As an introduction to Catholic Studies, “Catholic Thought and Culture” aims to acquaint students with Catholic intellectual culture through a sustained study of some aspect of Catholic thought and its influence on the Church and its culture(s). Themes vary each semester. “Catholic Thought and Culture” is a speaker series, in which each speaker will treat a different topic or person under the semester’s theme. The course also has a discussion component.
CATH 175 is designed particularly for students considering a major or minor in Catholic Studies; however, the course should be of interest to any Carroll student wishing to learn more about Catholic faith, practice, and thought. The course will meet once weekly for seven weeks, running from late September to early November.
Fall 2024 Theme
Our subject for Fall 2024 is “Saints of the Times.” Among the well-known passages of the Second Vatican Council, we read the following in the Constitution Gaudium et Spes:
At all times the Church carries the responsibility of reading [perscrutandi] the signs of the times and of interpreting them in the light of the Gospel if it is to carry out its task…. We must be aware of and understand the aspirations, the yearnings, and the often dramatic features of the world in which we live. (GS §4)
In this course we will learn about several saints who read and responded to the “signs” of their particular times in light of the Gospel, thus becoming signs of Christ in their own contexts — “saints of the times.”
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Thoughtfully discuss major features of Catholicism.
- Articulate and evaluate the meaning of the Vatican II phrase “signs of the times.”
- Assess the legacy of several saints who responded to “signs of the times” in exemplary ways.
Schedule
Monday evenings 5:15-6:15 pm, Sage Room (209), Corette Library
November 11
- Dr. Mark Smillie on Saint Josemaría Escrivá