Catholic Studies

Director: Robert W. Scholla, S.J.

The minor in Catholic studies, open to students from all departments, is an interdisciplinary program for the study of the intellectual tradition of the Catholic faith. The minor is designed for intensive study of Catholicism as a faith embedded in many cultures and for the critical retrieval of the Catholic intellectual tradition through dialogue with contemporary thought under the rubrics of a variety of academic disciplines. Catholic studies minors are assigned a faculty mentor who guides them through the program. In conjunction with the Ignatian Center for Jesuit Education, the Catholic Studies program sponsors intellectual, cultural, social, and religious opportunities for both students and faculty.

Requirements for the Minor

Students must complete the following requirements for a minor in Catholic studies:

Foundational Courses

• Two courses in Catholic theology from offerings in the Department of Religious Studies
• One approved course from the Cultures & Ideas Series (or equivalent)

Faith and Culture Courses

• One  course that explores Catholicism role in world history
• One course that explores Catholicism contributions in the arts or in literature
• One specialized course in philosophy or an upper-division course in theology
• Two approved elective courses in the study of Catholic societies or cultures

Colloquium Course:

ASCI 150: “Catholic 101”

At any point during their undergraduate studies, students may participate in an interdisciplinary introductory colloquium. This colloquium meets one quarter each year for discussion on a range of relevant topics pertinent to the Catholic intellectual tradition and Catholic imagination. While this course is open to all Santa Clara students, first priority is given to Catholic Studies minors. (2 units)