Introduction to Christian Thought (CT8740Z)

Postgraduate, 24.0 points

Content

This unit introduces students to the study of theology at a foundational level. It outlines the content and method of Christian theology and explores the roles of Scripture and tradition in theological discourse through historical developments and in the present day. It includes an overview of key Christian doctrines and different perspectives which may be taken on these.

Unit code: CT8740Z

Unit status: Approved (New unit)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Foundational

Unit discipline: Systematic Theology

Proposing College: Uniting College for Leadership and Theology

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Learning outcomes

1.

Analyse the nature and sources of Christian Theology at a foundational level
2.

Examine key doctrines of the Christian Faith
3.

Evaluate the importance of theological doctrine to ministry practice.
4.

Employ knowledge and skills developed in the unit to critique and develop resources suitable for selected ministry context(s)

Unit sequence

Level 8 unit in postgraduate ministry and theology courses

Pedagogy

UCLT uses primary and secondary sources considered through different lenses to identify and explore the challenges of the unit material for the contemporary world. Students are engaged in a range of comparative, analytical and reflective practices to identify the theological themes of Christian texts.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Bevans, Stephen B, and Schroeder, Roger P. Constants in Context: A Theology of Mission for Today. Maryknoll, New York: Orbis, 2004.
  • Jones, Serene and Paul Lakeland (Editors). Constructive Theology: A Contemporary Approach to Classical Themes. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2005.
  • * Kärkkäinen, Veli-Matti. The Trinity: Global Perspectives. Louisville, Kentucky: Westminster John Knox Press, 2007.
  • McGrath, Alister. Christian Theology. An Introduction. 6th edition. Oxford: Wiley Blackwell, 2016.
  • Marsh, Charles, Peter Slade and Sarah Azaransky. Lived Theology: New Perspectives on Method, Style, and Pedagogy. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2016.
  • Pui-lan, Kwok. Postcolonial Imagination & Feminist Theology. Louisville, Kentucky: Westminster John Knox Press, 2005.
  • Saracino, Michelle. Christian Anthropology: An Introduction to the Human Person. New York: Paulist Press, 2015.
  • Sumner, Darren (Editor). T&T Clark Handbook of Christology. London: T&T Clark, 2020.
  • Thompson, Geoff. Christian Doctrine: A Guide for the Perplexed. London: Bloomsbury, 2020.
  • Veenman, Mary M. Introducing Theological Method: A Survey of Contemporary Theologians and Approaches. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2017.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Portfolio

Interaction with unit content

 1000 10.0
Essay

Identify theological ideas in context(s)

 1500 25.0
Essay

Includes an annotated bibliography and integrated response

 3000 40.0
Learning Resource

Professional Practice Application

 2000 25.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 20 Oct, 2022

Unit record last updated: 2022-10-20 17:27:57 +1100