The Religious Studies Program is central to the Marywood experience. Every student takes several courses in religious studies as part of Marywood's liberal arts core curriculum. An accurate understanding of religion prepares one to be a responsible citizen in this diverse and interdependent world.
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Philosophy and Religious Studies
The Philosophy and Religious Studies department prepares students to carry out Marywood's goal for all students: learning to live responsibly in an interdependent world. Religious Studies majors experience a comprehensive overview of the religious beliefs, practices, and values of Christianity and Judaism, as well as other religious traditions. Special attention is given to the Catholic tradition, but course offerings are broad enough to benefit students of all traditions. Philosophy majors take an exciting intellectual journey with the greatest minds that have ever lived and receive excellent preparation for a professional career in law, medicine, business, education, government, or further graduate study. The department offers different tracks for both majors and minors. In the Bioethics Certificate Program, students learn how to think through complex ethical issues
Undergraduate Programs
Accreditations
Institutional:
Middles States Commission on Higher Education
About The Philosophy and Religious Studies Department
The Philosophy Program promotes the development of the person as an individual and as a meaningful contributor to society. The primary goal of philosophy courses is to address some of life's ultimate questions, to enable to students to lead a more substantive and meaningful life. Philosophical reflection on the ultimate questions should lead to reasoned foundations conducive to support for human values; to an awareness of a duty to work for justice, compassion, and peace; and to the integrated and rich human life worth living, thus providing students the abilities and opportunities to be more responsible for the interdependent world in which they find themselves.
Philosophy and Religious Studies Faculty
Our faculty members have diverse backgrounds and experiences and are sensitive to your needs and goals. We're eager to help you answer Marywood's call to live responsibly in an interdependent world.
Krokus, Dr. Melinda
- Program Coordinator (Phil/RST)
- Associate Professor
- krokus@marywood.edu
- x2169
Students, staff, faculty and visitors meet monthly in the Learning Commons for lively discussions on wide-ranging topics. Typically, the assembled group proposes topics and then decides democratically which will be the focus of the session's discussions; thereafter the topic is addressed from all angles, with everyone getting their fair say.
Abide: Women's Ministry
Food Recovery Network
Students Organized to Uphold Life (SOUL)
Commencement Medals
Czachor Medal for Academic Excellence in Religious Studies
The Czachor Medal for Academic Excellence in Religious Studies was founded by the Czachor family of Archbald, PA, and was first awarded in 1975. To be eligible, a student must be a graduating senior with a major or minor in Religious Studies. Minors must have completed 15 credits in religious studies.
Evaluation Criteria
- Up to four (4) points will be awarded to each student for his/her overall Q.P.A.
- Up to four (4) points will be awarded to each student for his/her Q.P.A. in religious studies. In order to be eligible, a student must have a minimum Q.P.A. of 3.0 in religious studies.
- The student with the highest combined number of points will receive the medal.
- The student with the second highest number of combined points will receive Honorable Mention.
- If a tie occurs, the following considerations will be weighed in order to determine the winner: 1) total number of religious studies courses completed and 2) service to the department.
Mary Pace Medal for Excellence in Philosophy
The Mary Pace Medal was founded by Reverend William Pace in memory of his mother, Mary Pace, to honor a graduating senior who has demonstrated, according to the criteria stated below, an understanding of and appreciation for philosophical inquiry. Students do not need to major or minor in Philosophy in order to qualify for this prestigious award. All graduating seniors are invited to submit papers for consideration in the competition for the Pace Medal.
To compete, three things must be done. One, complete three courses in philosophy by the end of the Fall semester in the year you are to graduate. Course work counts 10%. Students seeking the Gold Medal must maintain a 3.25 QPA overall as well as in Philosophy.
Two, write an essay of approximately four to eight pages. Essays count 50%. Use proper format, e.g. essay must be typed, double-spaced, title page with name, local address and phone number, and so on. Essays must be submitted to a faculty member of the philosophy program no later than February 1 of graduating year. A submitted essay may be a formal research paper or an informal creative essay, but it must present an argument supporting the student’s opinion on a significant philosophical subject. And it may be a paper that was submitted for a course and revised for the competition or one especially written for the competition. Essays must meet the objectives of the department as stated in the catalog, i.e., you should write a philosophical essay that is a clear, coherent exposition of a concept, problem or theory, which demonstrates the ability to analyze, evaluate and synthesize the matter discussed.
Three, participate as a finalist. To be eligible for an interview as a finalist, a student’s paper must receive an overall assessment as being above average by a majority of the philosophy faculty. Such participation involves an approximately 20 minute informal student-faculty discussion based on your essay and certain specific questions.
- What is philosophy? In the course of your answer be prepared to discuss at least two major areas of philosophy of your choosing (epistemology, ethics, metaphysics, etc.).
- What is the value of philosophy to you personally, and what role will philosophy have in your future?
- From your course work in philosophy, whom do you consider a great philosopher and why?
- What is a significant philosophical position you are convinced is correct? Come ready to explain and defend your conviction.
- Informal discussion, which counts 40%, will be conducted in a relaxed atmosphere. You will be notified regarding specific time and place.
Questions on the competition are available from Dr. Aaron Simmons at asimmons@marywood.edu.
Religious Studies Resources:
Theology Library
Provides a comprehensive treatment of various aspects of theology.
www.shc.edu/theolibrary
America Magazine
A weekly publication, with selected articles available online.
www.americamagazine.org
National Catholic Reporter
A weekly publication, with selected articles available online.
www.natcath.org
US Catholic
A weekly publication, with selected articles available online.
www.uscatholic.org
Documents of Popes, Bishops, and Councils About Justice and Peace
Contains a wealth of documents related to Catholic social justice teachings.
www.justpeace.org
Network: A Catholic Social Justice Lobby
Provides a voice within the Catholic community calling for peace and economic justice.
www.networklobby.org
Bread for the World
Bread for the World seeks justice and the end to hunger.
www.bread.org
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
The USCCB is an assembly of Catholic Church bishops who work together to unify, coordinate, promote and carry on the work of the Catholic Church in the U.S.
www.usccb.org
Vatican: The Holy See
Official Web Site of the Vatican.
www.vatican.va
The Pluralism Project at Harvard University
http://pluralism.org
Biblical Archeology Review
Provides biblical and archeological news and select articles online.
www.bib-arch.org
Catholic News Service
Major source of Catholic news.
https://catholicnews.com/
We offer the following as places to begin a search for material about a philosopher, a philosophical work, ideas, theories, or principles. By no means do the following websites begin to cover the vast number of web sites available in Philosophy.
General Philosophy Websites:
Philosophy Pages provides some excellent introductory material to Philosophy. The site contains a dictionary of philosophical terms, a one-page overview of over thirty philosophers, a section on logic, a guide to the history of Western philosophy, and a timeline for Western philosophers. There are web links virtually everywhere throughout the site, so it is relatively easy to follow through on any specific philosophical quest.
The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy contains excellent entries on many philosophers and branches of philosophy.
The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy contains good overviews of philosophers' ideas.
Bartleby defines itself as follows: "The preeminent Internet publisher of literature, reference and verse providing students, researchers and the intellectually curious with unlimited access to books and information on the web, free of charge." Check it out.
Bioethics:
Religious Tolerance offers a general view of the controversy concerning physician-assisted suicide as well as statistics.
The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS is the main advocate for global action on HIV and AIDS.
The National Transplant Society provides current statistics and background information on the allocation of transplantable organs in the United States.
The United Network for Organ Sharing offers information on and explanation of organ sharing with "quick links" to data and resources.
The President's Council on Bioethics contains government information on numerous ethical issues in biomedical science and technology.
Human Genome Project Information provides, obviously, information on the human genome project.
Philosophy of Religion:
Judaism 101 gives an account of thirteen principles of Jewish Faith, G-d's attributes, human nature, the Messiah and the three categories of Jews.
General Information on Islam contains a summary of Islamic belief in God, angels, the Koran and the prophets. A brief piece on Muhammed's life, the five pillars of Islam, terrorism and the jihad are also included.
Hinduism: The World's Oldest Religion provides a general introduction to Hinduism followed by a treatment of the Hindu Trinity, puja (daily prayer), the Bhagavad Gita, Hindu classes and castes, the four periods of Hindu life, karma, the major schools about the relationship between humans and Truth.
Buddhist Information and Education Network recounts the life of the Buddha, the basic tenets of Buddhism, the four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, the five precepts, the three jewels of Buddhism, and the various groups of Buddhists.
Critical Thinking/Logic:
Logic contains very good general background information on logic in general and formal and informal reasoning in particular; as one might "deduce," this is the logic section from Philosophy Pages.
Logic and Fallacies (from "The Atheism Web") contains an introduction to logic and, like the previous site, a formidable list of informal fallacies, also with definition and example; yes, even atheists must be logical.
Featured Pacer Profile
Brien works at Marywood as a Campus Minister, and his job allows him to continue doing what he was passionate about as an undergraduate—sharing the faith and empowering students.Read More
Philosophy and Religion Events
Inauguration of Marywood University’s 13th President Lisa A. Lori, J.D.
Nov 08 Academic Dates Fri, Nov 8, 12:00AM - Sat, Nov 9, 12:00AMInauguration of Marywood University’s 13th President Lisa A. Lori, J.D.
Date/Time: Friday, November 8, 2024
Location: Academic Dates
Classes cancelled; offices will remain open, but may close during designated times to allow employees to attend the Inaugural Liturgy and Ceremony. Those serving essential functions of the University can determine staffing needs with their supervisors.
Email ReminderAll Administrative Offices Closed
Nov 27 Academic Dates Wed, Nov 27, 12:00AM - Sat, Nov 30, 12:00AMAll Administrative Offices Closed
Date/Time: Wednesday, November 27 – Friday, November 29, 2024
Location: Academic Dates
Monday Classes Must Supplement with Online Hours to Meet Regulatory Requirements
Dec 09 Academic Dates Mon, Dec 9, 12:00AM - Tue, Dec 10, 12:00AMMonday Classes Must Supplement with Online Hours to Meet Regulatory Requirements
Date/Time: Monday, December 9, 2024
Location: Academic Dates
All Administrative Offices Closed
Dec 23 Academic Dates Mon, Dec 23, 12:00AM - Thu, Jan 2, 12:00AMAll Administrative Offices Closed
Date/Time: Monday, December 23, 2024 – Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Location: Academic Dates
All Administrative Offices Reopen
Jan 02 Academic Dates Thu, Jan 2, 12:00AM - Fri, Jan 3, 12:00AMAll Administrative Offices Reopen
Date/Time: Thursday, January 2, 2025
Location: Academic Dates
University Housing Reopens at 12 P.M. (First Meal Begins with Dinner)
Jan 12 Academic Dates Sun, Jan 12, 12:00AM - Mon, Jan 13, 12:00AMUniversity Housing Reopens at 12 P.M. (First Meal Begins with Dinner)
Date/Time: Sunday, January 12, 2025
Location: Academic Dates
Spring Semester Classes Begin
Jan 13 Academic Dates Mon, Jan 13, 12:00AM - Tue, Jan 14, 12:00AMSpring Semester Classes Begin
Date/Time: Monday, January 13, 2025
Location: Academic Dates
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: No Classes, Administrative Offices Closed
Jan 20 Academic Dates Mon, Jan 20, 12:00AM - Tue, Jan 21, 12:00AMMartin Luther King, Jr. Day: No Classes, Administrative Offices Closed
Date/Time: Monday, January 20, 2025
Location: Academic Dates
No Classes. All Administrative Offices Closed.
Email ReminderLast day to register/add classes.
Jan 21 Academic Dates Tue, Jan 21, 12:00AM - Wed, Jan 22, 12:00AMLast day to register/add classes.
Date/Time: Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Location: Academic Dates
Spring Semester Classes Resume
Jan 21 Academic Dates Tue, Jan 21, 12:00AM - Wed, Jan 22, 12:00AMSpring Semester Classes Resume
Date/Time: Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Location: Academic Dates
Registration Begins for Summer Classes
Feb 10 Academic Dates Mon, Feb 10, 12:00AM - Tue, Feb 11, 12:00AMRegistration Begins for Summer Classes
Date/Time: Monday, February 10, 2025
Location: Academic Dates
Mid-Semester Examinations Begin
Mar 03 Academic Dates Mon, Mar 3, 12:00AM - Tue, Mar 4, 12:00AMMid-Semester Examinations Begin
Date/Time: Monday, March 3, 2025
Location: Academic Dates
Spring Break (Through 03/15)
Mar 08 Academic Dates Sat, Mar 8, 12:00AM - Mon, Mar 17, 12:00AMSpring Break (Through 03/15)
Date/Time: Saturday, March 8 – Sunday, March 16, 2025
Location: Academic Dates
University Housing Reopens at 12 P.M. (First Meal Begins with Dinner)
Mar 16 Academic Dates Sun, Mar 16, 12:00AM - Mon, Mar 17, 12:00AMUniversity Housing Reopens at 12 P.M. (First Meal Begins with Dinner)
Date/Time: Sunday, March 16, 2025
Location: Academic Dates
Spring Semester Classes Resume.
Mar 17 Academic Dates Mon, Mar 17, 12:00AM - Tue, Mar 18, 12:00AMSpring Semester Classes Resume.
Date/Time: Monday, March 17, 2025
Location: Academic Dates
Undergraduate Quarterly Grades Due By 5 P.M.
Mar 18 Academic Dates Tue, Mar 18, 12:00AM - Wed, Mar 19, 12:00AMUndergraduate Quarterly Grades Due By 5 P.M.
Date/Time: Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Location: Academic Dates
Last Day to Withdraw from Spring Classes
Mar 28 Academic Dates Fri, Mar 28, 12:00AM - Sat, Mar 29, 12:00AMLast Day to Withdraw from Spring Classes
Date/Time: Friday, March 28, 2025
Location: Academic Dates
Easter Holiday Begins at Conclusion of Classes
Apr 16 Academic Dates Wed, Apr 16, 12:00AM - Thu, Apr 17, 12:00AMEaster Holiday Begins at Conclusion of Classes
Date/Time: Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Location: Academic Dates
University Housing Closes at 8 P.M. (Last Meal Served is Dinner)
Apr 16 Academic Dates Wed, Apr 16, 12:00AM - Thu, Apr 17, 12:00AMUniversity Housing Closes at 8 P.M. (Last Meal Served is Dinner)
Date/Time: Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Location: Academic Dates
Holy Thursday: No Classes, All Administrative Offices Open
Apr 17 Academic Dates Thu, Apr 17, 12:00AM - Fri, Apr 18, 12:00AMHoly Thursday: No Classes, All Administrative Offices Open
Date/Time: Thursday, April 17, 2025
Location: Academic Dates
Good Friday: No classes, All Administrative Offices Closed
Apr 18 Academic Dates Fri, Apr 18, 12:00AM - Sat, Apr 19, 12:00AMGood Friday: No classes, All Administrative Offices Closed
Date/Time: Friday, April 18, 2025
Location: Academic Dates
Holy Saturday … All Administrative Offices Closed
Apr 19 Academic Dates Sat, Apr 19, 12:00AM - Sun, Apr 20, 12:00AMHoly Saturday … All Administrative Offices Closed
Date/Time: Saturday, April 19, 2025
Location: Academic Dates
Easter Monday: No Classes, All Administrative Offices Closed
Apr 21 Academic Dates Mon, Apr 21, 12:00AM - Tue, Apr 22, 12:00AMEaster Monday: No Classes, All Administrative Offices Closed
Date/Time: Monday, April 21, 2025
Location: Academic Dates
Spring Semester Classes Resume
Apr 22 Academic Dates Tue, Apr 22, 12:00AM - Wed, Apr 23, 12:00AMSpring Semester Classes Resume
Date/Time: Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Location: Academic Dates
Memorial Day: No Classes, Administrative Offices Closed.
May 26 Academic Dates Mon, May 26, 12:00AM - Tue, May 27, 12:00AMMemorial Day: No Classes, Administrative Offices Closed.
Date/Time: Monday, May 26, 2025
Location: Academic Dates
Last Day to Register/ Add Classes for Summer III Session
May 27 Academic Dates Tue, May 27, 12:00AM - Wed, May 28, 12:00AMLast Day to Register/ Add Classes for Summer III Session
Date/Time: Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Location: Academic Dates
Summer Session I & III Classes Resume
May 27 Academic Dates Tue, May 27, 12:00AM - Wed, May 28, 12:00AMSummer Session I & III Classes Resume
Date/Time: Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Location: Academic Dates
Juneteenth Day (Online Hours to Supplant Lost Day) No Classes, All Administrative Offices Closed
Jun 19 Academic Dates Thu, Jun 19, 12:00AM - Fri, Jun 20, 12:00AMJuneteenth Day (Online Hours to Supplant Lost Day) No Classes, All Administrative Offices Closed
Date/Time: Thursday, June 19, 2025
Location: Academic Dates
Summer Session I & III Classes Resume
Jun 20 Academic Dates Fri, Jun 20, 12:00AM - Sat, Jun 21, 12:00AMSummer Session I & III Classes Resume
Date/Time: Friday, June 20, 2025
Location: Academic Dates
Design Your Future Summer Overnight Camp 2025
Jun 21 Center for Architectural Studies 105 Sat, Jun 21, 2:00PM - Sat, Jun 28, 3:00PMDesign Your Future Summer Overnight Camp 2025
Date/Time: Saturday, June 21, 2pm – Saturday, June 28, 2025, 3pm EDT
Location: Center for Architectural Studies 105
DESIGN your FUTURE
an inside architecture + design summer 2025 program
June 21, 2025 @ 2 pm through June 28, 2025 @ 3 pm
Students enrolled in the Design your Future Program will be
actively participating in a combination of fun design projects and competitions,
organized and guided by Marywood University's experienced faculty.
Students will be exposed to a number of practical and theoretical questions presented
as part of guest lecture and workshop series, and will have the opportunity
to converse with practicing architects and designers.
Design your Future Program 2025, accepts students who will be starting
their Fall ’25 academic year as rising juniors, seniors, or as high school graduates.
The DyF'25 in-residence program, will be housed in Marywood's Center for Architectural Studies,
Students will be assigned individual desks and will have the opportunity of using the
same spaces as our undergraduate and graduate students. Furthermore,
students enrolled in the program will have the opportunity of seeing in action
various laboratories and shops (wood/metal/3D printing/CNC router/laser cutting/etc.)
Design your Future Program 2025 is designed with the desire of an immersive experience,
engaging students in a number of demonstrations anchored to the Architecture,
Interior Architecture, and Construction Management Programs. The program’s principal goal
is to reach out to a wide group of high school students. The program considers diversity
and inclusivity to be important factors in the establishing of an
affordable participation fee of $1,150.
The program fee includes:
- overnight stay in a room shared with one roommate)
- three daily meals served in the dining hall
- day trip (transportation and tickets) to an amusement park
- supplies for all program’s daily activities
Design your Future Program 2025 will accept registrations until the maximum number
of students has been reached or until May 30th 2025.
Full amount is due at the time of registration.
Full refund can only be issued on or before May 16th 2025.
Drop off - June 21, 2025 @ 2pm
Pick up - June 28, 2025 @ 3pm
DyF '25
Program Director
Arian Korkuti, Ph.D.
akorkuti@marywood.edu
Summer Session I Final Grades Due by Noon
Jul 01 Academic Dates Tue, Jul 1, 12:00AM - Wed, Jul 2, 12:00AMSummer Session I Final Grades Due by Noon
Date/Time: Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Location: Academic Dates
Independence Day: No Classes, All Administrative Offices Closed
Jul 04 Academic Dates Fri, Jul 4, 12:00AM - Sat, Jul 5, 12:00AMIndependence Day: No Classes, All Administrative Offices Closed
Date/Time: Friday, July 4, 2025
Location: Academic Dates
Last Day to Register/ Add Classes for Summer II Session
Jul 09 Academic Dates Wed, Jul 9, 12:00AM - Thu, Jul 10, 12:00AMLast Day to Register/ Add Classes for Summer II Session
Date/Time: Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Location: Academic Dates
Last Day to Withdraw from Summer III Classes
Jul 18 Academic Dates Fri, Jul 18, 12:00AM - Sat, Jul 19, 12:00AMLast Day to Withdraw from Summer III Classes
Date/Time: Friday, July 18, 2025
Location: Academic Dates
Summer Session III Ends
Aug 16 Academic Dates Sat, Aug 16, 12:00AM - Sun, Aug 17, 12:00AMSummer Session III Ends
Date/Time: Saturday, August 16, 2025
Location: Academic Dates
Summer Sessions II & III Final Grades Due by Noon
Aug 19 Academic Dates Tue, Aug 19, 12:00AM - Wed, Aug 20, 12:00AMSummer Sessions II & III Final Grades Due by Noon
Date/Time: Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Location: Academic Dates
University Housing Opens for New Residential Students
Aug 23 Academic Dates Sat, Aug 23, 12:00AM - Sun, Aug 24, 12:00AMUniversity Housing Opens for New Residential Students
Date/Time: Saturday, August 23, 2025
Location: Academic Dates
Official Graduation Date for Students Fulfilling Degree Requirements in Summer Sessions
Aug 25 Academic Dates Mon, Aug 25, 12:00AM - Tue, Aug 26, 12:00AMOfficial Graduation Date for Students Fulfilling Degree Requirements in Summer Sessions
Date/Time: Monday, August 25, 2025
Location: Academic Dates