Module THEO1191: Introduction to Christian Theology

Department: Theology and Religion

THEO1191: Introduction to Christian Theology

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To equip students with a basic grasp of the history of Christian theology.
• To provide students with a comprehensive map of the major figures, ideas and debates which function as a minimal context for intelligent work in Christian theology.
• To introduce students into the method of thinking theologically, by habituating them in the thoughts of leading theologians.

Content

• The module provides a fundamental map of the major developments, thinkers and texts that have shaped Christian theology from the Apostolic Fathers through to the twentieth century. The module focuses on a range of representative primary texts, with lectures and seminars dedicated to each text. The lectures will place the text in its historical and philosophical context, and draw out the key critical themes and issues. The texts will be related to one another, with attention drawn to patterns of continuity or discontinuity, agreement and conflict. In this way, students will be trained to integrate conceptual and historical skills when reading classic theological texts. The module will be framed by a number of introductory and overview lectures, facilitating a synoptic view that will assist the in depth reading.

Learning Outcomes

• To provide a knowledge of the underlying concepts, doctrines and principles of Christian theology.
• To provide a basic map of the history of Christian theology.

• Skills in the evaluation and interpretation of classic theological texts with historical sensitivity, and critical rigour.
• An ability to identify the deep source of theology disagreements, and to understand what is at stake in a range or debates.

• Skills in the acquisition and interpretation of information through reading and research, and in the structured presentation of ideas in both written and oral form.
• An ability to read complex and multivalent texts with intellectual nuance, and a sensitivity to context and genre.

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

• Lectures convey information and exemplify an approach to the subject matter, enabling students to develop knowledge and a clear understanding of the subject, and to improve their skills in evaluating information.
• Seminars enhance subject-specific knowledge and understanding both through preparation and through interaction with students and staff, promoting awareness of different viewpoints and approaches and engaging with the use of primary texts.
• Reviews develop skills in critical analysis and evaluation of others' work, and presentation in written form.
• Examinations access subject-specific knowledge and understanding, along with student skills in the structured presentation of information in written form under time constraints

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

■ 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.