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Another FaCTS Mellon Project

Promoting Self-Authorship Through Theological Inquiry

Dr. Mark A. Gstohl

by Dr. Mark A. Gstohl

The proposed project will involve students in THEO 1100: The Christian Faith, a course generally taken by freshman and sophomores. Students will be challenged to critically evaluate divergent views of several theological beliefs in order to author and internalize their own viewpoints on the beliefs. Students will utilize Juan Luis Segundo's concept of the hermeneutic circle in interpreting and analyzing theological ideas debated throughout the Christian theological tradition. Beliefs will be explored through the examination of original sources, their historical contexts, as well as their application to contemporary events. Baxter Magolda also defines self-authorship as "the internal capacity to define one's beliefs, identity, and social relations." Students will develop and define their beliefs through readings, lectures, group discussions, and written work.

Start date: Thursday, April 28, 2011
Finish date: Saturday, April 28, 2012