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ThM and pre-2007 MTS Areas I, II, and IIIThe classification of courses into Areas I, II, and III applies to
See Course Listings by ThM and pre-2007 MTS Area I, II, and III for courses that may be used to fulfill requirements in each Area. Jump to Area descriptions: Area I | Area II | Area III Area I - Scripture and InterpretationArea I aims to provide students with a thorough critical knowledge of the Bible, its environment, and the history of its interpretation. The major focus of the Area is on historical-critical scholarship and interpretation. This approach to the basic document of the Jewish and Christian heritage and to all the evidence, literary and other, pertinent to understanding it, recognizes the gap between the present and the historical past and questions facile claims that the Bible stands in unchanged continuity with that past. It seeks to discover the particular identity of the past and to allow the message of the Bible to challenge the authenticity of any modern interpretation. It also seeks to disclose previously hidden dimensions of the experience of ancient religious communities and their critical discourse with their environment. It is an approach that attempts to be critical not only of the materials with which it works, but also of its own presuppositions. Recognizing the wide diversity in the historical evolution of biblical faith has a double effect: It increases the capacity to evaluate the multiple options revealed in a historical process, and it decreases the inclination toward unquestioning conformity. The historical-critical approach enables the interpreter to bring to light alternative religious developments, ones that belong neither to the dominant view of the time nor to subjugated cultures and religions. Students thus gain a better understanding of the approaches to scripture in their own and other traditions, as well as a more realistic appreciation of the unifying forces involved in the historical process as a whole. Students in Area I are introduced to the problems of interpreting texts and to the various aspects of the process by which writings have become canonical both in antiquity and in the present. They are made aware of the problems raised by authoritative texts and interpretations, and in particular of the relationship between the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament and how these have been perceived in history. Students are exposed to various exegetical methods and made aware both of the interplay between the texts and their environment and of that between subsequent interpreters and their contexts. The purpose is to foster in the students a sense of self-awareness and self-criticism in the face of modern interpretive forces. Students are taught to understand the many problems of translation; the study of the original biblical languages is strongly encouraged. In addition, the various methods of form and literary criticism are taught with a view to understanding the meaning of biblical texts in the original setting. The process involves a broad acquaintance with the history and sociology of religion. Synthetic approaches are taken through courses in biblical theology and ethics, and attention is paid to the history of traditions and their transmission and interpretation. Students are thus able to evaluate anew the origins and growth of the Bible with an enriched understanding of their own traditions and other religious positions. Within Area I, courses are listed in two categories: general courses and seminars. These distinctions do not necessarily suggest the levels of the various courses, but rather indicate content and approach. General courses are those that are more broadly based, covering a wide range of material or span of history. Seminars are those courses taught by the seminar rather than the lecture method; advanced-level seminars are so designated in the course descriptions. Area II - Christianity and CultureArea II attempts to bring the resources of Christian traditions (including those scriptural resources that are the special concern of Area I) into relationship with the institutions and problems of modern life (including the religious pluralism that is the special focus of Area III) in such a way as to enable students to think critically about contemporary issues and to decide and act intelligently with respect to them. In their historical focus, studies in Area II emphasize the origins, presuppositions, and developments of religious life, experience, and thought, and their conditioning by political, cultural, and social factors. These courses analyze processes of accommodation, critical evaluation, and creative discovery, just as diverse Christian communities and their leading exponents have endeavored to define and to redefine their religious inheritance to find appropriate symbols and creeds to formulate and express their experience and commitment. In fostering students' awareness of the historical conditioning of their religious traditions, the study of Christianity and culture in historical perspective attempts to develop students' abilities in critical discernment. As students learn to understand the causes and results of the adventures, successes, and failures of faith, theological construction, and religious commitment in the past, they are enabled to develop criteria for discernment with respect to the present and future consequences of today's decisions and developments. In their contemporary focus, studies in Area II offer opportunities for students to develop a self-consciousness about their own convictions, considering both the historical roots of those convictions and the challenges arising from other religious and secular positions; to learn to conceptualize and to formulate systematically their own theological positions; to appreciate and to understand with empathy the significance of different traditions and religious experiences; and to articulate clearly and concisely a theological understanding of human life in terms intelligible to others. These studies emphasize not only the development of a critical Christian theology and Christian ethical values and moral norms; they also explore processes of decision making and approaches to moral action that are effective, humane, and responsible instruments of liberation. Of particular note are the resources of the Area in women's studies. These offerings allow students the option of concentrating, within a chosen field of Area II, on feminist theory and investigating aspects of women's religious experience and history. The study of contemporary society and its institutions, both at home and abroad, enables students to discern oppressive structures and their harmful potential; to understand the effects of traditional prejudice, selfishness, guilt, and complacency upon the lives of people; and to become aware of the dangers of political, religious, and moral self-righteousness. Area III - Religions of the WorldThe study of the religions of the world is undertaken in Area III with four objectives in view: Descriptive: Comparative: Normative: Dialogical: Within Area III, courses are listed in three categories: general courses, special topics, and seminars. These distinctions do not necessarily suggest the levels of the various courses, but rather indicate content and approach. General courses are those that are more broadly based, covering a wide range of material or span of history. Courses listed as special topics are those more specifically focused on one aspect of the material of the Area. Seminars are those courses taught by the seminar rather than the lecture method; advanced-level seminars are so designated in the course descriptions.
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