Theological Studies

Bachelor of Arts

Associate in Arts

A Bachelor of Arts in Theological Studies provides the education and critical thinking skills needed to understand the world deeply, grapple with complex issues, and bring one’s faith to bear in any vocation (i.e., teaching, ministry, business, healthcare, law).

The Lourdes University Department of Theological Studies brings to the classroom a unique combination of rigorous thoughtfulness and academic excellence on the one hand and faithfulness, prayerfulness, and passion on the other. Professors help students develop patient, insightful, and systematic thinking about Christianity while assisting them in deepening, living, and sharing their faith.

As a theological studies major, you engage with professors and fellow students in some of human existence’s most profound and essential questions. You could hardly find a more exciting and all-encompassing discipline.

Theological studies majors take full advantage of these available academic and career opportunities:

Participate in the annual ecumenical lecture featuring nationally recognized speakers
Attend the yearly colloquium offered on current theological topics
Seek membership in the Chapter of Theta Alpha Kappa, the theology honor society
Enroll in a for-credit internship program
Take advantage of abundant service learning opportunities

The theological studies program is ecumenically oriented and deeply rooted in the Catholic and Franciscan traditions. It welcomes students from various Christian denominations and embraces the truth wherever it may be found, for all that is true comes from and leads back to God.

Theology draws upon the Christian faith as revealed in the Bible, Christian Tradition, and all the resources of human thought to understand God more deeply and everything else in light of Christian revelation.

Theological studies alums are well-prepared to pursue graduate studies and various ministries, and they can readily double major with another discipline to bring the Christian faith to bear in their future workplace.

Plan of Study

ASSOCIATE IN ARTS IN THEOLOGICAL STUDIES

Total credit hours: 60

REQUIRED CURRICULUM

Core and General Education Courses (36 credit hours)

Students majoring in Theological Studies can use courses marked with an asterisk (*) to fulfill both general education and major requirements.

Ethics
THS 265* Christian Ethics

Theology
THS 125* Foundations of Theology
(This course should be taken in the student’s first year)

Core
THS 211 History of Christianity: Origins to the Renaissance
THS 212 History of Christianity: Reformation to the Present
THS 220 Introduction to the Old Testament
THS 221 Introduction to the New Testament
THS 244 Great Religions of the East or
THS 246 Great Religions of the West
THS 312 Jesus, the Christ
Two elective courses in Theological Studies

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN THEOLOGICAL STUDIES

Total credit hours: 120

Students majoring in Theological Studies can use courses marked with an asterisk (*) to fulfill both general education and major requirements.

REQUIRED CURRICULUM

Core and General Education Courses (44-45 credit hours)

Philosophy
PHL 102* Introduction to Critical Thinking

Ethics
THS 265* Christian Ethics

Theology
THS 125* Foundations of Theology
THS 312* Jesus, the Christ

The College of Arts and Sciences requires an additional 12 credits in General Education from the disciplines within the college for the Bachelor of Arts degree.

Available Electives (24-25 credit hours)
(At least five of these elective credits must be earned at the 300-400 level.)

Core Courses
THS 105 World Religions
THS 125* Foundations of Theology
THS 211 History of Christianity: Origins to the Renaissance
THS 212 History of Christianity: Reformation to the Present
THS 220 Introduction to the Old Testament
THS 221 Introduction to the New Testament
THS 265* Christian Ethics
THS 310 Trinitarian God and Human Person
THS 312* Jesus, The Christ
THS 316 The Shape and Mission of the Church
THS 435 Peace, Justice, and Forgiveness
THS 490 Senior Integrative Seminar
Electives in THS (at the 300-400 level)

Allied Courses
PHL 101 Introduction to Philosophy
PHL 102* Introduction to Critical Thinking
PHL 302 Philosophy of Religion

MINOR

Total credit hours: 18

REQUIRED CURRICULUM

THS 125 Foundations of Theology
THS 211 History of Christianity: Origins to the Renaissance

Or
THS 212 History of Christianity: Reformation to the Present
THS 220 Introduction to the Old Testament
Or
THS 221 Introduction to the New Testament
THS 265 Christian Ethics
THS 312 Jesus, the Christ
One Elective Course at the 300-400 level

Learning Outcomes

DEPARTMENT OF THEOLOGICAL STUDIES LEARNING OUTCOMES

Scripture
Graduates of the Theological Studies program exhibit proficiency in their approach to and interpretation of the Scriptures including the ability to relate the Bible to contemporary experience.
– Apply historical-critical approaches to interpretation of biblical texts;
– Demonstrate knowledge of the biblical narratives and themes as well as the way that they speak today.
Historical Theology
Graduates of the Theological Studies program exhibit an understanding of the development of the Christian thought and its interaction with human history and culture.
– Apply a historical-critical approach to interpretation of primary and secondary sources;
– Understand the history and development of Christian thought and the role Scripture and Tradition play in
the evolution of Christian belief and practice.
Doctrinal Theology
Graduates of the Theological Studies program demonstrate an understanding of and appreciation for the major doctrines and themes of the Christian tradition.
– Engage in theological analysis of fundamental Christian doctrines through the application of scriptural and
historical methods.
– Demonstrate an understanding of the major Christian doctrines and their coherence as a system of
thought and belief.
Ethics
Graduates of the Theological Studies program think critically about issues, events, and institutions and evaluate them in light of the Christian tradition.
– Understand the way Christian beliefs ground the moral life;
– Draw upon the Christian tradition and employ critical thinking in evaluating ethical problems and presenting solutions systematically.
World Religions
Graduates of the Theological Studies program demonstrate an understanding of and appreciation for at least two major world religions.
– Demonstrate an empathetic understanding of the history, beliefs, ethics, and religious practices of two major world religions.