Theology Major Mission Statement
The theology major provides students with the philosophical foundations of Catholic theology giving them an understanding of the relationship between Christian faith and human reason. Majors learn the full range of Catholic theology in all of its various subdisciplines. Majors are prepared to serve the Church in a variety of fields, with the ability to articulate an understanding of what it means to be a Christian humanist in the world.
Theology Major Student Learning Outcomes
Students who graduate from DeSales University with a major in Theology will be able to:
- explain the nature and philosophical foundations of theology, especially highlighting the relationship between faith and reason;
- articulate the contents of theology in terms of its various disciplines: scripture, doctrine, ethics, and history;
- explain what it means to be a Catholic, in terms of the Church’s fundamental doctrines;
- articulate specifically what it means to be a Catholic in the Christian humanist tradition of St. Francis de Sales.
- demonstrate familiarity with the Church’s spiritual, pastoral, and ethical tradition in preparation for the various pastoral fields in which they may serve.
Courses to Fulfill the General Education Core Theology Requirements
All students must complete three (3) courses in the area of Christian Values and theology that encourage students to reflect upon the meaning and value of the Catholic faith, to live in a manner consistent with Catholic teaching and tradition, and, in light of that faith and teaching, to evaluate human action and decision, to make moral choices, and to accept responsibility for them.
Introductory Course. Each student must complete “Catholic Theology” (TH 109 ) as an introduction to the process of reflecting upon the meaning and implications of the Christian faith. This course, which offers a basic and comprehensive overview of Catholic theology, is a prerequisite to all other theology courses.
Intermediate Courses. Each student must complete one (1) intermediate course in theology as an advanced participation in the process of theological reflection. Courses numbered in the 200s and 300s meet this requirement by providing an intensive study of one area of theology and its implications for Christian living in the world today. Students are encouraged to take other intermediate courses as well.
Contemporary Values Seminar. Each student must complete a “Values Seminar” as a means of deepening the understanding of, and appreciation for, a Christian Humanist education. As a capstone to the general education core, these courses address Christian Values presented in a variety of issues in contemporary society. Courses designated as “values seminars” are numbered TH 432 and above, and are offered by the following departments: business, natural sciences, nursing and health, social sciences, and philosophy-theology.
