| Ministries, Concentration & Emphases: ELCA Rostered Ministries: |
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RELIGION & SCIENCE EMPHASIS
Goals | Elements | Course Requirements | Field Component | Senior Project | Summary | Director
This curricular emphasis enables M.Div. and M.A. students to acquire knowledge and expertise in the field of religion-and-science. It will help students to establish competency in various aspects of the dialogue between theology and science. It will equip students to participate in public dialogue about the significance and impact of science, technology and religion on their own society as well as in a global perspective.
To gain knowledge about the history and the current status of the relationship between science and religion with special emphasis on Christian theology
To gain knowledge about scientific methodology and scientific theories
To gain knowledge about basic concepts and methods of dialogue and the ability to use them in scholarly and popular communication
To understand the dynamics and correlation between scientific and religious literacy
To grow in personal integration of faith in knowledge and the knowledge of faith and their common responsibility for the world
To develop skills to make this a field of life-long learning
Course requirements
Regular participation in religion and science activities offered by ZCRS or other comparable institutions, including one meeting per semester with the coordinator and others in the emphasis
A senior project with concluding evaluation
Upon completion of the program, the student will receive a letter of recognition and a statement on the transcript that she or he has successfully completed the requirements for the Religion-and-Science Emphasis.
The emphasis coordinator and advisor to the students in the program normally is the faculty person who serves as the director of the Zygon Center for Religion and Science (ZCRS). In light of varying levels of background knowledge in science and theology, students are encouraged to plan their studies individually with their advisors. The following five themes serve as guidelines for the planning process: science literacy, theology literacy, philosophical knowledge, ethical knowledge, dialogue and diapraxis in religion and science.
M.Div. students should elect this option no later than the fall semester of their Middler year by (1) contacting the emphasis coordinator and (2) filing the proper application with the Registrar’s office. M.A. students should elect this option by the end of their first semester.
The Epic of Creation (first year of emphasis)
Advanced seminar in religion and science (second year of emphasis)
One advanced course in theology pending approval of the instructor
Write papers or do projects on religion-and-science issues in two or more classes in the M.Div. or M.A. program, potentially in any of the basic required courses as well as electives. Arrangements will be worked out between the student and individual faculty in conformity with the nature and goals of the course. (No more than two courses in any one division.)
Students are encouraged to take advantage of course offerings relevant to their emphasis at ACTS schools and at the University of Chicago.
One or more of the following options:
Active participation in a science-and-religion conference
Conduct a series of adult forums on religion-and-science
For students with backgrounds in theology and philosophy, a practicum in a laboratory (or equivalent) for a minimum of 40 hours is desired.
Senior Project with Concluding Evaluation
The student is to complete a senior project for course credit (thesis or paper) in accordance with the guidelines established by the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. Other options may be considered in consultation with the Coordinator. A concluding evaluation is aimed at helping students to integrate the experiences from the different components of their program as well as reflecting on their vocational direction.
The Religion and Science Emphasis includes the following components:
Meeting every semester with the coordinator and others in the emphasis
Participating in the Epic of Creation course
Participating in the Advanced Seminar in Religion and Science
Taking an advanced course in theology
Writing papers or doing projects on Religion and Science in two or more regular courses
Participating in at least one Religion and Science conference/symposium
Completing a senior project with summative evaluation
There is great flexibility in the emphasis for interested students to develop a program designed especially for their backgrounds, needs and interests.
Director of Religion and Science Emphasis
For more information, contact Lea F. Schweitz, associate director of the Zygon Center for Religion and Science at lschweitz@lstc.edu or 773-256-0775.
