TRS4402 - Texts and Contexts I: New Testament to New World

Objectives:

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

(1) Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the distinctive periods of Christian theology (in both the West and the East) from apostolic times to the end of the late Medieval period (c.1500)
(2) Demonstrate an awareness of the relevant historical and cultural background to these periods of theological thought
(3) Demonstrate an understanding of specific theological ideas and arguments from translated primary sources of the time and appropriate secondary material
(4) Read and discuss primary sources in appropriate modern English translation
(5) Construct a clear argument in good English, supported by references to sources, carried out to an academic standard\

Content:

The module will provide a survey, illustrated by lectures, of the successive periods of Church History from its inception to the pre-Reformation period in Europe. Specific themes to be covered may include (for example): the role of martyrdom in the early church; the ecumenical Church councils; the evangelisation of England; eastern Christian spirituality; and the rise of monasteries and universities.

Detailed study of a selection of texts will be conducted through seminars. Texts to be studied may include (for example): Eusebius, Ignatius, Athanasius, Ephraim the Syrian, Augustine of Hippo, Gregory of Nyssa, Bede, Dionysius, Aquinas, Abelard, Symeon the New Theologian, The Cloud of Unknowing, Julian of Norwich. Specific skills relevant to the study of the texts, such as decoding, note-taking, effective use of sources, essay preparation and group work, will be developed through workshops.

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; formal assessment by presentation to the rest of the group; 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 and drafts if required.

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

Assessment:

001 Summary of selected Primary Source (semester 1) 20%
002 Group presentation (during sem 1 & 2) 20%
003 Essay 1 x 1500 words (end of sem 1) 30%
004 Essay 1 x 1500 words (end of sem 2) 30%


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