Theology (THEO)
THEO 1101 Theology of Love. (Formerly 101) Christianity teaches that God is love and this course unpacks what that statement means. We will examine the concept of "God is Love" in the systematic theology of the Trinity, the sacramental theology of the Eucharist and Marriage, and the Catholic understanding of the moral life. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Theological/Religious (QRT)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall Term, Even Years)
MESA
MESA
THEO 1102 Theology of Justice. (Formerly 102) This course studies historical and contemporary theologies of justice, focusing on philosophical conceptions of a just society; biblical understandings of justice; the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus; and applications to contemporary injustices. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Theological/Religious (QRT)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Odd Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Odd Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Odd Years)
THEO 1103 Theology of Freedom. (Formerly 103) This course examines the concept of freedom in human life and theology, focusing on the relationship of the human to the divine, relationships between humans, and relationships between humans and non-human creation. Topics include philosophical and biblical understandings of freedom, and liberation theology. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Theological/Religious (QRT)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall Term, Odd Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Fall Term, Odd Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Fall Term, Odd Years)
THEO 2104 Faith and Science. (Formerly 104) This course examines the relationships between faith, reason, Catholic theology, and the secular understanding of science. It will survey the systematic theology of creation and the possibility of reason, the sacramental understanding of creation, the moral theology of ecology and the ecclesial theology of the autonomy of the secular disciplines. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Theological/Religious (QRT)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Even Years)
MESA
MESA
THEO 2120 Religions of Asia. (Formerly 120) An introduction to the religions of South and East Asia, focusing on the Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Sikh traditions, and the religions of China and Japan. Credit will not be granted for RELS 2120 and THEO 2120 when both courses are taken at Benedictine University. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Theological/Religious (QRT)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Even Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Even Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Even Years)
THEO 2130 Abrahamic Traditions. (Formerly 130) An introduction to the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. Credit will not be granted for RELS 2130 and THEO 2120 when both courses are taken at Benedictine University. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Theological/Religious (QRT)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Even Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Even Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Even Years)
THEO 2150 Introduction to the Bible. (Formerly RELS/THEO 150) A close reading of selections from the Christian Bible which examines historical background, literary composition, and general content of the books of the Hebrew Bible (“Old” Testament) and the New Testament. Cross-listed as RELS/THEO 2150. IAI H5901. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Theological/Religious (QRT)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Spring Term)
MESA
MESA
THEO 2162 Christ and the Church. This course will introduce students to christology (study of Jesus Christ) and ecclesiology (study of the Church, a.k.a., the community of believers and "body of Christ"), two fundamental aspects of the Christian faith. We will explore Christ and the Church not only through key biblical and doctrinal texts, but also as expressed in art, devotional works, prayers, rituals, and a spectrum of local/international organizational structures. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Theological/Religious (QRT)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall Term, Odd Years)
MESA
MESA
THEO 2203 Sacramental Theology. (Formerly 203) Study of the history, meaning, and theological significance of the sacraments in Catholic theology. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Theological/Religious (QRT)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall Term, Odd Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Fall Term, Odd Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Fall Term, Odd Years)
THEO 2204 Catholic Spirituality. (Formerly 204) Examines the historical and contemporary contexts of Catholic spirituality. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Theological/Religious (QRT)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall Term, Even Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Fall Term, Even Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Fall Term, Even Years)
THEO 2207 Catholic Social Teaching. (Formerly 207) Course examines the history and contemporary application of Catholic social teaching. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Theological/Religious (QRT)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Even Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Even Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Even Years)
THEO 2208 Marriage and the Family. (Formerly 208) This course explores human relationships from a theological perspective, reflecting on the cultural, social, and ethical implications that arise in the construction of marriages and families. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Theological/Religious (QRT)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Odd Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Odd Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Odd Years)
THEO 2210 Introduction to Judaism. (Formerly 230) This course will introduce students to the practices, beliefs, literature, history, and diversity of Jews and Judaism, as well as to Jewish-Christian and Jewish-Muslim dialogue. Credit will not be granted for RELS 2230 and THEO 2210 when both courses are taken at Benedictine University. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Writing Intensive; Theological/Religious (QRT)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall Term)
MESA (Typically Offered: Fall Term)
MESA (Typically Offered: Fall Term)
THEO 2213 COR Ministry Internship. (Formerly 213) COR Ministry Internship 0 semester credit hour/s. Course Repeatable. Maximum number of units allowed: 12.
Designation: Engaged Learning
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Periodically)
THEO 2223 History of Christian Thought. In this course students will study the grand sweep of Christian thought and practice, from the earliest Christian communities, councils, and creeds, to the great christological controversies, to the rise of monastic and scholastic theology, to early modern devotion, spirituality, and mission, up to contemporary lay movements and the global church. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Theological/Religious (QRT)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall Term, Even Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Fall Term, Even Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Fall Term, Even Years)
THEO 2235 Interreligious Dialogue. (Formerly 235) This course will introduce various theological approaches to interreligious dialogue, with a special focus on the Roman Catholic perspective. Students will not only study theological texts about interreligious dialogue written by Christians, Muslims, Jews, and Buddhists, but they will also become familiar with real-life encounters between adherents of the various world religions today. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Theological/Religious (QRT)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall Term)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
THEO 2240 Introduction to Islam. This course will introduce students to the history, practices, beliefs, and texts of the global Islamic tradition, as well as to dialogue between Islam and other religious traditions. Credit will not be granted for RELS 2240 and THEO 2240 when both courses are taken at Benedictine University. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Theological/Religious (QRT)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Spring Term)
THEO 2252 Business Ethics in the Context of Catholic Social Teaching. (Formerly 252) This course examines the standard issues of business ethics from three perspectives: the norms of Kantian Ethics, the utilitarian calculation of the good and the emphasis on the common good, solidarity and subsidiarity of Catholic Social Teaching. It will use case studies to demonstrate the strengths and weaknesses of each of the three approaches to current business problems. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Sustainability; Theological/Religious (QRT); Global
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall Term)
MESA
MESA
THEO 2265 Eastern Christianity. (Formerly 265) History, theology, spirituality, and contemporary life of Eastern Christians, including the Oriental Orthodox, Eastern Orthodox, and Eastern Catholic Churches. Religious Studies Core Elective. Credit will not be granted for RELS 2265 and THEO 2265 when both courses are taken at Benedictine University. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Theological/Religious (QRT)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Even Years)
MESA
MESA
THEO 2270 Benedictine Wisdom. (Formerly 270) This course will introduce students to the most prominent theologians of the Benedictine Order (and related monastic traditions) throughout history, from St. Benedict himself to medieval mystical theologians such as Bernard of Clairvaux and Hildegard of Bingen, to modern greats such as the Trappist Thomas Merton. Cross-listed as THEO 2270/370. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Writing Intensive; Theological/Religious (QRT)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Odd Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
THEO 2281 Great Women Theologians. (Formerly 281) In this course, students will study the writings of sinfluential Christian theologians such as Hildegard of Bingen, Julian of Norwich, Teresa of Avila, Dorothy Day, and others. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Writing Intensive; Theological/Religious (QRT)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Even Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Even Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Even Years)
THEO 2285 Religion in United States. (Formerly 285) Study of the prominent individuals, communities, movements, institutions and beliefs which make up the religious experience of the United States. IAI H5905. Credit will not be granted for RELS 2285 and THEO 2285 when both courses are taken at Benedictine University. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Theological/Religious (QRT)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall Term)
MESA (Typically Offered: Fall Term)
MESA (Typically Offered: Fall Term)
THEO 2291 Topics. Investigation of theological subjects offered at an introductory level according to the interest of faculty and students. 3 semester credit hour/s. Course Repeatable. Maximum number of units allowed: 12.
Designation: Theological/Religious (QRT)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA
MESA
THEO 2424 Black and Latine Theologies. This course examines Black and Latine liberation theologians who have reflected on the Gospel in light of the faith and experiences of those who have suffered under and resisted structures of oppression. The focus is mainly on Christian theology, but the writings of Muslim, Dalit, Indigenous, and other theologians of color will also be engaged. Students may not earn credit in both THEO 2424 and THEO 3424. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Theological/Religious (QRT)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Periodically)
THEO 3104 Faith and Science. This advanced course examines the relationships between faith, reason, theology, and secular understandings of science. It will include interfaith reflections of these topics as well. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Even Years)
THEO 3162 Christ & the Church. Christology and ecclesiology at the advanced level. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall Term, Odd Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Fall Term, Odd Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Fall Term, Odd Years)
THEO 3303 Sacramental Theology. Advanced study of sacramental theology. Cross-listed with THEO 2203. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Theological/Religious (QRT)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall Term, Odd Years)
MESA
MESA
THEO 3304 Catholic Spirituality. Advanced study of Catholic spirituality. Cross-listed with THEO 2204. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall Term, Odd Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Fall Term, Odd Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Fall Term, Odd Years)
THEO 3307 Catholic Social Teaching. (Formerly 307) This advanced course examines the documents of Catholic Social Teaching in light of political ideologies, social realities, and philosophical assumptions today. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Even Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Even Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Even Years)
THEO 3308 Sexual Ethics. (Formerly 308) This advanced course explores human relationships from a theological perspective, focusing on the cultural, social, and ethical implications of sexuality. Department consent required. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Writing Intensive
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Odd Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Odd Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Odd Years)
THEO 3323 History of Christian Thought. This course explores the history of Christian thought at an advanced level. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall Term, Even Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Fall Term, Even Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Fall Term, Even Years)
THEO 3335 Interreligious Dialogue. (Formerly 335) Advanced study of interreligious dialogue. Cross-listed with THEO 2235. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE
MESA
MESA
THEO 3381 Great Women Theologians. This advanced course examines the writings of great women theologians in dialogue with the work of male theologians 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Writing Intensive
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Even Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Even Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Even Years)
THEO 3385 Religion in the United States. Advanced study of the prominent individuals, communities, movements, institutions and beliefs which make up the religious experience of the United States. Credit will not be granted for RELS 3385 and THEO 3385 when both courses are taken at Benedictine University. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall Term)
THEO 3391 Advanced Topics:. (Formerly 391) Advanced topics in Theology. 3 semester credit hour/s. Course Repeatable. Maximum number of units allowed: 3.
Campus: LISLE
MESA
MESA
THEO 3424 Black and Latine Theologies. This course examines Black and Latine liberation theologians who have reflected on the Gospel in light of the faith and experiences of those who have suffered under and resisted structures of oppression. The focus is mainly on Christian theology, but the writings of Muslim, Dalit, Indigenous, and other theologians of color will also be engaged. Students may not earn credit in both THEO 2424 and THEO 3424. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Theological/Religious (QRT)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Periodically)
THEO 4399 Thesis. (Formerly 399) The course involves research of a topic which relates theology and a secular discipline of their choice. The capstone project is a 12,000-word (40 pp) thesis plus a retreat (to be arranged). 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Writing Intensive; Engaged Learning
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
THEO 4405 Theological Methods. This course studies the practice of academic Catholic Theology. The student will examine Scripture, Tradition and interpretative traditions through the history of Catholic thought. Key questions will be studied: How do we interpret Scripture today? How is tradition authoritative? Is there development of doctrine? How do we read the signs of the times and make the tradition understandable to today's audience? 3 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall Term)
MESA
MESA