CC 215: The Christian Tradition (THEO 200 and WIC Course)

3 Credits

Section A: MWF 12:30-1:20 p.m. – Professor Smith

Section B: MWF 1:30-2:20 p.m. – Professor Smith

Section C: TR 3:00-4:15 p.m. – Professor Gehrke

This course introduces students to central developments in the history of Christianity and to diverse forms of Christianity today. It also explores the nature and purpose of Christian theology and encourages students to reflect more deeply on their own religious convictions and questions. The course focuses on the close reading and discussion of primary texts in the Christian intellectual and spiritual tradition. Readings include selections from the Bible and the writings of various classical theologians, such as St. Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Martin Luther, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer, as well as contemporary theologians from a variety of Christian traditions and perspectives.

The course aims to strengthen the student’s: (1) knowledge of Christian theology and practice; (2) ability to read theological texts closely and to think critically about them; and (3) communication and research skills.

Requirements include actively participating in class discussions and writing a variety of papers to be determined by the individual section instructor (approximately 15-20 pages total over the course of the semester).