Master of Arts with Concentration in Theology and Literature
The concentration is designed for those students who intend to pursue further graduate education in theology or its cognate disciplines or those who seek additional depth of knowledge in a particular field of study. It may be appropriate in some cases for those who do not plan to pursue doctoral study but who expect to teach in a specific discipline in institutions overseas.
Graduation from the School of Theology follows the successful completion of all requirements for the specified program of study and the approval of the degree by the Senate of the University upon nomination by the faculty of the School of Theology.
A Master of Arts (M.A.) student who has successfully completed all prescribed work, has completed all non-credit degree requirements, has submitted a complete portfolio if applicable, and who has a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.33, is eligible for the award of the degree of Master of Arts. Work toward the M.A. degree is to be concluded within four consecutive years from the date of matriculation.
Requirements
Drawing on the distinctive strengths of the School of Theology, the School of Letters, and the Department of English of the College of Arts and Sciences, the M.A. with a concentration in theology and literature is a flexible program that acknowledges Sewanee’s unique ability to contribute to an internationally recognized and vibrant field of interdisciplinary inquiry. The core curriculum ensures an understanding of the Biblical narrative and the approaches of modern Biblical criticism, while allowing students ample freedom to take appropriate electives in both theology and literature. Students consult with their advisor to determine the specific shape of their degree, in light of their interests, and will pursue a related thesis project with an appropriate faculty member to guide the project.
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| BIBL 501 | Old Testament: Foundations I | 3 |
| BIBL 502 | Old Testament: Foundations II | 3 |
| BIBL 511 | New Testament: Foundations I | 3 |
| BIBL 512 | New Testament: Foundations II | 3 |
| THBR 531 | Bibliography, Research, and Writing | 1 |
| Seminar in Theology and Literature 1 | 3 | |
| Concentration | ||
| Select twentry-four hours in consultation with advisor (at least four courses from the School of Letters) 2 | 24 | |
| THEO 594 | Directed Readings 3 | 3 |
| THEO 599 | Thesis 3 | 6 |
| Total Semester Hours | 49 | |
| 1 | See course descriptions for offerings carrying this designation. |
| 2 | Electives are chosen from appropriate offerings in the School of Theology, the School of Letters, and the English Department of the College of Arts and Sciences. |
| 3 | Students write a formal, academic thesis as the culmination of their work towards the degree. Working in consultation with a thesis supervisor chosen by the student, the student develops a proposal in their second summer. The development of the proposal is an important part of the process and forms the foundation of the thesis; therefore, the student registers for three hours of independent study in the second summer. The student is expected to be in regular contact with the thesis supervisor over the course of the summer to develop the thesis. The thesis supervisor may be drawn from the School of Theology or the School of Letters faculty. Once the supervisor has approved the proposal, the student may begin. After the proposal has been approved, the student registers for six hours of thesis work. The thesis may be undertaken while in-residence, but it is expected that at least some students will choose to write the thesis elsewhere. The thesis is read and assessed by two faculty members, the supervisor and a second reader, who assign a grade for the work after an oral defense (which may be accomplished by conference call, Skype, or in-person). A final, library copy of the thesis is submitted to the office of academic affairs for binding; final submission must take place by April 1 for graduation the following May. The M.A. thesis is an original scholarly monograph, 40 to 60 pages in length. |
Non-credit Degree Requirements1
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Safeguarding God's People Workshop | ||
| Safeguarding God's Children Workshop | ||
| Cultural Diversity Workshop | ||
| Education for Ministry Experience | ||
| 1 | For details on these workshops, see the Non-credit Degree Requirements for Graduation section. |
Typical Paradigm for Theology and Literature Concentration
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Summer Term I | ||
| Select two literature courses (School of Letters) | 6 | |
| Advent Semester I | ||
| BIBL 501 | Old Testament: Foundations I | 3 |
| BIBL 511 | New Testament: Foundations I | 3 |
| THBR 531 | Bibliography, Research, and Writing | 1 |
| Select two electives (School of Theology and/or Department of English) | 6 | |
| Easter Semester I | ||
| BIBL 502 | Old Testament: Foundations II | 3 |
| BIBL 512 | New Testament: Foundations II | 3 |
| Seminar in Theology and Literature | 3 | |
| Select two electives (School of Theology and/or Department of English) | 6 | |
| Summer Term II | ||
| THEO 594 | Directed Readings | 3 |
| Select two literature courses (School of Letters) | 6 | |
| Advent Semester II | ||
| THEO 599 | Thesis | 6 |
| Total Semester Hours | 49 | |