If you want to continue your studies of Theology past the core requirements, the Theology Department has three different programs from which to choose. If you want to major in Theology, there are two different programs to choose from: Theological Studies and Religious Studies. You can also minor in Theology. The Major in Theology features an approach with opportunity for both breadth and depth. The major is declared by application to the director of undergraduate programs. The major consists of 36 hours (12 three-credit courses). The Theology Department offers two options within the major, one emphasizing a core of studies in the Christian theological tradition and one emphasizing the contemporary field of religious studies. A minimum of five courses at the 300-level is required. Students are encouraged but not required to take up to two courses outside the department with prior approval for the theological studies track and three for the religious studies track. Theology majors receive faculty advising to facilitate their progress through the major.

Major in Theological Studies

The theological studies major option has four components:

1. Entry-Level Courses: one course from each of the four areas in the core curriculum: a) doctrine; b) Biblical literature; c) religious traditions; and, d) Christian life and practice.
   
   
2. Compulsory Courses: two to four compulsory courses (depending on choices at entry-level) to fulfill these criteria: a) a Biblical course focused on whichever of the two Testaments (Old or New) was not studied at entry-level; b) one 300-level course in the History of Christian Thought (THEO 317, 318); c) one course in a religious tradition other than Christianity (if not studied at the entry-level); d) one ethics course (if not studied at the entry-level).
   
   
3. Elective Courses: four to six additional courses to complete coursework for the major (36 total credits required).
   
   
4. In the senior year, majors write a paper, usually developed from a 300-level course that was part of their program, usually under the direction of the professor who taught the course.
   
   
   Although not a requirement for the completion of the major, the candidate will normally be expected to take part in a colloquium arranged by the Theology Department in the candidate's final semester. The colloquium will consist of a single event in which graduating majors and faculty members from the Theology Department and other departments, which have contributed to the major's program, will be invited to discuss the results of the major's papers. Such an event is understood to be consistent with the values of collegiality and academic investigation, which mark this major.

Major in Religious Studies

1. One course on the Christian traditions from the following:
   100, 103, 104, 112, 171, 173, 175, 179, 181, 317, 318;
   
   
2. Three courses on non-Christian traditions from the following: 195, 196, 197, and 198;
   
   
3. Two courses on religious comparisons or themes from the following: 170, 174, 177, 178, selected 180courses including "Women and Religion in India," "Religion and Psychology," "Ancient Community and Values," "Gender and Values," 192, 353 and 393.
   
   
4. Five elective courses which include any other courses offered by the Theology department, any courses not yet taken from the above listings, as well as up to three courses from other departments, if approved in advance by the student's advisor, focusing on religious traditions or dimensions of religious life. Examples of these courses might be "Sociology of Religion," "Philosophy of Religion," "Asian Philosophies" and "Medieval Pilgrimage." In addition, two of the student's courses may be taken at the 400 level. In all, at least five out of the twelve courses must be taken at the 300 level or higher.
   
   
5. One required Major's Seminar, namely Theology 353, "Studies in Religious Traditions." This course will focus on the methodological approaches to the study of religion. 
    

Minor in Theology

The Minor in Theology is available in two concentrations: Theological Studies or Religious Studies. Both minors require six courses: any three at the core level from the four areas of doctrine, Scripture, life and practice and religious traditions; and three electives done at the 300-level. Each student's program is individually tailored to fir his/her plans in consultation with the director of minors.

Contact Us

Interested in one of these Majors or Minors? Contact Dr. Aana Vigen (avigen@luc.edu), the Theology Department's Undergraduate Programs Director, or Catherine Wolf (theology@luc.edu), the Department's Office Coordinator.