Theology & Religious Studies

Theology and Religious Studies

Jaime Vidaurrazaga, Ph.D. Chair

Because religion plays a central role in human culture, religious literacy is critical for anyone wishing to understand our rapidly globalizing world. The study of theology and religion allows for the contemplation of crucial human questions regarding the origins of the universe, the purpose of existence, the nature of morality, and our final destiny. The Theology and Religious Studies faculty engages all religions with openness and respect. As a Catholic College, Emmanuel welcomes students of all faiths as well as those who do not identify with a religious faith. Courses are offered in Catholicism and Christianity, as well as world religions such as Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam. Courses frequently consider questions about poverty, ecology, and human rights, and an emphasis on experiential learning, service learning, and social justice helps prepare students to be engaged and astute global citizens.

Recognizing the study of theology and religion as an integral part of a liberal arts education, Emmanuel requires all students to take two courses in the area of Religious Thought. These courses introduce students to the academic study of religion and provide the kind of training in research and analysis, critical thinking, and expository writing which both employers and graduate schools are seeking. Students choose to major in Theology and Religious Studies for a variety of reasons. Often they find it complements career goals in teaching, social work or other helping professions. As a liberal arts degree, it prepares students for further study in law or business. Some students go on to graduate programs in religion, theology or ministry.

LEARNING GOALS AND OUTCOMES

Upon completion of the major in Theology and Religious Studies, students will be able to: 1. Demonstrate an understanding of religions as historically rooted and constantly developing traditions. 2. Apply theological claims to moral reasoning and practice. 3. Competently analyze primary texts from at least one major religious tradition. 4. Analyze the interaction of religion with society, politics, the arts and culture. 5. Compare and contrast popular misconceptions of religion with scholarly knowledge of religion. 6. Evaluate theological claims for internal consistency, coherence with human experience and social expression. 7. Demonstrate the skills to write cogently, reason critically, present professionally and discuss competently 8. Synthesize acquired knowledge into an original work of critical scholarship.

THE CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE

The culminating experience for Theology and Religious Studies majors is a Directed Research and Seminar course (THRS4182). This course is typically completed in the student’s final year of study after most major requirements are completed. For this course, students work closely with a faculty advisor to conduct independent research and to write a major paper that demonstrates both the ability to examine a topic in depth and to integrate and synthesize two or more areas in Theology and Religious Studies, e.g., scripture and ethics. Student achievement is

evaluated by the faculty advisor and papers are shared with department faculty.

B.A. IN THEOLOGY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES

Requirements for Major: Two introductory courses:

THRS1111 Exploring the Bible (RCT) (RICT)

and either:

THRS1103 Exploring Catholic Theology (RCT) (RICT)

or

THRS1115 Jesus and Christian Ethics (RCT) (RICT) At least three courses from the following:

THRS2101 What is Religion? (R) (RI) THRS2102 In the Beginning: Adam to Moses (RCT)

THRS2108 Religion and the Environment: Ethical Explorations (R)

THRS2111 Love and Justice (RCT) (RICT) (SJ)

THRS2114 The Prophets: Power, Politics and Principles (RCT) (RICT) (SJ)

THRS2116 Science and Religion (RCT) (RICT)

THRS2135 World Religions (R) (RI) (DM)

THRS2201 War, Peace and Religions (R) (RI) (SJ)

THRS2205 The Gospels: Portraits of Jesus (RCT) (RI)

THRS2207 Controversy in the Church: Reading the Signs of the Times (RCT) (RI) (SJ)

THRS2217 Women in the World Religions (R)

THRS2219 Women in Christian Traditions (RCT) (RICT) (DM)

THRS2221 Progressive Christianity (RCT) (RICT) (SJ)

THRS2223 The First Christians (RCT) (RICT)

THRS2305 South Africa: Ethics, Religion and Global Health (RCT) At least one course from the following:

THRS2105 Judaism (R) (RI) (DM) THRS2202 Hinduism (R) (RI) (DM) THRS2211 Islam (R) (RI) THRS2212 Buddhism: Beliefs and Practices (R) Three other 2000- or 3000-level courses, at least two of which must be 3000-level, or 4178, Directed Study.

Also required:

THRS4182 Directed Research

Students may include an approved internship as one of their ten courses.

MINOR IN THEOLOGY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES

The Minor in Theology and Religious Studies provides a convenient curriculum for students who would like to explore their religious questions beyond two courses, but who do not have room in their schedule for either a full-time major or a double major. The Minor consists of five courses chosen in consultation with a departmental advisor, at least one of which must be at the 3000-level, and no more than two at the 1000-level.

MINOR IN CATHOLIC STUDIES

In continuity with the mission of Emmanuel College and of its founding congregation, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, the Catholic Studies program at Emmanuel seeks to educate students in the rich academic tradition, cultural heritage and commitment to social justice that are hallmarks of the Catholic tradition. Drawing on a variety of courses from across the college’s curriculum, this interdisciplinary program deepens students’ understanding and appreciation of the ways in which the church’s history and traditions have shaped and been shaped by the thinking and actions of ordinary and extraordinary Catholics.

Requirements for Minor: Two introductory courses:

THRS1103 Introduction to Catholic Theology (RCT) (RICT)

or

THRS1111 Exploring the Bible (RCT) (RICT)

or

THRS1115 Jesus and Christian Ethics (RCT) (RICT)

Two courses from the following offerings:

ART2223 From Patronage to Practice: The Catholic Art Tradition (AI-A) ENGL2325 Spirituality and the Literary Imagination (AI-L) HIST2127 Religion, Society and Europe HIST2128 Immigrants in the American Experience (H) (HI) (DM) PHIL3115 Ancient and Medieval Philosophy THRS2108 Religion and the Environment: Ethical Explorations (R) THRS2111 Love and Justice (RCT) (RICT) (SJ)

THRS2130/

SOC2131 Catholic Social Teaching (RCT) (RICT) (SJ)

THRS2205 The Gospels: Portraits of Jesus (RCT) (RI)

THRS2207 Controversy in the Church: Reading the Signs of the Times (RCT) (RI) (SJ)

THRS2209 History of Christianity: Between Prophecy and Compromise (RCT) (RICT)

THRS2213 Liberation Theology (RCT)

THRS2217 Women in the World Religions (R)

THRS2219 Women in Christian Traditions (RCT) (RICT) (DM) One of the following:

(With the approval of the instructor, the student seeking to apply one of these courses to a Catholic Studies minor will be required to write the main paper for the course on a Catholic topic.) THRS3133 Social Justice and Religious Traditions (R) (RI) (SJ) THRS3203 World Religions in Conflict and Dialogue (RCT) (RICT) (DM)

DISTINCTION IN THE FIELD

A Distinction in the Field option involving significant research under faculty direction is available to majors with a 3.5 GPA in department courses.

National Honors Society Students who meet the following criteria will be admitted to Theta Alpha Kappa, the National Honor Society for Religious Studies and Theology: • Completion of 16 or more credits in

Theology and Religious Studies courses; • A GPA of 3.5 or above in Theology and

Religious Studies courses; • An overall GPA of 3.0 or above; • A rank in the top 35% of the class.

Course Descriptions

Course numbers 1000 through 1999 are defined as introductory, elementary, and general requirement courses appropriate for first-year students and others with no special background. These courses ordinarily would have few or no prerequisites.

Course numbers 2000 through 2999 are defined as lower-level undergraduate courses, ideal for second- and third-year students. These courses build on materials from 1000-level courses and may carry prerequisites.

Course numbers 3000 through 3999 are defined as upper-level undergraduate courses, courses for majors and courses that may require significant prerequisites.

Course numbers 4000 through 4999 are defined as advanced upper-level undergraduate courses, including senior seminars/capstone courses, advanced directed study courses and so on.

DOMAINS OF KNOWLEDGE GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

(For Students Matriculated Prior to Fall 2021) Exception: Transfer students starting Fall 2021 will follow the Domains of Knowledge General Requirement Program

The courses marked with the following abbreviations indicate fulfillment of the domains of knowledge component of the general academic requirements:

Aesthetic Inquiry: Art, Music, Theater (AI-A) Aesthetic Inquiry: Literature (AI-L) Historical Consciousness (H) Social Analysis

(SA) Scientific Inquiry (SI) Scientific Inquiry with Laboratory (SI-L) Quantitative Analysis (QA) Religious Thought (R) Religious Thought: Christian Tradition (RCT) Moral Reasoning (M)

GENERAL EDUCATION PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

(For New Students Matriculated Beginning Fall 2021 or Later) Exception: Transfer students starting Fall 2021 will follow the Domains of Knowledge General Requirement Program listed above.

The courses marked with the following abbreviations indicate fulfillment of the domains of knowledge component of the general academic requirements:

Areas of Knowledge:

Ethical Reasoning Historical Inquiry Language & Culture Literary Inquiry (ER) (HI) (LC) (LI)

Quantitative Reasoning

(QR) Religious Inquiry (RI) Religious Inquiry: Christian Tradition (RICT) Natural Science (NS) Natural Science Lab (NSL) Social Science (SS) Visual & Creative Inquiry (VCI)

Essential Values:

Social Justice (SJ) Diversity & Multiculturalism (DM)

Writing Requirement:

ENGL1103 Introduction to Academic Writing Writing Intensive (WI)

PREREQUISITES AND RESTRICTIONS

A course prerequisite is a requirement an academic department identifies as essential for a student to complete before taking a course. All prerequisites should be stated in the course description, on the course syllabus and included in the college catalog.

Prerequisites may consist of one or more of the following: • completion of placement, proficiency tests or other assessments (MTEL); • completion of specific course(s).

Students must earn a C– or better in any course which is designated a prerequisite for another course. (Note -School of Nursing requirements may differ. Please see the School of Nursing Student Handbook for specific prerequisite and course restriction information.) A course restriction is a requirement which must be satisfied before a student may register for a course. Restrictions may consist of one or more of the following: • completion of a specified number of semester hours or achievement of a specified class level; • permission of the instructor or department chair.

Students are responsible for knowing and completing all published prerequisites requirements and satisfying any course restrictions before taking that course. The College must inform students of prerequisites requirements and course restrictions and has the right to cancel a student’s registration in a course if the student has not satisfied the published prerequisite requirement or restriction for that course.