Module THEO2401: Christian Theology: The Essential Questions 1

Department: Theology and Religion

THEO2401: Christian Theology: The Essential Questions 1

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To develop knowledge of central theological ideas introduced at level 1. In particular to build up conceptual and historical insight into the issues involved in the following doctrinal areas: the mystery of Christ, the nature and identity of God as Trinity, and the nature of the Holy Spirit, and its role in spiritual life.
• To equip students with the critical interpretive skills and analytical tools needed to undertake a dissertation in the final year.
• To strengthen students’ ability to reason coherently and with some sophistication about complex conceptual schemes, drawing insightfully on both classic formulations of these religious ideas as well as modern and contemporary contributions to the state of the question.

Content

• By focusing on a range of essential theological questions, including the mystery of Christ; the nature and identity of God as Trinity; and the doctrine of the Spirit and the spiritual life, the module develops an awareness of some of the essential questions and momentous debates that have shaped the history of Christian theology. This module immerses students in these fundamental issues, not only to deepen critical understanding of them but to engage them creatively as case studies in the constructive tasks and methods of theological reflection. Students investigate the theological visions that have resourced chief developments in belief, led to adaptations in theological imagination and language, and engendered the spiritual and theological quest of faith in search of understanding. In order to advance students’ own skills in theological interpretation, each unit within the module will explore both the landmark thinkers who have defined the discussion of each topic, as well as key modern and contemporary developments in each question. The module will focus on the particular themes listed above in thinkers such as Irenaeus of Lyon, Origen and Athanasius of Alexandria, the Cappadocian Fathers, Augustine of Hippo, Dionysius, Anselm, Bernard of Clairvaux, Bonaventure, Thomas Aquinas, Catherine of Siena, Luther, Calvin, Pascal, Kant, Schleiermacher, Newman, Kierkegaard, Barth, Rahner, Balthasar, Gutiérrez, and Schüssler-Fiorenza.

Learning Outcomes

• A detailed and coherent understanding of the following fundamental topics in the development of Christian theology: Christology; the nature and identity of God as Trinity; and the doctrines of the Spirit and the spiritual life.
• A detailed awareness of the intersection and mutual interaction of these teachings, and the range of approaches to each question that have been adopted by definitive thinkers. Students will also develop a reasonable sophistication in their awareness of the creative vision and interpretive insights at play in the tasks of theological reflection.

• An ability to interpret and critically analyze the major approaches in Christian theology, and to evaluate the strengths and liabilities of each. This ability will be developed particularly with reference to the fundamental doctrines of Christology, Trinity and the Spirit.
• A self-reflective awareness of one’s own theoretical presuppositions regarding fundamental questions, and a capacity to work constructively with the tools and methods of theological reflection.

• Skills in the acquisition of information through reading and research, and in the structured presentation of information in written analysis and argument. Capacity to analyze conceptual complexes and problems, making fine distinctions regarding the use of image, metaphor, logical argument, and other important rhetorical features in proposing large-scale theoretical claims. The ability to work creatively with multiple traditions and cultural assumptions.

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 material and to improve their skills in interpreting and 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, as well as affording developmental opportunities for skills in theological reflection.
• 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.
• Summative essays and Exams assess subject-specific knowledge and understanding, along with student skills in research, analysis, and argumentation, including the written presentation of information in written form under time constraints.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

One 2,000 word essay.

■ 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