Module THEO2901: Themes in the History of Modern Christianity

Department: Theology and Religion

THEO2901: Themes in the History of Modern Christianity

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To provide an interdisciplinary module that explores a major theme or issue in historical Christian theology, or in the history of Christian belief, practice, worship and experience.
• To engage with scholarly debates surrounding the topic.
• To develop students’ knowledge of the history of Christianity.
• To equip students to assess primary and secondary material and form an analytical argument about the topic.

Content

• This module provides an in-depth historical study of Christianity in the modern era (c. 1400 to the present), considering long-term trajectories of change, how theology is embedded in historical contexts and how particular confessional identities have emerged and developed. In each year it will focus on one broad or substantive theme of this kind. The module will trace the topic historically, touching on a range of other different disciplines to raise major overarching questions that run throughout the term.

Learning Outcomes

• A detailed knowledge and understanding of a theme within the history of Christianity.
• An appreciation of the relationship between the history of Christianity and other disciplines.
• In-depth knowledge of a series of selected key primary texts and of their contexts.

• Skills in the handling of primary texts and secondary sources, with an appreciation of the associated problems.
• Skills in the application of historical methods to questions that intersect with different disciplines.

• 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 to look at issues that cross national boundaries.

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

• The lectures will provide a narrative overview of events and highlight key issues. They will convey information and exemplify an approach to the subject-matter, enabling students to develop a clear understanding of the subject and to improve their skills in listening and evaluating information.
• The seminars will enhance subject-specific knowledge and understanding both through preparation and through interaction between students and staff, promoting awareness of different viewpoints and approaches through discussion. Each will focus on a particular theme or topic.
• Formative assessment: This will be the first entry in the notebook journal. It will develop subject-specific knowledge and understanding, along with the acquisition of information through reading and critical evaluation of the content.
• Summative assessment: The notebook journal will explore the topics raised in an informal style, identifying recurring themes and major scholarly debates. It should be written in the form of explaining the issues to someone who has not taken the course, thus honing skills for engagement with non-specialists in the field.
• Final examination: assesses subject-specific knowledge and understanding, along with the acquisition of skills in structuring and presenting information in written form under time constraints.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

The first entry in the notebook journal will receive feedback to consolidate learning.

■ 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.