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-201THEOLOGY: FAITH, BELIEFS AND TRADITIONS

3

-
Or

THE-306DYNAMICS OF FAITH, BELIEFS AND THEOLOGY

3

II. Biblical Hermeneutics (Choose 6 credits)

THE-309THE OLD TESTAMENT AND ITS INTERPRETERS

3

THE-321THE NEW TESTAMENT AS CHRISTIAN SCRIPTURE

3

THE-431JESUS IN THE GOSPELS

3

THE-432PROPHETIC AND WISDOM WRITINGS

3

III. Historical and Comparative Theology (Choose 6 credits)

THE-303COMPARATIVE RELIGION

3

THE-304THEOLOGY THROUGH FILM

3

THE-305BLACK LIBERATION & THE BLACK CHURCH

3

THE-308GOD&SUFFERING:FROM JEWISH&CHRISTIAN TRA

3

THE-331CHRISTIANITY AND CULTURE

3

THE-338THE CHURCH

3

IV. Systematic Theology (Choose 6 credits)

THE-191JUDEO-CHRIST DOCTRINE

3

THE-305BLACK LIBERATION & THE BLACK CHURCH

3

THE-307CHRISTOLOGY

3

THE-308GOD&SUFFERING:FROM JEWISH&CHRISTIAN TRA

3

THE-323THEO & SCIENCE: A CONTEMPORARY DIALOGUE

3

THE-330APPROACHES TO GOD

3

THE-331CHRISTIANITY AND CULTURE

3

THE-333CHRISTIAN UNDERSTANDING OF GOD

3

THE-338THE CHURCH

3

V. Moral Theology (Choose 6 credits)

THE-311SEXUALITY SEX & MORALITY

3

THE-312FREEDOM AND VIRTUE

3

THE-319CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING

3

THE-325FEMINIST PERSPECTIVES IN ETHICS

3

THE-327PEACE AND JUSTICE

3

THE-353BIOETHICS

3

VI. Liturgical Theology and Spirituality (Choose 6 credits)

THE-315CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY AND PRAYER

3

THE-338THE CHURCH

3

THE-344SACRAMENTS

3

THE-345LITURGY, FEASTS AND DEVOTIONS

3

THE-354MUSIC IN WORSHIP

3

VII. Integrative Experience (3 credits)

THE-487THEOLOGY SEMINAR

3

VIII. Theology Electives (Choose 6 credits from Course Categories)

University Electives