TRS6452 - Theological Themes: Creation and Grace

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate an understanding of the doctrines of creation, grace, and eschatology within Catholic theology;
Evaluate the historical development of the Catholic understanding of creation and the working of grace;
Explain the nature/grace debate, with particular reference to its importance in twentieth-century Catholic theology;
Assess the importance of the doctrine of creation for Catholic theology as a whole;
Demonstrate an understanding of the Catholic teaching on the role of Mary, Mother of God, and her place in the divine economy of salvation.

Content:

This module will introduce students to the doctrines of creation, grace, and eschatology, and their place within the Catholic theological tradition. Students will take a historical approach to these doctrines, studying key texts within their historical and ecclesial contexts. Catholic teaching on the role of Mary the Mother of God will also be examined.
Core content will include:
- The Catholic doctrine of grace, both historically and in contemporary Catholic theology;
- The role of Mary in Catholic Theology;
- Creation;
- Christian hope and eschatology.

Learning and Teaching Information:

Learning and teaching takes place in plenary sessions and using blended learning. It may also include group activities and also opportunities for individual help through face-to-face meeting or online means. Scheduled learning activities are varied and include include: lecture-style presentations by the module tutor or occasional guest speaker; seminar-style discussion of a particular topic; informal prepared presentations by students, followed by discussion; debates; and other exercises as appropriate to material and group. Students receive guidance on reading in preparation for each session and activity and learning is supported by the VLE (Moodle) and sometimes by readers and other resources. Guidance on research and essay-writing is integral to the learning and teaching process in each module and may also be supported by tutorial guidance on essay plans if requested.

Lecture
Contact hours: 20
Intended Group size: 20

Seminar/Workshop
Contact hours: 20
Intended Group size: 20

Guided independent study
Hours: 160

Assessment: