2008/09 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

THEO1155 Traditions of Christian Thinking

20 creditsClass Size: 150

Module manager: Dr Alistair McFadyen
Email: A.I.Mcfadyen@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2008/09

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module gives a broad introduction to Christian history and theology, religious studies and the sociology of religion.

Objectives

1. On completion of this module, students will have gained: an understanding of the distinctiveness of Christian faith in its theological articulation, and of the nature and value of theology within Christianity; an awareness of the complex nature of the Bible's 'authority' and of the diversity of biblical interpretation; an appreciation of the historical development and variety of Christian practice and thought; and a sense that such development involves a dynamic interaction between the 'internal' logic of Christian faith and 'external' conversation with other world-views.

2. Students will acquire such general intelligence largely in the process of studying particular key doctrinal loci.

Syllabus

The module begins, in weeks 1-2, by considering the contemporary and historical varieties of Christianity and Christian thought; what 'theology' is; the role of the Bible as a 'foundational' text for theology, with a special focus on the story of Jesus; and the relation between the Bible and other 'authorities' (e.g. philosophy, natural and social science).

In subsequent weeks, the module moves through four thematic areas of major significance in Christian faith and theology, involving consideration of the interaction between faith and history, philosophy, culture, politics, etc. These thematic areas are: Jesus (weeks 3-4); God and Trinity (5-6); Anthropology (7-8); and Christianity and politics (9-10).

In week 11 the module concludes by picking out and reconsidering some of the overarching themes that have recurred in the course.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	11	1.00	11.00
Lecture	11	2.00	22.00
Private study hours			167.00
Total Contact hours			33.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Methods of assessment

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Exam with advance information on questions	3 hr 00 mins	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 18/06/2009

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