Saint Louis University's Department of Theological Studies trains students in a variety of sources and methods to help them evaluate and appreciate the most vital aspects of religious experience and thought. The department enters into this investigation from an academic perspective to help students clarify their own understanding. <br>The Catholic tradition is central to the work of the department, but Catholicism is studied in the context of the whole Christian tradition and in relationship to all of the world's religious traditions. The introductory course, Theological Foundations, introduces students to the God of revelation within the Judeo-Christian tradition and understanding its implications for living a human life, respecting creation and pursuing beauty and truth. This is done within an ecumenical and global context, examining other world religions and social realities. Subsequent courses focus on an aspect of Christian or other religious traditions and address social and moral issues.<br><br>Following the introductory Theological Foundations course, the department offers undergraduate courses in the 20004000 level in Scripture, both Hebrew and Christian, the history of Christianity from its origins through today, constructive theology, which examines central themes and pressing issues in Christianity, theological ethics, which studies diverse Christian practices, world religions/comparative theology, which explores non-Christian faiths by either comparing or contrasting them with Christianity (e.g., Islam and Christianity) or by studying them individually (e.g., world religions), and spirituality, which examines the various expressions of Christian discipleship (e.g., Ignatian spirituality).