THEO 353 - 01E

Regular Academic Session

5889

Undergraduate

3 units

Graded Alpha

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This course investigates the historical, social, ritual and reflective positions of one or more religious traditions. It likewise develops the student's abilities to use contemporary methods of historical, theological, and social scientific analysis of religious traditions.

Undergraduate Research

Engaged Learning

This class satisfies the Engaged Learning requirement in the Undergraduate Research category. In a time of growing interest and technological developments in Artificial Intelligence, the question of what it means to be human has taken on renewed significance. Religious traditions have always sought to define humanity in relationship to God and the rest of creation. In this course, we will explore these definitions. Beginning with answers from sacred texts and tracing these through later interpretation, we will examine the foundations of various theological anthropologies before moving on to engaging modern examples of what it means to be (and act) 'human' in popular culture. Through film, television, literature, and social media, we will draw comparisons between religious definitions and their contemporary expressions. Assignments will include an oral midterm exam, leading an in-class discussion, and a multi-part research assignment. This course serves as the capstone for Theology and Religious Studies majors but is open to anyone with instructor permission. The course also fulfills the Engaged Learning requirement for undergraduate research and culminates in work presented at Loyola's Weekend of Excellence.

Lauren O'Connell

TuTh 2:30PM - 3:45PM

01/12/2026 - 05/02/2026

In person

Lake Shore Campus

Lake Shore Campus

Open

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