Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2014-2015 (archived)
Module THEO2401: Christian Theology: The Essential Questions 1
Department: Theology and Religion
THEO2401:
Christian Theology: The Essential Questions 1
Type |
Open |
Level |
2 |
Credits |
20 |
Availability |
Not available in 2014/15 |
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: 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.
- 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: Research Proposal |
Component Weighting: 15% |
Element |
Length / duration |
Element Weighting |
Resit Opportunity |
Research Proposal (including proposed research question, brief
literature review, provisional thesis statement) |
1,000 words maximum |
100% |
|
Component: End-of-Term Exam |
Component Weighting: 20% |
Element |
Length / duration |
Element Weighting |
Resit Opportunity |
End-of-Term Exam: Primary Source Text Analyses (4 gobbets;
closed book, closed notes) |
60 min |
100% |
|
Component: Research Essay Draft Introduction and Outline |
Component Weighting: 15% |
Element |
Length / duration |
Element Weighting |
Resit Opportunity |
Research Essay Draft Introduction and Outline |
1,000 words maximum |
100% |
|
Component: End-of-Term Exam: Primary Source Text Analyses (4 gobbets;
closed book, closed notes) |
Component Weighting: 20% |
Element |
Length / duration |
Element Weighting |
Resit Opportunity |
End-of-Term Exam: Primary Source Text Analyses (4 gobbets;
closed book, closed notes) |
60 min |
100% |
|
Component: Research Essay |
Component Weighting: 30% |
Element |
Length / duration |
Element Weighting |
Resit Opportunity |
Research Essay |
3,000-4,000 words |
100% |
|
None.
■ 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