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Theology OverviewThe Theology concentration enables participants to explore new directions that have emerged since the removal of theology as a dogmatic discipline from most liberal arts curricula. The focus is on how the divine or ultimate is conceived. Two principal approaches to that issue may be combined. The first approach is referential; it begins with the evaluation of texts, works of art, or other aspects of human production that claim to express the meaning and purpose of experience. The second approach is constructive; it involves the investigator in an analysis aimed at evaluating or contributing to religious discourse. While the critical study of religion is designed to describe and analyze religious systems within their historical settings, theology’s purpose is to engage what these systems claim to refer to.RequirementsThe principal issues of theology demand competence in several disciplines. For that reason, the Theology concentration involves courses from every division and competence (in the form of Moderation) in a discipline. By Moderation, a student should have pursued three courses in theology. Moderation in theology is to be associated with Moderation in another discipline or disciplines. By the time the Senior Project is submitted, theology courses from at least two divisions are required. The board for Moderation and the Senior Project shall include at least one member of the theology faculty. During the semester of Moderation, students who wish to concentrate in theology are to participate in a seminar, which the director of the concentration arranges. Students propose appropriate tasks of inquiry in consultation with their advisers. Students deal with properly theological questions in a critical manner and in an overtly pluralistic setting.
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