The document provides course descriptions for undergraduate courses taken by Robert Alfred Palladino, including English, Theater History, Philosophy, Sociology, Theology, Anthropology, History, Latin, Spanish, Biblical Studies, Biology and more. The courses cover a wide range of topics from writing to ancient civilizations to human embryology. Many are introductory level courses focusing on introducing students to broad fields of study.

1. UNDERGRADUATE COURSE DESCRITPTIONS FOR THE COURSES
TAKEN BY PALLADINO ROBERT ALFRED
ENG-103 FRESHMAN ENGLISH I:
Is designed to help students become better writers. Students read and discuss
classic and contemporary literary works used as models for their own writing.
Students are introduced to a variety of writing activities throughout the course,
including the four major discourses of writing (description, narration, exposition,
and persuasion). Writing guidelines and rhetorical strategies are studied as students
work through the stages of the writing process. Grammatical correctness and
accuracy will be expected of student writing. Students build awareness of their own
writing style.
ENG-111 THEATER HISTORY I:
introduces students to the major periods of theatre history, from Antiquity to
Renaissance. The students will explore the culture and social conditions that gave
birth to the theatre of each of these major periods, and they will study significant
plays, artists, productions, and production practices of these cultures. The students
will also be introduced to theatre history source material and research practices.
PHL-103 INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY:
Inquires what it is to ask a philosophical question, to think philosophically, and how
one learns to think in this way. One studies how philosophy grows out of wonder
and marveling; why it is important for a fully human life; and what it can contribute
to the development of one’s faith. (Not for credit in philosophy major.)
SOC-101 INTRODUCTORY SOCIOLOGY:
Is a scientific study of human behavior involving two or more individuals. It is
intended as a general survey of the discipline of sociology, analyzing various
institutions that may affect human behavior. Some of the institutions that
sociologists study are the family, religions, media, peer groups, and political
systems. This course is the prerequisite for all advanced courses in sociology and
social work. (Social Science Core)
THE-101 FOUNDATIONS OF CATHOLICISM:
Introduces the student to the teaching of the Catholic Church as it is rooted in
Scripture and Tradition and faithfully proclaimed by the Church’s magisterium
(teaching office). Besides an introduction to Catholic doctrine, the course will also
include some discussion of Church history, prayer and liturgy, the moral life, and
Catholic life and theology. This course is required for all upper division (200 and
above) theology courses except THE 341 Christian Marriage. (Theology Core)

2. ANT-102 PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY:
Is a broad-based course focusing on the races of modern man: the place of man in
relation to the living primates and evolutionary principles as associated with human
ecology. (Natural Science Core)
HST-105 HISTORY OF CIVILIZATION I:
Provide students with an appreciation and an understanding of how the four great
traditions—the classical civilizations of Greece and Rome, Judaism, and
Christianity—formed Western civilization. The courses begin over four millennia
before the birth of Jesus Christ with the ancient Near and Middle East background to
Western civilization in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus Valley. They end with the
shattering of European unity and the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century,
Europe’s global expansion, and the rise and the effects of science, religious wars,
rationalism, the American and French Revolutions, nationalism, industrialism,
liberalism, and communism. (History Core)
PHL-113 PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN PERSON:
Studies what it is to say that human beings are persons and have freedom and
subjectivity; the different powers of the human person, including the powers of
understanding, willing, feeling, and loving; the difference between body and soul in
human beings, and the unity of the two; and the question of the immortality of the
soul. Some classic texts from the tradition of Western philosophy are read. This is a
particularly fundamental course that underlies many of the other courses.
(Philosophy Core)
SOC-106 CHRISTIANITY AND SOCIETY:
Examines the relationship between religion and human behavior. The course is
designed to introduce students to a current sociological perspective for dealing with
contemporary social problems and concerns. In addition, students will learn the
value of taking a sociological perspective for understanding the various statements
and efforts of Christian groups and individuals to address social issues. Students will
be encouraged to view social problems from both sociological and Christian
perspectives, thereby coming to a deeper appreciation and understanding of the
complexity of our lives and our social world. (Social Science Core)
THE-115 CHRISTIAN MORAL PRINCIPLES:
Elucidates the principles of morality that regulate Christian living. These principles
are studied as they are found rooted in the New Testament documents and
articulated throughout the history of the Christian community’s lived existence, with
a thorough look at the contemporary understanding of Christian moral theology as
it is articulated by the magisterium of the Catholic Church and by theologians in
union with the magisterium. Students will examine these principles as they apply to
some perennial moral issues. This course is required for all upper division (200 and
above) theology courses except THE 341 Christian Marriage. (Theology Core)

3. HLS-202 HLS II: LIFE ISSUES & THE FAMILY:
Explores the social, historical, political, and ethical dimensions of the family and the
inalienable rights and duties of parents, which are beset today by such social forces
as divorce, homosexuality, radical feminism, population control, eugenics, and state
control of the family. An appreciation of the family and the duties and rights of
parents is central to respect for the dignity of human life. Required for the HLS
minor. Prerequisites: PHL 113 and PHL 212 or THE 115
PHL-211 METAPHYSICS:
Begins by asking what metaphysical questions are. One then poses selected
metaphysical questions, such as what becoming is, what time is, what goodness is,
what it means for a thing to exist, what the transcendental properties of being are,
and, as the supreme question of metaphysics, whether God exists. Some classic texts
from the tradition of Western philosophy are read. (Philosophy Core)
PHL-306 EPISTEMOLOGY:
Inquires whether is it possible for the human mind to know anything as it really is,
and studies the philosophers who have affirmed and those who have skeptically
denied this possibility. One inquires into the place of knowledge in the existence of
the human person, asking what it is about persons that enables them to know; one
also inquires into the social and historical conditions of knowing. One proceeds to
distinguish different kinds and degrees of knowledge, as well as different sources of
error. Attention is given throughout to the role of the senses in knowing. Classic
texts from the tradition of Western philosophy are read.
PHL-308 PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION:
Is to be distinguished from PHL 425 (Philosophy of God). The philosophy of religion
is an area of philosophy that has only recently been recognized by philosophers. It
deals with religious experience and with revelation; with basic religious acts such as
faith or despair; with aspects of religious language; with the social dimension of
religious existence; with religious perversions, such as idolatry; and with the
religious needs and yearnings of the human person.
THE-309 HIST & SPIRITUALITY OF FRAN 3RD ORDER:
(Lay and religious) relates a treatment of the Franciscan third Order’s central
charism—the penitential life—to the broader penitential movement in the Church.
The course includes contemporary developments and applications, such as the
Third Order Rules. Cross listed with HST 309; Prerequisites: THE 101 and 115
THE-429 SEXUAL AND MEDICAL MORALITY:
Investigates two major moral areas: (1) sexual morality—biblical and historical
survey, general theological and psychological principles, basic moral foundations,
masculinity and femininity, masturbation, homosexuality, pre-marital sexuality,
sexuality in marriage, and elements of celibacy; and (2) medical morality—right to
life, surgery and transplants, pre-marital laboratory experiments, healing, and
death. Major issues such as abortion, euthanasia, and genetic medicine are treated
in-depth. Prerequisites: THE 101 and 115

4. FRN-101 ELEMENTARY FRENCH I:
Is an intensive introduction to French language and culture with emphasis on
comprehension and active use of the spoken language, leading to the ability to
function at a basic level.
FRN-102 ELEMENTARY FRENCH II:
Is an intensive introduction to French language and culture with emphasis on
comprehension and active use of the spoken language, leading to the ability to
function at a basic level. Prerequisite for FRN 102 is FRN 101 or equivalent
THE-314 THE SACRAMENTS:
Presents a general theological consideration of the structure of the sacramental life
of the Church and an historic-dogmatic analysis of the major theologies of the
individual sacraments. Particular emphasis will be given to baptism and Eucharist.
The course will include the Christian response to the sacramental life in filial,
salvific, social, communal, and ecclesial dimensions. Prerequisites: THE 101 and 115
FRN-201 ELEMENTARY FRENCH I:
Is a continuation of Frn 101-102 with a review and expansion of grammar and
vocabulary. Prerequisites: For FRN 201: FRN 102 or equivalent; For FRN 202: FRN
201 or equivalent 3 credits hours per semester
LAT-101 ELEMENTARY LATIN I:
Introduce the fundamental morphology, lexicon, and syntax of the Latin language.
Classical Latin is the basis of instruction, but the historical changes of the language
are taken into account. Thus, the student will begin to acquire not only the classical
language, which was the basis of all subsequent developments, but also will learn
about the changes that occurred in Late Latin and Ecclesiastical Latin. Students will
also read short selections from classical and ecclesiastical authors, as well as from
the Vulgate. LAT 101 is a prerequisite for LAT 102.
PHL-212 FOUNDATIONS OF ETHICS:
Inquires into the significance of moral good and evil in the life of the human person;
into moral virtue and vice (or moral character); into moral obligation; right and
wrong actions; moral laws and the problem of exceptions; and the place of
conscience in the moral life. One also studies the contemporary debate between
consequentialist and deontological ethics, and the claims of ethical relativism. Some
classic texts from the tradition of Western philosophy are read. (Philosophy Core)
SPN-201 INTERMEDIATE SPANISH I:
Review and continue the study of grammar, conversation, prose composition, and
selected reading. Language lab work is also included. Prerequisites: for SPN 201 is
SPN 102 or 106 or the equivalent; for SPN 202 is SPN 201 or the equivalent

5. THE-211 PRINCIPLES OF BIBLICAL STUDY I:
Is an introduction to the literature of the Old Testament: the Tetrateuch, the
Deuteronomic corpus, the prophetic literature, the priestly writings, the wisdom
literature, and the Deuterocanonical books. Students will be directed to read
selections from the above categories. The theological-historical meaning of the Old
Testament will be stressed. Prerequisites: THE 101 and 115
PHL-301 LOGIC:
Is studied not just as an instrument or technique, but as a part of philosophy worthy
of being studied in its own right. One inquires into the nature and kinds of concepts
and of propositions; the truth and falsity of a proposition; the distinction between
synthetic and analytic propositions; syllogistic and other kinds of formal argument;
informal arguments; logical fallacies; and the attempt to mathematize logic. One also
studies the differences among Aristotelian, Hegelian, empiricist, and other ap-
proaches to the issues of logic.
PHL-436 TP: PHILOSOPHY OF LOVE & SEXUALITY:
One studies this special area of the philosophy of the human person, looking closely
at the personal response of love and the interpersonal relationship constituted by
love. One studies the role both of the will and of the emotions in the act of loving.
The relations between love and happiness, love and unity, and love and morality are
explored. Different types of love may be examined, such as eros, agape, love of
friendship, and familial loves. Betrothed love and its expression in and through the
body sexually are also discussed. Both classical (e.g., Plato, Aristotle, Augustine,
Aquinas, Scotus, Bernard of Clairvaux) and modern (e.g., Kierkegaard, Buber,
Marcel, von Hildebrand, Pieper, Wojtyla) sources are utilized.
SPN-202 INTERMEDIATE SPANISH II:
Review and continue the study of grammar, conversation, prose composition, and
selected reading. Language lab work is also included. Prerequisites: for SPN 201 is
SPN 102 or 106 or the equivalent; for SPN 202 is SPN 201 or the equivalent
THE-212 PRINCIPLES OF BIBLICAL STUDY II:
Is an introduction to the literature of the Old Testament: the Tetrateuch, the
Deuteronomic corpus, the prophetic literature, the priestly writings, the wisdom
literature, and the Deuterocanonical books. Students will be directed to read
selections from the above categories. The theological-historical meaning of the Old
Testament will be stressed. Prerequisites: THE 101 and 115
THE-305 MARIOLOGY:
Examines Church teaching on the Blessed Virgin Mary in regard to her role as
Mother of the God-man, Jesus Christ; Mother of his Body, the Church; and Spiritual
Mother to every person seeking the path to Jesus Christ. The course will include a
theological investigation into: (a) defined Marian doctrine, (b) contemporary Marian
documents by the magisterium, (c) examples of contemporary Mariological
contributions, (d) principal forms of Marian piety, and (e) the Marian message to the
modern world through the domain of private revelation. Prerequisites: THE 101 and
115

6. THE-341 CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE:
Examines the dimensions of a Christian marriage from a biblical, historical,
doctrinal-liturgical, and pastoral viewpoint. Students will be directed to investigate
the best available books on the areas listed above, with special emphases upon a
Catholic understanding of human sexuality, the major problems involved in
premarital and marital love-relationships, and the doctrinal-liturgical expressions of
this same relationship. The content and the direction of this course will be dictated
by the Catholic, sacramental understanding of marriage.
BIO-203 HUMAN EMBRYOLOGY:
Focuses on the events from fertilization to birth. Special attention is given to the
event of fertilization, the first eight weeks of development, development and
function of the placenta, fetal circulation, the hormonal control of ovulation and
pregnancy, parturition, anomalies of development, and infertility. Not for credit in
Biology Major. (Natural Science Core)
PHL-311 ANCIENT GREEK PHILOSOPHY:
Begins with the pre-Socratics and with Socrates and then studies, above all, the
thought of Plato and of Aristotle. The main developments in the Hellenistic period,
including Stoicism, Skepticism, and Epicureanism are also introduced.
PHL-430 PT: TEXTS OF HILDEBRAND:
Studies closely some classics of philosophy, such as Plato's Republic, Aristotle's
Metaphysics, some part of the Suma Theologiae of St. Thomas, Kant's Critique of
Pure Reason, and Husserl's Logical Investigations. Sometimes the seminar may
center around several related texts. The idea is to study the great works of
philosophy in greater depth than is normally possible when they are dealt with in
other courses.
FRN-301 INTENSIVE REVIEW OF FRENCH GRAMMAR:
Consists of a systematic study of all aspects of French grammar, syntax, and
morphology. Review and expansion of student’s knowledge of French vocabulary
and idioms are stressed. Prerequisites: FRN 201-202 or equivalent.
PHL-325 THOMISTIC TRADITION IN PHILOSOPHY:
Studies primarily the philosophy of St. Thomas himself, whose life and times are
reviewed, and who is studied through texts representative of his work. One also
studies some of the main trends of subsequent Thomistic philosophy, including
some of the leading contemporary Thomists such as Gilson, Maritain, Fabro,
Lonergan, and Rahner.
PHL-411 AESTHETICS:
Studies first the metaphysics of beauty, which involves issues such as beauty and
being, beauty and good, and divine beauty. Then one studies beauty in the fine arts,
in literature, and in nature. In addition, the place of beauty in the life of the human
person is studied. The course even includes questions that do not directly concern
beauty, such as the essence of the tragic and of the comic.

7. THE-214 THEOLOGY OF THE CHURCH:
Examines the nature, history, and problems of the Christian community as
understood in the Catholic tradition. Students undertake the task of investigating
the biblical foundation of the Church, various branches of the Church, Christian
authority, principles underlying church worship practices, church-state relationship,
ecumenism, and other ecclesiological topics. Prerequisites: THE 101 and 115
THE-301 ST. FRANCIS LIFE AND CHARISM:
Introduces the life of St. Francis and examines his life within the social, political, and
religious context of his time. The course explores his unique vision of life and the
development of the Franciscan movement and the spirituality of the first, second,
and third order traditions. Prerequisites: THE 101 and 115
THE-409 CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY:
Is designed to open the student to the themes of holiness in Scripture and to point
out the different Fathers of the Church and other spiritual masters and the
uniqueness in their spirituality. The course will also investigate some modern
authors in the spiritual life and provide the principles of growth in holiness, their
applications to historical and cultural situations, and their implications concerning
life in the modern world.
PHL-312 MEDIEVAL PHILOSOPHY:
Begins with Plotinus and Augustine and proceeds through Anselm, Bonaventura,
Aquinas, and Scotus, to the thinkers of the late Middle Ages.
PHL-425 PHILOSOPHY OF GOD:
Inquires whether the existence of God can be proved and studies some of the main
attempts to prove it (including the cosmological, the teleological, the ontological,
and the moral proofs). One studies the problem of speaking about God without
anthropomorphism (that is, speaking in such a way as not to reduce God to finite
being). One comes to grips with the main objections to traditional theism, such as
those of Kant and Hume, and those of process theology, and with the attempt to
disprove the existence of God on the basis of the evil in the world.
PHL-434 SENIOR THESIS:
Requires one to write a major paper not only of research but also, and even
primarily, of analysis and reflection. This project is carried out under the direction
of a professor and in discussion with other students. Open to non-majors.
THE-213 THEOLOGY OF CHRIST:
Investigates the person and mission of Jesus Christ as articulated in the New
Testament documents, in the early creedal formulae, and in the declarations of the
Church Councils of the fourth, fifth, and sixth centuries AD. Finally, students will be
exposed to positions of great Catholic thinkers and contemporary scholars on
various Christological questions. Prerequisites: THE 101 and 115

8. THE-418 LITURGY:
Is an in-depth treatment of the historical and theological aspects of Christian
worship: the concept of worship; the nature of liturgy; theocentric, Christocentric,
and ecclesial dimensions of the liturgy; and consideration of various liturgical
reforms in light of the theological and historical evaluation of the liturgy.
Prerequisites: THE 101 and 115
THE-434 SENIOR THESIS:
The student’s major advisor will suggest to the student either The 434 or The 435 in
view of his or her career objectives. Those students choosing a thesis will write a 20
to 25 page research paper on a topic in theology, or a 35-40 page combined thesis
for theology and a second major. Each thesis student will find a director in the
Theology Department to direct and grade the thesis (or the theological aspects of
the combined thesis).
LAT-436 TP: INTENSIVE LATIN:
Is offered as part of the Summer Ancient and Biblical Language Institute and is
designed to provide an intensive study of Latin. Students will complete Moreland
and Fleischer’s Latin, an intensive course, and read one short oration of Cicero, for
example, the “First Catilinarian”, as well as selections from the Vulgate. This course
may be taken only by permission of the department, and requires a separate
application to the Institute. This course satisfies the University’s language
requirement.