Module Specifications..
Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025
Please note that this information is subject to change.
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Description The purpose of this module is to study and to explore the Christian understanding of human existence. It will focus on the traditional loci of theological anthropology, namely, human nature, grace, creation, eschatology, sin, imago Dei, as well as hope, death and immortality, and the redemption of the human body. The module will assess the recent resurgence of interest in the imago Dei among authors of the different traditions by considering their respective contributions to the efforts to say something important about human dignity in contemporary society. The module follows a ressourcement, ecumenical, and interdisciplinary methodology throughout. An important objective will be the study of such masterpieces as Augustine’s Confessions and City of God as well as other original texts, with particular attention to the contribution of Thomas Aquinas, one of the most important medieval Catholic thinkers. Calvin’s assertion that ‘without knowledge of self there is no knowledge of God’ will be analysed in conjunction with other relevant texts on self-knowledge. The module will study patristic and medieval notions of grace, creation, sin, and the imago Dei, with particular reference to the Latin tradition. The module attempts to respond to modern and contemporary challenges, notably, nouvelle théologie, as well as feminist and liberation perspectives. In this module, students will develop knowledge and skills in reading original texts, as well as introductory and advanced historical, theological, and philosophical textbooks in a collaborative learning environment. A critical element of the course will be weekly reading assignments and participation in in-class presentations by students. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Learning Outcomes 1. Identify and reflect on the sources and traditions which have contributed to Christian anthropology; 2. Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the themes of grace, creation and eschatology in addition to important philosophical categories as they pertain to Christian anthropology; 3. Make a theologically-informed response to the question ‘Who am I’ 4. Read and assess original sources and demonstrate an understanding of key thinkers including Augustine, Aquinas, and Aristotle; 5. Communicate a vision of the human person that recognises ‘the dignity of difference’; 6. Collect, synthesise and present knowledge on complex problems in a critical, objective manner; 7. Communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to specialised and non-specialist audiences. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Imago Dei and the Human PersonGrace, Creation, and EschatologyVirtuesReading AugustineReading AquinasReading PieperHope and Eternal LifeLiberation and Feminist Perspectives | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List
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Other Resources 55272, Website, Al- Bitar, Sawsan M, 2003, A Critical Analysis of Thomas Aquinas’s Doctrine of the Image of God, Damascus University Journal, http://www.damascusuniversity.edu.sy/mag/human/images/stories/1223.pdf, 55273, Website, Augustine, Saint, 0, Confessions, Oxford World’s Classics, 55274, Website, 0, The Theological Principles Underlying Augustine’s City of God, file:///Users/gabriel/Downloads/5+kasprzak.pdf, 55275, Website, Benedict, 0, The Rule of Saint Benedict, http://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/benedict-the-rule-of-st-benedict, 55276, Website, Brown, Montague, 0, Imago Dei in St Thomas, The Saint Anselm Journal, file:///Users/gabriel/Downloads/Brown.pdf, 55277, Website, Fredriksen, Paula, 0, The Confessions as Autobiography, http://www.bu.edu/religion/files/2010/03/Aug-Conf-Vessy.pdf, 55278, Website, International Theological Commission, 0, Communion and Stewardship: Human Persons Created in the Image of God, http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/cti_documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_20040723_communion-stewardship_en.html, 55279, Website, Online Library of Liberty, 0, Religion, History, Philosophy, http://oll.libertyfund.org/, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Programme or List of Programmes
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