Theological and Social Ethics
The Theological and Social Ethics field of study enables students to develop rigorous and robust scholarly expertise in theological and social ethics informed by attention to theory, context, and practice. This field of study integrates and amplifies existing departmental and university strengths in the contemporary and historical study of ethics. Faculty members bring particular acumen in Catholic social teaching; Black, feminist, and liberationist ethics; ethics of sexuality; economic ethics; political ethics; and environmental ethics.
The TSE field of study also enables students to engage with Fordham’s eminent theology faculty across the various fields of study and affords access to the educational and practice-based resources of our Bronx neighborhood, New York City, and the New York Theological Consortium.
Required Coursework
As part of the 12 courses required of all PhD students in theology, students must enroll in a one-time praxis-based tutorial to amplify their learning experience by considering issues of theological, social, and ethical significance from the perspective of practical engagement in a relevant, community-based project.
Language Requirements
Language requirements for the Ph.D. in Fordham’s Theology department are individualized: each student will work closely with their academic advisor at the beginning of the program to determine appropriate language requirements and proficiency levels tailored to their specific needs and goals.
Comprehensive Exams
Comprehensive exams are designed to develop teaching competencies in multiple areas while laying the foundation for dissertation research. The exact plan of comprehensive exams is developed individually with the primary advisor, but typically students take two comprehensive exams in ethics, with a third exam selected from another field of study in the department and a fourth dissertation area exam.