DI5540 Texts and Methods in Early and Medieval Theology

Academic year

2025 to 2026 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 11

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

To be arranged.

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr W P Hyland

Dr W P Hyland
This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr William Hyland, Dr Oliver Langworthy

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module traces the beginnings of Christian theology by looking at selected texts and methods of the Patristic and medieval periods. Key considerations may include the significance of scriptural reasoning in the articulation of theological arguments; the relationship between faith and philosophy; the emergence of what might be deemed in some sense systematic theology; and the connections between doctrinal themes and Christian practice. We seek to engage closely with primary texts, and invite close reflection on the ways in which early Christian theology developed, the reasons why it took the forms it did, and the implications of this.

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

Examination = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

Two 90-minutes classes or one 180-minute class per week (x10 weeks), consisting of a mix of lecture and seminar work

Scheduled learning hours

31

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

260

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • engage closely with selected theological texts from the Patristic and medieval periods
  • identify key methods developed by theologians in their endeavour to speak responsibly about God and the world
  • formulate arguments about the development of Christian theology and its relation to other areas of knowledge
  • discuss how historical theologies can be understood to bear on contemporary issues
  • develop and sustain arguments clearly and cogently, in group discussion and written work