All programmes > Programme : Bachelor of Theology and Religious Studies (Leuven)

Bachelor of Theology and Religious Studies (Leuven)

Bachelor of Arts

Programme summary

Bachelor of Theology and Religious Studies (180 ECTS)
Abridged Programme (120 ECTS)

Education

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Objectives

The Theology and Religious Studies curriculum is aimed at the interdisciplinary and scientific study of the Catholic faith tradition in the context of a multicultural and multi-religious society and world. Academic formation intended to prepare men and women to judge and act maturely in matters related to theology and religious studies ought not only to pass on the broad lines of the tradition of research in these domains but also to focus closely on developments in the various fields of study that contribute thereto. It is for this reason that the teaching programmes offered by the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies endeavour to make a contribution to the overall formation and development of the students and to prepare them to engage in independent theological and interdisciplinary reflection on the Catholic faith tradition. At the same time, the programmes also intend to stimulate interest in the mutual relationships between the various Christian churches and between Christianity and the other world religions.
This includes:
- The development of an integrated reference framework via introductions to the primary disciplines of theology and religious studies and the philosophical and social sciences that facilitate reflection in theology and religious studies.
- The development of basic capacities specific to academic formation in theology and religious studies, including the combination of a broad scientific interest and a critical disposition with respect to the various ways in which the phenomenon of religion is presented and evaluated in the academy, in society at large and in culture.
- Preparation for more specialised study in the Master's Programme in Theology and Religious Studies following the successful completion of the Bachelor's Programme.

Final attainment levels with respect to the Programme of Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Religious Studies as a whole:
1. knowledge of and insight into the fundamental concepts and methods of theology in relation to its distinct methodological perspectives (literary-historical: biblical sciences, history of church and theology; systematic-theological: dogmatic theology, theological ethics; pastoral-theological).
2. knowledge of and insight into the fundamental concepts and methods of religious studies, inter-religious dialogue and the study of the major world religions.
3. knowledge of and insight into the fundamental concepts and methods of canon law.
4. knowledge of and insight into the fundamental concepts and methods of philosophy, social sciences and psychology with specific attention to the manner in which these disciplines endeavour to clarify and explain the phenomenon of religion.
5. the capacity to apply the insights acquired in the theological and non-theological disciplines to problems, questions and statements related to religion, fundamental life options and society.
6. the capacity to analyse matters related to church and religion and locate them within a broader framework.
7. the capacity to enter into discussion on matters related to theology and religion in a broader social context and to adopt a reasonable and responsible standpoint in such discussions.
8. the capacity to independently and adequately assimilate literature (including foreign language literature) in the field of theology and religious studies.
9. the independent composition of an annual paper under the guidance of a promoter. This implies the careful formulation of a well-defined research topic, the assimilation and analysis of the relevant literature, the provision of a coherent synthesis, articulation and evaluation of the insights contained therein and the adoption of an initial, critical perspective with respect to the acquired insights.
10. the capacity to apply acquired knowledge and competences in an elementary fashion in the contexts of teaching, liturgy and pastoral work.
11. the capacity to apply acquired knowledge and competences in an elementary fashion to social issues.
12. able to work autonomously and to collaborate.