Module THEO43430: Classic Texts in Theology, Biblical Studies and the Study of Religion

Department: Theology and Religion

THEO43430: Classic Texts in Theology, Biblical Studies and the Study of Religion

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To provide an advanced introduction to major texts in Christian theology, biblical studies and study of religion.
• To enable students to develop a critical understanding of the nature, goal and tasks of Christian theology, biblical studies and study of religion.
• To foster students' awareness of, and engagement with, appropriate research methods and approaches in the study of Christian theology, biblical studies and study of religion.

Content

• The module will be devoted to a study of a range of major texts taken in Christian theology, biblical studies and study of religion. It is conceived on the 'great books' model, in which students are introduced to a series of classic texts by staff with appropriate expertise. Texts from each of the great periods of theology, biblical studies and study of religion will be explored; they will be chosen to ensure that students gain a critical understanding not only of the nature and history of theology and religion, but also the different genres in which these discipline and traditions have been expressed, and the different modes in which it has been undertaken (doctrinal theology, philosophical theology, moral theology, scriptural hermeneutics, biblical studies, sociology of religion, anthropology of religion, theory of religion, etc.). There will also be a special emphasis on methodological questions, with particular consideration of the sources, methods and approaches appropriate to theology and religion. The module convenor will be present at each seminar to preserve continuity and to ensure that the aims of the module are being met. The precise texts to be studied each year will be decided in relation to staff availability, but the content will always be structured to ensure that coverage is fully adequate and appropriate.
• Following an introductory seminar, three seminars will be dedicated to Christian theology, three to biblical studies, and three to study of religion.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the module, students should be familiar with and understand the significance of a range of major texts in Christian theology, biblical studies and study of religion.
• to be able to analyse and critically assess some major texts from these disciplinary traditions;
• to be able to identify and evaluate different understandings of the nature, goals, tasks of theology, biblical studies and/or the study of religion;
• to be able to understand and evaluate a range of different sources, methods and approaches in the study of theology and religion.

• By the end of the module students should possess the following subject-specific skills:
• to be able to analyse and critically assess some major texts in theology, biblical studies and/or the study of religion;
• to be able to identify and evaluate different understandings of the nature, goals, tasks of these disciplines;
• to be able to understand and evaluate a range of different sources, methods and approaches to these disciplines.

• By the end of the module students should have acquired:
• advanced research skills, including the ability to locate, summarise and evaluate key sources, both in print and online, and be able to cite them in a professional and academic manner;
• advanced communication skills, including the ability to construct well-supported and sophisticated arguments, presented in clear, concise and convincing prose.

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

• Reading for the seminars acquaints all students with each of the texts. The seminars will consist of an introduction by the staff leader, followed by brief student presentations by student leaders and then staff-guided discussion. Each student will be expected to make one formative seminar presentation on a particular text during the year. Seminars enable staff to provide focussed introductory material, for students to engage with and critically analyse the texts through seminar discussion, and for student leaders to develop their presentational skills and gain deeper understanding of particular texts through background research. Seminars will also provide the opportunity to attend to specific questions of sources, methods and approaches in theology and religion.
• The formative essay will enable students to develop a critical understanding of a particular thinker or biblical text through focussed analysis of an individual text or group of texts, and will also require them to reflect specifically on questions of sources, method and approach. Each student will receive an individual feedback tutorial on their essay with a specialist member of staff.
• The summative essay, which will be required to be on a different thinker or text than the formative essay to ensure coverage, has the same aims and contributes to the learning outcomes as the formative essay, but will benefit from the experience of researching, writing and receiving tutorial feedback on the formative essay.
• Please note that feedback tutorials will not be centrally timetabled and should be organised directly between students and expert tutors as schedules permit.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

One 5,000 word essay

■ Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.