Theology and Religious Studies majors typically take the following courses in the fall semester of their first year:
First-Year Experience Learning Community Courses
We will register you in these courses.
- Philosophy (PHIL 201)
- English Composition (ENG 101) OR Theology (TRS 201)
Why am I taking these classes? Honors students take equivalent honors courses.
Major and Elective Courses
You will need to choose and register for these courses.
- A foreign language (see below)
- A liberal arts foundations course; a course toward a minor, certificate, or other focus area; or a free elective
- A liberal arts foundations course; a course toward a minor, certificate, or other focus area; or a free elective
Language placement
Your major requires you to complete the study of a foreign language through the intermediate level. Catholic University teaches the following languages that satisfy this requirement: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Irish, Italian, Latin, and Spanish. If you are interested in learning a language not listed here, consult with your advisor.
If you have previously studied a foreign language and are interested in continuing with that same language, or if you can demonstrate fluency in a foreign language, you should complete the language placement exam.
About Your First Semester Courses
TRS 201 “Foundations of Theology I: Scripture & Jesus Christ" is the gateway course to all Theology & Religious Studies courses at Catholic University, and is also part of the University’s First Year Experience. It is an intellectual, historically-contextualized, and primary text-based inquiry into the ultimate questions for humanity, addressing the central teachings of the Catholic faith. Students learn in this course how to read, think, and communicate rigorously and theologically. Their engagement with the foundational themes in theology prepares them for their future Theology & Religious Studies courses.
Students generally take five courses each term their first year. First Year Experience Courses are chosen for you and introduce you to the modes of thinking, reading and writing about the many of the same questions at the heart of a degree in theology. When choosing your other courses, it is a good idea to be attentive to the University language requirement in the first year, especially if you are continuing a language studied in secondary school. If you wish to begin language study anew, it helps to keep in mind how the choice of language might augment your broader Catholic University education. For instance, if I hope to study abroad (e.g., Rome) I should study language accordingly (e.g., Italian). If I hope to work in ministry what language study would best help me (e.g., Spanish)? If I am considering future graduate study in theology & religious studies what language might be helpful (Latin, Greek, French, German)?
For your fourth and fifth courses, you can choose what you like. You can take a liberal arts elective or a free elective course in a subject of your interest. Or, you may wish to begin study in a secondary subject area, perhaps for a minor or certificate. Keep an open mind and be adventurous!
To learn more about the Theology and Religious Studies major, consult the School of Theology and Religious Studies’ website.
Know which courses you want? Get registered.