The unit will first examine the place of learning in the friars branch of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans). The focus will then be on the character of theology in the 13th century in the West, and the contribution of Albert the Great and Aquinas to this enterprise. The Summa Theologiae (Summa Theologica) of Aquinas will be studied. Particular emphasis will be placed on Aquinas’ understanding of the nature of Christian theology, knowing and speaking about God, the virtues, prayer and contemplation. Aquinas’ hymns for the Office of Corpus Christi and the Adoro Te will also be treated. Next the life and times of Meister Eckhart will be introduced. His basic ideas will be addressed: knowing and talking about God, the nature of God, the relationship of God and the world and union with God. Texts related to these themes from Eckhart’s sermons and treatises will be studied. The thought and writings of two of his leading Dominican disciples, Henry Suso and Joannes Tauler, will be briefly explored.
Unit code: DS2603C
Unit status: Archived (New unit)
Points: 18.0
Unit level: Undergraduate Level 2
Unit discipline: Spirituality
Delivery Mode: Face to Face
Proposing College: Catholic Theological College
Show when this unit is running1. | Describe the place of learning for the friars of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans) and the structures created to achieve this in the context of theology in the West in the 13th century |
2. | Demonstrate a basic grasp of the Summa Theologica, taking into account contemporary views as to its overall plan |
3. | Articulate Aquinas’ thought on a particular theological issue; |
4. | Identify basic themes in Eckhart’s philosophical, theological and mystical thought; 5. show an understanding of selected texts of Eckhart. |
5. | Show an understanding of selected texts of Eckhart |
Lectures, seminars, tutorials
Type | Description | Word count | Weight (%) |
---|---|---|---|
Essay | 2500 word essay |
2500 | 60.0 |
Critical Review | 1000 word critical review exercise |
1000 | 20.0 |
Critical Review | 1000 word critical review exercise |
1000 | 20.0 |
Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 19 Oct, 2017
Unit record last updated: 2022-04-14 08:56:23 +1000