Content

This unit introduces students to theology as a constructive task through historical discourses on and contemporary reinterpretations of major theological themes. Students will engage with the interplay between historical and contemporary interpretations, exploring unactualised possibilities inherent in Christian tradition and the ongoing need to rearticulate theological speech in relation to multiple contexts.

Unit code: CT8002Z

Unit status: Approved (New unit)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Foundational

Unit discipline: Systematic Theology

Delivery Mode: Blended

Proposing College: St Francis College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Demonstrate a foundational understanding of theological concepts.

2.

Demonstrate an emerging ability to understand and analyse theological concepts through active engagement with historical discourses and contemporary contexts.

3.

Demonstrate the ability to analyse and evaluate a theological concept with some degree of detail in an argumentative essay.

4.

Engage in peer learning through classroom discussions, including leading a tutorial discussion (the week of one of their reading reflections), and contributing to an online group project.

Unit sequence

This unit is a prerequisite for elective study in Systematic Theology.

Pedagogy

Direct instruction, provocation, and self-directed learning approach to learning discipline-specific skills (demonstrating an understanding of concepts in theology, reading, and reflecting on a range of theologians, and engaging in the process of re-constructing theology for the contemporary context, and classroom dialogues) through lectures, tutorials with targeted learning activities, and formative and summative assessment tasks.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Coakley, Sarah. God, Sexuality and the Self: An Essay “On the Trinity”, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2015.
  • Jennings, Willie James, The Christian Imagination: Theology and the Origins of Race* (New Haven: Yale University Press, 2011).
  • Jenson, Robert, A Theology in Outline: Can these Bones Live? (London and New York: Oxford University Press, 2016).
  • Jones, Serene. 2008. Constructive theology: a contemporary approach to classical themes. Minneapolis, Minn: Fortress Press.
  • Martin, Dale B., Biblical Truths: The Meaning of Scripture in the Twenty First Century (new Haven: Yale University Press, 2017).
  • Morse, Christopher. Not Every Spirit: A Dogmatics of Disbelief, 2nd ed. London: Bloomsbury, 2009.
  • Watson, Natalie K., Feminist Theology (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2003).

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Multiple Choice Quizzes or Tests - Quizzes

Conceptual quiz based on unit readings that allows students to demonstrate their engagement with class readings.

1000 20.0
Tutorial Paper/Seminar Paper - Reading Reflection and Discussion Leadership

Complete two short reading reflections (1000 words each) from a list of assigned weekly topics and lead a class discussion on one of the two topics chosen.

2000 20.0
Essay - Essay

Short argumentative essay that analyses a theological concept with some degree of detail.

2000 25.0
Written Examination - Short Exam

Short essay in exam conditions. Five (5) set questions on topics from the weekly topic list. Students must attempt a response to one (1) question in detail.

1000 35.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 25 May, 2023

Unit record last updated: 2023-05-25 14:00:38 +1000