Module THEO3971: Special Subject: Study of a Christian Theologian

Department: Theology and Religion

THEO3971: Special Subject: Study of a Christian Theologian

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To develop advanced skills in close reading of theological texts.
• To interpret portions of a theologian's work in the context of his or her wider thought, life, and the debates that they were involved in in their own day.
• To encourage engagement with up-to-date scholarship on the relevant texts.
• To encourage constructive response evaluating the significance of a theological thinker.

Content

• In this module, you will make a special study of one significant Christian theologian. You will read some of their work very closely, to appreciate the form, genre, style, and content of their thinking and writing. The module will also offer an overview that allows you to contextualise their work in relation to their wider thought, life, culture, and the debates in which they were involved. You will be encouraged to reflect on the significance of their contribution to Christian thought, and to begin to engage constructively with their work as a theological thinker in your own right. Different authors will be read in different years, from different periods of history, according to availability and expertise of different staff.

Learning Outcomes

• Close knowledge of parts of the oeuvre of one particular Christian thinker.
• Broad knowledge of their thought and context.
• Critical knowledge of key scholarship relating to them.

• Skill in interpreting the form and content of Christian theological writing.
• Skill in evaluating theological thinking and its presentation in written form.
• Skill in constructive theological reflection.

• Skills in interpretation, evaluation, and constructive critical response to written texts.
• Skills in dialogue about theological ideas, texts, and thinkers.
• Skills in the structured presentation of ideas in written form.

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

• Seminars 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.
• 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.
• Short written formative assignments with feedback allow focus on particular skills.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

250 word written assignment

■ 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.