Interdisciplinary
Our program draws from the knowledge of more than one field to provide greater context and understanding.
Minor and Certificate in Faith & Praxis
According to the Bible, truth and action are inseparable (see, e.g., John 3:21). In the contemporary world, liberation theologians have described this faith in action as a “praxis” that involves the whole person within the context of our everyday lives. Inspired by this biblical tradition, the interdisciplinary study of faith and praxis will encourage you to reflect critically on the practical dimensions of faith.
Why Study Faith & Praxis at St. Thomas?
Centered on an active commitment to social justice and the common good, faith & praxis will provide you with the tools to analyze and understand the dynamics of social change within contemporary culture and society, theology and religion. The program builds on the insights of social movements, social theories and theologians of the last century, emphasizing that a "faith that makes power felt through love" (Gal 5:6) must learn to express itself in contextually-rooted and concretely-engaged action starting in the communities in which we live.
Integrating Faith and Social Justice
Courses and Competencies
You will have the option to begin your studies through the lenses of praxis opening out to faith by taking Introduction to Justice and Peace Studies or through the lenses of faith opening up to praxis by taking Contexts: Justice and Peace. You will then choose courses from a variety of programs to develop skills in at least two different competency areas:
- Theology
- Interreligious understanding
- Social justice
- Communication
- Political policy
- Intercultural agility
- Environmental sustainability
Minor Requirements
The minor in faith & praxis requires four courses (16 credits) selected from a variety of programs within the College of Arts and Sciences. You will choose courses in at least two different competency areas.
Certificate Requirements
The interdisciplinary certificate in faith & praxis requires three courses (12 credits). You will choose courses in at least two different competency areas then complete a final capstone project that demonstrates an interdisciplinary integration of faith and praxis.
Degrees Awarded
- Minor in Faith & Praxis
- Certificate in Faith & Praxis
Courses and Competencies
Courses and Competencies
You will have the option to begin your studies through the lenses of praxis opening out to faith by taking Introduction to Justice and Peace Studies or through the lenses of faith opening up to praxis by taking Contexts: Justice and Peace. You will then choose courses from a variety of programs to develop skills in at least two different competency areas:
- Theology
- Interreligious understanding
- Social justice
- Communication
- Political policy
- Intercultural agility
- Environmental sustainability
Minor Requirements
Minor Requirements
The minor in faith & praxis requires four courses (16 credits) selected from a variety of programs within the College of Arts and Sciences. You will choose courses in at least two different competency areas.
Certificate Requirements
Certificate Requirements
The interdisciplinary certificate in faith & praxis requires three courses (12 credits). You will choose courses in at least two different competency areas then complete a final capstone project that demonstrates an interdisciplinary integration of faith and praxis.
Degrees Awarded
Degrees Awarded
- Minor in Faith & Praxis
- Certificate in Faith & Praxis
Engaged and Engaging
With diverse experience and expertise, our faculty go beyond teaching to mentoring and inspiring you.
Dr. Ry O. Siggelkow
Dr. Ry O. Siggelkow is Director of Initiatives in Faith & Praxis in the Theology Department. His courses on liberation theology, black theology, theology and immigration, social thought and ethics focus on developing a deeper understanding of one's personal values and commitments within the diverse communities we inhabit.
Dr. Siggelkow is a former Mennonite pastor and co-founder of Pueblos de Lucha y Esperanza, a local grassroots faith-based organization that seeks to build power in immigrant communities for social justice.
Dr. Amy Finnegan
Dr. Amy Finnegan is a sociologist whose teaching and research interests include social movements and social change, peace and conflict, global health, human rights, medical sociology, globalization and health policy, service learning and African studies. She is also the co-director of SocMed, a non-profit organization that advocates for and implements global health education in the pursuit of justice and equity through immersion courses in northern Uganda and now, Haiti.
Dr. Obasesam Okoi
Dr. Obasesam Okoi awakened his passion for social justice when he worked briefly as a project engineer in the oil industry, where he experienced staggering levels of inequality and the negative impact of energy corporations on the environment and local communities. He earned degrees in international development studies, public policy, political science and peace and conflict studies. His research explores natural resource conflict resolution, violence prevention and transformation and the complex relationships between engineering and peace.
Career Paths
Faith & praxis complements your major and prepares you for a variety of different career paths.
- Community organizing
- Communications
- Public policy
- Immigration law
- Theology
- Environmental sustainability
Versatility in Action
A minor or certificate in faith & praxis provides you with the tools to analyze and understand the dynamics of social change in whatever career path you choose.
Committed to Action
We will challenge you to make strategic and ethical plans of action for improving the communities in which we live.
A Social Justice Lens
You will learn to analyze and reflect critically on the problems of violence and injustice in society.
Take the Next Step
There is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.