LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO

2024-2025 CATALOG

The Academic Catalog is the official listing of courses, programs of study, academic policies and degree requirements for Loyola University Chicago. It is published every year in advance of the next academic year.

Catholic Studies (CATH)

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CATH 100  Introductory Topics in Catholic Studies  (3-6 Credit Hours)  
Introductory level course for topics cross-listed with other courses that focus on areas of Catholic studies but are not included among the courses listed in the Catholic Studies Program.
Interdisciplinary Option: Catholic Studies  
Students will master a topic in Catholic Studies not addressed in other courses

Outcomes

Students will master a topic in Catholic Studies not addressed in other courses
CATH 101  Evolution Western Ideas & Institutions to the 17th Century  (3 Credit Hours)  
This course traces the early development of Western civilization from the ancient Near East; Greece and Rome; the medieval civilization(s); to the European Renaissance and Reformation.
Course equivalencies: X-HIST101/CATH101/ACHIS101  
Students will gain an understanding of history as a discipline; be able to place Judaism, Christianity, and Islam in historical context; explain the expansion of the West; and develop their critical thinking and communications skills

Outcomes

Students will gain an understanding of history as a discipline; be able to place Judaism, Christianity, and Islam in historical context; explain the expansion of the West; and develop their critical thinking and communications skills
CATH 101D  Development of Western Thought Honors Discussion  (3 Credit Hours)  
Pre-requisites: Catholic Studies students must be enrolled in the Honors Program and must be completing the first section of the course HONR 101 (cross-listed with CATH 102)  
This course is the second half of the Freshmen Honors program protocol of HONR 101, where students receive 6 credit hours for intensive reading, lectures, and discussion groups with professors.
Course equivalencies: X-HONRD101/CATH101D  
CATH 102  Western Traditions Honors-Antiquity to Middle Ages  (3 Credit Hours)  
This course is restricted to Catholic Studies Minors enrolled in the Honors Program. This foundational course in the history of Western culture from antiquity to the Middle Ages discusses such writers ranging from Homer all the way to Augustine. Students will pose questions and comments about some of the ideas and texts that helped shaped Western culture, including many that come out of the western Christian tradition.
Course equivalencies: X-HONR10/CATH102  
CATH 104  Jesus Christ  (3 Credit Hours)  
The study of the person of Jesus Christ.
Course equivalencies: THEO104/CATH104  
Students will be able to demonstrate understanding of the nature of Jesus Christ as both human and divine, what this might mean, how this formulation was derived, and the varieties of understanding of Christ within the Scriptures, the church, and modern scholarship

Outcomes

Students will be able to demonstrate understanding of the nature of Jesus Christ as both human and divine, what this might mean, how this formulation was derived, and the varieties of understanding of Christ within the Scriptures, the church, and modern scholarship
CATH 105  The Church in the World  (3 Credit Hours)  
How does Christian Theology inform how Christians act in the world? This is the central question that we will seek to answer throughout this course. Examining the intersection between theoretical and practical theology, we will explore the Church's engagement in the world at large, both in global cultures and political movements. Each class will focus on the sources of Christian doctrine, Biblical and Traditional, with an emphasis on Catholic teaching since Vatican II and on the lived reality of these teachings in a variety of historical and geographical contexts. Using contemporary examples of global issues, we will explore the practicality and potential benefits and drawbacks of doing theology in the public sphere.
Course equivalencies: X-THEO105/CATH105  
CATH 106  Theology of The Sacraments  (3 Credit Hours)  
This course studies the realities of Christian faith life as expressed in the concrete rituals of Christian communities. Sacraments are more than just mechanical ways in which to experience God in Christian liturgy - defined traditionally as "visible signs of invisible realities." Certainly, the seven sacraments of the Catholic tradition perform the central mysteries of God's gracious self communication; however, as importantly, they also introduce and articulate a way of interpreting reality. This course will not only examine the historical development, central beliefs and communal practices of the sacraments, but will also explore the "sacramental principle" as a way to illuminate the theological dynamics that are such an essential component of Catholic liturgy and Christian spirituality. Students will investigate the nature of the sacramental system in Catholic worship, identify the key concepts of "sacramentality" and explore the religious practices that are part of the living tradition of sacramental theology. Finally, students will explore how, in the end, the sacramental principle affects everything and cannot be contained. Sacramentality is a way of being, an "eventing" that reminds us how dynamic and transcendent (as opposed to static and insulated) life is. So, we will follow the clues where they lead and assess current relationships among sacramental theology, liturgy, artistic reflection, cross-cultural expression, and daily life.
Course equivalencies: X-THEO265/CATH106  
CATH 112  New Testament  (3 Credit Hours)  
The study of the New Testament.
Course equivalencies: X-THEO112/CATH112  
Students will be able to demonstrate understanding of the various literary genres found in the New Testament

Outcomes

Students will be able to demonstrate understanding of the various literary genres found in the New Testament
CATH 179  Roman Catholicism  (3 Credit Hours)  
James Joyce famously called Roman Catholicism the "Here comes everybody" tradition, offering an apt description for a faith community made up of both sinners and saints, martyrs and missionaries, defenders and detractors all. This course on Roman Catholicism begins from the assumption that it is fundamentally a tradition of paradox, which establishes constancy through change and firmness through fluidity. Students will explore Roman Catholicism less as a set of definite beliefs and moral precepts, and more as a world-shaping perspective that forms Catholics to see and to be in distinctive ways. Finally, the course will address head-on a range of serious challenges confronting Roman Catholicism today, including widespread disaffiliation, clergy abuse, Magisterial teaching on gender and sexuality, women's ordination, and racism and anti-Judaism in the tradition.
Course equivalencies: THEO179/THEO279/CATH179  
CATH 181  Christianity Through Time  (3 Credit Hours)  
This course will introduce you to the history and missionary movements of the Christian religion, from the early church to the present day. While the course is set up thematically in chronological order, you will read case studies based on primary sources, social history, and material culture that will give you an overview of Christian revelation, theological differences, community and controversies, circulation of ideas and counter-ideas, missionary tactics, power struggles, and people's experiences in ecclesial (liturgy and sacrament), para ecclesial, and personal ways. You will also visit the Art Institute of Chicago and the Newberry Library to see objects and manuscripts from the Christian tradition. The story this course seeks to reveal is how the Christian religion has defined the relationship between the divine and the human world.
Course equivalencies: THEO181/ THEO281/CATH181  
CATH 193  Christian Marriage  (3 Credit Hours)  
Examination of the historical development of marriage within the Christian tradition as well as an investigation and evaluation of its condition in contemporary American society.
Course equivalencies: THEO193/THEO293/CATH193  
Students will be able to demonstrate understanding of ethical principles used to evaluate particular issues relevant to the understanding of the Christian tradition of marriage

Outcomes

Students will be able to demonstrate understanding of ethical principles used to evaluate particular issues relevant to the understanding of the Christian tradition of marriage
CATH 200  Intermediate Topics in Catholic Studies  (3-6 Credit Hours)  
Intermediate level course for topics cross-listed with courses that focus on areas with Catholic studies but are not included among the courses listed in the Catholic Studies Program.
Interdisciplinary Option: Catholic Studies  
Students will master a topic in Catholic Studies not addressed in other courses

Outcomes

Students will master a topic in Catholic Studies not addressed in other courses
CATH 255  Music in Catholic Worship  (3 Credit Hours)  
This course will explore the relationship between music and the liturgies of the Roman Catholic Church. Theologies of liturgical music will be compared and contrasted using the official documents of the Church, theological perspectives and from pastoral experience.
Course equivalencies: X-MUSC255/CATH255  
For students seeking greater knowledge of sacred music, they will be introduced and become familiar with different styles of music, reflect upon and access the application and performance of sacred works within the course as well as in onsite experiences in Catholic parishes in Chicago

Outcomes

For students seeking greater knowledge of sacred music, they will be introduced and become familiar with different styles of music, reflect upon and access the application and performance of sacred works within the course as well as in onsite experiences in Catholic parishes in Chicago
CATH 278  Medieval Culture  (3 Credit Hours)  
Europe in the Early Middle Ages was an unstable world, with its collapsing imperial framework, migrating peoples, contrary cultures, insecure economic structures and clashing political strategies. From that a new balance was struck, through the blending of Roman, Germanic, Celtic and Christian orders, and a Medieval Synthesis was forged. The readings emphasize primary sources and their interpretation while modern secondary sources will further inform our exploration into the phenomenon of cultural synthesis and its place in history.
Course equivalencies: X-ENGL279/CATH278/MSTU304  
CATH 296  All Things Ignatian: Living and Learning in the Jesuit Trad  (3 Credit Hours)  
This course explores the founder of the Jesuits, St. Ignatius Loyola and considers his historical context and that of the Jesuits from Renaissance Europe to today. Second, the course will introduce "The Spiritual Exercises," a highly refined and adaptable method of prayer, contemplation and action. Finally, the course will examine Ignatian spirituality as a practical resource for addressing critical issues in the Church and world today. Identify and explain the chief characteristics and major themes of Ignatian spirituality. Locate, analyze, and demonstrate Jesuit apostolate of scholarship and teaching; identify the global contribution to education, particularly to university life. Experience direct service.
Interdisciplinary Option: Catholic Studies  
This course satisfies the Engaged Learning requirement.  
Course equivalencies: X-CATH 296/THEO 296  
Describe the life and history of Ignatius of Loyola and the Society of Jesus

Outcomes

Describe the life and history of Ignatius of Loyola and the Society of Jesus
CATH 297  The Jesuits: Life and History  (3 Credit Hours)  
This course examines the history of the Society of Jesus from its founding by Ignatius Loyola in the 16th century to its activities in the contemporary world.
Course equivalencies: X-HIST297/CATH297  
Students will gain a sense of the characteristics of Jesuit spirituality and the contribution of Jesuits to various fields of human endeavor such as evangelization, education, politics, literature, and the visual arts

Outcomes

Students will gain a sense of the characteristics of Jesuit spirituality and the contribution of Jesuits to various fields of human endeavor such as evangelization, education, politics, literature, and the visual arts
CATH 300  Advanced Topics in Catholic Studies  (3-6 Credit Hours)  
Advanced level course for topics cross-listed with courses that focus on areas with Catholic studies but are not included among the courses listed in the Catholic Studies Program.
Interdisciplinary Option: Catholic Studies  
Students will master a topic in Catholic Studies not addressed in other courses

Outcomes

Students will master a topic in Catholic Studies not addressed in other courses
CATH 301  Catholics in America  (3 Credit Hours)  
This course uses canonization, the process by which the Catholic Church recognizes saints, to explore change over time in the history of both the Catholic Church and the United States. Drawing upon a cast of characters that includes saints and sinners, martyrs and missionaries, patriot priests and unruly women, we will explore how conceptions of sanctity and holiness have been shaped by popular devotion, papal power, gender, race, sexuality, nationalism, and commercialization.
CATH 302  Religion & Pop Culture: Europe  (3 Credit Hours)  
In this course, we will explore how religion is lived by ordinary people in the contexts of everyday life through various popular culture forms and genres. We will consider how religion animates popular culture, how popular culture itself does religious work, and how religious and non-religious groups and individuals approach popular culture at various times and in certain circumstances as both sacred and profane.
CATH 303  Topics in the Catholic Philosophical Tradition  (3 Credit Hours)  
Pre-requisites: One class in philosophy or permission of instructor  
This course examines some aspect(s) of the Catholic philosophical tradition, drawing from various eras: its roots in ancient Greek philosophy, through the medieval period in the work of figures such as St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas, and up to and including contemporary Catholic philosophy.
Course equivalencies: X-CATH 303 / PHIL 342  
Students will be conversant and familiar with some central features of the Catholic philosophical tradition, demonstrating proficiency in operating within the philosophical framework of this tradition

Outcomes

Students will be conversant and familiar with some central features of the Catholic philosophical tradition, demonstrating proficiency in operating within the philosophical framework of this tradition
CATH 305  Medieval Philosophy  (3 Credit Hours)  
This course deals with selected works from such authors as Augustine, Anselm, Aquinas, Bonaventure, Scotus, and Ockham. The course may be on a particular author, or on a theme or issue characteristic of medieval thought.
Course equivalencies: X-PHIL305/CATH305/MSTU344  
CATH 307  13th & 14th Century Philosophy  (3 Credit Hours)  
Modern thinkers of the 13th and 14th centuries, including at least some of the following: Albertus Magnus, Thomas Aquinas, Dun Scotus, William of Ockham, Roger Bacon. This course will focus on Thomas Aquinas, John Duns Scotus, and William of Ockham. In doing so we will try to get a sense of how they carried out the practice of philosophy, especially given the fact that each of them was a theologian by profession. Thus, the main theme of the course will be the relation of philosophy to theology - more broadly, faith and reason - as it was understood in this period. We will also look at a range of other issues that were of concern to the scholastics-- chiefly questions of metaphysics and epistemology.
Course equivalencies: X-PHIL307/CATH307  
CATH 309  History of Primitive Christianity  (3 Credit Hours)  
This course treats the history of Christian communities and beliefs from their emergence in cities of the early Roman Principate to the legalization of that religion in the Late Antique period.
Course equivalencies: X-HIST309/CATH309  
Students gain familiarity with messianism and eschatology in Second Temple Judaism, evangelization and growth of urban Christian churches, interaction with Roman Imperial government, and the flourishing of monasticism in the period of legalization

Outcomes

Students gain familiarity with messianism and eschatology in Second Temple Judaism, evangelization and growth of urban Christian churches, interaction with Roman Imperial government, and the flourishing of monasticism in the period of legalization
CATH 310  The Early Middle Ages 600-1150  (3 Credit Hours)  
This course examines European society and culture in the early Middle Ages.
Course equivalencies: X-HIST310/MSTU328/CATH310  
Students will demonstrate an understanding of reasons behind the transformation of classical civilization; the so-called fall of Rome and the barbarian invasions; early Germanic kingdoms; Charlemagne and Carolingian Europe; the Vikings; and church and society in the eleventh century

Outcomes

Students will demonstrate an understanding of reasons behind the transformation of classical civilization; the so-called fall of Rome and the barbarian invasions; early Germanic kingdoms; Charlemagne and Carolingian Europe; the Vikings; and church and society in the eleventh century
CATH 311  Medieval World 1100-1500  (3 Credit Hours)  
This course examines European society and culture in the later Middle Ages.
Course equivalencies: HIST311/MSTU332/CATH311  
Students will demonstrate understanding of new forms of schools and learning; the origins of national monarchies; the crusades; chivalry; courtly love and the role of women; the rise of towns; church and state relations; the Black Death and the Hundred Years War

Outcomes

Students will demonstrate understanding of new forms of schools and learning; the origins of national monarchies; the crusades; chivalry; courtly love and the role of women; the rise of towns; church and state relations; the Black Death and the Hundred Years War
CATH 312  Dante-The Divine Comedy  (3 Credit Hours)  
Refashioning the conventions of poetry, Dante (1265-1321) used the account of his presumed journey through the three realms of the Christian afterlife - Hell, Purgatory and Paradise - to explore the world at the close of the Middle Ages. The poem is both an adventure story and an exhaustive, assessment of the state of politics, society, religion, literature, philosophy, and theology at the beginning of the fourteenth century. This course examines a selection of cantos Dante's Inferno, Purgatorio, Paradiso in its cultural, theological, social and political context. In particular we will explore how the underground world imagined by the poet relates to late medieval urban life and culture. A guiding concern of the discussion is to assess the ways in which Dante changed our understanding of the relationship between the human and the divine, justice and love, will and reason, happiness and knowledge, literature and the Bible. Political turmoil, philosophical and theological paradigms social and religious conflict all converge in the making of the Comedy and will thus form crucial elements of our investigation.
Course equivalencies: X-ITAL312/CATH312/MSTU364  
CATH 315  Mary and The Church  (3 Credit Hours)  
The course is structured as a chronological sweep through the history of ideas on Mary and her importance for understanding the God revealed in Jesus Christ. We will examine Mary's place throughout the seven major ages of Christianity with particular attention to the Early Church Age. After exploring the Mariologies of the Early Church Age, we will explore the continued development of Mariology, spending significant time thinking about Mariology in the Post-Modern Age through your papers and presentations.
Course equivalencies: THEO315/CATH315  
CATH 316  The Reformation  (3 Credit Hours)  
This course examines the birth and progress of the Reformation in Europe from Luther's protest in 1517 to the conclusion of the Thirty Years War in 1648.
Course equivalencies: X-HIST315/CATH316  
Students gain familiarity with the social, religious, intellectual, and political background of the Reformation; Luther's personal religious experience and his theological convictions; the Swiss Reformation of Zwingli and Calvin; the nature and spread of Calvinism; the elements of the Radical Reformation; and the efforts for Catholic Reform culminating at the Council of Trent

Outcomes

Students gain familiarity with the social, religious, intellectual, and political background of the Reformation; Luther's personal religious experience and his theological convictions; the Swiss Reformation of Zwingli and Calvin; the nature and spread of Calvinism; the elements of the Radical Reformation; and the efforts for Catholic Reform culminating at the Council of Trent
CATH 317  Christian Thought: Ancient to Medieval  (3 Credit Hours)  
Early and medieval Christian Thought focuses upon the development of Christian thinking from the apostolic times to the eve of the Protestant Reformation. It centers on those individuals of the period who influenced thinking and practice in their as well as subsequent times. It also focuses upon important historical, social and political events that interacted with Christian doctrines throughout the centuries.
Course equivalencies: X-THEO317/CATH317/MSTU360  
CATH 318  Christian Thought: Reformation to Modern  (3 Credit Hours)  
The development of various Christian doctrines in light of their historical milieu during the last six centuries of Christian thought.
Course equivalencies: X-THEO318/CATH318  
Students will be able to assess how various configurations of theological perspectives can both expand and foreshorten the way human thinking has gone on

Outcomes

Students will be able to assess how various configurations of theological perspectives can both expand and foreshorten the way human thinking has gone on
CATH 320  The Philosophy of St Augustine  (3 Credit Hours)  
This course is a study of the principal works of Augustine, such as the Confessions, City of God.
Course equivalencies: X-PHIL320/CATH320/MSTU346  
Students will be able to understand and articulate philosophical problems and answers found in the works of Augustine

Outcomes

Students will be able to understand and articulate philosophical problems and answers found in the works of Augustine
CATH 321  English Literature: Medieval Period  (3 Credit Hours)  
This course provides a survey of Old and Middle English Literature, studied partly in translation and partly in the original. Students will receive training in the understanding, appreciation, and criticism of works of medieval culture.
Course equivalencies: X-ENGL320/CATH321/MSTU308  
CATH 322  Chaucer  (3 Credit Hours)  
This course introduces students to the life and writings of Chaucer through the reading of a representative selection (but not necessarily all) of The Canterbury Tales and through considering a variety of critical perspectives on them. Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of Chaucer's poetry, the ability to read Middle English, and familiarity with some critical perspectives on Chaucer's works.
CATH 345  Roman Catholic Social Thought  (3 Credit Hours)  
An introduction to the social documents of the Catholic Church in the modern era. This course presents a synthesis of the methodology, the anthropology, and the principles used by the Church in its moral reflection on the various social problems of our day.
Course equivalencies: X-THEO345/CATH345  
CATH 361  St Augustine Works  (3 Credit Hours)  
Pre-requisites: LATN 101 and LATN 102 or their equivalents  
This course focuses on translation and understanding of the works of Saint Augustine.
Course equivalencies: LATN361/CATH361  
students should be able to translate these works with proficiency, and be able to demonstrate knowledge in detail about the author and his works, as well as deeper understanding and appreciation of the historical, social and intellectual contexts and influences pertaining to them

Outcomes

students should be able to translate these works with proficiency, and be able to demonstrate knowledge in detail about the author and his works, as well as deeper understanding and appreciation of the historical, social and intellectual contexts and influences pertaining to them
CATH 379  Ecumenism in The 20th Century  (3 Credit Hours)  
Investigation of the principles of ecumenism as formulated in Vatican II. Study of the agreed statements of bilateral discussions between Christian communities.
Course equivalencies: X-THEO379/CATH379  
Students will be able to assess how various configurations of a religious worldview can both expand and foreshorten the way human thinking has gone on

Outcomes

Students will be able to assess how various configurations of a religious worldview can both expand and foreshorten the way human thinking has gone on
CATH 383  Theology Arts & Literature  (1-3 Credit Hours)  
Study of theological and religious symbols and themes in modern literature and/or in the arts.
Course equivalencies: X-THEO383/ENGL383/CATH383  
The student who successfully completes this course will be able to demonstrate knowledge about religion and its intersections with selected contemporary ethical, social, political, economic, or cultural issues

Outcomes

The student who successfully completes this course will be able to demonstrate knowledge about religion and its intersections with selected contemporary ethical, social, political, economic, or cultural issues
CATH 393  Seminar Theology  (3 Credit Hours)  
An undergraduate seminar course in theology with variable content, addressing topical issues that are not covered by the regular offerings at the 300 level.
Students will gain an in-depth understanding of a selected topic

Outcomes

Students will gain an in-depth understanding of a selected topic
CATH 395  Directed Readings in Catholic Studies  (3-6 Credit Hours)  
An independent program of reading and research developed in consultation with either the Catholic Studies Program director or a supervising faculty member that teaches in Catholic Studies, culminating in a major project or paper.
Interdisciplinary Option: Catholic Studies  
Students will master a topic in Catholic Studies not addressed in other courses

Outcomes

Students will master a topic in Catholic Studies not addressed in other courses
CATH 396  Seminar in Medieval Phil  (3 Credit Hours)  
This course will study selected issues from medieval philosophy.
Students will develop a more advanced understanding of medieval philosophy, through direct student participation in an interactive seminar environment

Outcomes

Students will develop a more advanced understanding of medieval philosophy, through direct student participation in an interactive seminar environment
CATH 400  Catholicism in the Americas  (3 Credit Hours)  
This course examines social, political, and religious developments in the Americas from the colonial era with a particular focus on the years following the Second Vatican Council through the present day in order to explore a range of issues regarding the nature of religion, politics, and the role of the Catholic Church.
CATH 402  Catholic Church in Modern World  (3 Credit Hours)  
This course will examine the Church in the modern world-- with an emphasis on the relationship between Catholicism and democracy, placing particular stress on their relevance to contemporary American public life. In this context, Catholicism will be understood not only as a religious institution, but as the source of a tradition of communitarian social and political thought, while democracy will be understood not only as a form of government, but also as an ethos shaping American society. Authors and texts will include Alexis de Toucqueville, Orestes Brownson, Dorothy Day, John Courtney Murray, and relevant documents from Vatican II and the American hierarchy. The historic tension between Catholicism and democracy will be the subject of our conversation as will the possibilities for greater harmony between them. In particular, we will explore the possibility that Catholicism's communitarian orientation might serve as a corrective to American individualism and consumerism, while democratic institutions and practices might have something to offer Catholicism.
CATH 498  Integrative Project  (3 Credit Hours)  
This is a synthesis course in which the student, in consultation with a faculty member, will independently research and develop a project that integrates subject-mastery and skills that they have developed over the course of their studies.
CATH 499  Independent Study  (3 Credit Hours)  
Student will conduct in-depth research or reading, initiated by the student and jointly developed with a faculty member, into a specialized area of Catholic Studies not otherwise covered by course offerings.
Students will be able to demonstrate in-depth understanding of a specialized area or topic in Catholic Studies

Outcomes

Students will be able to demonstrate in-depth understanding of a specialized area or topic in Catholic Studies