TRS6102 - God in A Digital Age

Objectives:

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

1 Demonstrate knowledge of aspects of postmodernism, its philosophical and theological significance, and how theologians are responding to it
2 Critically analyse and compare different positions advanced by theologians responding to postmodernism
3 Demonstrate understanding of the way theologians have interpreted and responded to recent cultural and technological developments such as the growth of digital media
4 Discuss the challenges posed for theological discussion by the way postmodernism crosses inter-disciplinary boundaries and is expressed through a variety of different cultural forms

Content:

The first part of the module will present an introductory overview of postmodernism and postmodernity, considering such topics as: precursors of postmodernism (Kierkegaard, Nietszche, Heidegger); postmodernism as a new philosophical paradigm (Lyotard, Deleuze, Baudrillard); and postmodernism as the deconstruction of the modern. Theological engagements with postmodernism will then be reviewed, including such topics as: theologies of the oppressed; religious pluralism and the rise of fundamentalism; the place of theology in a postmodern age. The final part of the module will focus on the way these debates can be related to the topics of God, the body and the city.

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 if required.

Lectures/Seminars
Contact Hours 40
Number of Groups 1

Assessment:

001 Essay 2000 words (end of sem 1) 30%
002 Portfolio (sem 2) 30%
003 Unseen paper 1 x 2 hours (end of semester 2) 40%


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