Teaching the Tradition Catholic Themes in Academic Disciplines

From the origin of universities through their first six hundred years of existence, philosophy and theology were the central disciplines. That changed dramatically in the nineteenth century. As German universities started to establish chairs in mathematics, chemistry, and philology, new academic departments became more distinct and religious issues formerly addressed gradually receded into the background. This book focuses on religious issues relating to current academic disciplines. Contributors draw upon insights from two theological essays to address religious themes, especially Catholic ones, pertinent to their discipline as it is taught on the undergraduate level. In addition to Catholic anthropology and theology, the chapters address Catholic issues in English literature, philosophy, political theory, history, mathematics, biology, physics and astronomy, psychology, environmental studies, art, music, business and economics, education, medicine, and law.

Fr. Piderit taught economics at Fordham University and served as president of Loyola University Chicago from 1993 to 2001. He is now the president of the Catholic Education Institute, a group which seeks new ways to educate Catholics, both at the secondary and the tertiary level.

Dr. Melanie M. Morey has worked in the field of education and administration for the past thirty-five years. In the past ten years, Dr. Morey has worked primarily as a researcher and consultant to Catholic colleges and universities, religious congregations, and other Catholic institutions, dealing with issues of governance, sponsorship, leadership, institutional identity and Catholic culture. She is the assistant dean for assessment at Saint Patrick's Seminary in Menlo Park, CA.