Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2023-2024 (archived)

Module THMN45830: The Thought of Dietrich Bonhoeffer in Context

Department: Theology, Ministry and Mission

THMN45830: The Thought of Dietrich Bonhoeffer in Context

Type Open Level 4 Credits 30 Availability Not available in 2023/24 Module Cap None.

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To familiarise students with key features of Bonhoeffer’s thought and his context
  • Using engagement with Bonhoeffer’s most significant works, to enable students to reflect critically on the appropriation of his thought, and how it may address ministry and mission today

Content

  • This module will
  • Consider Bonhoeffer’s historical, social, and theological context in detail
  • Offer in-depth exposition of Bonhoeffer’s key works as well as some lesser known writings; and
  • Provide students with opportunities to explore significant themes in more detail

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • A systematic understanding of Bonhoeffer’s thought, engaging with primary and appropriate secondary literature
  • A detailed awareness of how Bonhoeffer interacted with the thought of other theologians and philosophers
  • A critical awareness of how Bonhoeffer’s thought has been received and interpreted
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Appropriate use of historical and biographical sources to make informed judgements regarding interpretation
  • Capacity to evaluate and critique the achievements and limitations of Bonhoeffer’s thought in relation to contemporary issues in mission and ministry today
Key Skills:
  • Present detailed findings in a clear and orderly way for specialists and non-specialists
  • Demonstrate initiative and collaborative skills in tackling and solving problems, and in planning and implementing tasks

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

  • Summative assessment - students to propose title and structure, and receive feedback including suggestions for bibliography in tutorial
  • Formative assessment - group seminar exploring theological theme and tracing it over time in Bonhoeffer’s writings

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lecturers 12 Weekly or block 1.75 hours 20
Seminars 4 Weekly or block 1.75 hours 7
Tutorial 1 Weekly or block 0.75 hours 0.75
Group Work 3 (online) 1.75 hours 5.25
Preparation and reading 267
Total 300

Summative Assessment

Component: Essay Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Essay 5,000 words 100%

Formative Assessment:

Group seminar exploring theological theme and tracing it over time in Bonhoeffer’s writings


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