Objectives and Expectations of the Student Majoring in Theology
Students who choose to major in theology are a diverse group who have a variety of goals and interests. Some have definite career goals of service to the church and/or society; others are seeking God and a sense of meaning and purpose in their lives. Some are interested in religious education, others in ministry, and still others see theology and spirituality as a complement to a career in psychology, education, social work, business, or nursing, etc. Some are committed (Catholic) Christians, and others are seekers or are more interested in religion than theology.
The theology department recognizes the variety of goals that our majors bring to their course of study, and we recognize that the department’s primary role at Bellarmine is in service to the general education goals of the curriculum. We believe that a major in theology, the foundational discipline of the university in the West, provides a sound liberal arts education for any student that can serve the student well in earning their living and in enhancing their lives by growing in the love of truth.
The theology department has the following objectives for the major in theology:
To prepare the able student for graduate studies in theology, ministry, or religion or for graduate studies in any number of disciplines or professions.
To prepare the student for a basic level of service to the church and/or society.
To introduce the student to the major areas within the discipline of theology: biblical studies, historical or comparative studies, systematic theology, and practical theology (ethics/spirituality), and to the methodology of each and to theological method—how to think theologically.
The theology department has the following objectives and expectations of a student who graduates with a major in theology:
The student will have met and exceeded the expectations for a “Theological Foundation” in the “General Education Core Requirements” in the Bellarmine University Catalog.
The student will have satisfactory skills in critical thinking and communication.
The student will have taken a course in the four major areas of the discipline of theology and be able to think theologically.
The student will demonstrate the ability to do research in theology and to write a research paper.
Assessing the Objectives and Expectations of the Theology Major
The requirements for the major in theology are designed to meet the above objectives while allowing the student the flexibility to design a program of study that will fulfill the student’s personal goals. The student is required to take Theo 200 Ultimate Questions, which is an introduction to theology and the study of religion, and to take a course in the four major areas of the discipline of theology, and at least five other upper level courses in the theology curriculum. Thus, the objectives are met primarily through the courses the student takes and the evaluation of the student that takes place in those courses. Beginning with the academic year 2003-04, each student will be given an oral comprehensive exam in the form of an exit interview, focused on the above objectives and expectations, with the full-time faculty in theology.
The annual report of the theology department will include a summary of the results of the exit interview and any recommendations for improving the program that arise from these interviews. In addition every five years the department will seek an assessment from alumni/ae. The results and recommendations for program improvement will also be included in the theology department’s annual report.
