Syllabus Spring 14

THEO 308 Theology in the Light of Science “Contrary to what people long believed, questions, not answers, are the building blocks of the universe.” -Kenneth Arnold, Cross Currents “ It is no long er adequate to adopt the view tha t our res ponsibility as a socie ty is to simply furt her scientific knowledge and enhanc e techno logical po wer. We must find a way of bringing fundamenta l humanitaria n and eth ical cons iderations t o bear upon the direct ion of scie ntific development .” -The14th Dalai Lama Course Description This course is an investigation of the historical and evolving relationship between theology and the natural sciences. In this course we will consider the views of both scientists and theologians, looking at how recent theologies have taken account of major scientific advances, and at how recent scientific studies attempt to throw some l ight on our religi ous beliefs and practices. We will do this by considering several modern issues that require and bring together contributions from both theology and the n atural sciences. Goals of the Course The goals of the course will be for each student: 1. to understand different models of how religion and science might interact 2. to consider how religion and science embrace both different and similar ways of knowing 3. to be able to place current debates about both science and religion in a larger context 4. to confront the ethical questions raised by the applications of modern science and technology Professor Dr. Noreen Herzfeld Computer Science Department Office: 207 P. Engel Hall Phone: 320-363-2693 E-mail: [email protected] Office hours: 10:00-11:00 ev en days, but mostly by appoin tment Course Format and Pedagogy This course is a seminar. Think of it as an int ensive bo ok group. Each week y ou will be responsible for from 200 to 300 pages of reading. Do the initial reading rather quickly, then go back to passages you have marked for m ore thoughtful re-readi ng and reflection. Keep a reading journal so that when you come to class and to your small group you will have questions, comments, and reflections handy. Discussion of readings will be supplemented by videos, guest speakers, and by occasional lectures. I will formally introduce each new topic, in order to prepare you for your reading.

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Syllabus Spring 14