Theology and Religious Studies

What We Do

The Department of Theology and Religious Studies at St. John's University has its roots in Catholic tradition and is committed to exploring the breadth and depth of theological knowledge. The department offers courses which span the range of theological thought and provide a context for ecumenical dialogue and study.

As a University department, Theology and Religious Studies is committed to academic excellence among its faculty and students. The faculty is nationally and internationally known in the areas of church history, interfaith studies, moral theology, contemporary systematic theology, liturgy, pastoral theology, catechetical ministry, and scripture and draws its educational background from outstanding universities in the United States and abroad. Furthermore, members of the faculty are prominent in professional activities, having been published in a variety of scholarly journals. They have served as presidents of professional societies, as advisors to the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, as editors of professional journals, and as members of seminary and university Boards of Trustees.
 
In addition to being widely known, the St. John's faculty cares deeply about its students and is pledged to teaching as well as research. Classes allow for a lively exchange between faculty and students, and dialogue is encouraged. At St. John's, a commitment to research is matched by a commitment to high quality instruction.
 
St. John's students in Theology and Religious Studies represent various faith perspectives and nationalities and pursue an outstanding theological education in order to achieve their goals. Some are considering teaching careers, and others may enter the ministry. Some of our students are professionals in theology and return to St. John's to further their knowledge. As a group, St. John's students are dedicated, interesting, and ready to share their knowledge and expertise with their fellow students. Many of them hold full-time jobs in religious organizations and institutions or volunteer as ministers in their church communities. This rich and varied student body provides stimulation and thought-provoking conversation in classes, colloquia, and public lectures.

Our programs offer flexible scheduling, a wide variety of faculty and courses, and a fascinating student body, all set in New York City, where unique educational opportunities are available to all.
 
In addition to the Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts programs, the Department of Theology and Religious Studies also offers an intensive, accelerated, dual degree program leading to both the B.A. and M.A. degrees in five years of full-time study.

Department Contacts

Rev. Patrick S. Flanagan, CM, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Chair
St. John Hall, Room B26
718-990-1556
[email protected]

Meghan J. Clark, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Assistant Chair
St. John Hall, Room B20
718-990-5393
[email protected]

Theology and Religious Studies Minors

The Department of Theology and Religious Studies offers the following minors for undergraduate students who wish to supplement their major fields of study. The following minors are open to all St. John’s undergraduates, but are especially beneficial to students majoring in: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Studies, Legal Studies, Government and Politics, Business Administration, English, History, Education, and Philosophy.

The minor in Interfaith Studies requires the completion of 18 credits within the department.

Students in the minor must satisfy the Theology core requirements determined by their college (nine credits):

  • THE 1000C Perspectives on Christianity: A Catholic Approach
  • THE 2000-level course required by your college:
    • St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences: Any 2000-level Theology and Religious Studies course
    • School of Education: THE 2200 The Mystery of Triune God
    • The Peter J. Tobin College of Business (choose one):
      • THE 2200 The Mystery of Triune God
      • THE 2205 Jesus in Christian Faith
      • THE 2210 Perspectives on the Church
      • THE 2215 Christian Worship and Sacraments
      • THE 2300 Introduction to Christian Ethics
      • THE 2320 Introduction to Catholic Social Teaching
      • THE 2400 Christian Spirituality and Mysticism
      • THE 2501; 2502 History of Christian Theology I; II
    • College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences: Any 2000-level Theology and Religious Studies course
    • College of Professional Studies: THE 2300 Introduction to Christian Ethics
  • The 3000-level Theology and Religious Studies course required by your major or college:
    • St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences: Any 3000-level Theology and Religious Studies course
    • School of Education: THE 3400 Spirituality of the Educator
    • The Peter J. Tobin College of Business: THE 3305 Moral Theology of the Marketplace
    • College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences: THE 3300 Moral Theology of Healthcare
    • College of Professional Studies: Any 3000-level Theology and Religious Studies course

In addition, students must choose three elective courses from among the following (nine credits), under departmental advisement:

  • THE 2700 Introduction to Eastern Orthodoxy
  • THE 2710 Introduction to Protestantism
  • THE 2810 Introduction to World Religions
  • THE 2820 Introduction to Judaism
  • THE 2830 Introduction to Hinduism
  • THE 2840 Introduction to Buddhism
  • THE 2850 Introduction to Islam

The minor in Theology and Religious Studies requires the completion of 18 credits within the department.

Students in the minor must satisfy the Theology core requirements determined by their college (nine credits):

  • THE 1000C Perspectives on Christianity: A Catholic Approach
  • THE 2000-level course required by your college:
    • St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences: Any 2000-level Theology and Religious Studies course
    • School of Education: THE 2200 The Mystery of Triune God
    • The Peter J. Tobin College of Business (choose one):
      • THE 2200 The Mystery of Triune God
      • THE 2205 Jesus in Christian Faith
      • THE 2210 Perspectives on the Church
      • THE 2215 Christian Worship and Sacraments
      • THE 2300 Introduction to Christian Ethics
      • THE 2320 Introduction to Catholic Social Teaching
      • THE 2400 Christian Spirituality and Mysticism
      • THE 2501; 2502 History of Christian Theology I; II
    • College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences: Any 2000-level Theology and Religious Studies course
    • College of Professional Studies: THE 2300 Introduction to Christian Ethics
  • The 3000-level Theology and Religious Studies course required by your major or college:
    • St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences: Any 3000-level Theology and Religious Studies course
    • School of Education: THE 3400 Spirituality of the Educator
    • The Peter J. Tobin College of Business: THE 3305 Theological Ethics of the Marketplace
    • College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences: THE 3300 Theological Ethics and Ecology
    • College of Professional Studies: Any 3000-level Theology and Religious Studies course

Students must choose the remaining nine credits from among department electives, chosen in consultation with an advisor.

The Catholic Studies minor requires students to complete 18 credits including:

THE 1000C Perspectives on Christianity: A Catholic Approach
THE 2000 The Catholic Imagination
THE 3000 Global Catholicism

Students also take three additional Theology and Religious Studies courses, approved by the minor director, and two electives outside of the department, with permission of the director. For more information, contact Dr. Christopher Vogt, [email protected]

Students in this 18-credit minor must complete the following requirements along with the Integrating Interdisciplinary Seminar in Social Justice and a minimum of 40 hours of service learning.

Courses

Required
THE 2320 Introduction to Catholic Social Teaching

Three credits from among the following courses:
PHI 2200C Ethics
PHI 2240C Ethics and Health Care
THE 2300 Introduction to Catholic Moral Theology

Three credits from among the following courses:
SOC 1190 Sociology of Poverty in America
ECO 1320 Poverty and Income Inequality (Abroad)

Six credits from among the following courses:
ART 1830 Racism in Film
BIO 1360 Biology and Society
CRJ 3005 Contemporary Social Problems in the Criminal Justice System
ECO 1024 The Economic Aspects of Discrimination in the United States
ESP 2160 / GOV 2160 American Environmental Politics and Policies
ESP 2170 / GOV 2170 Global Environmental Politics and Policies
GEO 2001 Natural Resources and World Development
GOV 3850 Politics of Developing Countries
HIS 3110 The Papacy Confronts the Modern World
HIS 3120 The History of Racism in the West Since 1500
HIS 3740 U.S.: Urban America
HIS 3780 Immigrants and the Catholic Church in the U.S.
LES 1018 Immigration Law
LES 1023 Environmental Law
LES 1024 Elder Law
PHI 3720 Environmental Ethics
PSY 1019 The Psychology of Prejudice and Discrimination
SOC 1070 Social Problems
SOC 1170 Inequality; Race, Class and Gender
SOC 1590 Special Topics in Poverty Studies (Mini-Course)
SOC 2100 Global Poverty
SOC 2460 Social Justice and the City
SPE 2060 Argumentation: Inquiry and Advocacy
SPE 3150 Rhetoric of Social Movements
THE 3310 The Theology of Peace: A Gospel Reflection on Violence and War
THE 3320 God and Religion in the City

Contact

For more information, contact Rev. Jean-Pierre Ruiz, [email protected].

 

Featured Faculty

Meghan J. Clark
  • Professor,
  • Assistant Chair

Department

Theology and Religious Studies
Jeremy Cruz
  • Associate Professor

Department

Theology and Religious Studies
Erin Kidd
  • Associate Professor

Department

Theology and Religious Studies
St. Johns University Crest
  • Associate Professor

Department

Theology and Religious Studies
St. Johns University Crest
  • Associate Professor

Department

Theology and Religious Studies
MicheleWatkins
  • Assistant Professor, Theology

Department

Theology and Religious Studies