Module TMMC3042: Dissertation in Theology, Ministry and Mission

Department: Theology, Ministry and Mission

TMMC3042: Dissertation in Theology, Ministry and Mission

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• L6-40 Extended Project in Theology, Ministry and Mission

Aims

• To provide the student with an opportunity to follow up an area of interest in depth.
• To enable the student to develop skills in critical thinking and argumentation
• To lay the foundations for possible future work at higher degree level.

Content

• Participants will in consultation and negotiation with the tutor identify a topic, issue, or ministerial area relevant to the study of theology, ministry and mission.
• The proposed title of the dissertation, together with a brief description and initial bibliography, is negotiated with an appropriate supervisor and agreed by the TEI’s Board of Studies.
• The student arranges supervisions and organises a timetable and plan for his/her work. An introductory meeting with the year group will introduce the dissertation, and one towards the end of the process will provide additional input and encouragement.
• The area chosen may enhance and integrate study from the taught module programme providing the independent study is clearly distinguished from the content of such taught modules

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate a coherent, systematic and detailed understanding of key concepts and processes of inquiry involved in the intellectual disciplines and research methods appropriate to the area of theological study within which the dissertation topic falls, including critical engagement with recent research methodologies and findings.

• Extend and apply their knowledge and understanding of the chosen area of theology, ministry and mission to new and complex contexts, reflecting critically on their impact on the life and ministry of the church, and showing sensitivity to the problems of religious language, experience, and the limits of knowledge

• Identify, gather, analyse and critically evaluate textual source materials, including material from primary sources and scholarly research, and communicate their findings with clarity and fairness to specialist audiences.
• Critically evaluate ideas, arguments and assumptions, using them to construct and communicate coherent and well-reasoned arguments, showing critical awareness of their own and others’ beliefs, commitments and prejudices, to specialist audiences.
• Take responsibility for a task that involves the exercise of initiative, independent inquiry, and the effective management of time, resources and use of IT; meeting deadlines; evaluating the project and learning from it.

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

• The module will engage the student in supervisions, negotiation of individual learning, and self-managed study. This learning and interaction may be offered online.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

To develop a plan for the dissertation including topic, stages of completion and deadlines.

■ 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