Theology

Welcome to the Theology webpage. On this page you'll find the mission of the department, departmental student learning goals, a curricular map and assessment schedule, and progress made from the most recent Program Review Action Plan (2013-2014). If you have questions about the assessment findings or questions about the department, please contact Anna Mercedes, Theology Department Chair, at [email protected].

MISSION

As an exploration of religious experiences and questions fundamental to human existence, theology is a vital part of a liberal arts education. Anchored in the Catholic intellectual tradition, particularly as expressed in the Benedictine "love of learning and desire for God," our courses explore the ways faith and reason combine to provide a unique lens on our world, our society, and the unity that underlies all reality. Because religion intersects with all aspects of culture-e.g., art, history, philosophy, and science-the study of theology offers a unique opportunity to integrate knowledge from multiple disciplines into a coherent worldview. We do this through interdisciplinary study and a critical examination of sacred texts and values from our Catholic and Benedictine heritage as well as from other faith traditions. As we explore major questions about God, ourselves, and the world, we strive to help our students grow not only in understanding but also in lifelong commitment to the common good.

STUDENT LEARNING GOALS

Students will:

  1. Understand the cultural or historical origins and development of scripture.
  2. Examine critical moments in the development of the Christian tradition.
  3. Explain the cultural or historical origins and developments of texts, practices, institutions, or ideas in religion and theology.
  4. Apply theological methods and construct sustained theological arguments both orally and in writing.
  5. Examine another religious tradition and its relationship to Christianity.
  6. Demonstrate how theological sources and practices foster understandings of just or moral living.
  7. Recognize how components of the Catholic and Benedictine traditions inform the spiritual life and provide an opportunity for dialogue with the contemporary church and world.
  8. Articulate how theological learning impacts their own lives.