Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2006-2007 (archived)

Module THEO3071: SAINT AUGUSTINE AND HIS AGE

Department: THEOLOGY AND RELIGION

THEO3071: SAINT AUGUSTINE AND HIS AGE

Type Open Level 3 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2006/07 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To acquaint students with the main features of Augustine's life and thought in historical context.
  • To foster an appreciation of historical theology in context - its philosophical, sociological, cultural, political and literary aspects by concentrating on one individual.
  • To build on any prior knowledge of historical theology acquired at levels 1 and 2.

Content

  • The life and thought of the African bishop, St Augustine of Hippo (354-430), stand at a watershed in the history of Western Culture, between the world of the Roman empire and the world of Christian Europe. This module aims to survey these two worlds and Augustine's place in them by examining the philosophical, religious and cultural background to his thought, and the very diverse and wide-ranging aspects of that thought. Unlike most figures of antiquity, Augustine can also be studied as an individual, and the module will examine his thought in close connection with his life and personality, revealed to us most especially in his 'Confessions'.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • A systematic understanding of key aspects, and a coherent and detailed knowledge of the life, thought and context of Augustine, at least some of which is informed by the most recent research and methodologies.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Ability to use primary texts or source materials, analyzing and evaluating them critically.
Key Skills:
  • 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

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 18 1 per week 1 hour 18
Tutorials 3 As required 1 hour 3
Seminars 5 1 every 2 weeks (Terms 2) 1 hour 5
Preparation and Reading 174
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
three-hour unseen written examination 100%

Formative Assessment:

2 essays; 1 seminar paper


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University