Module THEO2471: God and the Universe of Faiths

Department: Theology and Religion

THEO2471: God and the Universe of Faiths

Prerequisites

• One module from the following first year modules • THEO1131 - Study of Religions • THEO1171 - Christianity in Context • THEO1181 - Faith, Reason, and The Happy Life • THEO1191 - Introduction to Christian Theology • THEO1201 - The World, Human Destiny, and God

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To acquaint students with some of the historical, philosophical, and theological responses Christianity has made to the major world religions. 
• To foster students' ability to critically evaluate and develop responses to the theology of religion.
• To develop students' confidence and ability in the use of scholarly methods and conventions, both written and aurally presented.

Content

• Is Christianity the only path to salvation? This course, offered from a Christian perspective, will explore the ways in which Christianity has responded to the major world religions. It will include three major streams: 1) an historical component in the examination of the Christian disposition towards other religions; 2) the theological and philosophical issues; for example: who will be saved? Do all religions lead to one God? This will include an examination of the key theological positions: pluralism, inclusivism, and exclusivism, undertaken through a study of key Anglican, Catholic, or Orthodox writers, along with wider reflection on the nature of religious language used in the debates; 3) the module will examine the socio-political issues which arise in a multi-religious society; for example, how does Christianity respond to multiculturalism, religious freedom, or questions about religious clothing and faith schools? This will proceed through a number of case studies. The course will conclude with a consideration of current practices for interreligious understanding such as ‘scriptural reasoning’.

Learning Outcomes

•  A knowledge an critical understanding of the Christian historical, theological, and philosophical responses to pluralism in its theological and sociopolitical context.

• Skills in the close reading and critical analysis of key texts —historical, theological, biblical and philosophical.
•  An ability to assess a range of issues surrounding theology and religions in an interdisciplinary environment.

•  Skills in the acquisition of information through reading and research, and in the structured presentation of information in written form.
•  Skills in the analysis of multivalent texts with intellectual nuance.

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.
• Tutorials provide feedback on student work and the opportunity to discuss specific issues in detail, enhancing student knowledge and writing skills
• Formative: Students will complete a set book review toward the end of the first term to consolidate their reading and broad critical appreciation of the subject matter.
• Summative: Two 3000 word 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.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

One 1500-word book review, selected from a list provided at the beginning of 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