Module THEO46430: Faith and Reason (DL)

Department: Theology and Religion

THEO46430: Faith and Reason (DL)

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Not with THEO44930

Aims

• To engage students in an informed and critical manner with the question of the relationship between faith and reason, and concomitantly the relationship between theology and philosophy, in the Christian tradition.
• To familiarise students with the thought of a range of major thinkers in the tradition on this issue.
• To enable students to assess the way in which different understandings of the relationship between faith and reason affect the conception of the tasks, goals and methods of Christian theology as a whole.
• To build on students’ prior knowledge of the history and major themes of Christian theology.
• To equip students to write concisely, effectively and pointedly in analysing primary sources and in debating contentious issues.

Content

• This module examines the ways in which Christian tradition has conceived the relationship between ‘faith’ and ‘reason’ and concomitantly theology and philosophy.
• Diverse ways of framing the question of the relationship between reason and faith, philosophy and theology, will be presented chronologically through engagement with a series of primary texts taken from key thinkers in the Christian tradition.
• While exact content will vary from year to year depending on availability of staff, the course will typically include texts from antique, mediaeval, early modern and modern periods in Christian thought, and will be framed by contemporary approaches.

Learning Outcomes

• Knowledge and critical understanding of the ways in which the relationship between ‘faith’ and ‘reason’, ‘theology’ and ‘philosophy’, has been differently construed by diverse thinkers in Christian tradition.
• An appreciation of the significance of such construals for the tasks and methods of Christian theology as a whole.
• In-depth knowledge of a series of selected key primary texts.

• Skills in the handling of primary texts and secondary sources, with an appreciation of the associated problems.
• Skills in competent handling of key philosophical and theological concepts.

• Skills in structuring and presenting evidence-based arguments in concise form.
• Skills in analysis and concise, contextualised comment on selected texts.
• Skills in independent researching, thinking and working within a guided framework.

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

• The module is delivered via online learning, divided into 10 units, with specially produced resources and a structured path leading the student through each unit. Resources vary across units but include video or audio content (supported by the provision of transcripts), directed reading, reflective activities, and peer-to-peer learning on tutor-facilitated online discussion forums. The central component of work in most units will be the guided reading of, and reflection on, primary theological texts.
• Optional online synchronous seminars offer an opportunity for students to deepen their engagement with the theological texts and debates in conversation with one another and the tutor.
• In two long essays, one formative and one summative, students will acquire advanced written communication skills, including the ability to construct well-supported and sophisticated arguments, presented in clear, concise and convincing prose.
• Tutorials are designed to ensure early engagement, as well as to strengthen the effectiveness of feedback and build the tutor/student relationship.
• In addition to the two required tutorials, the tutor will provide online office hours on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.
• The formative essay is normally submitted after a student has completed the first 5 units of study, and the summative after completion of all units.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

2000 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