Evening Degree Modules

The School of Divinity currently contributes two modules to the University's part-time Evening Degree programme. This is an opportunity to study modules in arts, social science and science towards the MA (General) Degree. The modules can also be taken on their own without registering for the degree programme.

The face-to-face class meetings in St Andrews are, for these modules, on Monday evenings.  Full details are available at: Evening Degree.

'Introduction to Theology' DI1902

When reading the newspapers, watching television, listening to the radio or surfing the internet it doesn't take you long to begin to realize just how many different voices there are each making their own religious claims. In the past the Christian Church often had a fighting chance to claim a monopoly on speaking about God but those days are long gone. How, then, in a plural and diverse religious culture can Christian claims be justified?

This module begins with this question then moves on to consider traditional and contemporary arguments for against the existence of God - including some that you might see plastered across a London bus! These discussions open out into an overview of some of the key doctrines of Christian faith such as the nature of God, how God communicates to humans, the person of Christ, salvation and reconciliation.

We can only introduce you to the rich diversity of beliefs within the Christian community in a short module but by its end you'll understand a range of the core terms and discussions that are the bedrock of theological debate.

This module is ideal for someone who is interested in how people can talk about God to one another. As you would expect, we make no assumptions about the  students' own faith stance, if any, so someone wishing to enrich their appreciation of the Christian faith from inside or outside that particular religious tradition will find it equally, but differently, stimulating.

This module carries an SQCF rating of 20 credits at level 7.  Class meetings are Mondays, 6.30pm - 9.30pm in semester one.

'Christianity and the Modern World' DI2901

Britain's cathedrals draw crowds of tourists at the same as being a focal point for worship, care and witness by many Christians in the area. In Community Centres in inner-city areas groups of Christians meet for the same reasons and to reach out to their neighbours. From impressive edifices to prefabricated huts and in everything between, Christians gather across the UK to practice what it means to be church.

Our focus in this module is the challenges and opportunities facing Christians today, and we pay particular attention to the political, social and pastoral involvement of the churches in contemporary Britain.

We look at Christians' responses to secularism, indifference and religious pluralism thinking about how the Church is reacting to new expressions of spiritual interest. We give attention to some of the contemporary concerns with which Christians engage from their stance of faith, for example, globalisation, poverty, hunger, war, peace and the environment. Each year the module explores one or two of these topics in particular depth.

This module is ideal for anyone who is interested in how one particular religious community (in this case Christians) live their faith in relation to issues of significant contemporary importance.

There is no need to have completed the first-level module 'Introduction in Theology' in order to participate in this one because you will be helped to consider relevant theological perspectives without any assumption of prior knowledge. It is a valuable opportunity to understand not only what Christians do but why they do it.

This modules carries an SQCF rating of 20 credits at level 8. Class meetings are Mondays, 6.30pm - 9.30pm in semester two.

What some of our students say:

'I have studied areas which I previously was unaware of and this has been a very interesting experience, as it has made me consider different perspectives. It has brought deeper understanding of why certain traditions/habits happen and made me less judgemental of other denominations. These modules have opened my eyes to a whole new way of thinking, which was my goal when I embarked on this course of study and although some of the concepts have challenged me from time to time I have thoroughly enjoyed the 'Divinity' experience.' Lynn, from Dundee.

'Taking the Theology modules on the Evening Degree has made a real difference to me. It has been challenging and informative and given me the chance to read about and debate eternal themes which are still relevant. The tutors have been excellent offering guidance and advice in a very approachable way. In fact, now I have completed the Evening modules I have decided that I want to find out more and to this end I have applied to go full-time.' Sue, from Dundee.