Module THEO3331: THE SACRAMENTS IN THE REFORMATIONS

Department: Theology and Religion

THEO3331: THE SACRAMENTS IN THE REFORMATIONS

Pre-requisites

Corequisites

Excluded Combinations

Aims

• To survey early-modern sacramental doctrines.
• To enable students to understand the development of sacramental doctrines and practice within their historical context.
• To enable students to gain awareness of the social and political, as well as theological, importance of the sacraments in Protestant and Catholic reform.

Content

• The sacraments proved to be amongst the most divisive points of debate during the Reformation period. This module explores the sacramental doctrines developed by leading Protestant reformers before analysing those of the Catholic church.
• Initially, we examine pre-Reform theologies of the sacraments and popular conceptions of the sacraments. We then progress to Protestant reformers, examining the sacramental theologies of leading figures. Catholicism provides the third major section of the module, in which the Council of Trent's sacramental decrees and subsequent developments within Catholic sacramental theology are analysed. Finally, we return to popular religion, investigating evolving perceptions of the sacraments and the role of the sacraments in socio-cultural change.

Learning Outcomes

• A systematic understanding of key aspects, and a coherent and detailed knowledge of the topics covered, at least some of which is informed by the most recent research and methodologies.

• Skills in the acquisition of information through reading and research, and in the structured presentation of information in written form.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Lectures convey information and exemplify an approach to the subject-matter, enabling students to develop a clear understanding of the subject and to improve their skills in listening and in evaluating information.
• Seminars enhance subject-specific knowledge and understanding both through preparation and through interaction with students and staff, promoting awareness of different viewpoints and approaches.
• Through small-group discussion, tutorials provide feedback on student work and the opportunity to discuss specific issues in detail, enhancing student knowledge and writing skills.
• Formative essays develop subject-specific knowledge and understanding, along with student skills in the acquisition of information through reading and research, and in the structured presentation of information in written form.
• Examinations assess subject-specific knowledge and understanding, along with student skills in the structured presentation of information in written form under time constraints.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment

Two 2500 word essays