2025/26 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

THEO5371M Theology and Public Life

30 creditsClass Size: 20

Module manager: Al McFadyen
Email: Trs6am@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2025/26

Pre-requisite qualifications

Prior knowledge and understanding of Christian theology (equivalent to study at Level 3).

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module provides an advanced introduction to the ways in which articulate Christian faith engages with public life in different global contexts and the emerging sub-discipline of ‘public theology’ that critically reflects on that engagement. You will engage with the theoretical and methodological issues in this contested field as well as studying texts engaging theologically with public issues in diverse contexts. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.

Objectives

This module introduces you to the developing and contested field of ‘public theology’ in a range of different global contexts of public life. It does so in ways that helps you to identify methods being used in specific texts (the way in which scripture, tradition, experience and secular discussion are brought together); to be alert to the significance of the specificity of context and the way in which notions of public life are being constructed.

The module supports you in developing your ability to critically evaluate both the method and substance of examples of public theology, showing critical awareness of and engagement with the more general methodological discussions of how public theology ought to proceed.

Beyond that, the module aims to equip you with the ability to develop your own constructive arguments, analyses and proposals in relation to public theological method and specific issues or themes in public life in order to explore the positive contribution theology might make to your understanding, to policy or to practical action.

The module is taught primarily through seminar discussion of key and exemplary texts (with initial input from faculty teaching the module if and as appropriate to help you frame your understanding or have an overview of key topics). This will facilitate exposure to multiple texts from diverse contexts and exposure to different ways of analysing and responding to textual material and the public issues under discussion in texts.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes:

1- Articulate sophisticated and independent analysis of approaches, issues, concepts, and themes on the relevance of theology to public life;
2- Formulate constructive proposals in relation to method or other general issues in approaches to public theology, or the contribution of theology to a specific issue in public life in one or more contexts;
3- Explicate the significance of social, economic and political specificities of diverse global contexts for public theological discourse;
4- Represent and critique scholarly discussion.

Skills Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:

5- Communicate ideas and understanding clearly and concisely, using appropriate academic language (Academic and Work Ready skill)  
6- Critically analyse source material and demonstrate independence of thought (Academic and Work Ready skill)  
7- Locate and utilise appropriate material to support knowledge and analysis of topics (Academic, Work Ready, Digital and Sustainability skill)  

Syllabus

Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Supervision	2	0.50	1.00
Seminar	11	2.00	22.00
Private study hours			277.00
Total Contact hours			23.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			300.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

In addition to the formative feedback available to students in student hours and seminar-based activities, each student is invited to complete two pieces of formative work which will receive written feedback. In preparation for the Literature Review assignment, students may submit an annotated bibliography, while in preparation of the Essay students are given a choice of essay plan; exposition of an argument; literature review. This requires students to identify the type of feedback that will be of most value to them and so play an active role in honing their knowledge and skill development.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Coursework	Literature review	30.00
Coursework	Essay	70.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		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: 14/02/2025

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