Program Overview
The Theology B.A. program at Lewis University explores faith and the human experience, emphasizing public theology and engaging with diverse religious traditions. It offers three concentrations: Theological Studies, Pastoral Ministry, and Religious Studies, and prepares graduates for careers in education, social services, ministry, and more. The program fosters critical thinking, effective communication, and ethical leadership, equipping students to engage with contemporary issues and make a positive impact in their communities.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This program focuses on exploring issues of faith and the human experience. It emphasizes public theology, engaging with diverse modern lives and connecting ideas from various religious traditions with human realities. The program aims to challenge and deepen thinking on important contemporary questions, fostering critical analysis and open dialogue.
Objectives:
- Develop a deep understanding of theology and its role in human life.
- Examine diverse religious traditions and their historical and cultural contexts.
- Analyze critical issues within contemporary society through the lens of faith.
- Hone critical thinking and analytical skills for effective communication across various religious and secular contexts.
- Foster a commitment to social justice and engagement with marginalized communities.
Program Description:
The program offers three concentrations to personalize your coursework:
- Theological Studies: This writing-intensive concentration prepares students for teaching or graduate school, emphasizing the history of faith and its connection with culture.
- Pastoral Ministry: This pre-seminary program serves as a direct career path into pastoral positions, working with youth or adults.
- Religious Studies: This concentration focuses on a comparative exploration of multiple religious traditions, addressing the public and private roles of religion in society. It explores themes such as religion and gender/sexuality, race, violence and healing, restorative justice, memory, ethics, emotions, politics, economy, power, art, literature, and media.
Outline:
Courses:
The program offers a variety of courses, including:
- Search for Faith
- Foundation of Peace and Justice Studies
- Hebrew Bible
- Global Christianity
- Introduction to Islam
- Catholic Sacraments
- Sexuality, Spirituality, and Relationships
- Religion & Popular Culture
- Practicing Faithful Justice
Curriculum Structure:
The program consists of core courses in theology, philosophy, and religious studies, supplemented by elective courses in areas of specialization. Students can choose from the three concentrations mentioned above to tailor their studies to their interests.
Schedule:
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, seminars, research projects, and presentations.
Faculty:
The program boasts a diverse faculty with expertise in various religious traditions and theological disciplines.
Unique Approaches:
The program emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, drawing upon insights from various fields such as history, literature, sociology, and anthropology. It also promotes active learning and engagement with real-world issues through community service and internships.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
Graduates of the program pursue careers in various fields, including:
- Teacher/Professor
- Social worker
- Ethicist
- Non-profit worker
- Counselor
- Journalist
- Sustainable farmer
- Migrant justice advocate
- Historian
- Youth worker
- Equity and inclusion officer
- Community Organizer
- Civil Rights Advocate
Opportunities:
The program prepares students for a wide range of opportunities in education, social services, ministry, advocacy, research, and more.
Outcomes:
- Asian American Association
- Catholic Educators Club
- Catholic Relief Services Student Ambassadors
- Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA)
- Lasallian Justice Coalition
- Lewis Counselors for Social Justice
- Lewis Habitat for Humanity
- Lewis University Gospel Choir
- Muslim Student’s Association
- Muslim Women Student Association
- National Society of Leadership & Success
- Peer Ministry
- Students Justice for Palestine
- Sustainability Club
- Theta Alpha Kappa National Honor Society for Religious Studies/Theology
Contact Information:
For more information, contact the Department Chair, Dr. Christie Billups at billupch@lewisu.edu or call (815) 836-5148.
