Module THEO3071: SAINT AUGUSTINE AND HIS AGE

Department: Theology and Religion

THEO3071: SAINT AUGUSTINE AND HIS AGE

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

• 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.

• Ability to use primary texts or source materials, analyzing and evaluating them critically.

• 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:

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