Theology Major
By the end of their studies for the major in theology, students will be able to do the following things: demonstrate knowledge of the basic categories of theological reflection: biblical, historical, systematic and ethical; analyze texts for their theological content according to their particular literary genres and historical contexts, using effective theological argumentation; utilize effective theological methods of research and argumentation.
Thirty-three hours, Theology 1 plus 30 upper division hours:
Either two-course sequence, THEO 100/103 or THEO 101/102; THEO 106; THEO 135; one course from THEO 137, 140, 142, 146; two courses from THEO 155, 157, 158; one course from THEO 165, 166, 167, 168; one course from THEO 126, 182, 184, 185, 186; and THEO 197. Depending on a student's preparation and educational needs, other courses may be substituted by approval of the departmental adviser who may also suggest cognate courses in other departments. Students preparing for graduate studies in theology are encouraged to begin courses in a necessary classical (Greek/Hebrew/Latin) or modern language (French/German).
Major in Catholic Theology (Teaching Major)
This major is particularly focused on preparing future teachers of theology in Catholic high schools. Students taking this major are required to complete,
in addition to a series of theology courses, required courses in the School of Education’s teacher education sequence. At the conclusion of the program,
each student should be able 1) to demonstrate a basic knowledge of Scripture, Church history, Catholic doctrine, and ethics, 2) to demonstrate an understanding of and appreciation for the Catholic intellectual and theological tradition, 3) to use critical tools in reading and interpreting the texts of the
Christian tradition, 4) to provide evidence for effective skills in oral and written communication, 5) to demonstrate in practice knowledge of educational
methods and effective skills sufficient for teaching at the high school level.
Program Requirements:
Thirty-six hours in Theology: THEO 1 (Introduction); Theo 100 (Old Testament Overview); Theo 101 (New Testament Overview); Theo 106 (Theology Through the Centuries); Theo 155 (Jesus the Christ); Theo 157 (Church); Theo 158 (Sacraments); Theo 179 (Special Topics in Moral Theology); Three elective courses (nine credits) from the Third Level of courses, and Theo 197 (Capstone Course; senior year).
Nineteen hours in Education: EDUC 008: Introduction to Schooling in a Diverse Society (3 credits, 10 hours field work—freshman or sophomore year); EDUC 078: Psychology of Human Development in Children and Adolescents in a Diverse Society (3 credits, freshman or sophomore year); EDUC 079: Using Technology for Learning and Assessment (3 credits, sophomore year); EDUC 125: Literacy in the Content Areas (3 credits, 20 hours field work, Junior year); EDUC 128: Teaching in the Middle School (4 credits, 20 hours field work, Junior year); and EDUC 165: Strategies in Religious Education (3 credits, 40 hours field work, Senior year).
Theology Core curriculum
The University Core of Common Studies (UCCS) Theology requirement for graduation consists of a six-hour sequence of two courses: THEO 1 and any second-level course (THEO 100-119) accepted by the University into its UCCS (accepted courses are marked as such in the Undergraduate Bulletin). In addition to this UCCS two-course Theology requirement, the Helen Way Klingler College of Arts and Sciences requires an additional Theology course to be chosen from among any of the third-level Theology courses (THEO 120-199). Students may choose as electives additional courses, beyond the requirements of their college, from both the second- and third-level offerings.
The comprehensive educational goal of the theology curriculum is theological literacy, that is, an intellectual formation – to a level legitimately expected of graduates of a Catholic university – that habituates students, through investigation of various theological sources, to approaches, responses, and critiques appropriate to the academic discipline of theology, which is faith seeking understanding. Three specific objectives guide the theology curriculum. Every course is designed, first, to increase the student’s awareness of the mystery and religious dimensions of human life, particularly as conveyed in the basic narrative outline of salvation history, from creation to fulfillment in Jesus Christ, which characterizes the Christian worldview. This objective takes precedence in the first course, “Introduction to Theology,” THEO 1; this first-level course introduces key sources and questions of theology, at the same time as it provides the student with a necessary knowledge base.
While cultivating the student’s growing base of factual knowledge, courses go on to provide the student with training in theological understanding, primarily through the reading and interpreting of significant texts. Second-level courses have as their objective the exploration of theological texts and interconnections – especially regarding representations of God, religious community, and the human person. Second-level courses are designed to develop the skills required for such understanding. The knowledge and skills garnered in second-level courses are essential background for enabling students to achieve the objectives of the third-level courses.
Third-level courses, by investigating particular theological topics with discipline-specific methods, develop in students the critical habit of seeing into the depth-dimension of reality in light of religious faith and its historical effects on human societies. A wide variety of third-level classes, all building on the first-level and the second-level courses, develop this critical habit in the student. Third-level offerings include interdisciplinary courses to investigate theological questions; courses that focus on a particular person, time period, or topic; courses that examine the impact of religion on our daily lives; and courses that explore non-Christian religious traditions. As the culmination of the three-course sequence, these courses aim to produce Jesuit university graduates who are able to discern the perennially significant in the complexity and conflicting values of modern life, men and women for others, intellectually prepared to find God in all things. Building on the achievements of the first-level and second-level courses, third-level courses aim in a special way to encourage students to become responsible citizens, drawn to the intellectual life, knowledgeable about their own religious traditions, and appreciative of the religious beliefs and practices of others in the human community.
In all courses, theological issues are introduced and discussed with respect for others in keeping with the Declaration on Religious Liberty of the Second Vatican Council.
Theology Department Mission Statement
Marquette University defines itself as Christian, Catholic, Jesuit, urban, and independent. The Department of Theology functions within the university to investigate and understand the Catholic tradition, its relation to other Christian communions, and to other religions of the world. Read more of our mission statement.
