Throughout this year, the question of what types of courses comprise an excellent Catholic education has been especially relevant. The Core Curriculum Review Committee’s final report, recently approved and set to take effect in the fall, has dealt with this question and sought to implement it in new ways. The process and outcome has been controversial, and the full effects remain to be seen. Regardless of one’s viewpoint on the matter, the final report includes a consideration of the principles in Pope Saint John Paul II’s Ex Corde Ecclesiae and subsequently states the following:

“Four aspects of the Catholic liberal arts tradition seem to us relevant. They are the search for the unity of knowledge across disciplines, the prominence of philosophy and theology, an ethos deriving from Catholic social thought centered on promotion of the common good, and the intellectual resources of a religious and cultural tradition stretching back to the first Christian communities and now unparalleled global reach.”

These factors indeed contribute to a strong Catholic education, and they may assist students in considering which course topics and professors to select for their university experience next semester. In order to support this process as well, the Rover staff presents the following course recommendations for the Fall 2018 semester. For further resources, contact the Rover or view NDCatholic.com.

Business

Rover advisor Laura Hollis will teach “Business Law: Contracts and Agency,” “Introduction to Entrepreneurship,” “Legal Issues in Entrepreneurship,” and “Entrepreneurial Sales Management.” Hollis presents law in an attractive and digestible manner for students of all backgrounds, and she readily addresses any questions about various legal situations. Her expertise, confidence, and solid convictions make her an excellent professor and exemplary female professional. The class is a challenge, but you will find Hollis helps her students excel by providing the essential information in class and encouraging them to actively participate in discussion.

Edward Hums will teach “Accountancy I.” While the subject can often strike students as tedious, Hums frequently livens it up with personal stories, and he combines a sense of professionalism and faith with conviction and naturalness. Aside from teaching well, Hums also shows genuine care and attention to students, whether he teaches them or not, and testifies to his great love for Notre Dame by living as the faculty-in-residence with his wife, Shirley, in Lyons Hall.

The Rover also recommends Carl Ackerman’s “Corporate Financial Management.” Always recommended but only teaching graduate courses next semester is Rover advisor Martijn Cremers.

Classics

Elizabeth Mazurek will be teaching “Ovid’s Metamorphoses,” a Latin language and literature class. Students will translate and analyze the beautiful poetry of Metamorphoses, a collection of ancient myths that deal with change and the power of poetry itself. The course will address the spiritual, religious, physical, and political transformations throughout the text. Mazurek’s great love for Latin literature always makes her classes enjoyable and enlightening. This course will help students develop their translation and textual analysis skills.

Catherine Schlegel will be teaching “Film and the Ancient World Classics in Translation.” The course will examine representations of ancient Greece and Rome in film. She specializes in Greek and Latin poetry, and the impact of classical into modern literature. Her enthusiasm for and deep knowledge of the ancient world makes her lectures very engaging.

The Rover recommends Tadeusz Mazurek’s “Latin I” and Brian Krostenko’s “Intermediate Latin.”

Economics

Rover advisor Kirk Doran will teach “Principles of Microeconomics” for freshmen. Doran is a dynamic professor who actively engages his students with practical and fun examples, and he also makes an effort to get to know students personally and assist them outside of class. This section is a great choice for those business students looking to fulfill requirements, but it is also helpful for anyone seeking a basic introduction to economics.

Chloe Gibbs will be teaching “Economics and Education,” available to both economics majors and Education, Schooling, and Society (ESS) minors. A great intro to empirical research in economics and statistical analysis, this course prepares students who may be interested in pursuing research of their own for senior theses or careers. This course examines a wide variety of topics in education, including accountability in K-12, school choice, higher education, and the international context.

Joseph Kaboski will be teaching “Introduction to Economics and Catholic Thought,” which satisfies the writing-intensive requirement of the economics major. This course examines the relationship between economics and Catholic social teaching, with a variety of reading assignments that includes papal encyclicals. Kaboski is an engaging professor and his course, integrating the economics discipline with the university’s mission, is an excellent choice for any student wishing to receive a well-rounded education in economics or business.

Rover advisor Eric Sims will teach “Intermediate Macro Theory.” The course is an intensive examination of macroeconomics with particular reference to the determination of economic growth, national income, employment, and the general price level. Sims is a very popular professor and is a great person to get to know. Taking his course during the football season is an extra bonus! He will also be teaching “Monetary Theory and Policy Economics.”

The Rover also recommends Michael Pries’ “Financial Economics” and Mary Flannery’s “Principles of Macroeconomics.”

English

Peter Holland, teaching “Shakespeare on the Big Screen,” is an invaluable member of Notre Dame’s renowned Shakespeare program, and he brings expertise and a passion for teaching and learning to the classroom. In this discussion-based FTT class, students will read Shakespeare’s comedies and tragedies and explore film versions ranging from 10 Things I Hate About You to Kenneth Branagh’s Much Ado About Nothing. Holland is a riveting lecturer who loves engaging in conversation with students.

Peter Wilkins will be teaching “Postwar U.S. Fiction and the Birth of Postmodernism.” Wilkens is known as a tough but fair grader, one that guides his students through discussions and research assignments with a high standard but ample time and guidance. He is dedicated to the university’s mission and aims to act as both teacher and mentor for students.

History

John Deak will be teaching “Europe at War, 1900-1945” and “Lying about the Past,” a seminar about historical philosophy and theory. Deak is an engaging and entertaining lecturer with an infectious passion for exploring the past, and he also cares deeply about his students.

Daniel Hobbins will be teaching “Western Civilization to 1500.” This course offers a fascinating window into the world that produced saints such as Thomas Aquinas and vampire-novel-inspiring princes such as Vlad Dracula. Hobbins is particularly interested in High and Late medieval culture as well as religious, cultural, and intellectual history, and his subtle humor and thought-provoking style will quickly win over the hearts and minds of his students.

Rover advisor Father Bill Miscamble, CSC, will be teaching “Making Australia,” the history of his home country. Returning from a year on leave, Father Bill is a passionate professor who loves Notre Dame and untiringly supports its mission. He actively encourages students to strive for excellence in every dimension, both academic and interior life. He is a strong role model, and this course promises to be a worthwhile experience.

The Rover also recommends Semion Lyandres and Nelia Martsinkiv’s “20th-Century Russia: From Rasputin to Putin” and Paul Ocobock’s “History Workshop.”

Music

Larry Dwyer will teach his regular “Introduction to Jazz” course, as well as “Jazz Band” and “Jazz Improvisation.” The intro course is difficult to enroll in due to high demand, but it is certainly worth pursuing as an elective or to fulfill the university requirement in fine arts. As a music appreciation course, no musical background is required, and students will gain an understanding and knowledge of the most significant musicians, styles, and structures of jazz music. Watch out for the instrument quiz, however.

Philosophy

David O’Connor will be teaching “The Roots of the Ring: Richard Wagner and J.R.R. Tolkien.” An excellent way to fulfill a requirement, this college seminar will explore connections between the monumental opera The Ring Cycle and widely popular novel The Lord of the Rings. This fascinating subject, as well as O’Connor’s spontaneity, humor, and attention to students, promises to make this course worthwhile.

The Rover also recommends Meghan Sullivan’s “Introduction to Philosophy” and Adrian Reimers’ “Philosophy of Human Nature.”

Political Science

Rover advisor Patrick Deneen will be teaching “Political Theory,” an overview of the subject that could be a great choice for new political science majors or those interested in the major. Deneen breaks down the fundamental ideas of his classes with clarity and confidence, while also animating his lectures with entertaining stories and interesting facts. This is a great choice for students eager to build skills to analyze and participate in the political atmosphere.

Mary Keys will be teaching “Politics and Conscience” and the “Justice Seminar,” both of which are cross-listed in various departments such as constitutional studies, peace studies, political science, and economics. These classes will allow students to ponder how profound moral themes intersect with public life. Keys provides not only insightful intelligence but also genuine consideration for her students. Containing less than 40 students each, both courses are sure to foster fruitful discussions and ideas.

Rover advisor Vincent Muñoz will be teaching “Church, the State, and American Constitutionalism.” Muñoz challenges his students to examine divisive political issues by examining both liberal and conservative viewpoints. Readings and class discussions will be stimulating, enriching, and enlightening.

The Rover also recommends David Campbell’s “Religion and Politics in the U.S.,” Rover advisor Daniel Philpott’s “Catholicism and Politics,” and Rover advisor Michael Zuckert’s “Senior Writing Seminar: Lincoln.”

Program of Liberal Studies

Francesca Bordogna will be teaching the “Literature University Seminar,” which includes most of the readings from the first Great Books Seminar course in the program. Students will have the chance to read classic texts by Homer, Plato, Aristotle, Euripides, and more. This is a great opportunity for students considering the PLS major or simply interested in experiencing a bit of Great Books, student-driven discussion.

Tarek Dika will be teaching “Philosophical Inquiry,” a course that introduces students to the fundamental works of philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, Boethius, Descartes, and Aquinas. Professor Dika specializes on modern philosophy, especially Descartes, and so helps students grasp the difficult material with enthusiasm and expertise. Students who take this course will grapple with the question “What is philosophy?” and come away inspired to further explore the field of philosophy. Professor Dika will also be teaching Seminar IV of the Great Books seminars.

Henry Weinfield will be teaching “Literature I: The Lyric Poem,” undoubtedly his forte as a professor. A poet himself, Professor Weinfield teaches this class with great passion and inspiration. His detailed feedback on essays is unmatched in the Program of Liberal Studies, and he takes a personal interest in the intellectual maturation of his students. His dedication as a professor makes students skeptical of poetry view the art form in a new light.

Theology

Sr. Ann Astell and Rover advisor John Cavadini will be co-teaching the one-credit course “Know Your Catholic Faith: Fatima (1917-2017) in History, Devotion, and Theology.” During the 100th anniversary of the apparitions at Fatima, students would do well to take advantage of this unique opportunity. Cavadini will also teach “Christian Traditions I,” which examines the writings of various prominent theologians from the time of the early Church to the 14th century. While this is a required course for theology majors, Cavadini makes it both exciting and informative.

Peter Casarella and Rover advisor Daniel Philpott will be co-teaching “Why the Church? Making the Case for Catholicism to Millennials.” This course is an excellent opportunity for students to understand the most common reasons why people have been leaving the Church and offer them the chance to know the faith more deeply.

Rover advisor Father Terrence Ehrman, CSC, will be teaching “Science, Theology, and Creation,” which fulfills the second university requirement in theology. Father Terry is an accomplished biologist with an extensive knowledge of Church teaching, and he weaves the two together seamlessly in discussion that involve both faith and reason.

Tim O’Malley will once again teach “The Nuptial Mystery: Divine Love and Human Salvation.” O’Malley is an engaging, enthusiastic lecturer who cares deeply about connecting with his students, and the course promises students a rich engagement with the Church’s understanding of nuptial theology from the Old Testament to the present era and the sacramental theology of marriage.

The Rover also recommends Catherine Cavadini’s “The Christian Theological Tradition I,” Cyril O’Regan’s “The Theology of Benedict XVI,” Anthony Pagliarini’s “Foundations of Theology,” and David Fagerberg’s “The Catholic Sacraments” and “C.S. Lewis on Sin, Sanctification, and Saints.”