Teaching and Learning in College Introductory Religion Courses

Introductory courses in theology and religion are taught at most colleges and universities across the US and UK. From public to private, non-sectarian to faith-based institutions, theology courses fulfill humanities general education requirements, and provide a foundational education for students intending further theological study. This book describes the best and most effective ways of teaching these courses. Offering practical, realistic, research-based guidance, this volume explores the best and most recent methods in teaching-theory. This book addresses the questions and concerns frequently posed by the professors and graduate students who instruct these multifaceted courses. It covers issues such as a teacher's role in defining theology and religion, the teaching and learning process, course structure, and content. The volume also examines recent case studies of theology and religious studies courses at various institutions, including a private non-sectarian university, a public research university, a Catholic masters-level university, and at a Protestant baccalaureate college.

Barbara Walvoord is Professor Emerita at the University of Notre Dame, Indiana. She founded and directed teaching and learning centers at Notre Dame and at three other institutions, including public and private. She has consulted and led workshops on teaching and learning at more than 300 institutions of higher education and at dozens of national conferences. Her publications include Academic Departments: How They Flourish, How They Change (2001), Assessment Clear and Simple: A Guide for Institutions, Departments, and General Education (2004), Effective Grading: A Tool for Learning and Assessment (1998), and Helping Students Write Well: A Guide for Teachers in All Disciplines (1982, revised edition 1986).