Why minor in Catholic studies at Canisius?
The Catholic studies minor at Canisius College examines the doctrinal, historical, legal, spiritual, and cultural traditions of Catholicism, and prepares students for leadership positions within the Catholic Church and church-affiliated organizations. This interdisciplinary study includes dialog with people of other faiths and the examination of other intellectual disciplines that have been influenced by Catholicism, such as art, architecture, communications, law, literature, politics and psychology.
Outside the classroom
As part of the Catholic studies minor, students are encouraged to participate in internships with local Catholic institutions, such as Catholic Charities, Diocesan offices, area parishes, or parochial schools or hospitals. Internships provide students with a community service experience, give them an opportunity to become involved with the institutional infrastructure of the Catholic Church and help students better understand the church’s workings and influences.
Study abroad opportunities are also available to students pursuing a Catholic studies minor and may include a semester at the Loyola University Rome Center or at another center of Catholic thought, such as Paris or Campion Hall, Oxford.
Life after Graduation
A minor in Catholic studies is an excellent preparation for the following career options:
- Graduate work in theology
- Preparation for entering the seminary or a religious order
- Teaching in the Catholic educational system
- A career in a Catholic social work agency or health care system
Catholic Studies Minor Courses
The Catholic Studies minor consists of six courses:
| RST 231 | Introduction to Catholic Studies | |
| CTH 400 | Research in Catholic Studies |
One course in each of the following four Catholic Studies Core Areas but no more than two of these courses can be in Religious Studies & Theology:
• Catholic Theology and Life
| RST 230 | Catholic Belief Today | |
| RST 260 | The History of Catholic Belief | |
| RST 327 | The Church: Its Mission and Structure | |
| RST 328 | Sacramental Theology | |
| RST 350 | Christian Concept of God | |
| RST 354 | Jesus Christ and Modern Culture | |
| RST 359 | Revelation and Faith |
• Catholic Culture: Literature, Art, Music, and Science
| ENG 303 | Medieval Literature | |
| ENG 320 | Contemporary Catholic American Fiction | |
| FAH 224 | Medieval Art | |
| FAH 245 | Renaissance Art | |
| HON 328 | Age of Michelangelo | |
| FAM 217 | Medieval & Renaissance Music | |
| RST 314 | New Testament in Literature / Art | |
| RST 343 | Religion & the Challenge of Science | |
| ENG 233 | Medieval Literature for Non-Majors | |
| ENG 330 | Bible as Literature |
• Catholic History and Politics
| HIS 106 | The Medieval World | |
| HIS 131 | History of Latin America to 1830 | |
| HIS 306 | History of Religion in America | |
| PSC 200 | American Catholics in the Public Square | |
| RST 215 | History of Christian Community I | |
| RST 235 | Religion and Politics | |
| CLS 308 | Pagans and Christians | |
| RST 319 | The Jesuits: History, Spirituality, and Culture | |
| HON 319 | Religion and Politics: U.S. Roman Catholic Perspectives | |
| HON 316 | Jesuit Spirituality and History | |
| HIS 316 | Reformation |
• Catholic Social Thought and Philosophy
| PHI 352 | Medieval Philosophy | |
| PHI 372 | Catholic Social Thought | |
| HON 234 | Contemporary Catholic Social Ethics | |
| ZPR 351 | Contemporary Catholic Social Ethics |
In addition to the courses required in the student’s major and in the Catholic studies minor, all students fulfill the liberal arts course requirements of the core curriculum. See core curriculum fact sheet.