Department of Religious and Theological Studies

School of Arts and Sciences

Religious and Theological Studies at Merrimack College investigate the meaning and purpose of life through a study of Christianity and other religious traditions. As a department at a Catholic and Augustinian institution of higher education, we ensure that students encounter the richness of the Catholic spiritual, intellectual and ecclesial tradition in the course of their study, and that they are introduced to the life, thought and influence of Saint Augustine.

Religious and Theological studies enable students to engage in the intellectually rigorous study of religion. The Department offers a comprehensive program that not only investigates many aspects of Christianity, but also provides opportunities for the study of other religions .

Courses in this department enable students to:

Understand the world around them by analyzing the religious influences in history, politics, science, and economics.
Explore the most pressing ethical issues of the day, as well as the psychological and sociological forces that shape the human search for meaning.
Develop analytical and writing skills, as well as a cross-cultural understanding and appreciation of the diversity of American culture and religion.
Attain a better understanding of themselves, their values and what ultimately makes them happy and fulfilled.

Because religion addresses these most basic questions, it also involves controversial topics. By becoming a Religious and Theological Studies major or minor one engages some of the most exhilarating ideas, persons, and movements in human history. The ideas, readings and conversations encourage one to reflect on the meaning and direction of one’s own life and relationship to the eternal.

Opportunities include a major in religious and theological studies, a general minor in religious and theological studies, and interdisciplinary minors in Catholic Studies, Science and Religion, and-Interreligious Relations.

The introductory courses are given numbers at the 1000 level because they engage general essential topics in the study of religion and theology and are appropriate for first year students. All other courses are given numbers in the 2000, 3000, and 4000 range. These numbers are intended to indicate the progressively more challenging nature of the courses.

Learning Goals. Upon successful completion of a major in Religious and Theological Studies the student will be able to:

Demonstrate knowledge of central terms, ideas and issues; major theories; and historical, social, and cultural contexts that have influenced and are influenced by religion and religions;
Demonstrate writing and research skills including description, analysis and argumentation, ability to locate relevant information, and familiarity and usage of reference sources and styles;
Demonstrate understanding of material through integrating theory with evidence using proper methodology;
Demonstrate understanding of the moral dimension of human life through ethical, critical and personal reflection.

Undergraduate degree programs offered by the Department:

Major(s)

Religious and Theological Studies, B.A.

Minor(s)

Catholic Studies

Interreligious Relations

Religious and Theological Studies

Science and Religion