TRS6412 - Christian Worship

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:\

(1) Demonstrate knowledge of the origins and historical development of Christian worship
(2) Demonstrate an understanding of Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant sacramental theology
(3) Discuss and analyse the theological significance of Christian rites and liturgical texts
(4) Assess the relevance of liturgical scholarship and theology to broader theological issues and current Christian practice

Content:

Introduction to theological, historical, sociological and psychological approaches to worship.
Worship in the Old and New Testaments.
Early liturgical sources and what they tell us.
History of liturgical development in West and East.
Theologies of the sacraments.
Study of specific rites and liturgical texts, both historical and current.
Liturgical art, architecture, music, language, ritual, gesture, symbolism and spirituality.
Christian customs surrounding birth, initiation, marriage, death and burial.
The liturgical year.
The divine office and popular devotion.
One of the essays might be a ‘field report’, based on observation of a liturgical service as well as on reading.

Learning and Teaching Information:

The course will be taught in plenary sessions which will make use of a blend of teaching and learning methods. These will normally include: lecture-style presentations by the tutor; seminar-style discussion of a particular topic; informal prepared presentations by students, followed by discussion; other exercises as appropriate to material and group. Guidance on reading in preparation for each session and activity will be given; and learning will be supported where appropriate by VLE and other electronic resources. Guidance on research and essay-writing will be embedded in the learning and teaching process throughout the module; and may also be supported by tutorial guidance on essay plans if required.

Lectures/Seminars
Contact Hours:40
Number of Groups:1

Assessment:

001 Essay 1x1500 words (end of sem 1) 25%
002 Essay 1x2500 words (end of sem 2) 50%
003 Exam 1x1hour (end of sem 2) 25%


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