The
Major in Theology and Religious Studies requires forty (40) units of course
work with at least one course chosen from each of the three thematic areas of
the major: Theology and Spiritualities, Scriptures and Religious Traditions,
and Religion, Society and Ethics. The remaining twenty-eight (28) units of
elective courses should be chosen by each individual student and approved by a
Theology and Religious Studies Department advisor. In their senior year,
students prepare a Capstone synthesis paper in connection with one of their
final courses and in consultation with a faculty advisor.
Thematic Areas
Theology
and Spiritualities
Courses
in this area deal with three dimensions of "faith seeking
understanding," a phrase that has classically described theology as a
discipline. Theology seeks to articulate the truth of faith and ethics
(especially regarding the implications of faith in human life and activity).
Spirituality (the practice and understanding of the faith experience) is
closely related to Theology but may also be highly individualized and isolated
from institutional religion.
Scriptures
and Religious Traditions
Courses
in this area focus on the sacred scriptures of the major religious traditions
of the world such as Jewish, Christian, Buddhist, Confucian, Hindu, and Muslim
traditions. The courses examine the historical and cultural backgrounds of
these texts and gauge the way that beliefs developed in ancient times. They
also look at the ways ideas about these ancient texts have changed over time
and influence people's lives today.
Religion,
Society, and Ethics
Religion,
society, and ethics can be studied from the inside, in terms of its scriptures,
beliefs, ethical and moral systems of thought as well as concrete practices,
but also can be studied as a phenomenon constructive of whole communities and
societies. The courses in this area invite students to see how religion informs
the cultural, political, and ethical debates and issues of our day, as well as
how it has worked historically to shape societies and confront moral
challenges.
