DI5541 Texts and Methods in Modern Theology

Academic year

2025 to 2026 Semester 2

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

Prof J Wolfe

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

Module Staff

Prof Judith Wolfe

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 development of Christian theology by looking at selected texts and methods of the early modern and/or modern period. Key considerations may include the significance of human experience as a source of theological reasoning; the relationship between faith and reason; the mutual influence of theology and other disciplines; the connections between doctrinal themes and Christian practice; and new literary forms. We seek to engage closely with primary texts, and invite close reflection on the ways in which modern 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

34

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 early modern and modern periods
  • identify key methods developed by theologians in their endeavour to understand God in the context of modernity
  • formulate arguments about the development of Christian theology and its relation to other areas of knowledge and experience
  • 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