Undergraduate Core Courses
Nine hours of theology are among the core requirements in the College of Arts and Sciences. These core courses are shaped and formed in the spirit of the mission statement of St. Louis University. The first course, Theological Foundations (3 hours) introduces the student to foundations of the Judeo-Christian heritage and to the discipline of theology.
From this initial discovery, a variety of courses on the 200 level provides options for a deeper insight and understanding into the Christian tradition as appropriate for the "Catholic Jesuit Identity" of the University.
The 300 level courses integrate and apply theological principles to the practical realities of life. These courses "promote activities which apply that intellectual and ethical heritage for the good of society as a whole."
THA-100 Theology Foundations: Discovery
In response to the mission of this Catholic, Jesuit University, the Theological Foundations course (THA-100) seeks to educate students from all the undergraduate programs in a critical discourse with human experience, biblical origins, historical foundations, and historical developments of the Christian tradition. The course provides opportunity for human enrichment through creative questioning, awareness of Christian cultures, access to other cultural and religious contexts through comparative study, and a balanced appreciation of Christianity as a vital element in our global heritage.
Students will be introduced to the Hebrew and Christian scriptures with an emphasis on important texts and theological issues. Students will explore how historical and literary criticism help in understanding fundamental theological concepts such as God, revelation, faith, creation, covenant, and salvation history. In post-biblical developments students will study the early experience of Christians, especially as they learned to articulate their faith in Christ and thereby developed their understanding of the triune God.
The manner in which these and other theological developments are taught varies according to the method and strengths of the instructor. Students will be challenged to acquire the targeted skills of reading, writing, and speaking theologically. They will also be encouraged to consider how critical, careful and creative theological questioning can deepen their understanding of the human condition.
200 Level: Insight
Courses on the 200 level are more advanced and more specific studies of comparative theology, biblical studies, historical and systematic theology which have all received a fundamental treatment in the 100 level course. Thus, there are courses in oriental religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. There are focused courses on the Hebrew Scriptures and the Christian New Testament. There are historical courses on early, medieval, and American Christianity. And there are systematic courses on specific themes in systematic theology like God, Jesus, Church, Sacraments and the like.
300 Level: Integration
Courses on the 300 level are more advanced and more specific studies of various religious traditions as well as the application of religion and theology to morality or ethics, to life in specific spheres both personal and social, and to spirituality. All of these applications have received an initial treatment in the 100 level and a more advanced and more specific treatment on the 200 level.