Assistant​/Associate Adjunct Faculty in Theology & Religious Studies; TRS Christian Foundations

Saint Mary's College of California: ADJUNCT FACULTY SAINT MARY'S COLLEGE OF CALIFORNIA:
School of Liberal Arts (SOLA):
Department of Theology & Religious Studies Location Open Date

Jul 13, 2026

Founded in 1863, Saint Mary's is a residential campus nestled 20 miles east of San Francisco in the picturesque Moraga Valley. Based in the Catholic, Lasallian and Liberal Arts traditions, Saint Mary's currently enrolls more than 4,000 students from diverse backgrounds in undergraduate and graduate programs. The De La Salle Christian Brothers, the largest teaching order of the Roman Catholic Church, guide the spiritual and academic character of the College.

As a comprehensive and independent institution, Saint Mary's offers undergraduate and graduate programs integrating liberal and professional education. Saint Mary's reputation for excellence, innovation and responsiveness in education stems from its vibrant heritage as a Catholic, Lasallian and Liberal Arts institution. An outstanding, committed faculty and staff that value shared inquiry, integrative learning and student interaction bring these traditions to life in the 21st century.

The College is committed to the educational benefits of diversity.

Saint Mary’s College seeks to hire a per-course adjunct faculty member to teach
TRS 281
, “Christian Foundations" in the traditional undergraduate program in Fall 2026 (August 31 to December 20, 2026).

There are three sections available:

• Mon & Wed, 4:45 to 6:00 PM
• Tues & Thu, 11:40 AM to 12:55 PM
• Tues & Thu, 1:30-2:45 PM

This course will be taught in person on the Moraga campus.

Course

Description:

“Christian Foundations” introduces students to foundational ideas and texts of the Catholic Christian tradition, with particular attention to the Bible and its interpretation. Students approach the tradition both from within its own theological horizon and through the historical, literary, and other critical methods employed in academic theology and religious studies. The course does not presume a particular faith commitment on the part of students.

Because every reading of Scripture involves interpretive assumptions, students learn to identify the historical, theological, cultural, and social lenses through which Christian communities have interpreted the Bible, both throughout history and today. They also practice scholarly methods of biblical interpretation that develop careful reading, critical thinking, and reasoned argument, skills applicable across many areas of study.

Integral to this exploration of Christian foundations and the Bible, students examine the Catholic principles of the dignity of the human person and the common good, and how these principles call forth the virtue of solidarity and a preferential option for the poorest of our sisters and brothers.

Although each instructor brings distinct scholarly and pedagogical strengths to the course, those teaching “Christian Foundations” work collaboratively across sections, sharing common learning outcomes and engaging in ongoing conversation about readings, assignments, and effective teaching practices.

Candidates must possess one of the following:

• an earned doctorate in biblical studies or a closely related field;
• an earned doctorate in theology or religious studies, together with substantial graduate preparation or scholarly specialization in biblical studies;
• current and active ABD status in one of these doctoral fields, with all required doctoral coursework and qualifying or comprehensive examinations completed, and with demonstrated progress toward completion of the dissertation.

Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate one or more of the following:

• substantial familiarity with Catholic approaches to Scripture and theological exegesis, including the relationship of Scripture and the Church’s living Tradition;
• evidence of effective undergraduate teaching, particularly in introductory or general-education courses;
• expertise in interpretive approaches attentive to race, gender, culture, and social location;
• experience teaching within a coordinated, multi-section course, including…