Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2013-2014 (archived)
Module THEO2241: Christian Theology: The Essential Questions
II
Department: Theology and Religion
THEO2241:
Christian Theology: The Essential Questions
II
Type |
Open |
Level |
2 |
Credits |
20 |
Availability |
Not available in 2013/14 |
Module Cap |
None. |
Location |
Durham
|
Prerequisites
Corequisites
Excluded Combination of Modules
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: theories of
salvation; doctrines of creation, providence, and anthropology; and
understandings of church, sacrament, and Christian eschatology.
- 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
- The module focuses on a range of essential theological
questions: theories of salvation; doctrines of creation, providence, and
anthropology; and understandings of church, sacrament, and Christian
eschatology. By doing this, 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 the work of such
thinkers 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: theories
of salvation; doctrines of creation, providence, and anthropology; and
understandings of church, sacrament, and Christian eschatology.
- 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 salvation; creation,
providence, and anthropology; and understandings of church, sacrament,
and Christian eschatology.
- 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.
- Examinations assess subject-specific knowledge and
understanding, along with student skills in the structured presentation
of information in written form under time constraints.
- Summative essays assess 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.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
Activity |
Number |
Frequency |
Duration |
Total/Hours |
|
Lectures |
19 |
Weekly |
1 Hour |
19 |
|
Seminars |
6 |
3 in MT; 3 in EpT |
1.5 Hours |
9 |
|
Preparation and Reading |
|
|
|
172 |
|
Total |
|
|
|
200 |
|
Summative Assessment
Component: Summative Essay |
Component Weighting: 40% |
Element |
Length / duration |
Element Weighting |
Resit Opportunity |
Summative Essay |
3000 Words |
100% |
|
Component: Examination |
Component Weighting: 60% |
Element |
Length / duration |
Element Weighting |
Resit Opportunity |
Examination |
2 hours |
100% |
|
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