Theology and Religious Studies

In this globalized, multicultural world, knowledge of and appreciation for other religions and cultures is essential.

From the Bible to the Buddha, from metaphysics to ethics, from history to today's news, Emmanuel's courses provide the kind of training in analysis, critical thinking and expository writing that both employers and graduate schools are looking for. Our emphasis on experiential learning, service and social justice helps prepare students to be caring and astute global citizens.

Major Requirements

View the 2022-2023 Academic Catalog to find course titles, numbers and descriptions.

Requirements for B.A. in Theology and Religious Studies

Two introductory courses:

  • THRS1111 Exploring the Bible (RCT) (RICT) AND EITHER 
  • THRS1103 Exploring Catholic Theology (RCT) (RICT) OR
  • THRS1115 Jesus and Christian Ethics (RCT) (RICT)

At least three courses from the following:

  • THRS2101 What is Religion? (R) (RI)
  • THRS2102 In the Beginning: Adam to Moses (RCT) 
  • THRS2108 Religion and the Environment: Ethical Explorations (R)
  • THRS2111 Love and Justice (RCT) (RICT) (SJ)
  • THRS2114 The Prophets: Power, Politics and Principles (RCT) (RICT) (SJ)
  • THRS2116 Science and Religion (RCT) (RICT)
  • THRS2135 World Religions (R) (DM)
  • THRS2201 War, Peace and Religions (R) (RI) (SJ)
  • THRS2205 The Gospels: Portraits of Jesus (RCT)
  • THRS2207 Controversy in the Church: Reading the Signs of the Times (RCT) 
  • THRS2217 Women in the World Religions (R)
  • THRS2219 Women in Christian Traditions (RCT) (RICT) (DM)
  • THRS2221 Progressive Christianity (RCT) (RICT) (SJ)
  • THRS2223 The First Christians (RCT) (RICT)
  • THRS2305 South Africa: Ethics, Religion and Global Health (RCT)

At least one course from the following:

  • THRS2105 Judaism (R) (DM)
  • THRS2202 Hinduism (R) (RI) (DM)
  • THRS2211 Islam (R) 
  • THRS2212 Buddhism: Beliefs and Practices (R)

Three other 2000- or 3000-level courses, at least two of which must be 3000-level, or 4178, Directed Study.

Also required:

  • THRS4182 Directed Research

Students may include an approved internship as one of their ten courses.

Minor Requirements

View the 2022-2023 Academic Catalog to find course titles, numbers and descriptions.

Requirements for Minor in Theology & Religious Studies

The Minor in Theology & Religious Studies provides a convenient curriculum for students who would like to explore their religious questions beyond two courses, but who do not have room in their schedule for either a full-time major or a double major. The Minor consists of five courses chosen in consultation with a departmental advisor, at least one of which must be at the 3000-level, and no more than two at the 1000-level.

Learning Goals & Outcomes

Upon completion of the major in Theology and Religious Studies, students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of religions as historically rooted and constantly developing traditions.
  2. Apply theological claims to moralreasoning and practice.
  3. Competently analyze primary texts from at least one major religious tradition.
  4. Analyze the interaction of religion with society, politics, the arts and culture.
  5. Compare and contrast popular misconceptions of religion with scholarly knowledge of religion.
  6. Evaluate theological claims for internal consistency, coherence with human experience and social expression.
  7. Demonstrate the skills to write cogently, reason critically, present professionally and discuss competently.
  8. Synthesize acquired knowledge into an original work of critical scholarship.

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Featured Faculty: Petros Vamvakas

Petros Vamvakas is an Associate Professor of Political Science and Chair of the Latin American Studies, Middle East Studies and Peace Studies Programs. His work focuses on security and democratization, as well as issues related to identity and race in politics throughout the Americas. As part of his teaching, he has escorted groups of students to Crete, Greece, and will be bringing a group of students to Cuba.

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