Module THEO3541: The Theology of Thomas Aquinas

Department: Theology and Religion

THEO3541: The Theology of Thomas Aquinas

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• to introduce students to the key features of the life and theological thought of Aquinas in historical context.
• to familiarize students with medieval Scholasticism (its institutional settings, assumptions, modes of discourse, genres, etc.).
• to foster an appreciation of historical theology by concentrating on one great Christian thinker.
• to hone students’ skills in the close reading of and critical engagement with primary texts.
• to build on students’ prior knowledge of historical theology acquired at levels 1 and 2

Content

• This module will survey the theology of Thomas Aquinas (c. 1225-1274) in its historical, intellectual, and institutional contexts. Particular attention will be given to reading and critically engaging the primary texts of Aquinas in his High Scholastic milieu. The module will consider various theological topics (e.g., the nature of theology, Trinity, creation, providence and predestination, evil and sin, grace and merit, the person and salvific work of Christ, the sacraments, and last things) as they appear in the broad range of literary genres in which Thomas wrote (e.g., the Scriptum on the Sentences of Peter Lombard, scriptural commentaries, disputed questions, summae, sermons, etc.). The module will be concerned throughout with Thomas’s assumptions and working method as a Scholastic master of theology and the uses he makes of various auctoritates (scriptural, patristic, philosophical, etc.) in the development of his thought.

Learning Outcomes

• In-depth knowledge of the life and theology of Thomas Aquinas in historical and intellectual context.
• Understanding of the key assumptions and characteristics of medieval Scholasticism (its sources, modes of discourse, and literary genres) and how these variously determined the nature and structure of theological reflection in the high and late Middle Ages.

• Ability to read, interpret, and evaluate medieval theological texts critically with historical sensitivity and intellectual nuance. • Ability to recognize the subsequent and continuing influence of the theological and philosophical thought of Aquinas on Christian thought and practice. • Ability to situate the thought of Thomas Aquinas broadly within the Christian intellectual tradition and specifically in its High Medieval context (cf. Anselm, Bonaventure, Duns Scotus). • Ability to understand and critically evaluate contemporary scholarship on the theology and philosophy of Thomas Aquinas.

• Skills in the acquisition and interpretation of information through close, nuanced reading of primary and secondary sources. • Skills in the structured presentation of information in written form. • Skills in the conducting of research. • Skills in thinking theologically and philosophically.

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.
• 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 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:

One formative essay (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