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Department of

Theology and Religious Studies

Program Goals with Aligned Program Learning Outcomes

Since 1998, the Department of Theology and Religious Studies has had in place goal statements and assessment strategies for both our major and our Core courses.

The major in Theology and Religious Studies is designed to achieve the following goals and aligned learning outcomes:

  • Goal 1: Students will learn the basic terms and definitions of theology and religious studies and be able to explain, analyze, and evaluate fundamental issues that frame theological and religious inquiry.
    • Program Learning Outcome 1
      Students will be able to evaluate the fundamental issues that frame theological and religious inquiry, particularly in relation to the claims of Christian doctrine, ethics, social teaching or spiritual/sacramental practices.
    • Program Learning Outcome 2
      Students will be able to explain and analyze the categories, symbols, and practices of at least one non-Christian religion, including critical methods for analyzing the content of religious texts.
    • Program Learning Outcome 3
      Students will be able to analyze and evaluate specific cases of interplay between religion and broader social, cultural, and political structures and norms.
  • Goal 2: Students will gain an understanding of methodologies and research techniques standard in theology and religious studies.
    • Program Learning Outcome 4
      Students will be able to explain and apply at least two methodologies and research techniques that are standard in the fields of theology and religion, such as the following approaches: analytical, historical, literary, hermeneutical, social-scientific, comparative, critical theory.
    • Program Learning Outcome 5
      Students will be able to apply and evaluate critical methods for analyzing the content of the Bible.
  • Goal 3: Students will acquire effective communication skills in theology and religious studies.
    • Program Learning Outcome 6
      Students will be able to communicate effectively in writing that is clear, coherent, well-developed, and expressive of complex thought.
    • Program Learning Outcome 7
      Students will exhibit the skills of formal and conversational speech necessary to communicate within the discipline.