Religious Studies Graduate Program
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MASTER OF ARTS IN RELIGIOUS STUDIES
The Master of Arts in Religious Studies Program is designed for persons who want to develop their personal values, faith, and/or professional ministries through academic inquiry, systematic reflection, and experiential learning. Rooted firmly in the Catholic and Dominican intellectual traditions, Religious Studies at Edgewood
College is a broad-based discipline which encourages students to explore and affirm their own roots and
traditions, and to develop intellectual competence in the context of Christian community and service. In addition, students can strengthen their own commitments and grow in respect for and appreciation of the roots, traditions, and commitments of others.
- Key elements of the program include:
Scholarly study and reflection on religious and theological issues
Respect for the individual within the community
Responsibility and call to service
Building of appropriate goals
Opportunities to realize potentialStudents come from many backgrounds and religious traditions and bring to their studies a variety of
goals and hopes for the future. Many feel called to ministry or leadership in their communities; some build strong foundations for further graduate study; most experience intellectual stimulation, spiritual growth, and
affirmation of the unique gifts they have been given for service. Faculty members of the Religious
Studies Department bring diverse backgrounds, experiences and educational preparation, including
academic doctorates from major universities, to their teaching and research. They hold memberships
and contribute to leadership in numerous professional societies: the American Academy of Religion,
the Society of Biblical Literature, the Catholic Biblical Association, National Association of Professors of Hebrew, Institute of Biblical Research, North American Academy of Liturgy, the College Theology Society, and the Chicago Society of Biblical Researchers.
Curriculum Prerequisites Degree Requirements Required Courses
The curriculum is broad-based with appropriate depth in three areas of study:
Major Religious Traditions
Biblical Studies
Religion in the Human Community Archaeological Society.
Major Religious Traditions
Trends in Ministry enables students to explore the needs of the global and local communities by examining outstanding leaders, systemic and cultural conditions, and possible ways they can respond to present and future needs. Religious Traditions in the Modern World focuses on the interplay of religious traditions with cultures, societies, politics, economics and the humanities.
Biblical Studies
The courses in Hebrew Scriptures and Christian Scriptures offer opportunities to pursue exegetical studies of selected topics or themes including new developments in the study of scripture.
Religion in the Human Community
Presuming a background in the history of Christianity, Development of Religious Life and Thought enables
students to see the mutual relationship between cultural/historical contexts and the development of
religious ideas. Sources of Moral Decision-Making in an Ecumenical World challenges students to apply
principles of morality to particular situations which societies face today. All students must complete each of
the above courses. Students who, in addition, are interested in preparing for professional ministry in their faith communities may elect to follow the Ministry/Leadership sequence.
All students must complete each of the above courses. Students who, in addition, are interested in preparing for professional ministry in their faith communities may elect to follow the Ministry/Leadership sequence.
Ministry/Leadership Sequence
The Ministry/Leadership Sequence builds on the core curriculum and includes appropriate electives, portfolios and field experiences.In the core course, Trends in Ministry, students explore needs of the global and local communities and possible responses to which they may perceive themselves called. In their other required courses, they continue to explore these needs and responses, choosing research topics and optional readings related to their goals.
Students following this sequence will also develop a portfolio of goals and a record of related activities, including workshops, pre-professional experiences, and internships. If individuals plan to serve as pastoral associates or directors of religious education, for example, they will plan and complete a set of field experiences, which may culminate in a sequence of professional courses such as Counseling, Internship, and Religious Leadership. Clinical Pastoral Education in a nearby hospital setting is available, although it may better follow completion of the Master's degree.
Other ministerial/leadership possibilities include pastoral associates, directors of religious education, clinical pastoral education, youth ministry, campus ministry, pastoral music, liturgical ministries, urban ministry, pastoral ministry, hospital chaplainry, bereavement ministry, family ministry, ministry with minorities, and church administration. Electives may be chosen and a portfolio designed appropriate to these ministries.
Ministry students should be aware of Conduct and Competencies Review processes.
PREREQUISITES OR PROFICIENCIES
Prerequisites or demonstrated proficiencies ensure a solid base for graduate study. Religious Studies at
Edgewood College builds on basic proficiencies in the following areas: Hebrew Scriptures
Christian Scriptures
World Religions
History of Christianity
Ethics or Morality*The students transcript is evaluated for prerequisite or equivalent courses at other institutions. If these have not been met, the student may demonstrate proficiency:
a. by completing the appropriate course at the undergraduate level either at Edgewood College or elsewhere with a grade of B or better**
-or
b. by passing the proficiency examinations administered by the department in each area. Students may prepare for the proficiency exams by auditing a course and/or using the reading lists and study guides provided by the department *Proficiency in Ethics or Morality is automatically fulfilled by IC 800 Ethics, for which graduate credit is earned.
**Undergraduate credits are earned for these prerequisite courses, but these credits are not counted toward the Master of Arts degree, except for
IC 800 Ethics.
Each student completes a minimum of 36 credits to complete the Master of Arts in Religious Studies. The curriculum includes:
Required Courses
Required Courses
(18 credits; 6 courses)RS 610 Trends in Ministry
RS 615 Religious Traditions in the Modern World
RS 620 Hebrew Scriptures: Advanced Course
RS 630 Christian Scriptures: Advanced Course
RS 640 Development of Religious Life and Thought
RS 650 Sources of Moral Decision Making in an Ecumenical WorldInterdisciplinary Requirements
(6 credits; 2 courses or equivalents)IC 800 Ethics
This course examines ethical issues in the practice of professions in public life. Significant issues such as justice, honesty and respect for persons are examined in study and dialogue as they emerge in human experience. Philosophical and religious perspectives regarding ethics are considered.IC 850 Studies in Change
This course is designed to develop an understanding of personal, social, and organizational change. Such issues as personal commitment, social conditions, and technological developments are examined for their impact on personal, social, and institutional situations. Research strategies provide opportunities to strengthen logical thinking, analysis of evidence, and written expression.Elective Courses
Students choose a sequence of courses according to personal and professional goals. Opportunities for learning are individual, personal and oriented within the context of the college, religious, civic, national, and international communities.(12 credits; 4 courses)RS 605 Religion and Contemporary Studies
RS 625-629 Topics in Religious Studies
RS 660 Worship
RS 670 Counseling Models and Skills in Ministry
RS 675, 680 Practicum or Internship in a Professional Situation
RS 700 Themes in Theology
RS 710 Theology of Ministry/Models of Church
RS 720 Sacraments/Liturgy
RS 730 Spirituality
RS 790-794 Topic in Religious Studies Independent Reading and/or Research
RS 795-799 Workshops/Seminars in Religious StudiesPortfolio: Also recommended is an on-going portfolio of personal and/or professional goals, activities, and reflections related to the program. The portfolio is normally required in the Ministry/Leadership sequence.
Course Descriptions
RS 210A Biblical Studies: Hebrew Scriptures
A survey of the Hebrew Bible from an historical perspective. Special attention is given to the nature of scriptural texts and methods of interpretation.RS 210B Biblical Studies: Christian Scriptures
A survey of the Christian Scriptures with special attention to the Gospels and the beginnings of Christianity.RS 225 World Religions
A study of the phenomena of religion, search, belief, community, and ritual as exemplified in some of the major religious traditions including East and West.RS 230 Christianity in Historical Context
A survey of some of the major developments in the history of Christianity, emphasizing cultural factors, leaders, and documents.
Additional Introductory Courses:
RS 545 Introductory Level Topics
Special studies related to Summer Institutes or other topics as needed.Religious Studies students complete 6 required courses, for a total of 18 credits. Courses are 3 credits each. All courses except RS 610 have prerequisites.
RS 610 Trends in Ministry
Opportunity to explore the needs of the global and local communities by examining outstanding leaders, systemic and cultural conditions, and possible ways participants can respond to present and future needs.RS 615 Religious Traditions and the Modern World
Research into the interplay of religious traditions with contemporary studies of cultures, societies, politics, economics and the humanities. (Prerequisite: survey course in world religions)RS 620 Hebrew Scriptures - Advanced Course
An advanced, detailed exegetical study of specific books or themes of the Hebrew Scriptures. (Prerequisite: RS 210A or recent course in Christian Scriptures)RS 630 Christian Scriptures - Advanced Course
An advanced, detailed exegetical study of specific books or themes of the Christian Scriptures. (Prerequisite: RS 210B or recent course in Christian Scriptures.)RS 640 Development of Religious Life and Thought
An in-depth investigation of specific religious ideas and movements in Christianity and/or other religions, to study the interconnectedness of ideas and movements with one another, especially in the historical context. (Prerequisite: RS 230 or course in history of Christianity or the equivalent.)RS 650 The Sources of Moral-Decision Making in an Ecumenical World
A study of the bases of moral decision-making (e.g. revelation, reason, custom) in ethical and religious traditions and an analysis of authoritative texts using models of moral development, reinterpretation, and modernization. (Prerequisite: RS 240/242 or IC 800 Ethics or course in philosophical or theological ethics.)
Elective Courses:
Elective courses provide the opportunity for each student to explore one or more special areas of interest. Each student selects 4 courses (12 credits) in consultation with an advisor in the Religious Studies Department.
RS 605 Religion and Contemporary Studies
Study of selected aspects of Religious Studies in a contemporary context. Possible topics include: Theology Today, Moral Issues, Communications/Media.RS 625-629 Topics in Religious Studies
Special study of selected topics and themes in Religious Studies which vary according to the goals and needs of the students. Areas may include: Religious Leadership/Church Administration; Church History; Religious Literature; Religious Literature of the West; Religious Literature of the East.RS 660 Worship
A study of ritual and the roles of symbol, myth, imagination and the arts in contemporary worship. Includes insights from theology, history, faith development theory, and anthropology.RS 670 Counseling Models and Skills in Ministry
A study of models of counseling and what constitutes skills for effective ministry, with field experience to practice these skills.RS 675, 680 Practicum or Internship in a Professional Situation
Supervised observation and participation in situations appropriate to the particular goals of the student.RS 700 Themes in Theology
Research into particular areas of western Christian theologies, including recent and contemporary theologians, and topics such as God, Christ, Spirit, Community, and Eschatology.RS 710 Theology of Ministry/Models of the Church
An investigation of select theologies of ministry in their historical and cultural contexts and in relationship to contemporary models of church.RS 720 Sacraments/Liturgy
Research into specialized topics that relate to liturgical and sacramental celebrations including their historical, theological and cultural contexts.RS 730 Spirituality
A critical examination of some of the ways persons, groups and/or particular traditions articulate their experiences of prayer, spirit, and community.RS 790-794 Independent Reading, Research, and/or Project
Topics, orientation, and bibliography to be developed with the approval of the Religious Studies Department. (Variable Credit.)RS 795-799 Workshops/Seminars in Religious Studies
Selected topics and themes studied in a focused manner. (Variable Credit.)
