Theology's role in Valparaiso University

The study of Theology at Valparaiso University has a long tradition. The department has deliberately chosen the term Theology rather than Religion or Religious Studies. We do study religion, and many of our courses are in religious studies. But by using the term theology we mean to assert, on the one hand, that our discipline is thoroughly academic, grounded in the liberal arts tradition of inquiry. On the other hand, while we pursue the study of religion as rigorously as any religious studies department, we maintain the importance of commitment and faith as we attend to the academic discipline.

Theology at Valparaiso University is significantly influenced by the Lutheran tradition. The Lutheran tradition has historically placed a strong emphasis on higher education, advocating the free pursuit of knowledge and truth even while holding to a stance of faith. Since we see Lutheranism as a particular perspective within the catholic Christian tradition, the theology faculty is completely ecumenical in pursuing the study of theology in the context of the whole Christian intellectual tradition. Further, study of theology means investigating all expressions of religion, especially the Jewish and Islamic traditions, as those closely associated with Christianity's own development, and including Native American religion, Buddhism, Hinduism, as well as all the other religions of the world.

Studying theology in a university setting means a constant dialogue with the other disciplines and areas of study. Material from the other academic disciplines helps to focus issues and concerns, and resources from theology can help to shape investigations in other areas of inquiry. Our programs of study are integrated into the liberal arts curriculum.

Courses offered in the Theology Department cover all the main subject areas in the study of religion. We offer a full range of courses in biblical study, church history, and historical theology. A goodly number of courses cover systematic and constructive theology, and other courses deal with the life of Christians in church and in society. Many courses take up the various religions of the world, and still others investigate the relationship of theology to modern culture in its various aspects. Each semester the department offers about 15 - 20 different courses, and over a period of two years about 40 - 50 different courses are taught, providing rich opportunities for students both to study a wide range of topics and to concentrate in depth within areas of their choice.

Courses are designed for a number of purposes. All courses assume that a student has completed at least one semester Freshman Core. A required, foundational course (THEO 200) provides Valpo students an opportunity to study the complex tradition of Christian theology in an academic way by examining its roots in Judaism, its development into diverse forms, and its engagement with today's world. Additional courses (numbered in the 300s and 400s) focus on particular subdisciplines of theology, such a bible, doctrine, ethics, or world religions. Some courses invite students into the academic study of religion; other courses help students learn pastoral knowledge and skills for life and work in the church and in society. Students are encouraged to plan their study programs so that they achieve a broad understanding of theology as a whole in addition to specializing in certain areas.

Our curriculum is designed to provide study programs for students with a variety of goals, in addition to fulfilling the general education requirements. Some students plan to go into professional church work, as deaconesses or workers in youth ministry, or to enter a seminary to pursue further training for the ministry. Other students intend to go to graduate schools to continue their academic study of religion, often in connection with some other discipline. Still other students seek to enter a careers in communications or education that involve religion or theology. Many students want their theological studies to deepen and enhance their major disciplinary work, such as in psychology, social work, history, business, and the rest. Our courses provide a firm basis and useful options for all these academic goals.

The department has constructed a theology major that introduces the student to all the major areas of theology and also allows individual choice and concentration. We hope that the use of this information, together with regular consultations with your advisor, will enable you to construct the plan of theological study that best fits your interests and purposes.

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