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Major in Religion & Theology
Description
Learning Outcomes
General Program Requirements
Specialization in Biblical Studies
Applied Emphasis in Intercultural Studies
Applied Emphasis in Leadership
Applied Emphasis in Youth Work
Career and Professional Paths
Description:
The influence of religion is pervasive in society and culture, from everyday life to politics. Religious beliefs influence events on a local and global scale and thus an understanding of one's own faith and the faith of others is important. Taylor's four-year (123 credit) Bachelor of Arts in Religion & Theology degree program provides students with a broad and detailed exposure to various disciplines within religious studies and theology, built upon a solid liberal arts foundation.
This program is distinctive in its major emphasis on biblical studies, balanced by sub-emphases in Christian theology and world religions. If they wish, students in the four-year BA in Religion & Theology degree program may complete a specialization in Biblical Studies. We also offer three "Applied Emphasis” specializations: one in Leadership, one in Youth Work, and a third in Intercultural Studies. These Applied Emphasis specializations consist of the same core and major as the regular BA in Religion & Theology (with some restrictions and additional requirements), and a prescribed applied minor.
Learning Outcomes:
Successful graduates of the four-year Bachelor of Arts in Religion & Theology will possess:
- A thorough knowledge of biblical and theological studies.
- An appreciation of religious studies as well as its function and significance in society.
- A broad framework for understanding the cultural, social, scientific and religious aspects of society.
- A basic understanding of biblical and theological studies.
- The ability to integrate faith and learning in a balanced world view.
- The ability to think critically and creatively, forming independent judgments about issues, values, and beliefs.
- Superior reading, writing, and communication skills, including thorough knowledge of research practice and methodology.
- Familiarity with a variety of learning and research technologies, including electronic databases and indexes, research software and the Internet.
General Program Requirements:
The major requires 42-60 credits in Religion & Theology, including:
- Biblical Studies: 15 credits consisting of REL 102, 103, 200, 3 credits of senior OT, and 3 credits of senior NT.
- Theology: 9 credits consisting of REL 262 and 360, as well as one of REL 265, 266 or 267.
- World Religions: REL 280 A/B (6 credits).
- 400-level Course Requirement: 3 credits from one of REL 400, 465 or 490.
- Senior Research Component: REL 498/499 (3 credits)
- Senior Paper in Religion & Theology I & II (Please see the Senior Paper Guidelines for more information).
- 6 - 24 credits of unspecified senior Religion & Theology courses.
- A minimum of 12 credits at the 300- or 400-level in Religion & Theology.
Click here for the 4-Year Bachelor of Arts general requirements.
Specialization in Biblical Studies:
One of the recognized strengths of the four-year Bachelor of Arts in Religion & Theology at Taylor is its breadth and depth in biblical studies. As such, it is possible for students in the four-year BA in Religion & Theology program to complete a specialization in biblical studies. This specialization provides students with a solid foundation in the primary biblical texts as well as the different scholarly methods employed to study them. Graduates with this specialization will find themselves well-prepared for graduate programs in biblical studies.
In order for this specialization to be noted on the student's transcript, candidates of four-year Bachelor of Arts in Religion & Theology, Specialization in Biblical Studies must:
- Complete the requirements of the four-year BA in Religion & Theology.
- Take at least 9 additional credits in senior biblical studies as part of their major.
- Complete at least 6 credits in one biblical language (GRK 100A/B or HEB 100A/B).
- Complete 6 credits from REL 400, 465 and 490.
- Write their senior paper (REL 498/499) on a topic in biblical studies in which they have facility with the original language (i.e., Koine Greek for New Testament studies, Classical Hebrew for Old Testament studies).
- Students with this specialization are also strongly recommended to complete a minor in Biblical Languages (18-24 credits)
Applied Emphases:
Taylor offers three Applied Emphasis specializations in the following areas: Leadership, Youth Work and Intercultural Studies. These Applied Emphasis specializations are based on the same core and major as the four-year Bachelor of Arts in Religion & Theology, but include additional requirements and prescribe an applied minor.
Applied Emphasis in Intercultural Studies:
The Applied Emphasis in Intercultural Studies is designed to prepare students for work in various intercultural settings, whether at home or abroad. This specialization mandates an applied minor in Intercultural Studies made up of courses in Intercultural Studies, Leadership, Practical Theology, as well as the Social Sciences. In order for this specialization to be noted on the student's transcript, candidates of the four-year Bachelor of Arts in Religion & Theology, Applied Emphasis in Intercultural Studies must:
- Complete the requirements of the four-year BA in Religion & Theology (see above).
- Complete HIS 290/291 as part of their four-year core
- Students are encouraged to complete PRA 235/236 in a cross-cultural setting.
- Take as part of their major: REL 265, and either REL 260 or 261.
- Complete a 21 - 24 credit applied minor with a specialization in Intercultural Studies, consisting of the following courses:
- ANT 207 Social & Cultural Anthropology
- PRA 262 Intercultural Internship
- PTH 252 Introduction to Mission
- COM 260 Intercultural Communication
- DRA 252 Public Speaking
- 3 credits of senior Social Sciences
- 3-6 credits of senior PTH or LDR electives
Applied Emphasis in Leadership
Through direct engagement of contemporary leadership studies, the BA in Religion & Theology - Applied Emphasis in Leadership will instil the basic foundations for a lifetime of leadership in contexts including ministry, business, education, not-for-profit organizations, and others. This applied emphasis mandates an interdisciplinary minor consisting of a number of courses from the Leadership program and other disciplines that focus on the application of good leadership principles.
In addition to the Learning Outcomes of the four-year BA in Religion and Theology, successful graduates with the Applied Emphasis in Leadership will have:
- Knowledge of basic leadership theories and when and how to apply them.
- Knowledge of the processes of character development and how it applies to their own lives and to the practice of leadership.
- A deeper understanding of people as individuals, as groups and in organizations and how to lead them.
- Training in the basic skills of leadership and administration.
- Practical experience in leadership applications.
In order for this specialization to be noted on the student's transcript, candidates of the four-year Bachelor of Arts in Religion & Theology, Applied Emphasis in Leadership must:
- Complete the requirements of the four-year BA in Religion & Theology (see above).
- Take the following courses as part of their four-year core: PSY 104 and 105.
- Take as part of their major: REL 265, and one of REL 266, or 267.
- Complete a 21-24 credit applied minor with a specialization in Leadership consisting of the following courses:
- DRA 252 Public Speaking
- LDR 202 Leadership Development
- LDR 305 Character Development for Leaders
- LDR 315 Principles of Administration
- LDR 356 Spirituality of Leadership
- PRA 325 Leadership Internship
- 3-6 credits of the following electives:
- LDR 227 Leading Groups and Teams
- LDR 326 Organizational Leadership
- PSY 241 Social Psychology
Applied Emphasis in Youth Work:
Students planning to work with youth, whether as a youth pastor in a church or para-church setting, or as a youth worker in a social services setting – will receive a strong foundation in the four-year Bachelor of Arts in Religion & Theology, Applied Emphasis in Youth Work program.
This degree combines strong academic training in biblical and theological studies with an interdisciplinary minor that focuses on developing a biblical philosophy and strategy for youth work and honing the essential skills necessary for successful youth ministry. In addition, this program offers a strong foundation in the liberal arts, including courses from the Social Sciences that explore cultural trends relating to today's youth. Significantly, students will not just study youth ministry in the classroom, but will also receive substantial practical experience through nine credits of supervised youth practica.
In order for this emphasis to be noted on the student’s transcript, candidates of the four-year Bachelor of Arts in Religion & Theology, Applied Emphasis in Youth Work must:
- Complete all the requirements of the four-year BA in Religion & Theology (see Academic Calendar description).
- Take the following courses as part of their four-year core: DRA 252 and 352, HIS 290/291, and PSY 104 and 105.
- Take as part of their major: REL 265, 266, 267, and 276.
- Complete a 36 credit applied minor with a specialization in Youth Work,
consisting of the following:
Youth Work Courses (12 credits)
- PTH 240 Working with Youth
- PTH 340 Advanced Youth Work
- PTH 440 Philosophy & Strategies of Youth Work
- LDR 315 Principles of Administration
- Supervised Experience (9 credits)
Must complete a total of 9 credits of supervised work in a youth setting, typically consisting of PRA 248/249 (as part of their four-year core), and PRA 348/349, PRA 370 or 371 (as part of their applied minor).
- Social Science Breadth (15 credits)
- PSY 223 Lifespan Development
- PSY 301 Introduction to Counselling
- PSY 356 Child and Adolescent Development
- SOC 100 Introduction to Sociology
- SOC 271 The Family or SOC 377 Sociology of Youth
- Six credits of senior Arts & Science electives (may not be EDU, PHE, PTH, PRA, LDR).
Career and Professional Paths:
Graduates of this program will have a broad-based education essential for making a positive contribution to society as a whole, as well as the practical and theoretical skills necessary to succeed in a variety of employment options where an undergraduate degree is necessary. More specifically, it provides a strong foundation necessary for careers in religious journalism, not-for-profit, church and para-church work. It also provides an excellent foundation for further education, whether seminary studies or graduate studies with a view to an academic career.
Click here to visit the Religion & Theology Department
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