16 courses with the subject THEO, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
THEO 104Theological Foundations3
This course presents a foundation in Theology by introducing students to Scripture and the basic tenets of the Christian faith. Personal introspection on how spirituality can and does play a role in students’ lives is encouraged by placing an emphasis on critical thinking, theological reflection, and the centrality of community. Through the lens of the Franciscan tradition and Scripture, core Christian themes are examined, including images of God, creation, Christology, social justice, the Reign of God, as well as sacraments and the Church. This course must be taken in either the first or second semester of the student’s first year at Neumann University.
Students are introduced to the impact that Franciscan thought, values, and scholarship have had on the richness of twentieth-century Catholic thought regarding such diverse social issues as just-war theory, economic justice for all, women’s issues, environmental ethics, race relations, and health care reform.
THEO 104 and PHIL 102 and a minimum of 55 earned credits.
THEO 214Themes in Christian Scripture3
This historical, literary, and contemporary survey of fundamental themes in Christian scripture is designed to foster a greater understanding of the relationship between the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament as they both influence contemporary Christian theology and living. Students come to understand the richness of scriptural wisdom through the study of such themes as creation, covenant, law, salvation, discipleship, the cross, resurrection, and love.
THEO 104 and PHIL 102 and a minimum of 55 earned credits.
THEO 215World Religions: Religion and Human Experience3
In this study of religion as a universal human experience, the rich and diverse traditions of the world’s religions, including Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam, are explored by using an interdisciplinary approach and representative readings.
THEO 104 and PHIL 102 and completed 55 credits. RISES-certified Course
THEO 220Sport and Spirituality3
In this course, students explore the myriad of ways that sport can help all individuals become whole persons who are linked more closely with God. Topics of study include sportsmanship, selflessness, discipline, play, coaching, gender differences, competition, and community. By reflecting, reading, and discussing these content areas, students discover the connections among mind, body, and spirit that are inherent components of all sport.
Credit Varies Neumann University periodically offers Special Topics courses in Theology [THEO] that reflect specific topics of study which are not part of the standard University curriculum. These courses would take the form of an in-depth study of a particular theme, subject area, or individual of importance in the field of theology. Possible topics could include Christian thinkers in perspective or the development of the Gospels. Special Topics courses in Theology that are numbered at the 126/226 level are generally open to all students and may be designated as Core courses. Courses at the 326 level are specifically designed for students at either the junior or senior level, while courses at the 426 level are only open to students with senior standing. For any given semester, course title(s) and content area(s), as well as any specified Prerequisites in addition to those listed below, are published during the preceding semester. Permission of the instructor may also be required before a student can register for any Special Topics course.
For any Special Topics Theology course at the 200-level or above, THEO 104 and PHIL 102 and completed 55 credits
THEO 230African American Spirituality3
This course offers an overview of the history, spirituality and culture of African Americans. Beginning with the greatness of Africa, the course traces their experience in America with an emphasis on the spiritual gifts of joy, community, contemplation, and holistic approach. In addition to African American history, students will be able to understand the struggle for justice from a faith perspective. This course is open to students of all faiths and races, it is meant for all to come to a deeper appreciation of the spirituality of people who descend from Africa.
THEO 104 and PHIL 102 and completed 55 credits RISES-certified Course
THEO 240Science, Faith, and Reason: Exploring the Existence of God3
Does God exist? The Divine has been sensed and responded to in many geographical, cultural, and chronological contexts. Explore the conclusions that others have come to about the relationship of faith and reason and how it has shaped their search for truth, especially regarding God and understanding the world.
The Francis and Clare of Assisi course provides an in-depth exploration of the lives of Francis and Clare of Assisi. Special attention will be given to the spirituality of these foundational figures of the Franciscan tradition. Students will draw from the examples of Francis and Clare to gain insight into their own spiritual journeys, service, and contemporary social issues. Students will also explore how the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia continue to live out the charism of Francis and Clare.
THEO 312Franciscan Dimensions of Peace and Justice3
This interdisciplinary course explores the issues of peacemaking and reconciliation, advocacy for the poor, and concern for creation. Guided by the Franciscan philosophy and belief which embraces a reverent approach to all creation, consideration is given to the effects of violence as well as to ethical and political approaches to reducing violence in the world. Using examples of those who work in nonviolent ways, the course examines strategies for distributive justice.
The primary objective of this course is to introduce the student to the theological, philosophical, and historical perspectives inherent in St. Francis’ perspective of the environment. Meeting this objective entails studying the four characteristics manifested in his character: his emulation of Christ, his devotion to poverty, his attempt to reform the rigidity of the feudal system, and his proclivity for living outdoors. These four aspects of his relationship with nature constitute the core of both the logical and affective element found in Franciscan consciousness. By examining the wisdom of St. Francis, students have the opportunity to examine contemporary issues of spirituality, ecofeminism, and deep ecology.
Credit Varies Neumann University periodically offers Special Topics courses in Theology [THEO] that reflect specific topics of study which are not part of the standard University curriculum. These courses would take the form of an in-depth study of a particular theme, subject area, or individual of importance in the field of theology. Possible topics could include Christian thinkers in perspective or the development of the Gospels. Special Topics courses in Theology that are numbered at the 126/226 level are generally open to all students and may be designated as Core courses. Courses at the 326 level are specifically designed for students at either the junior or senior level, while courses at the 426 level are only open to students with senior standing. For any given semester, course title(s) and content area(s), as well as any specified Prerequisites in addition to those listed below, are published during the preceding semester. Permission of the instructor may also be required before a student can register for any Special Topics course.
For any Special Topics Theology course at the 200-level or above, THEO 104 and PHIL 102 and completed 55 credits
THEO 330Theology of Death and Dying3
Death. It’s a part of life. This class explores how loss, grief, dying, and death relate to one’s understanding of God, and vice versa. Students are introduced to the impact that various approaches (including Franciscan), values, and scholarship (practices and schools of thought) have had on the concepts of life and death and on the field of death studies.
This course focuses on the Biblical events in which women played a pivotal role. It begins by examining the historical, cultural, and religious contexts which formed the backdrop of the Biblical texts and the lives of the select women to be studied. In addition, each woman presented will be discussed for the contributions she offered to the Biblical narrative and for the lessons which can be applied to the lives of contemporary women of the twenty-first century.
Credit Varies Students are provided with a specific assignment within a diocese, parish, or affiliated agency involving progressive learning in a setting which fosters the application and integration of theological principles in both theory and practice. Progress and summary reports and regular meetings with the faculty sponsor are required. The student is evaluated by the faculty sponsor and the field supervisor. Formal application must be made to the Coordinator of Experiential Education. The student must obtain sponsorship by a member of the Theology faculty. Course number varies with each semester. See the Cooperative Education Program section of this catalog for further information.
Completion of Co-Op Workshop, THEO 104 and PHIL 102 and completed 55 credits
THEO 426Special Topics in Theology
Credit Varies Neumann University periodically offers Special Topics courses in Theology [THEO] that reflect specific topics of study which are not part of the standard University curriculum. These courses would take the form of an in-depth study of a particular theme, subject area, or individual of importance in the field of theology. Possible topics could include Christian thinkers in perspective or the development of the Gospels. Special Topics courses in Theology that are numbered at the 126/226 level are generally open to all students and may be designated as Core courses. Courses at the 326 level are specifically designed for students at either the junior or senior level, while courses at the 426 level are only open to students with senior standing. For any given semester, course title(s) and content area(s), as well as any specified Prerequisites in addition to those listed below, are published during the preceding semester. Permission of the instructor may also be required before a student can register for any Special Topics course.
