THEO 1000 Theological Questions — 4 credits

A class for first-time students of theology, this course is designed to familiarize them with the Christian tradition — its scripture, history and documents — as well as with the resources and methods of Christian theology. Taught every term, it provides a foundation of readings and skills to prepare students for further study of theology. The questions considered vary from instructor to instructor and from term to term. Offered in the College for Women and the College for Adults. Recommended for first-time students of theology. (2000 level theology courses are also recommended for first-time theology students.).

THEO 2000 Maiden - Mother - Crone: Life Stages and the Spiritual Journey — 4 credits

This course is an introductory theological reflection on spiritual life as it is experienced in events, stages and passages. Special emphasis is given to the challenges of Christian women's spiritual development. Offered in the College for Women. Also offered as WOST 2000.

THEO 2040W The Sacramental Life — 3 credits

This course examines the relationship between illness, healing, and the Roman Catholic tradition of sacramental encounter. Course topics include Christian creedal statements, exploration of the spiritual disciplines within life and work, the relationship of spirituality to the healing arts, the meaning of and response to suffering, and the charism of healing. Offered in the College for Adults.

THEO 2050 Passion, Violence, Praise: Exploring the Old Testament — 4 credits

This is an introductory study of selected areas of the Old Testament in its original context. Emphasis is upon careful reading of the text in dialogue with modern approaches to scriptural study. As a beginning-level course, it requires no prior knowledge of the Bible. Offered in the College for Women and the College for Adults.

THEO 2060 Freedom, Justice, and Liberation Theology Today — 4 credits

Theology is rooted in human experiences of encountering God in this world, and the particular experiences of various oppressed communities have given rise to a rich body of theological reflection. The many varieties of liberation theology all focus attention on how theological ideas are not limited to the church or the classroom, but affect our lives, our commitments, and our choices in powerful ways. In this course, we will explore how liberation theology, which starts from the perspective of the oppressed, presents theological ideas about God, Jesus, community, motherhood, creation/the ecological crisis, and other topics. Each offering of this course will focus on a particular variety of liberation theology, such as Black and womanist theology; Latino/a and mujerista theology; Asian and minjung theology; African theologies; or Native American theology. Students may earn credit under this course number more than once for different liberation theologies. Also offered as CRST 2060. Offered in the College for Women.

THEO 2100 New Testament: This Far by Faith — 4 credits

This is an introductory study of selected areas of the New Testament in its original context. Emphasis is upon careful reading of the text in dialogue with modern approaches to scriptural study. As a beginning-level course, it requires no prior knowledge of the Bible. Also offered as CRST.

THEO 2120 Living Faith: Encountering the Holy in Everyday Experience — 4 credits

An introduction to the Christian faith with particular attention to the experience of women: faith as it is understood and as it is lived; faith and culture; faith and doubt. Also offered as WOST.

THEO 2200 Theological Ethics — 4 credits

This course is an introduction to the search for the norms of human conduct in the light of revelation. It involves a discussion of human nature, freedom, responsibility, conscience, sin, ethical norms and personal development in Christ. Application of Christian norms to selected ethical problems. Offered in the College for Women and the College for Adults.

THEO 2400 Jesus of Nazareth - Christ of Faith — 4 credits

This course is a study of who Jesus was in his original Jewish context, and who he is for Christians today. The variety of ways that Jesus is understood around the globe, especially by women in diverse cultures, will be explored through artwork as well as traditional written theology. Connections between doctrines about the mission and identity of Jesus and current issues (such as the environmental crisis and issues of race and decolonization) will be critically analyzed.

THEO 2500 Health, Illness and Healing: Theology for Health Care Professionals — 4 credits

This course is intended for students already working in health care professions. The course addresses fundamental questions of health and healthcare in the light of Christian theology—questions including the nature of health and the purposes of health care; Christian conceptions of persons as physical, psychological, social and spiritual wholes; the existence and meaning of suffering; and practices of love and justice as Christian responses to suffering. The course considers a diversity of theological perspectives on these topics and other selected ethical problems in the field of health care. It also invites students to articulate an understanding of their vocation as health care professionals in relation to their own theological convictions. Offered in the College for Adults.

THEO 2600W All are Welcome - Church as Beloved Community — 4 credits

How did the community of Jesus’ disciples become a Church of 2.2 billion people spread around the globe? What is the relationship between the Church as we know it here in the United States in the 21st century, and the Church as it exists in other parts of the world? Why is church membership declining precipitously in Europe and North America today, but rising just as sharply elsewhere? The course will look both to history and to contemporary accounts of faith communities for its answers. The history, contributions, and perspectives of Asian, African, African American and Latinx Christians will be a major focus of the course. Also offered as CRST. Offered in the College for Women.

THEO 2684 Directed Study — 4 credits

Directed study is provided for students whose unusual circumstances prohibit taking a regularly scheduled course but who need the material of that course to satisfy a requirement. Availability of this faculty-directed learning experience depends on faculty time and may be limited in any given term and restricted to certain courses.
Prerequisites: Faculty, department chair and dean approval.

THEO 2750 Christian Spirituality — 4 credits

This course is an introduction to the Christian spiritual tradition, relying on the study of selected major primary sources. Descriptions of the movements of the inner life of believers will be critiqued in the light of contemporary spiritualities.

THEO 2850 Social Justice: A Theological Perspective — 4 credits

This course explores the theological foundations of the Christian commitment to social justice, the contribution of Catholic social teaching and liberation theology. It also may include consideration of a variety of contemporary social issues, depending on the instructor and the term. Excellent as a preparation for CORE 3990W Global Search for Justice.

THEO 2994 Topics — 4 credits

The subject matter of the course is announced in the annual schedule of classes. Content varies, but will not duplicate existing courses. Offered in the College for Women.
Prerequisite: One theology course.

THEO 3390 The Bible Goes to the Movies — 4 credits

This is a study of how the Bible has been interpreted through film, involving the viewing and evaluation of film in relationship to relevant readings from the Bible. Careful reading and analysis of biblical texts is involved, as well as comparison of the Bible with the filmmaker's reading and interpretation of texts.

THEO 3930W Christian Women Mystics — 4 credits

This course is an examination of the lives and writing of selected Christian women mystics across the centuries. Their lives and works are studied within the ecclesiastical context of their times and with a view to their enduring meaning for today’s Christians. Also offered as WOST 3930W.
Prerequisite: One theology course.

THEO 3994 Topics — 4 credits

The subject matter of the course is announced in the annual schedule of classes. Content varies, but will not duplicate existing courses. Offered in the College for Women.
Prerequisite: One theology course.

THEO 4604 Internship — 4 credits

This is a structured out-of-class learning experience that takes place on- or off-campus and includes a substantial work component. An internship involves students in a particular profession in an exploratory way to test career interests and potential. To initiate an internship experience, meet with the internship coordinator in the Career Development Office.
Prerequisites: Faculty sponsorship and approval by department chair.

THEO 4684 Directed Study — 4 credits

Directed study is provided for students whose unusual circumstances prohibit taking a regularly scheduled course but who need the material of that course to satisfy a requirement. Availability of this faculty-directed learning experience depends on faculty time and may be limited in any given term and restricted to certain courses.
Prerequisites: Faculty, department chair and dean approval.

THEO 4764 Practicum - S/U Grading Only — 4 credits

A practicum allows students to gain credit for certain non-classroom experiences. It is normally open to pastoral ministry students to meet the field education requirement for the certificate. Credit for the experience is requested before beginning the experience. Offered in the College for Women and the College for Adults.
Prerequisite: Permission of the department chair.

THEO 4951 Independent Study — 1 credit

THEO 4952 Independent Study — 2 credits

Independent study offers students the opportunity for specialized research not covered in a course offering, by the action project or thesis. Students work with a faculty advisor to develop a learning contract, which specifies the content and objectives of the study as well as the requirements and procedures for evaluation. The amount of credit earned for the study also is included in the learning contract.
Prerequisites: Permission of the faculty and department chair or program director.

THEO 4954 Independent Study — 4 credits

Independent study offers students the opportunity for specialized research not covered in a course offering, by the action project or thesis. Students work with a faculty advisor to develop a learning contract, which specifies the content and objectives of the study as well as the requirements and procedures for evaluation. The amount of credit earned for the study also is included in the learning contract.
Prerequisites: Permission of the faculty and department chair or program director.

THEO 4994 Topics — 4 credits

The subject matter of the course is announced in the annual schedule of classes. Content varies, but will not duplicate existing courses.
Prerequisite: One theology course.