Philosophy for Theologians
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| THEO1014 | Philosophy | 1 | 10 | Spring UK |
- Code
- THEO1014
- School
- Philosophy
- Level
- 1
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
This module will provide an overview of the most important philosophical ideas, theories, and arguments that are of special interest to students of theology. The module will begin with the Greek 'natural theology' of the pre-Socratic thinkers and end with the post-modern 'turn to religion' of Emmanuel Levinas and Jacques Derrida. The method of instruction will combine historical and speculative approaches, using the perspective of the 'history of ideas.
A single coursework essay/assignment will replace all failed assessment components at the reassessment stage.
Target Students
Available to all students including subsidiary, Liberal Arts, and exchange students
Classes
- One 1-hour seminar each week for 5 weeks
- One 1-hour lecture each week for 5 weeks
- One 1-hour lecture each week for 10 weeks
On the rotation: first week = 2 x lectures, second week = 1 lecture +1 seminar
Assessment
- 100% Coursework 1: One portfolio of 2000 words (max)
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
To acquaint students of theology with philosophical argumentation and its development throughout the ages and thus help them to understand and clarify their own theological views.Learning Outcomes
1. Knowledge and Understanding:
Able to demonstrate intelligent engagement with and critical comprehension of important texts in Western philosophy. Able to demonstrate critical comprehension of basic philosophical texts and arguments. Able to critically analyse primary sources of the philosophical tradition.
2. Intellectual Skills:
Able to interpret and critically reflect upon ancient and contemporary texts, combining independence of judgement with appropriate recognition of existing scholarship and historical context.
3. Professional Practical Skills:
Able to make discriminating use of a range of library and information resources in order to identify appropriate source material, compile bibliographies, and inform research. Able to show independence of thought, and critical self-awareness about one's own beliefs and commitments.
4. Transferable (key) skills:
Able to deal with complex issues systematically and creatively. Able to communicate with varied audiences both orally and in writing. Able to communicate ideas, arguments, principles, theories and develop sophisticated arguments.