Theology (B.A.)

The academic study of theology is essential to a complete education. With this conviction as the basis for its mission, the purpose of the undergraduate theology program is to teach students to critically examine a religious tradition and to offer courses necessary that fulfill the requirements of general education and distribution for the undergraduate degree programs as well as to provide courses necessary for the major and minor in theology.

The major consists of 42 credits for a single major; 36 credits for a single major and one or two minors; and 30 credits for two majors with or without a minor. All courses in the major(s) and the minor(s) must be completed with a grade of C or above. At the end of their program, all theology majors must successfully complete the capstone course THE-487.

Major and Minor in Theology Learning Goals

To systematically analyze Christian and Jewish thought and practice and differentiate between catechesis and theology,
To critically analyze New Testament and Old Testament Scripture using historical-critical methods of biblical interpretation,
To establish theological foundations for ethical practice,
To situate the historical development of theological praxis in its cultural and social contexts
To write coherently and concisely about theological beliefs and actions.

Bachelor of Arts, Theology (120 credits)

Distribution/General Education Requirements (48-49 credits)

This curriculum is designed as a liberal arts foundation to the baccalaureate degree and is based on the belief that education should empower students to believe in their ability to create a world in which hatred and injustice are opposed and in which creative and intellectual expression are celebrated. The curriculum presents a broad range of perspectives and approaches to knowledge, skills, and values leading to student success in their chosen professions as well as a disposition to critical thinking and life-long learning.

Theology Requirements/Course Categories

I. Introduction to Theology (Choose 3 credits)

THE-201	THEOLOGY: FAITH, BELIEFS AND TRADITIONS	3
-	Or
THE-306	DYNAMICS OF FAITH, BELIEFS AND THEOLOGY	3

II. Biblical Hermeneutics (Choose 6 credits)

THE-309	THE OLD TESTAMENT AND ITS INTERPRETERS	3
THE-321	THE NEW TESTAMENT AS CHRISTIAN SCRIPTURE	3
THE-431	JESUS IN THE GOSPELS	3
THE-432	PROPHETIC AND WISDOM WRITINGS	3

III. Historical and Comparative Theology (Choose 6 credits)

THE-303	COMPARATIVE RELIGION	3
THE-304	THEOLOGY THROUGH FILM	3
THE-305	BLACK LIBERATION & THE BLACK CHURCH	3
THE-308	GOD&SUFFERING:FROM JEWISH&CHRISTIAN TRA	3
THE-331	CHRISTIANITY AND CULTURE	3
THE-338	THE CHURCH	3

IV. Systematic Theology (Choose 6 credits)

THE-191	JUDEO-CHRIST DOCTRINE	3
THE-305	BLACK LIBERATION & THE BLACK CHURCH	3
THE-307	CHRISTOLOGY	3
THE-308	GOD&SUFFERING:FROM JEWISH&CHRISTIAN TRA	3
THE-323	THEO & SCIENCE: A CONTEMPORARY DIALOGUE	3
THE-330	APPROACHES TO GOD	3
THE-331	CHRISTIANITY AND CULTURE	3
THE-333	CHRISTIAN UNDERSTANDING OF GOD	3
THE-338	THE CHURCH	3

V. Moral Theology (Choose 6 credits)

THE-311	SEXUALITY SEX & MORALITY	3
THE-312	FREEDOM AND VIRTUE	3
THE-319	CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING	3
THE-325	FEMINIST PERSPECTIVES IN ETHICS	3
THE-327	PEACE AND JUSTICE	3
THE-353	BIOETHICS	3

VI. Liturgical Theology and Spirituality (Choose 6 credits)

THE-315	CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY AND PRAYER	3
THE-338	THE CHURCH	3
THE-344	SACRAMENTS	3
THE-345	LITURGY, FEASTS AND DEVOTIONS	3
THE-354	MUSIC IN WORSHIP	3