History, Philosophy, and Theology
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Inquiry
INQ 1111 Interfaith Oral History Archives. (Formerly 111) Students working in the library’s Interfaith Oral History Project will document the history, experiences, and traditions of individuals from various religious and cultural groups on campus and in the community by collecting and transcribing oral histories. Students will learn how to research and develop interview questions and establish rapport and dialog with a diverse range of people as well as technical skills for recording, transcribing, and digitally publishing the histories. In addition to developing communication and research skills, students will be assisting in publishing the oral histories they collect to an online repository, and their contributions will become part of ongoing pool of primary source material for future interfaith education and research. Course requirements include: orientation and training; periodic progress check sessions; working in teams to collect and transcribe four oral histories per student (including recording their own); publishing the histories collected; final group reflection session; writing a final reflection paper. Interfaith Concentration AND Interfaith Learning Community. 0 semester credit hour/s. Department Consent Required.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall and Spring Terms)
INQ 1116 Engaged Learning Experience in Biology. (Formerly 116) Opportunity for motivated students to work on a continuing or delineated project with a faculty member. Students will develop practical skills rooted in basic biology knowledge. Prerequisite: "C" or better in BIOL 1197 or 2297. Cross listed as INQ 1116/BIOL 1116. 0 semester credit hour/s. Course Repeatable. Maximum number of units allowed: 0.
Designation: Engaged Learning
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer Terms)
MESA (Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer Terms)
MESA (Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer Terms)
INQ 1198 Intercultural Engagement. (Formerly 198) International and U.S. students participate together in activities, events, discussion, and reflection with the aim of building community and gaining greater insight into different cultures, worldviews, social experiences, religions, values, and languages. 0 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall Term)
INQ 1199 Intercultural Engagement II. (Formerly 199) Restricted to students living in the Intercultural House. Involves intercultural communication and interaction within groups representing diverse ethnic heritages, worldviews, faiths, languages, and historical environmental influences, as well as experiential learning involving diversity and multiculturalism in local and global communities. Required activities may include field trips, film screenings, workshops, presentations, and blogging. (Intercultural House Learning Community). 0 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Odd Years)
INQ 2210 ICWSP Internship Program. (Formely 210) This course is an independent study that accompanies internships. The initial course offering is supported by the Illinois Cooperative Work Study Program (ICWSP) grant. The objectives of the internships are to provide 1) work opportunities linked to a student’s academic program and 2) to encourage social and community service. Students will work closely with their internship site supervisor and submit reflections of their experience. 0 semester credit hour/s. Course Repeatable. Maximum number of units allowed: 0. Department Consent Required.
Designation: Engaged Learning
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer Terms)
INQ 2289 Inequities in Healthcare Provision and Access. (Formerly 289) Research project 1-3 semester credit hour/s. Course Repeatable. Maximum number of units allowed: 12. Department Consent Required.
Designation: Engaged Learning
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer Terms)
INQ 2298 Intercultural Engagement Workshop 1: Intercultural House Learning Community. (Formerly 298) Restricted to students living in the Intercultural House. Involves intercultural communication and interaction within groups representing diverse ethnic heritages, worldviews, faiths, languages, and historical environmental influences, as well as experiential learning involving diversity and multiculturalism in local and global communities. Required activities may include field trips, film screenings, workshops, presentations, and blogging. Pre-requisite: Intercultural House. 1 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Global
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall Term)
INQ 2299 Intercultural Engagement Workshop 2. (Formerly 299) Restricted to students living in the Intercultural House. Involves intercultural communication and interaction within groups representing diverse ethnic heritages, worldviews, faiths, languages, and historical environmental influences, as well as experiential learning involving diversity and multiculturalism in local and global communities. Required activities may include field trips, film screenings, workshops, presentations, and blogging. Pre-requisite: Intercultural House. 1 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Spring Term)
Philosophy
PHIL 1101 Introduction to Philosophy. (Formerly 101) An introduction to the philosophical enterprise by way of a condensed survey of its various branches. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Philosophical (QPL)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall Term)
MESA (Typically Offered: Fall Term)
MESA (Typically Offered: Fall Term)
PHIL 1120 Greek Philosophy. (Formerly 120) Introduces ancient Greek philosophical thought through the study of writings by Plato, Aristotle, and select Presocratic thinkers on a range of subjects (e.g., cosmology, physics, metaphysics, epistemology, rhetoric, and ethics). IAI H4901. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Philosophical (QPL)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Spring Term)
MESA
MESA
PHIL 2200 Introduction to Logic. (Formerly 200) What is the difference between a sound and an unsound argument? How can one tell the difference between good reasoning and bad? What sorts of evidence should one accept for certain claims? As we pursue these questions, we will discuss and practice the fundamentals of both informal and formal logic. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Philosophical (QPL)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall and Spring Terms)
MESA
MESA
PHIL 2205 Philosophy of Human Nature. (Formerly 205) Investigation of the classic questions regarding the human person: unity, freedom, death and immortality, mind-body relation, and community. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Philosophical (QPL)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Spring Term)
MESA
MESA
PHIL 2207 Feminist Philosophy. (Formerly 207) PHIL 2207/PHIL 3307 is a study of the contemporary philosophical theories on sex, gender, and sexuality. We will focus on determining the nature of the core concepts of feminism, whether traditional gendered categories are real or socially constructed, how cultural norms concerning these notions shape personal identity, and the moral implications of these reflections for public policy. Students will also assess recent trends of misogyny and patriarchy in American culture stemming from philosophical and scientific misconceptions. The intellectual debates and key arguments of feminist thought are among the most important and urgent of contemporary philosophy. Students may not earn credit in both PHIL 2207 and PHIL 3307. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Philosophical (QPL)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall Term, Even Years)
MESA
MESA
PHIL 2210 Philosophy of Being. (Formerly 210) Examination of the basic principles of reality which affect all thought: change and permanence, unity in diversity, the meaning of existence, goodness, truth and beauty, the categories of being, and the analogy of being. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Philosophical (QPL)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Even Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Even Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Even Years)
PHIL 2215 Theory of Knowledge. (Formerly 215) Analysis of the nature, possibility, foundations, and extent of human knowledge. Students may not earn credit in both PHIL 2215 and PHIL 3315. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Philosophical (QPL)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall Term, Even Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Fall Term, Even Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Fall Term, Even Years)
PHIL 2225 Medieval Philosophy. (Formerly 225) Survey of philosophy from Augustine to the 14th Century. Philosophical Mode of Inquiry (QPL). Students may not earn credit in both PHIL 2225 and PHIL 3325. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Philosophical (QPL)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Odd Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Odd Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Odd Years)
PHIL 2230 Analytic Philosophy. (Formerly 230) Surveys 19th- and 20th-century philosophical movements in America and Britain. Students may not earn credit in both PHIL 2230 and PHIL 3330. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Philosophy Core Elective
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall Term, Odd Years)
PHIL 2235 Modern Philosophy. (Formerly 235) Survey of philosophy from the 15th-century to the early 19th-century. Students may not earn credit in both PHIL 2235 and PHIL 3335. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Philosophical (QPL)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Even Years)
PHIL 2245 General Ethics. (Formerly 245) Investigation of ethical concepts and theories and an analysis of the norms of ethical decision. Philosophical Mode of Inquiry (QPL). IAI H4904. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Philosophical (QPL)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall and Spring Terms)
MESA
MESA
PHIL 2246 Biomedical Ethics. (Formerly 246) Course covers major schools of thought on ethics within the biomedical arena. Students may not earn credit in both PHIL 2246 and PHIL 3346. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Philosophical (QPL)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Spring Term)
MESA
MESA
PHIL 2247 Business Ethics. (Formerly 247) Course covers major schools of thought on ethics within the business arena. Students may not earn credit in both PHIL 2247 and PHIL 3347. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Philosophical (QPL)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall Term, Odd Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Odd Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Odd Years)
PHIL 2248 Environmental Ethics. (Formerly 248) Surveys recent philosophical discourse on the rights and responsibilities of human beings in respect of animals, plants, ecosystems, and natural resources, devoting special attention to subjects such as climate change, species extinction, wilderness preservation, sustainability, consumerism, pollution, human population, and poverty. Students may not earn credit in both PHIL 2248 and PHIL 3348. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Sustainability; Philosophical (QPL)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall Term, Even Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
PHIL 2255 Existentialism. (Formerly 255) Studies the views of 19th- and 20th-century philosophers from continental Europe (e.g., Nietzsche, Kierkegaard, Husserl, Heidegger, Sartre) regarding topics such as individual existence, death, freedom, authenticity, time, language, understanding, and the relation of the individual to the community. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Philosophical (QPL)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Odd Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Odd Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Odd Years)
PHIL 2260 Social & Political Philosophy. (Formerly 260) Which forms of political organization are best? What makes a state or government legitimate? How are political goods such as peace, prosperity and liberty best understood and promoted? Course approaches these questions through the study of classic and contemporary works of political philosophy (e.g., by Plato, Thomas Aquinas, John Locke, etc.). Students may not earn credit in both PHIL 2260 and PHIL 3360. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Philosophical (QPL)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall Term, Odd Years)
MESA
MESA
PHIL 2285 Philosophy of Religion. (Formerly 285) This course is an investigative exploration of some of the fundamental philosophical questions and relationships pertaining to the nature, practice, and understanding of religion or Theology. Cross-listed with PHIL 3385. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Periodically)
PHIL 2290 History and Philosophy of Science. (Formerly 290) Course covers the historical, philosophical and ethical questions of the scientific revolution through the present. Students may not earn credit in both PHIL 2290 and PHIL 3390. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Philosophical (QPL)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall Term)
MESA (Typically Offered: Fall Term)
MESA (Typically Offered: Fall Term)
PHIL 2291 Selected Topics. (Formerly 291) Special philosophical issues offered at the intermediate level according to the interest of faculty and students. 3 semester credit hour/s. Course Repeatable. Maximum number of units allowed: 12.
Designation: Philosophical (QPL)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall Term)
MESA (Typically Offered: Fall Term)
MESA (Typically Offered: Fall Term)
PHIL 3307 Feminist Philosophy. (Formerly 307) PHIL 2207/PHIL 3307 is a study of the contemporary philosophical theories on sex, gender, and sexuality. We will focus on determining the nature of the core concepts of feminism, whether traditional gendered categories are real or socially constructed, how cultural norms concerning these notions shape personal identity, and the moral implications of these reflections for public policy. Students will also assess recent trends of misogyny and patriarchy in American culture stemming from philosophical and scientific misconceptions. The intellectual debates and key arguments of feminist thought are among the most important and urgent of contemporary philosophy. Students may not earn credit in both PHIL 2207 and PHIL 3307. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall Term, Even Years)
PHIL 3315 Theory of Knowledge. (Formerly 315) Analysis of the nature, possibility, foundations, and extent of human knowledge. Students may not earn credit in both PHIL 2215 and PHIL 3315. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Philosophical (QPL)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall Term, Even Years)
PHIL 3325 Medieval Philosophy. (Formerly 325) This course introduces medieval Latin philosophy. It studies philosophical arguments by several thinkers (e.g., Boethius, Anselm, Aquinas, etc.) on a range of subjects (e.g., “the problem of evil,” divine foreknowledge and human freedom, proofs for the existence of God, the attributes of God, natural law, etc.). Survey of philosophy from Augustine to the 14th century. Philosophical Mode of Inquiry (QPL). Students may not earn credit in both PHIL 2225 and PHIL 3325 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Philosophical (QPL)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Odd Years)
PHIL 3330 Analytic Philosophy. (Formerly 330) Surveys 19th- and 20th-century philosophical movements in America and Britain. Students may not earn credit in both PHIL 2230 and PHIL 3330. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Philosophy Core Elective
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall Term, Odd Years)
PHIL 3335 Modern Philosophy. (Formerly 335) Survey of philosophy from Descartes to Kant. Students may not earn credit in both PHIL 2235 and PHIL 3335. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Writing Intensive; Philosophical (QPL)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Even Years)
PHIL 3346 Biomedical Ethics. (Formerly 346) In this class, students will investigate fundamental ethical questions pertaining to health, medicine, and the life sciences. It is a course in applied ethics - where the application of general ethical theory is to the contemporary moral issues of medicine and biology. Prerequisite: A Philosophy course. Students may not earn credit in both PHIL 2246 and PHIL 3346. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Philosophical (QPL)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Spring Term)
PHIL 3347 Business Ethics. (Formerly 347) Course covers major schools of thought on ethics within the business arena. Students may not earn credit in both PHIL 2247 and PHIL 3347. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Philosophical (QPL)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall Term, Odd Years)
PHIL 3348 Environmental Ethics. (Formerly 348) Surveys recent philosophical discourse on the rights and responsibilities of human beings in respect of animals, plants, ecosystems, and natural resources, devoting special attention to subjects such as climate change, species extinction, wilderness preservation, sustainability, consumerism, pollution, human population, and poverty Course covers major schools of thought on ethics within the environmental/ecology arena. Students may not earn credit in both PHIL 2248 and PHIL 3348. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Sustainability; Philosophical (QPL)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall Term, Even Years)
PHIL 3355 Existentialism. (Formerly 355) Studies the views of 19th- and 20th-century philosophers from continental Europe (e.g., Nietzsche, Kierkegaard, Husserl, Heidegger, Sartre) regarding topics such as individual existence, death, freedom, authenticity, time, language, understanding, and the relation of the individual to the community. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Philosophical (QPL)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Periodically)
PHIL 3360 Social and Political Philosophy. (Formerly 360) Course covers the philosophy of societal change, the forces that being about change and the revolutionary potential of change. Students may not earn credit in both PHIL 2260 and PHIL 3360. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Philosophical (QPL)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall Term, Odd Years)
PHIL 3385 Philosophy of Religion. (Formerly 385) This course is an investigative exploration of some of the fundamental philosophical questions and relationships pertaining to the nature, practice, and understanding of religion or Theology. Cross-listed with PHIL 2285. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Periodically)
PHIL 3390 History and Philosophy of Science. (Formerly 390) Course covers the historical, philosophical and ethical questions of the scientific revolution through the present. Students may not earn credit in both PHIL 2290 and PHIL 3390. 3 semester credit hour/s. Department Consent Required.
Designation: Philosophical (QPL)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall Term)
PHIL 3391 Selected Topics. (Formerly 391) Special philosophical issues offered at the advanced level according to the interest of faculty and students. 3 semester credit hour/s. Course Repeatable. Maximum number of units allowed: 12.
Designation: Writing Intensive
Campus: LISLE
PHIL 4399 Thesis. (Formerly 399) Capstone experience 1-6 semester credit hour/s. Department Consent Required.
Designation: Writing Intensive; Engaged Learning
Campus: LISLE
PHIL 4491 Selected Topics (Advanced). Special philosophical issues offered at the advanced level for majors and minors, according to the interest of faculty and students. Pre-Req: Passing grade in at least 6 semester credit hours of Philosophy (PHIL) coursework. 3 semester credit hour/s. Course Repeatable. Maximum number of units allowed: 12.
Designation: Writing Intensive; Engaged Learning
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Periodically)
Religious Studies
RELS 1105 New Testament Greek I. (Formerly 105) Beginners introduction to the grammar and vocabulary of the original Greek text. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall Term, Even Years)
RELS 1106 New Testament Greek II. (Formerly 106) Continuation of RELS 1105. Prerequisite: RELS 1105 3 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Odd Years)
RELS 1110 Ecclesiastical Latin I. (Formerly 110) To provide an introduction to the Latin language, the root of all Romance languages and the common language of educated people for two millennia. The emphasis will be on a practical understanding of the language-for use in philosophical, religious and theological studies. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall Term, Odd Years)
RELS 1111 Ecclesiastical Latin II. (Formerly 111) Continuation of RELS 1110. Prerequisite: RELS 1110 3 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Even Years)
RELS 1191 Selected Topics. (Formerly 191) Special topics on the introductory level. 1-3 semester credit hour/s. Course Repeatable. Maximum number of units allowed: 99.
Designation: Theological/Religious (QRT)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
RELS 2230 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. 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)
RELS 4100 Religion and Culture. (Formerly 100) An investigation of the ways in which myth, ritual, and the interpretation of scripture provides meaning and orientation for human life. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: -
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA
MESA
Theology
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. Department Consent Required.
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. Department Consent Required.
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. Department Consent Required.
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. Department Consent Required.
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. Department Consent Required.
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. Department Consent Required.
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. Department Consent Required.
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. Department Consent Required.
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. Department Consent Required.
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
Faculty
Rita George-Tvrtkovic (2009), Ph.D.
Department Chair, Theology
Professor, History, Philosophy, and Theology
Ph.D. theology 2007 University of Notre Dame
MTS theology 1997 Weston Jesuit
BA anthropology 1994 University of Tulsa
Lecturers
Robert T. Corwin, M.A.
Lecturer, History
Maria Cruz-Cordoba, M.A.
Lecturer, Theology
Rob Curtis, M.A., M.A.Ed., M.S.Ed.
Lecturer, Theology
Larry Fraher, Ph.D.
Lecturer, Theology
Sr. Mary Katerina Masek, S.T.D.
Lecturer, Theology
Stephen Saros, M.A., M.Div.
Lecturer, Theology
The lecturers listed are individuals who have been employed as instructors on an as-needed basis, within the last several years, to teach courses at Benedictine University. Instructors listed may not currently be employed by Benedictine University. The University is fortunate to be able to provide our students with part-time faculty whose experience, credentials and commitment to education add to the high quality of our resident faculty.