Module THEO2291: SCIENCE AND THEOLOGY: EXPLORING THE INTERFACE

Department: Theology and Religion

THEO2291: SCIENCE AND THEOLOGY: EXPLORING THE INTERFACE

Prerequisites

• No prerequisites.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To introduce students to detailed concepts in the dialogue between science and Christian theology, exploring how to identify key issues, and assess the nature and limits of science, and also investigating the opportunities for fruitful dialogue between science and theology, and approaches to bringing christian tradition into engagement with the claims of contemporary science and integrity.
• Students will develop an understanding of the history of the relationship of science and theology, and of the different models used to describe that relationship.
• This module will equip students with knowledge ancillary to other modules, especially in contemporary theology, anthropology and ethics.

Content

• An introduction to the contemporary dialogue of science and christian theology, paying special attention to the nature of science as illustrated by recent work in cosmology, relativity, quantum theory, chaos, evolutionary biology, neurobiology and the development of technology it uses these insights to study the nature of explanation in science, its use of models and the case for a critical realist approach in both science and theology.
• The module further explores the consequences of this work for key Christian concepts such as creation, providence and miracle, freewill, time and eternity, the nature of human beings, natural and revealed theology.
• Throughout the module, the contribution of Christian theology to the development of science will be studied.

Learning Outcomes

• A knowledge and critical understanding of the well-established principles of study and main methods of enquiry in the field of dialogue between science and religion, along with an understanding of the way in which those principles have developed, and an ability to evaluate critically the appropriateness of different approaches.
• An appreciation of the distinctive contribution of Christian theology to the science and religion debate.

• Skills in the acquisition of information through reading and research, and in the structured presentation of information in written form.

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 written reviews of literature 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 presentations assess subject-specific knowledge and understanding, along with student skills in the structured presentation of information in oral form in the presence of other scholars.
• 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

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

One formative book review essay (1,000 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