Module THEO3731: Theology, Ecology and Environment

Department: Theology and Religion

THEO3731: Theology, Ecology and Environment

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To broaden and deepen students’ understanding of the nature and tasks of Christian theology by means of an in-depth study of how theology approaches the natural world
• To develop a historical perspective on the way in which the Christian tradition has framed the natural world
• To explore contemporary normative theological discussion about issues in ecology and environment
• To consider ways in which ecological and environmental discourse may be susceptible to specifically theological analysis
• To gain a perspective on the way in which theology relates to scientific disciplines and discourses by a theological approach to ecology
• To understand the ways in which different Christian traditions generate different perspectives on issues in environment and ecology
• To introduce students to the way in which theological perspectives may impact upon contemporary social and political discussion about environmental change and environmental responsibility
• To build on students’ prior knowledge of Christian ethics, doctrine and historical theology acquired at levels 1 and 2

Content

• The relationship between ‘theology’ and ‘ecology’ as disciplines
• Developments in 'eco-theology', including feminist and liberationist perspectives
• The theological implications of contemporary environmental and ecological debates
• Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant theological ethics of the environment
• The relationship between nature and 'the sacred'
• Theological anthropology and the place of human beings in nature
• The so-called 'wilderness debates' and 'the end of nature'
• Animal ethics

Learning Outcomes

• Knowledge of contemporary debates in theology about environment and ecology
• Knowledge of contemporary debates about environmental change and environmental responsibility and their theological implications
• Knowledge of how Christian traditions frame the natural world
• Knowledge of how theology relates to ecology as an instance of the theology-science interface

• Analyzing and critically assessing different theological positions on the nature and status of the natural world
• Critical reading of key texts and sources

• Skills in the acquisition of information through reading and research
• Skills in structured presentation of information in written form
• Skills in group discussion and debate
• Skills in oral presentation

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

• Lectures convey knowledge in a structured way 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, processing and recording information
• Seminars enhance subject-specific knowledge and understanding both through preparation and through interaction with one another and with staff, promoting awareness of different viewpoints and approaches and developing skills of group discussion and debate
• Written 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
• Oral presentation develops verbal communication and presentation skills

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

1500 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