College Catalog
Religious Studies (RELS)

The goal of the Religious Studies discipline at St. Norbert College is to provide students with the opportunity and skills to explore the role and the significance of religion in human life and culture, to reflect critically on the nature and meaning of religious belief, to grapple with the ultimate questions and issues religion addresses, and to consider thoughtfully those biblical, historical, theological and ethical sources that contribute to the Christian heritage.

As a part of the General Education Program, religious studies courses should enable students to approach religion as an academic discipline, lead them to a critical awareness of the problems of religious faith, and acquaint them with various theologies and religions, particularly in their impact on human life.

In the undergraduate major in religious studies, the student is introduced to the scholarly methods and analytical tools in the study of religion, namely the literary, theological, historical, ethical, and comparative. The student is also encouraged to engage in independent study and must participate in a research seminar. The course of study provides a solid grounding not only for those who wish to pursue graduate academic and pastoral studies in the field, but also for those who intend careers in religious education and in church ministry.

As a major program in the liberal arts, religious studies helps cultivate a greater sensitivity to the complexity and diversity of Christian beliefs and practices in an increasingly international, multicultural, and global environment. Furthermore, courses in religious studies help develop a student's capacity for critical thinking and sound argumentation, thus preparing the student for a wide range of professional career choices.

The academic minor augments the backgrounds of students whose major programs are in the social and natural sciences and complements those of students whose concentrations are from within the Humanities and Fine Arts. The minor in liturgical studies features the distinctive component of a supervised internship in a local parish.

Clarence J. Heidgen Chair in Religious Studies: In January 1994, two years before his death in 1996, Clarence J. Heidgen contributed 3/4 of a million dollars to St. Norbert College for the purpose of funding a permanent endowment known as the Clarence J. Heidgen Chair in Religious Studies. He wanted to establish the Chair to strengthen the Judeo-Christian religious studies at the College and to foster the Catholic intellectual tradition as a means to enhance Christian ideals and values within this academic community. The Heidgen Chair offers public lectures, classroom guest presentations, undergraduate classes, and book discussions which are available to St. Norbert students, faculty, and through the public lectures to the greater Green Bay/De Pere community.

Killeen Chair of Theology and Philosophy: The program in theology is enhanced by the Killeen Chair which provides the opportunity to bring to campus each year for short periods of time nationally and internationally known figures in theology.

Graduate School Advisor: Dr. Paul Wadell

2007-2008 Religious Studies Program Requirements

2005-2007 Religious Studies Program Requirements

2003-2005 Religious Studies Program Requirements

2001-2003 Religious Studies Program Requirements

Religious Studies Course Descriptions

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