Theology and Religious Studies

The department of Theology and Religious Studies has the same responsibility toward its discipline and students as has any other academic department: scholarly understanding of appropriate data. The department makes no effort at religious indoctrination; rather, it concerns itself with presenting in a manner that is suitable to an institution of higher education an intellectual understanding of Christianity and of other religions, as well as religious phenomena. Whether students approach the data with or without a specific religious commitment is a matter of their personal decision.

Program Goals

• Distinguish between and illustrate knowledge of the interpretive methods that characterize Theology and Religious Studies.

• Describe and interpret ways that theological systems, religious, practices and institutions reflect the cultures from which they emerge and adapt to cultural change.

• Compare theological claims and ritual practices from two or more religious systems.

• Analyze diverse and competing conceptions of truth from within a shared religious discursive community.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completing Rockhurst’s program in Theology & Religious Studies, students will be able to:
 

#1:                   Distinguish between and illustrate knowledge of the interpretive methods that characterize Theology and Religious Studies.

#2:                   Describe and interpret ways that theological systems, religious practices and institutions reflect the cultures from which they emerge and adapt to cultural change.

#3:                   Compare theological claims and ritual practices from two or more religious systems.

#4:                   Analyze diverse and competing conceptions of truth from within a shared religious discursive community.

#5:                   Explain how appealing to transcendent authority has been used to reinforce and challenge the social order.

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