.
Equivalent:
SOSJ 311 - OK if taken since Fall 2021
Investigate the imperative of Christianity and other world religions to engage in respectful dialogue and mutual understanding, expose pressing practical issues such as religious violence and divisive ideologies, and propose a comparative theological perspective highlighting spiritual engagement, moral responsibility and reconciliation. Offered every semester.
Equivalent:
INST 304 - OK if taken since Fall 2020
SOSJ 365 - OK if taken since Fall 2020
SOSJ 365 - OK if taken since Fall 2020
What does the Christian faith have to say about our economic, political, social, and cultural structures and practices? An examination of the ways the Church calls people to practice a ‘faith that does justice.’
An exploration of the ways people make important decisions based on their belief and practice in a particular religious/cultural setting. The course is built on the foundation of a theological view of the sacred relationship between human beings and the divine/wisdom figures who support and challenge humans to be the best version of themselves by making sound, responsible, and moral choices. Offered every year.
This course is designed to introduce 51Թs 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:
CATH 359 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
Examines the tasks of feminist theologians and surveys the challenges and unique contributions they make to the integrity and vitality of contemporary Christianity. Offered every other year.
Equivalent:
WGST 355 - OK if taken since Fall 2020
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:
CATH 341 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
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:
CATH 355 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
Introduction to the history of Islamic civilization centering on the relationship of religion to
society and culture; the origins of Islam; Islamic belief and practice; Islam, politics, and society;
fine arts and intellectual developments; and Islam in the modern world.
Equivalent:
HIST 348 - OK if taken between Fall 2007 and Fall 2019
INST 368 - OK if taken since Fall 2007
INST 368 - OK if taken since Fall 2007
Examine contemporary interpretations and expressions of the Islamic tradition, focusing on the time period following 19th century colonialism and through the present day. After a brief introduction to the origins of the Islamic tradition (and its main figures), we examine how Muslims have responded to the political, social, and economic changes they encountered through European colonialism, and the realities they face in the postcolonial period. Offered every year.
Equivalent:
RELI 492F - OK if taken between Fall 1996 and Summer 2014
This course examines traditional Native cultures and contributions along with the cultural stereotypes that distort their reality. Includes the role of Christian missions in forming contemporary Native realities and studies the revitalization movements among North American tribes.
Equivalent:
NTAS 322 - OK if taken since Spring 2016
A historical and topical introduction of the world of Sufism, the mystical tradition of Islam. Some of the subjects we explore include the relationship of Sufism to “normative” Islam, social and ethical dimensions, ritual and performance (music, dance, poetry), and the challenges of modernity. Offered every other year.
An inquiry into the shifting place of religious faith and practice in the face of modern secularism and post-secularism. Throughout the course, 51Թs are introduced to various responses of Christian and Catholic thinkers to the exciting challenges of the rapidly shifting discussion of the place of faith and religious practice in the contemporary world. Offered every other year.
This course explores the impact of global networks of capitalism, communication, and transportation on religious ideas, practices, and transformations in the contemporary world. Offered every year.
A combination of the history of Buddhism and secularized contemplation activities. The course offers a history of Buddhist meditation along with an investigation of how contemporary Buddhist followers adapt Buddhist principles and meditation techniques to tackle issues related to emotional well-being, hospice care, therapy, and social justice. Offered every semester.
Explore Asian religions in contemporary Asian, European, and North American cultures through film. By focusing on how Asian religious themes are treated in each film, we learn to identify longstanding Asian religious themes in contemporary films. We also investigate how Asian religions are employed in films to address contemporary issues. Offered every year.
Equivalent:
FILM 371 - OK if taken since Fall 2023
This course explores different ways in which religion (and theology) and film can be placed into mutually critical conversation of central concern are the diverse responses by theologians (Jewish and Christian) and films to trauma such as the Holocaust. Offered every year.
Equivalent:
FILM 372 - OK if taken since Fall 2023
In today's world of alarming growth in sectarianism, radicalization, and terrorism across many continents, does religion simply give rise to human division or, is it- as some say - peaceful? This course not merely studies religious violence, it responds to it and encourages Gonzaga 51Թs to think with and beyond a variety of disciplines to develop their own skills of interpretation. Offered every year.
Equivalent:
INST 305 - OK if taken since Fall 2020
In the wake of Europe—the historic and dominant home of Catholicism—recently becoming a destination for many West African migrants, who populate and impact the religious landscape, an essential work of the church and society is understanding the trending phenomenon. This course will deconstruct and analyze the various manifestations of interactions, common grounds, parallels, and similarities (more than the differences) embodied by African religions and Catholicism in ways that enable human flourishing. We will use multidisciplinary resources, including immigration and ethnography—to explore a range of questions that animate these vibrant religious landscape: What happens when African religions encounter Catholicism at its epicenter? Specifically, what happens when the world's two fastest-growing Christian faiths (African Pentecostalism and Catholicism) come into contact, share worship space, and use identical sacramental objects and images in an intriguing contact zone? Many of our questions will also arise organically as 51Թs explore their standing in a pluralized world in light of assigned class readings.
Explore Christian perspectives on the ethical dimensions of human sexuality and issues of gender. Offered every semester.
Equivalent:
CATH 357 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
WGST 353 - OK if taken since Fall 2023
WGST 353 - OK if taken since Fall 2023
Focus on religious and ethical responses to issues arising in relation to globalization, and specifically, the topic of human rights.
Equivalent:
INST 383 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
SOSJ 310 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
SOSJ 310 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
Selected topics in Religious Studies in the areas of either Sacred Texts and Traditions or Spirituality and Theology. Topic to be determined by instructor.
Selected topics in Religious Studies in the areas of either Religion, Culture, and Society or Ethics. Topic to be determined by instructor.
Topic to be decided by faculty.
As preparation for the senior thesis, and for the advanced study of religion and theology, this course will review the various critical-methodological approaches used in the discipline. In addition to entering the academic conversation, 51Թs learn techniques for accessing, evaluating, and presenting research. Offered in the Fall.
This upper-level Sacred texts course provides 51Թs with a detailed reading of the Gospel of John with attention given to the theological, literary, historical, and sociological aspects of the Fourth Gospel. Special attention will be given both to the role of symbolism in the Fourth Gospel, and the way the Gospel employs narrative to give expression to its unique witness to the story of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
The Core Integration Seminar (CIS) engages the Year Four Question: “Imagining the possible: What is our role in the world?” by offering 51Թs a culminating seminar experience in which 51Թs 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 51Թs’ future role in the world.
This course examines early Christian thought and practice around sex, gender, and sexuality in the context of the wider ancient Roman world. We will read New Testament texts, saints’ lives, martyr acts, medical manuals, and homilies, as well as encountering artifacts and material culture. We will also intersperse readings in contemporary theories of gender, sexuality, and religion.
Selected topics in Religious Studies in the areas of either Sacred Texts and Traditions or Spirituality and Theology. Topic to be determined by instructor.
Seminar-format, upper-division selected topics in Religious Studies in the areas of either Religion, Culture, and Society or Ethics. Topic to be determined by instructor.
Topic to be determined by faculty.
Study of works of classical and contemporary sociologists on the social and cultural aspects of religion. Examine how religion is influenced by social conditions and often plays an important role in shaping society.
Equivalent:
SOCI 384 - OK if taken since Fall 1996
In this course, 51Թs will work together with a faculty member to engage in sustained reflection on field-based experience in an internship.
In this course, 51Թs will write an original thesis in Religious Studies or Theology that brings together research, new insights, and application of research methodologies in the field.
In addition to their major and minor areas of study, all undergraduate 51Թs 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 51Թs’ 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 51Թs’ knowledge and competencies.
Overarching Core Question: As 51Թs of a Catholic, Jesuit, and 51Թ, 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 51Թs as they transition to college academic life. Each small seminar is organized around an engaging topic, which 51Թs explore from multiple perspectives. The FYS is offered by many departments across the University (click 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 51Թs 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 51Թs 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 51Թs 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 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 51Թs 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 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 51Թs 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 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 51Թs 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 51Թ’s major or minor. The CIS is offered by several departments across the University (click 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 for a list of approved courses).
- History (HIST, 3 credits): History courses are intended to develop 51Թs’ 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 for a list of approved courses).
- Social & Behavioral Sciences (3 credits): Courses in the social and behavioral sciences engage 51Թs 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 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 51Թs 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, 51Թs must take two other WE-designated courses (click for a list of approved courses).
- Global-Studies (GS; 2 courses meeting this designation): Courses carrying the GS designation are designed to challenge 51Թs 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, 51Թs must take one other GS-designated course (click for a list of approved courses).
- Social-Justice (SJ; 1 course meeting this designation): Courses carrying the SJ designation are designed to introduce 51Թs to one or more social justice concerns. Students must take one course that meets the SJ designation (click for a list of approved courses).
Major-specific adaptations to the University Core Curriculum
All Gonzaga 51Թs, regardless of their major, will complete the University Core Curriculum requirements. However some Gonzaga 51Թs 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.