Religious Studies & Philosophy
In keeping with school founder Felix duPont's vision and purpose, St. Andrew's has included religious studies in its academic curriculum since its earliest years. Our core curriculum requirements in religious studies—History of Religious Thought, taken in the IV Form year, and a Philosophy or Religious Studies elective taken in either the V or VI Form year—provides an understanding of the major religious and philosophical traditions that have shaped world cultures. Through course discussions and essays, our goal is to familiarize students with the many varied ideas and theologies they will encounter in college, and throughout their lives, while also encouraging students to formulate their own faith practices and make conscious decisions about their value systems.
Sophomores taking History of Religious Thought are asked to rigorously examine the claims of great religious thinkers—from Aquinas to Marx, Avicenna to Vivekananda, Maimonides to Thomas Paine, St. Theresa of Avila to contemporary theologians and philosophers. In dialogue with these writings and with the sacred texts of the major world religions, students consider differing answers to central religious questions.
Fifth and Sixth Form students then take an elective that explores world religions and philosophies using a particular critical or topical lens; a full list of electives is available below.
Religious Studies & Philosophy Courses
History of Religious Thought
- Religious Studies
- Required for Graduation
- Yearlong
Global Wisdom
- Religious Studies
- Semester-Long
The Awakened Mind
- Religious Studies
- Semester-Long
Applied Ethics
- Religious Studies
- Semester-Long
The Hero's Journey
- Religious Studies
- Semester-Long
Religion & Ecology
- Religious Studies
- Semester-Long
Nuclear Physics & Ethics
- Religious Studies
- Science
- Semester-Long
Religious Studies & Philosophy Faculty
Connor Doughty
Titles:
Teaching Fellow in Religion & Philosophy, Assistant Coach - Boys Varsity Soccer, Assistant Coach - Boys Varsity Lacrosse
Terence Gilheany
Titles:
Religion & Philosophy Department Chair, History, Weekend Duty Head, Assistant Coach - Boys Crew, Faculty Secretary
Jason Kunen
Titles:
V Form Academic Advisor, Religious Studies & Philosophy, Schmolze Dorm Parent, Coach – Martial Arts
Stephen Mufuka
Titles:
IV Form Dean, Religious Studies & Philosophy, Head Coach - Boys JV Soccer, Head Coach - Boys Varsity Tennis
Elizabeth Preysner
Titles:
Associate Chaplain, Religious Studies, Spanish, Assistant Coach - Indoor Track