Module THEO46630: Theology, Nature, Environment

Department: Theology and Religion

THEO46630: Theology, Nature, Environment

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To broaden and deepen students’ understanding of the scope and tasks of Christian theology by means of an advanced study of 'nature’ in theological perspective.
• To develop a historical perspective on the way in which nature has been framed in the Western tradition.
• 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 give students an advanced understanding of 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 undergraduate level.

Content

• The relationship between ‘theology’ and ‘ecology’ as disciplines;
• The history of ‘nature’ in the Western tradition;
• Theological analysis of contemporary environmental and ecological debates;
• Theological ethics of the environment and nonhuman life;
• The relationship between nature and 'the sacred';
• The place of human beings in the natural world;
• The so-called 'wilderness debates' and 'the end of nature'.

Learning Outcomes

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

• Theological analysis and assessment of contemporary discourses in politics, science and ethics around nature and environment;
• 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.

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

• Seminars not only convey knowledge in a structured way, they also 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. These enable students to develop a clear understanding of the subject and to improve their skills in listening, processing and recording information.
• 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:

5000 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