Module THMN1021: Introduction to the Christian Tradition

Department: Theology and Ministry

THMN1021: Introduction to the Christian Tradition

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To enable students to understand and appreciate the historical processes and contexts (social, political, economic, cultural and intellectual) by which and in which the Christian Church grew and developed. To enable students to understand the development of Christian doctrine in relation to these processes and contexts.

Content

• The history of the Church from the Apostolic Age including:
• introduction to historiography and theological reflection on church history
• the growth of the early Church in the context of Judaism, Classical Culture and the Roman Empire
• an introduction to the development of doctrine and the formation of the Creeds
• the growth of monasticism
• spirituality and theology of the Medieval Church
• European Reformations, Protestant and Catholic
• the development of the Modern World and its impact on the Church and its theology
• ecclesial and theological responses to modernity

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the module student will be able to demonstrate:
• an awareness of the chief movements, personalities and events which have shaped the history of the Church
• an awareness of key themes in Christian theology and the influence of social and historical context in their development
• an awareness of the use and possible abuse of evidence in developing a historical understanding

• an understanding of sources, method and language in the articulation of theological understanding
• an appreciation of the significance of the historical reality of the Church for theological reflection and current action

• an increased understanding of their own tradition and those of other Christians

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Lectures & Seminars, 28 hours contact time

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

<enter text as appropriate for the module>

■ 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