Catholic Studies Professor Teaches Back to School Class for Parents  

Seton Hall Weekend features a program that invites parents and alumni to attend courses like those students attend — similar in structure, activities, and content, and with the same faculty members who make the quality of Seton Hall courses something to write home about. This year, Catholic Studies faculty member Stacy Trasancos, PhD, a nationally known author, speaker, and educator on the topic of faith and science, will join the Back to School Classes for Parents program, offering a class on the thought of Pope St. John Paul II, a module in her popular Catholic Theology of Science course.

Dr. Trasancos's class will be held on Friday, October 15, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

"Courses about the relationship between the natural world and Catholic theology have become increasingly popular among our students," said Ines Murzaku, PhD, Director of Catholic Studies. "We are seeing an uptick in the number of students majoring in the sciences and medical professions who are choosing a double major or minor in Catholic Studies, and expert faculty such as Dr. Trasancos allow us to offer meaningful courses for these students."

The class that Dr. Trasancos will teach through the Back to School Classes for Parents program will give parents and alumni a view into why this course is so well received among students, and it promises to offer participants insights into the ways in which Pope St. John Paul II's theology can enrich our understanding of science.

Dr. Trasancos explained that this course "teaches about the significance of faith in Creation and the Catholic worldview for the birth of modern science, and more than anything, explains how science is a human endeavor with contributions from all cultures and religions. The ‘theology of science' equips students to think broadly about their moment in history and how they can guide scientific progress in virtue and hope."

The Back to School Classes for Parents program was instituted in 2016. As Sandro Tejada, Director of Major Gifts (Parents Program), explained, these classes provide "an opportunity for Seton Hall parents and alumni to experience a typical, albeit a shortened version of a class with some of our best faculty." The faculty presenting classes in this program have taken a variety of approaches, Mr. Tejada said: "Some spoke about a typical day in their classes; others did a quick exercise or activity (like a brief analysis of a short poem for an English class)." Since the program has met with great success in the past five years, it is being expanded, in order to give parents and alumni access to more of the innovative content and pedagogy in Seton Hall classes. This year's classes will be taught by six professors from across the University.

"We are excited about this opportunity to let parents and alumni in on the content and methods in Catholic Studies courses," said Dr. Murzaku. "The interdisciplinary nature of the Back to School Classes for Parents program gives valuable insight into the comprehensive education Seton Hall's faculty provide for our students, preparing them to embark on their careers and live out their vocations in our globalized world."

Click here to register for Dr. Trasancos's Back to School for Parents Class, as well as for other Seton Hall Weekend events.

About Catholic Studies:
Catholic Studies at Seton Hall University offers an innovative, interdisciplinary curriculum for students of any creed who are interested in deepening their knowledge of Catholicism's rich intellectual tradition and living heritage. Combining the study of history, philosophy, theology, literature, art, sociology, and other disciplines, Catholic Studies focuses on the Church's dialogue with culture and encounter with the world. Students interested in Catholic Studies have the option to pursue a major, minor, or certificate that complements and enhances the university's other degree programs and fields of study. Over 20 years the academic program and its variegated activities have stayed true to and fulfilled the Catholic mission and vision of the University. For more information, please contact Ines Murzaku, PhD, Director of the Catholic Studies at [email protected] or Gloria Aroneo at [email protected].

Categories: Education, Faith and Service