EXAMPLE SYLLABI
THEOLOGY
HUMT 3020 “Theological Perspectives on the Person” – Seattle University – Daniel Peterson
“You’ll probably want to pay attention to the syllabus schedule in particular: 1/22 and 1/25. There you’ll see the three big names of Becker, Solomon, and Kesebir. Why include them in a theology course on the human condition? The answer is this: Becker draws on Tillich and Niebuhr, both of whom dealt extensively with the topic of existential anxiety as well as how to face it through courage (Tillich) and humility (Niebuhr). I want my students to see how, in this case, a cultural anthropologist not only draws on theologians but–by including Solomon and Kesebir–how empirical evidence confirms the view. I’m also especially interested in Kesebir’s proposed solution to the problem of pride (which accentuates death anxiety) and her appeal to religion as a resource that can help cultivate humility (which reduces death anxiety). It lines up nicely with the theological perspectives we’re considering in units one and three.”