Theology and Philosophy

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Brother Robert Smith, FSC, Ph.D., Acting Chair

Theology is the academic discipline that strives to understand and interpret the faith of the Christian communion and to bring it to expression in language and symbol. Its content is divine revelation: i.e., sacred tradition, sacred texts and inspired interpretation. In the spirit and tradition of scholasticism, theology is always in dialogue with other academic disciplines and human experience because Catholic Christianity holds that faith and reason, properly understood, work in harmony toward a greater understanding of God. Grounded in the Lasallian Catholic community, the theology department seeks to engage a community of learners in the ancient quest for meaning and truth, as those in faith continue to seek understanding (Anselm).

Philosophy is the rational effort to understand and reflect upon the various aspects of our human endeavors and existence. The study of philosophy is an essential ingredient in a liberal arts education, both in terms of its subject matter and the capacities it develops for thinking critically. As a central part of a Lasallian and Catholic university, the philosophy department seeks to develop aptitudes for reasoned analysis, evaluation and synthesis, through the disciplined investigation of the chief figures and the areas of systematic inquiry that emerge in the study of the history of philosophy. The careful reading of and reflection on the major texts in philosophy is pursued in both written and spoken forms. The department challenges students to broaden their perspectives by examining their reasoning and value judgments, without losing sight of the university’s Judeo–Christian grounding and vision. Not surprisingly, the full engagement of the questions posed by philosophy is a foundation for life-long learning and growth.

The philosophy curriculum is designed to meet the needs of contemporary young men and women in a Catholic university. The department offers two majors and a minor. However, the overall philosophy curriculum is devised to complement course offerings in the general education content areas, the honors program and the special program of study of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary, in addition to majors in the humanities.

Department Goals

Theology courses will assist all students in attaining increased understanding of the living tradition of Christianity through:

1. A growing facility with the nuance and complexity of abstract thought through the development of doctrine.
2. A growing competence with understanding the dynamic between revelation, inspiration, and interpretation.
3. A growing awareness of inculturation as a historical reality and missionary dynamic through the skills of perspective-taking, empathetic listening, and applied principles of communion.
4. A growing ability to apply principles and relevant skills to theoretical and pastoral challenges to foster effective solutions.

Upon completion of the Philosophy major, students are able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the major historical movements and figures in philosophy from the Pre-Socratic thinkers through the contemporary period;
• Form and evaluate arguments employing standards of logical validity; and
• Integrate areas of systematic inquiry with broader and perennial philosophical questions and issues.

A background in philosophy is an excellent preparation for a variety of career and vocational pursuits, ranging from teaching/education, theology, law and different forms of Christian ministry/service, to publishing (writing and editing), healthcare (e.g., medical ethics, planning and development of facilities), and arts management and marketing, among others.

Theology Major Course Outcomes

The Theology major will assist all students in attaining increased understanding of the living tradition of Christianity through:

1. A growing facility with the nuance and complexity of abstract thought through the development of doctrine.
2. A growing competence with understanding the dynamic between revelation, inspiration, and interpretation.
3. A growing awareness of inculturation as a historical reality and missionary dynamic through the skills of perspective-taking, empathetic listening, and applied principles of communion.
4. A growing ability to apply principles and relevant skills to theoretical and pastoral challenges to foster effective solutions.

Academic excellence is rewarded by membership in Theta Alpha Kappa, the national honor society for theology and religion. Saint Mary’s University theology department is the Alpha Gamma Omega chapter. The theology department recognizes and honors outstanding work of graduating seniors within the department. Departmental distinction is reserved for students with a department and major field GPA of 3.700 and a cumulative GPA of 3.300 who present a senior paper or presentation judged to be of superior quality by a committee of departmental faculty.

Integrated General Education Course Outcomes

All undergraduate students are required to complete two Theology courses. First year students are required to complete TH111 Thinking Theologically  , as part of the First Year Experience cluster of courses.  Students will then complete another Theology course as part of their interdisciplinary minor or as a “stand alone” course to complete the second Theology course requirement.

Programs

• IHM Seminary Philosophy Major, B.A.
• Philosophy Major
• Theology Major with concentration in Pastoral and Youth Ministry; BA
• Theology Major, B.A.

• Philosophy Minor
• Theology Minor

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