Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2007-2008 (archived)

Module THEO1081: GOD AND THE WORLD

Department: Theology and Religion

THEO1081: GOD AND THE WORLD

Type Open Level 1 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2007/08 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To introduce the controversial issue of how to understand the relation of God to the world in modernity, and to survey crucial philosophical and theological issues which have arisen in connection with changing understandings.
  • To equip students with skills and knowledge for further study of theology at level 2.

Content

  • This module surveys crucial issues which have arisen in connection with changing understanding of the doctrine of creation, its relation to science, process theology, miracle, religious experience and prayer. Religious experience and prayer are especially important since these find expression not only in the writings of academic theologians but in the work of mystics and poets, some of whose work we shall be reading.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • A knowledge of the underlying concepts and principles associated with the study of the relation of God to the world, and an ability to evaluate and interpret these within the context of that area of study.
Subject-specific Skills:
    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 4 1 per week 1 hour 4
    Tutorials 3 As required 1 hour 3
    Seminars 18 1 per week 1 hour 18
    Preparation and Reading 175
    Total 200

    Summative Assessment

    Component: Examination Component Weighting: 100%
    Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
    Unseen written examination 3 hours 100%

    Formative Assessment:

    2 essays of no more than 2500 words


    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