As a Catholic university, Bellarmine takes faith seriously and considers the study of theology and religion essential for a truly liberal education. For this reason every student is required to take six credits in Theology—Theo 200 (Ultimate Questions), and one other upper level course. Students are, of course, encouraged to take more courses in theology. Courses in the Theology curriculum encourage students to reflect on the meaning of life, of religious faith, and of Christian living. While many of the courses in the curriculum are approached from the perspective of the Roman Catholic tradition, others take an ecumenical or interreligious approach.
A concentration (major or minor) in Theology provides a student with the opportunity for more extensive and intensive exploration of the religious and Christian experience. It is also an excellent focal point for the liberal arts and can serve as a preparation for graduate study in theology, ministry, religion, and related disciplines (philosophy, history, social sciences, law, etc.) or for work in the Church (education, ministry, etc.) or society. Thus the requirements for a major or a minor in Theology are designed to give a student an adequate foundation in the discipline and the flexibility to build a program to meet individual needs and goals.
Requirements for a Major in Theology: 30–39 hours
A minimum of 30 credits (ten courses) in Theology is required, and ordinarily a maximum of 39 credits is allowed. The following requirements must be met:
Theo 200
One course in Scripture: (Theo 301, 302, 304, 401, 432)
One course in the History of Christianity (Theo 310, 315, 415, 440)
One course in Systematic Theology (Theo 300, 305, 306, 335, 402, 403, 408, 409, 426, 432)
One course in Ethics or Spirituality (Theo 315, 321, 314, 334, 335, 420, 450)
It is not possible for one course to fulfill two of these requirements.
Requirements for a Minor in Theology: 18 hours
A minimum of 18 credits (six courses) is required for a minor in Theology. The following requirements must be met:
Theo 200
One course in Scripture: (Theo 301, 302, 304, 401, 432)
One course in Systematic Theology (Theo 300, 305, 306, 335, 402, 403, 408, 409, 426, 432)
It is not possible for one course to fulfill two of these requirements.
Concentrations
The basic requirements are the same for every student, but several concentrations are suggested here to stimulate the student’s imagination and to provide some direction. It is not necessary to choose a concentration, and the courses that are suggested below are not required. Students who plan to do graduate study in Theology or a related field are encouraged to study at least one modern language and to consider studying classical languages—Latin and Greek. Many fields of study can complement a major or minor in Theology, such as, Philosophy, Communications, Psychology, Political Science, History, Sociology, Foreign Language and International Studies, English, Fine Arts, Music, Theater, Social Work, Education, Nursing, and Business.
Theology: For those with a general interest in Theology or who anticipate graduate study in Theology. Recommended courses: Besides the required courses listed above, a variety of courses, especially in Systematic Theology. Complementary electives: Courses in Philosophy, History, Communications, and the Social Sciences.
Ministry: For those interested in ministry in Church or society. Recommended Courses: Theo 408, 426 and a Practicum in Theology. Complementary electives might include courses in Psychology and Communications, such as, Psy 218 Life-Span Development; Psy 405 Counseling and Psychotherapy; Psy 402 Organizational Behavior and Leadership; Psy 317 Social Psychology; Psy 320 Human Resources Management; Comm 103 Intro to Public Speaking; Comm 221 American Civic Life: Values and Society; Comm 302 Interpersonal Communication.
Religious Education: For those interested in catechesis or teaching religion in schools or churches (Director of Religious Education). Recommended courses: A variety of courses in Theology, including an internship or Practicum. Complementary electives might include courses in Education, Psychology and Communications, such as, Psy 218 Life-Span Development; Psy 230 Psychology of Learning; Comm 103 Intro to Public Speaking.
Religion: For those interested in studying the phenomenon of religion or comparative religion. Recommended Courses: Theo 300, 305, 307, 315, 401, 402, 403, 415. Complementary electives: Phil 415 Philosophy of Religion; Phil 413 Philosophy of God; Sociology of Religion; Comm 222 Mythology; Anthropology.
Scripture: For those interested in pursuing graduate studies in scripture. Recommended courses: Theo 301, 302, 304; 401, 409, 432. Complementary courses might include Comm 222 Mythology; Eng 200 Reading Literature; Eng 201 The World of Texts; the Bible as Literature; Archeology. Students interested in Biblical Studies are encouraged to study Greek and other languages.
History of Christianity: For students interested in pursuing graduate study in the History of Christian Thought. Recommended courses: Theo 310, 315, 321, 401, 402, 408, 415, 440. Complementary electives might include courses in History and Philosophy, such as, Hist 116, 117 History of the Western World; Hist 241 The Worlds of St. Francis of Assisi and Robert Bellarmine; Hist 304 Medieval History; Hist 305 Europe and the Age of the Reformation; Phil 312 History of Medieval Philosophy; Art 202 Art History II.
Christian Living: For those interested in Christian ethics and spirituality. Recommended courses: Theo 300, 312, 314, 321, 334, 335, 409, 420, 426, 450. Complementary electives might include Philosophy courses, especially in ethics, and courses in the Social Sciences and Communications, such as, Phil 301 Ethics; Phil 401 Applied Ethics; Psy 218 Life-Span Development; Comm 302 Interpersonal Communication.
Justice and Peace: For those interested in becoming involved in social ministry or public policy
advocacy or in pursuing justice and peace studies. Recommended courses: Theo 314, 334, 335
and an internship or Practicum in Theology. Complementary electives might include courses in
Political Science, Sociology, History, International Studies, and Economics, such as, U.S. Foreign
Policy; Soc 201 Contemporary American Social Problems; Soc 235 Social Inequality; Hist
326 Race relations and Civil rights. Bellarmine offers a minor in Peace Studies.
