Programme of Study Catalogue

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
demonstrate detailed knowledge of contemporary paradigms in philosophy of religion, such as aspects of postmodernism; their philosophical and theological significance, and how theologians are responding to them
critically analyse and compare different positions advanced by theologians responding to contemporary philosophical paradigms, such as postmodernism, with a nuanced appreciation of how their responses open up new avenues of inquiry
demonstrate detailed understanding of a range of ways theologians have interpreted and responded to recent cultural and technological developments such as the growth of digital media
demonstrate detailed knowledge of key issues in contemporary philosophy of religion and philosophical theology and construct sophisticated arguments about these with reference to a range of philosophical and interdisciplinary approaches.

Content:

The first part of the module will present an introductory overview of contemporary philosophical paradigms including: critical theory, postmodernism and postmodernity, considering such topics as: precursors of postmodernism (Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, 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. Where possible, learning will be supplemented with site visits. Research methods that aid fieldwork will also be considered where appropriate and, whenever possible, put into practice.

Lecture/Seminar/group work etc
Hours: 33

Guided independent study
Hours: 167

Further details relating to assessment
The portfolio will consist of 6 portfolio entries, each of 300-400 words in length (not to exceed the maximum allowed in the final submission). These will be assessed throughout the module, with a submission due approximately every two weeks, and submitted together as a pack at the end of the module.