I don't remember why I initially started Catholic Studies classes, but I had heard very good things about the program as a whole and also the actual professors who taught the classes.

My first Catholic Studies class was the Search for Happiness with Dr. Kidd in Spring of Freshman year and it was so great! I knew the majority of the students and we covered lots of different topics through reading and discussion. I can't recall exactly what we talked about, though one of my favorite books we read was 'Brideshead Revisited' by Evelyn Waugh (a guy).

Our class examined and combed that book through within an inch of it's life, covering morals, faith, relationships, technicalities,etc. This class was one in which I genuinely got excited about and was able to practically apply it to my life.

Now I'll be heading into my Junior year with two more Catholic Studies classes: Woman and Man with Dr. Kidd, described as "...examin(ing) the definition of "woman" and "man" from both the historical and the philosophical perspective. Readings and discussion center on the question of (1) whether there are important philosophical differences between women and men and (2) whether such differences are natural or socially constructed." The other class, Faith and Doubt with Dr. Rota is focused on "Philosophical arguments for and against the possibility of divine revelation. Special attention will be given to the claim that the faith of the Catholic Church is revealed."

Spring semester is a whole 'nother story; I'll be studying abroad in Rome through Catholic Studies! I'm looking forward to this, for the obvious reason of being in Rome (!!!!!) but also because of it's being so near the physical center of the Catholic Church.

Catholic Studies is a welcoming, life-strengthening Major to be in; in a way though I do not plan (as of now) to become a youth minister or anything in that vein, this major will open me up more to my catholic side and a catholic way of viewing the world that will bring faith and inspiration to my future regardless of my career path.