Liberal Arts Perspectives: Theological

Theological Perspectives

Core Course Description

In an effort to increase student understanding of the purpose of and interconnectivity between core courses, the syllabus should include the following statement (which is not a Catalog text):

"Here you will have the opportunity to deepen your understanding of theological reasoning as applied to a topic you found interesting in THEO 111 or your other courses. A wide variety of courses allow you to choose from investigating a focused topic in Bible, Historical Theology, Christian Systematic Theology (which organizes Christian beliefs into systems, examining the nature of God, the basis of the Church, and other topics), Ethics (answering the question of what ought we to do), Environmental Theology, Pastoral Theology, or Religions and Culture (including courses in major world religions). You will emerge with a heightened ability to engage with theological resources and a deeper understanding of theological reflection."

Student Learning Objectives

Student Learning Objectives are assessable and must be included in all syllabi. SLOs will be measured through the efforts of the Core Curriculum Assessment Committee and possibly through student evaluations. Each syllabus should contain the following:

"This course is part of the Xavier Core Curriculum, which aims to develop people of learning and reflection, integrity and achievement, in solidarity for and with others. It addresses the following core learning objectives at the intermediate level:

1a: Students recognize and cogently discuss significant questions in the humanities, arts, and the natural and social sciences.

[Instructors are also highly encouraged to include one or both of:]

3a: Students identify and critically assess multiple dimensions of an ethical issue in an attempt to reach a conclusion.

3b. Students examine the nature of beauty, truth, and virtue as means of gaining a sense of the divine.

[The above is a minimum for Theological Perspectives. Individual instructors are encouraged to add other core SLOs as appropriate.]

In addition to Xavier core learning objectives, this course includes these other key learning objectives:

[Additional SLOs to be determined by individual instructors/departments]"

Course Principles

Course principles are to be addressed substantively through topics and graded assignments in every course fitting the description. While these need not be stated in the syllabus, faculty are encouraged to regularly point out how assignments are achieving these goals.

1. [TBD]

Approval Procedure

Theological Perspectives courses are offered by the Theology Department. If you would like to teach a Theological Perspectives course, submit your request to the Theology Department Chair, who will review it and make a recommendation to CCC.