Programme of Study Catalogue

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate knowledge of the specific ways in which philosophical positions have had an impact on issues in theology and religion
Demonstrate an understanding of the historical context in which contemporary philosophical discussion about religious matters has arisen
Demonstrate that they can engage with and enter into intellectual dialogue with the work of specified philosophers and philosophers of religion
Demonstrate critical and analytical skills through the analysis of philosophical texts and arguments about religion

Content:

The first part of the module will provide an overview of the nature of philosophy of religion and philosophical enquiry and an introduction to key questions in the philosophy of religion such as faith and reason, fideism and evidentialism, knowledge and God.
This will lead on to consideration of how philosophical ideas have been employed in relation to theology and theological problems. Topics and authors to be explored may include (for example):
- arguments for the existence of God (Aquinas, Paley, Descartes, Kant)
- the soul, life after death, and the mind-body problem
- religious language - talking about God (Ayer, Wittgenstein, postmodernity)
- epistemology and the status of religious truth claims (Kierkegaard, Plantinga)

Learning and Teaching Information:

The module 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 or visiting lecturers; seminar-style discussion of a particular topic; 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 and feedback on submitted work.

Lecture
Hours: 20
Intended Group size: Cohort

Seminar, group work, tutorial, etc
Hours: 20
Intended Group size: Cohort

Guided independent study
Hours: 160

Further details relating to assessment
Assessment 1 - Directed activities: these consist of weekly tasks that must be completed and submitted for inspection at timetabled sessions each week. The assessment will be assessed on a pass/fail basis with a pass requiring at least 75% of all weekly tasks to be completed successfully. A pass will lead to the full award of 10% towards the final module mark. A fail in directed activities will contribute 0% to the final mark.

The portfolio will consist of six 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.

Assessment:

001 Directed activities sem 1 10%
002 Portfolio 2000 words equiv. end of semester 45%
003 Essay 2000 words equivalent end of semester 45%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Daniel Molto
Level - 4
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 4S1