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Author Topic:   A big decision
joshua221 
Inactive Member


Message 1 of 44 (256356)
11-02-2005 7:57 PM


Say I want to
Major in Theology
Minor in Philosophy
What other courses am I required to take, and/or should definately take with these as my choices?
Generally in most colleges.

Replies to this message:
 Message 2 by nwr, posted 11-02-2005 8:04 PM joshua221 has not replied
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 Message 8 by robinrohan, posted 11-02-2005 11:12 PM joshua221 has not replied
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nwr
Member
Posts: 6409
From: Geneva, Illinois
Joined: 08-08-2005
Member Rating: 5.3


Message 2 of 44 (256357)
11-02-2005 8:04 PM
Reply to: Message 1 by joshua221
11-02-2005 7:57 PM


Major in Theology
Minor in Philosophy
I advise against it.
Better idea: Major in history (or biology or anthropology or mathematics) and minor in philosophy.
If you really want to go into theology, do that as a masters degree program after you have finished your bachelor's.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1 by joshua221, posted 11-02-2005 7:57 PM joshua221 has not replied

  
Brian
Member (Idle past 4981 days)
Posts: 4659
From: Scotland
Joined: 10-22-2002


Message 3 of 44 (256358)
11-02-2005 8:04 PM
Reply to: Message 1 by joshua221
11-02-2005 7:57 PM


It depends on where you want to study. Which, in turn, will depend on the specialist subjects of the staff.
I would say that you should try to get into a reputable uni if you want to have any leverage with your degree, but theology and philosophy are so complex that it is impossible to say which courses are compulsory.
However, which ever uni you go to will have compulsory core units that everyone will have to take before you move on to a semester where you have choices.
What is it that you hope to do with your degree?
Brian.

This message is a reply to:
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gene90
Member (Idle past 3845 days)
Posts: 1610
Joined: 12-25-2000


Message 4 of 44 (256363)
11-02-2005 8:24 PM
Reply to: Message 3 by Brian
11-02-2005 8:04 PM


I would pick a few universities and request they send you their undergraduate catalog. And check websites for online versions. That will at least answer what courses are required.

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Asgara
Member (Idle past 2324 days)
Posts: 1783
From: Wisconsin, USA
Joined: 05-10-2003


Message 5 of 44 (256367)
11-02-2005 8:44 PM
Reply to: Message 1 by joshua221
11-02-2005 7:57 PM


Just for information's sake, here is the undergrad requirements at University of Wisconsin Madison...
Page Not Found - University of Wisconsin—Madison
In the UW system you can start your academic career in a two year associates degree program and get guaranteed acceptance to one of the major UW schools to finish off your bachelor's.
Here are degree requirements for UW Fox Valley...
http://www.fox.uwc.edu/admreg/assocdeginfo.html
SUNY Albany....
Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree - University at Albany-SUNY
Though there are differences, most bachelor's degrees will expect a minimum number of courses (around 60 credits worth) in the maths, natural sciences, humanities, English, and social studies, PLUS the courses needed for your particular degree..figure another 60 credits at least. One class can be anywhere from 1 to 4 or 5 credits, with an average being 3 credits per class.
Financial aide will tell you that 12 credits is full time. To graduate in 4 years plan on taking at LEAST 15 credits a semester or taking summer courses.
Others have said this already, so I'll just agree....pick several colleges and request undergrad catalogs, most are online now.

Asgara
"I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now"
select * from USERS where CLUE > 0
http://asgarasworld.bravepages.com
http://perditionsgate.bravepages.com

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macaroniandcheese 
Suspended Member (Idle past 3950 days)
Posts: 4258
Joined: 05-24-2004


Message 6 of 44 (256389)
11-02-2005 10:17 PM
Reply to: Message 1 by joshua221
11-02-2005 7:57 PM


the problem with studying theology is that.. if you get a standard degree, no religious person will ever take you seriously. if you get a divinity degree, no academic will ever take you seriously.
i'd go for history and philosophy. you can study ancient history, history of religion, philosophy of religion, prolly take a class in mob psychology... take theology classes, but i wouldn't major in it. study the ancient languages etc. but if you insist, do it as a dual with something else.
a minor generally only consists of a certain number of upper division credits in a given department but not necessarily consisting of specific coursework.
This message has been edited by brennakimi, 11-02-2005 10:24 PM

And why you think you take a Ho to a Ho-tel
Ho-tell everybody, even the mayor
Reach up in the sky for the Ho-zone layer
Now C'mon playa wants a Ho always
And Ho's neva close, they open like hallways

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crashfrog
Member (Idle past 1489 days)
Posts: 19762
From: Silver Spring, MD
Joined: 03-20-2003


Message 7 of 44 (256394)
11-02-2005 10:54 PM
Reply to: Message 1 by joshua221
11-02-2005 7:57 PM


What other courses am I required to take, and/or should definately take with these as my choices?
Take a class in biology, which you will find fairly easy after your time here, and take a class in statistics. (You'll probably need math and science credits, so take the ones that are most useful to the layperson.)
Take some literature classes; you'll find that they dovetail with your philosophy fairly well. Take some sociology, you'll find that learning scientific truths about the human condtition will inflect your studies of theology.
Maybe a programming class. At my college we had something called "January Term"; it was a sort of between-semester interlude where you took one class that met all day for a month; generally the topics were broad surveys of a field or an inter-disciplinary offering. It was a perfect way to dabble in a field radically different from your majors, and everybody should definately do that. Perhaps your school will have something similar?

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robinrohan
Inactive Member


Message 8 of 44 (256396)
11-02-2005 11:12 PM
Reply to: Message 1 by joshua221
11-02-2005 7:57 PM


The more you know about history, the better.

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 Message 1 by joshua221, posted 11-02-2005 7:57 PM joshua221 has not replied

  
Phat
Member
Posts: 18310
From: Denver,Colorado USA
Joined: 12-30-2003
Member Rating: 1.1


Message 9 of 44 (256407)
11-03-2005 1:10 AM
Reply to: Message 1 by joshua221
11-02-2005 7:57 PM


Big Decisions and lots of $$$$$
Charlie, here is an example of the type of curriculum offered at a Christian University:
Colorado Christian University
Page Not Found
Play around at this site and you will get an idea of what types of studies are expected.
I would have gone to this school myself were it not for the steep tuition. If you and/or Chris are unable to get scholarships, you will probably have to settle for a college like the one that you are currently taking courses at. At such a school, you can get your basic studies out of the way and take a sociology, psychology, philosophy, or religious studies class...but you will NOT be able to take courses pertaining to Theology proper.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1 by joshua221, posted 11-02-2005 7:57 PM joshua221 has not replied

  
Dr Jack
Member
Posts: 3514
From: Immigrant in the land of Deutsch
Joined: 07-14-2003
Member Rating: 8.4


Message 10 of 44 (256425)
11-03-2005 5:24 AM
Reply to: Message 1 by joshua221
11-02-2005 7:57 PM


What's majoring and minoring mean anyway? (you crazy Yanks )
Ignore everyone who bleats on about how you won't get a job if you do this or do that and just do the degree you want to do. EVERYONE I've ever met who hasn't has regretted it and everything they say about not getting a job is crap. Getting a job has far more to do with your ability to sell yourself than the degree you studied for, and the university you went to and the class of degree you got is worth more than the subject you studied. For the majority of jobs they're actually looking for people who are smart, worked hard and did well rather than for any given subject not only that but if they want a subject you don't like for a job chances are you won't enjoy that job anyway!
This message has been edited by Mr Jack, 11-03-2005 05:26 AM

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Silent H
Member (Idle past 5841 days)
Posts: 7405
From: satellite of love
Joined: 12-11-2002


Message 11 of 44 (256428)
11-03-2005 5:48 AM
Reply to: Message 1 by joshua221
11-02-2005 7:57 PM


The suggestion that you wait till master's to go into theology might be a better idea. History or even "religious studies" (which is more like anthropology) could be better at the undergrad level, before moving on to specialize in theo. But its not like I'm saying don't do what you want to do.
What you are required to take will always depend on the school. What you should definitely take is Logic. Get as much of this as you can as it is the only course (or set of courses) that will help you in any other course you take, especially within those fields.
Secondary suggestions in Phil: epistemology (rules of knowledge), philosophy of mind, and metaphysics. I am assuming... given your theo idea... that you are interested in knowing about the world and universe. If you are more interested in what people should do, then choose as many ethics courses as possible.
Theology: I can't say what to take within that, but as prep work definitely take a cross religious studies program (so you can see how Xianity fits in with the rest), as well as a history of religion and history of biblical scripture class (if available).
Have fun.

holmes
"...what a fool believes he sees, no wise man has the power to reason away.."(D. Bros)

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1 by joshua221, posted 11-02-2005 7:57 PM joshua221 has not replied

  
joshua221 
Inactive Member


Message 12 of 44 (256429)
11-03-2005 6:00 AM


not sure
Thinking of the knowledge there, and what I want to learn about. Maybe I should think of a job as main priority, but I haven't been. I probably wouldn't want to teach.
I think I'll talk with my guidance counselor or something.
Thanks alot.
This message has been edited by prophex, 11-03-2005 06:01 AM

The ocean breathes salty, won't you carry it in?
In your head, in your mouth, in your soul.
And maybe we'll get lucky and we'll both grow old.
Well I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I hope so.

Replies to this message:
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Omnivorous
Member
Posts: 3985
From: Adirondackia
Joined: 07-21-2005
Member Rating: 7.2


Message 13 of 44 (256462)
11-03-2005 9:21 AM
Reply to: Message 12 by joshua221
11-03-2005 6:00 AM


Re: not sure
prophex writes:
Thinking of the knowledge there, and what I want to learn about. Maybe I should think of a job as main priority, but I haven't been.
Good--I agree with Mr Jack above: barring severe economic bad times, there are always jobs for bright, well-educated people.
Follow your interests and your curiousity: by casting your net widely, you may discover that your true passion is for something you had not considered--or even knew existed. This is your opportunity to explore.
The advice to include lots of history and logic, whatever you major in, is also sound. I would add to that: lots of writing classes--don't stop at the minimum composition requirement (disgracefully minimal at most schools). Think about advanced expository writing, creative writing, etc. Strong communication skills will enrich every aspect of your life--and greatly enchance your appeal to employers.
BTW, don't forget to have fun. You will never be so free again until you retire.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 12 by joshua221, posted 11-03-2005 6:00 AM joshua221 has not replied

  
Phat
Member
Posts: 18310
From: Denver,Colorado USA
Joined: 12-30-2003
Member Rating: 1.1


Message 14 of 44 (256473)
11-03-2005 10:02 AM
Reply to: Message 12 by joshua221
11-03-2005 6:00 AM


Blessed Assurance
prophex writes:
I think I'll talk with my guidance counselor or something.
Of course. I also suggest that you pray about it. God surely knows you better than any of us do, and He will bring the inner assurance that you need. God may not even want you to pursue Theology....perhaps He has other plans for you. It is wise not to limit yourself to one particular discipline or field of study unless you ARE sure that it is your calling.
In any case, I think that you are using your head by asking for advice. You have a powerful life ahead of you and through prayer, you will get the Divine guidence that you need. PB

This message is a reply to:
 Message 12 by joshua221, posted 11-03-2005 6:00 AM joshua221 has not replied

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Brian
Member (Idle past 4981 days)
Posts: 4659
From: Scotland
Joined: 10-22-2002


Message 15 of 44 (256507)
11-03-2005 12:17 PM
Reply to: Message 14 by Phat
11-03-2005 10:02 AM


Re: Blessed Assurance
also suggest that you pray about it.
I prayed to God last night and He told me to tell Prophex to take a science degree
Brian.

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Replies to this message:
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