Visiting Assistant Professor

Michele Petersen, PhD

Michele Petersen, Ph.D. Religious Studies is a professor of Theology in the College of Arts and Sciences. Petersen is the author of A Hermeneutics of Contemplative Silence: Paul Ricoeur, Edith Stein, and the Heart of Meaning (2023). With a PhD in Religious Studies from University of Iowa, Petersen has research interests in theology, philosophy, and Carmelite spirituality of Edith Stein and the religious philosophy of Paul Ricoeur. Petersen teaches introductory courses in Theology and Philosophy.
Her specialty is in the theology, philosophy, spirituality, and pedagogy of Edith Stein and the religious philosophy of Paul Ricoeur.

Contact Us

Contact Michele Petersen for information on Theology

Lower Chapel 112

563-333-6129

PetersenMichele@sau.edu

Education and Training

PhD, University of Iowa, Religious Studies
MA, University of Notre Dame, Theology
MA, University of Iowa, History
BA, University of Iowa, History and Political Science

Recent Publications

Book:
Petersen, M.K. (2021). A Hermeneutics of Contemplative Silence: Paul Ricoeur, Edith Stein and the Heart of Meaning. Series: Studies in the Thought of Paul Ricoeur. Lexington Books, Rowman & Littlefield.
Book Chapter:
Petersen, M.K. (2022). Chapter 5: "Love Divined: Discerning a Contemplative Ethic in the Philosophy of Edith Stein." M.F. Andrews and A. Calcagno Eds. Ethics and Metaphysics in the Philosophy of Edith Stein: Applications and Implications, Women in the History of Philosophy and Sciences, Volume 12 (pp. 55-71). Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Presentations

"Human Social Creativity in the Light of Ricoeur's Language of Evocation," 50th Anniversary Ricoeur at Chicago, 18th Annual Society for Ricoeur Studies Conference, Imagination and Metaphor, The University of Chicago Divinity School, October 25, 2024.
"Contemplating the Poetic Imagination," Book Panel on my recent book, 18th Annual SRS Conference co-sponsored by The University of Chicago Divinity School and Catholic Theological Union, October 27, 2024.
"Paul Ricoeur, Pope Francis, and a Pedagogy of Discernment," 17th Annual Society for Ricoeur Studies Conference, Ricoeur in Practice, Institute for Christian Studies, Toronto School of Theology, Toronto, Canada, October 13, 2023.
"Understanding Light: The Contemplative Pedagogy of Edith Stein," an edited version of the previously accepted monograph by the same name, 7th Bi-Annual International Congress of the International Association for the Study of the Philosophy of Edith Stein (IASPES): Thinking about education: Edith Stein, Universidad Catolica Santa Teresa de Jesus de Avila, Avila, Spain, October 7, 2023.
"Ricoeur and the Possibility of Constitutive Ethics as a Path of Peace," International Conference sponsored by Society for Ricoeur Studies, Peace and Understanding: A Ricoeurian View, Abo Akademi University, Turku, Finland, September 14, 2023.
"Pope Francis and Paul Ricoeur in Dialogue: A Contemplative Pedagogy for Lifelong Formation," Francis at Ten: A Papacy of Possibilities International Conference, St. Ambrose University, March 17, 2023.
"Evictions and the Lack of Affordable Housing: Challenges and Hope," 19th Annual Ambrosians for Social Justice Conference: Activism for a Better World, SAU, October 25, 2022.
"A Mirror to Reality: Edith Stein and Religious Consciousness," 6th Bi-Annual International Congress of the International Association for the Study of the Philosophy of Edith Stein (IASPES): Edith Stein's Legacy To The World 130 Years After Her Birth, Zoom Conference, Centro de Investigacion Social Avanzada, Queretaro, Mexico, October 13, 2021.
"The Way of Being on the Way: The Formation of Mind in Edith Stein and John Henry Newman," 5th Bi-Annual International Congress of the International Association for the Study of the Philosophy of Edith Stein (IASPES): Edith Stein's Itinerary: Phenomenology, Christian Philosophy, and Carmelite Spirituality, University of Cologne. Cologne, Germany, August 15, 2019.

Courses Taught

Introduction to Comparative Religions

The aim is to gain an empathetic and appreciative understanding of the basic teachings, spirituality, and contemporary ritual celebrations and practices of five major religions of the world with concentration on Buddhism, Judaism, early Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism. Critical evaluation of the cultural context of religious pluralism in the U.S., including contemporary challenges posed by anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, respects both diversity and a shared humanity.

Just Theology

Designed as a student's first theology course, "Just Theology" introduces Christian scripture and theological disciplines through the lens of justice. It will focus on the relationship between God and just action in the world as emphasized in the mission of St. Ambrose University. Highlights contributions to the Catholic Intellectual Tradition from racial and ethnic minorities, women and global voices.

Introduction to Moral Issues

An integrated theological ethics includes the personal and social dimensions of human life in the exercise of moral agency, as relationship with others entails dialogical engagement in the light of the common good. Moral theology reflects the move to human experience, including a focus on responsivity to human suffering in a way that engages the everyday concerns of people.

Ethics

Involves a study of the foundations of moral reasoning and traditional ethical theories.

Philosophies of Life

This introductory level course addresses the question, "What makes life good, meaningful, or worth living?", as well as questions about the nature of the human person and the person's relation to the world. Using literary and philosophical texts, students will identify and clarify their own values and beliefs.

Social Justice

A relational and transformational approach to social justice attuned to structural, systemic injustice is characterized as personal encounter in a praxis of accompaniment and local active listening that aims at the common good. This course draws on Catholic Social Teaching, the Encyclical Tradition, and cultural traditions in the advocation of healthcare and the right to health as the upholding of basic human dignity and self-determination in a global context.

Professional Services

Alpha Chi, Faculty Advisor for Honor Society, SAU

One Human Family, OCA

The Coordinating Group of Carmelites at Pontificia Facolta Teologica Teresianum, Rome, to express understanding and judgment, and submission of Postulatory Letter on her possible Ecclesiastical Doctorate in the preparatory work for the Cause of Edith Stein-St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, Doctor of the Church, Invited Collaborator

Journal of Religious Ethics, Manuscript Reviewer