Theology

Christina Astorga, Ph.D., chair

Faculty: Allison, Astorga, Baasten, Butkus, Cameron, Cooper, Deming, Dempsey, Gaudino, Gordon, Hosinski, McLean, McManus, Poorman, Sanchez

The Department of Theology is one of the most direct and visible ways in which the University promotes its mission as an independent, Catholic university committed to the tenets of faith and service. From both Catholic and ecumenical perspectives, it provides an education in the content and methods of Catholic theology across the major sub-disciplines of the field: biblical studies, historical theology, systematic theology, theological ethics, liturgical and sacramental theology, and spirituality. It also offers interdisciplinary courses, listed in the course offerings under “Theological Perspectives” (THEP). The interdisciplinary courses are co-taught by a theologian and member of another department, such as history, communication studies, or sociology.

A degree in theology provides a foundation for critical, spiritual, and ethical reflection; for scholarship and scholarly dialogue; for teaching; and for pastoral service and administration.

Learning Outcomes for Theology Majors

Theology graduates of the University of Portland should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the content and methodologies of the major sub-disciplines of Catholic theology by examining issues through the lenses of each of the sub-disciplines.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of how these sub-disciplines inform and support one another by approaching a particular issue through the combined lenses of two or more of these sub-disciplines.
3. Demonstrate a theological understanding of the ethical aspects of both individual and social actions by writing essays that examine the ethical side of human actions in a manner that is coherent, analytical, and theologically reflective.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of religious faith.
   1. Discern the place of faith in one’s own life.
   2. Discern the place of faith in the lives of others.

Capstone Experience

In the fall of his or her senior year, a theology major will write a formal paper of substantive length, usually 12-18 pages, whose thesis and thesis development integrate the methodologies and perspectives of at least two sub-disciplines of theology, e.g., ethics and spirituality, or biblical studies and systematics. At the end of the fall semester this paper will be submitted to the theology faculty for evaluation. In the spring semester of his or her senior year, the student will enroll in the one-credit capstone course (THE 499).

300 vs. 400-Level Courses

Most theology (THE) courses are offered on a 300 and a 400 level. Both designations satisfy the University core requirement for an "upper-division" theology course. Courses under the 300 designation are intended for students taking their third theology course in fulfillment of the University core requirements (i.e., the majority of students). The 400 designation is intended for theology majors, minors, and other students with a special interest in theology. Courses at the 400-level do not entail more work, but provide assignments more suited to students interested in theology beyond just the core requirements.

Theological perspectives (THEP) courses carry either a 300 or a 400 level designation, depending on the needs of the cross-listed discipline. The number does not indicate the relative difficulty of the course. Both are considered "upper-division" courses.