Benefits
The Ecotheology minor allows you to pursue a scientifically and theologically informed understanding of creation care. Your coursework will include core classes in theology and biology as well as electives in other sciences (e.g., chemistry, food and consumer science, physics) and the humanities (e.g., social justice, sociology, and philosophy). You’ll explore your role as a Christian in the present ecological crisis. Additionally, as part of a pedagogical field component, you’ll engage in real-world experience and observation of the subject matter.
You will be equipped to serve the world in the realm of ecological justice as you learn:
- scriptural and theological mandates of creation care, emphasizing the value of creation beyond its utility to humans
- core concepts of ecology and evolution that enable you to use scientific findings to interpret modern ecological and environmental challenges
- how to conduct field-based scientific investigation
- the principles of ecotheology from a broad range of disciplines (e.g., biology, theology, social justice, physics, philosophy) that collectively inform creation care efforts
Courses and Degree Requirements
Some of the courses in this minor are “Creation Care,” “Environmental Science,” and “Ecological Fundamentals.” Some of the science electives you may take are “Marine Restoration Ecology,” “Coral Reef Ecology,” “Forest Ecology,” “Aquatic Ecology,” and “Sustainable Food Production.” Theology electives include “Introduction to Christian Reconciliation,” “Christian Ethics,” and “Theology, Culture, and Society.”
You can also choose from social science and humanities electives, including “Ethics and the Good Life” and “Social Inequality: Power and Privilege.” Additionally, the University Foundations (UFDN) sequence puts you well on the way to completing this minor. Review all the Ecotheology minor courses and requirements.
To earn Ecotheology minor, you will be required to take a minimum of 30 credits, including at least 15 upper-division credits.
Entering the Ecotheology Minor
You may enter the Ecotheology minor during your first quarter at SPU. Entrance after your first quarter requires only good academic standing (2.0 or higher SPU cumulative GPA). Consult the undergraduate catalog for complete information on how and when to enter this minor and what you must do to complete it.