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Now in its 17th year
of offering off-campus classes to certify religious educators in the
Diocese of Metuchen, the off-campus program has helped over 200
students explore the universal dimensions of religion. With
this certificate students can update their understanding and
knowledge of Catholic theology and practice since Vatican II;
prepare for volunteer positions in all ministerial programs,
including religious education, youth ministry, peer support,
sacramental preparation and the Rite for Christian Initiation of
Adults; prepare for professional ministerial positions in religious
education and pastoral ministry in a variety of settings (most often
with the provision that students have a degree in another
discipline); complete twenty-four credits toward a baccalaureate
degree in Religious Studies or a second undergraduate degree in
Religious Studies; and fulfill prerequisites in Theology/Religious
Studies for entrance into graduate programs. |
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Requirements
for the Religious Studies Certificate include completion of twenty-four
credit hours in the required courses; and a grade
of “C” or better in all courses.
Students
can enter the program in the Fall, Spring or Summer semesters. Credits
from another institution are not transferable to the certificate program.
Course
Requirements and Descriptions
Required
courses:
Introduction
to the First Testament (RS 102), Introduction to the Second Testament (RS
103), Exploring Contemporary Moral Issues (RS 105), Christology (RS 201),
Christian Sacraments and Worship (RS 204), Comparative World Religions (RS
301), Religion and Psychology (RS 303), Peace, Justice and Contemporary
Social Issues (RS306).
RS
102
Introduction
to the First Testament
3
credits
This
course is an introduction to the study of the Hebrew Scriptures as a
record of God’s dealings with the people of Israel. Through the study
of historical, literary, and theological elements of the biblical text,
students will enrich their understanding of individual books and the way
in which the First Testament came to be written. The course combines the
latest scholarship with sensitivity to religious issues. (offered
alternating Spring semesters)
RS
103
Introduction
to the Second Testament
3
credits
This
course is an introduction to the study of the Christian Scriptures. It
will familiarize the student with the general content of the Second
Testament. It traces the origin of these writings in the early Christian
community and shows the relevance of the Good News for our own times. (offered
alternating Fall semesters)
RS
105
Exploring
Contemporary Moral Issues
3
credits
This
course deals with fundamental principles of Christian moral teaching as
developed from Scripture, the tradition of the Church, and human
experience. It explores selected moral issues, such as formation of
conscience, personal freedom and law, suicide, euthanasia, and abortion.
(offered alternating Spring semesters)
RS
201
Christology
3
credits
This
course is an up-to-date scriptural investigation of the Jesus of History
and the Christ of Faith. It will examine the Jewish socio-religious
background of the Jesus Tradition and the development of different
understandings of the Christ as expressed in Catholic tradition. (offered
alternating Fall semesters)
RS
204
Christian
Sacraments and Worship
3 credits
This
course will investigate in what context Jesus began, and his followers
continue, to celebrate rituals called sacraments. Included will be the
origin, historical developments and underlying theologies of each of the
seven sacraments. (offered alternating Spring semesters)
RS 301
Comparative
World Religions
3
credits
The
aim of this course is to learn about the religious diversity of the
world and to develop attitudes of understanding and respect for the
beliefs and practices of others. Special attention will be given to the
relationship between Roman Catholicism and the other major world
religions. (offered alternating Fall semesters)
RS
303
Religion
and Psychology
3
credits
This
course explains the religious dimensions of life as essential components
of psychological health. Topics will include human, religious, moral,
and spiritual development, images of God, religious experience, and
theological assumptions about key life issues. (offered alternating
Fall semesters)
RS
306
Peace,
Justice, and Contemporary Social Issues
3
credits
This
course critically examines areas of personal life, relationships and
social conditions that cause alienation, egocentrism, violence and
oppression. Themes include the importance of meaningful communication,
the responsible exercise of freedom, the social and political dimensions
of faith, nonviolent alternatives to conflict and global perspectives on
current issues.
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