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Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title Themes in Modern Theology
Module Code TP523 (ITS) / RET1057 (Banner)
Faculty Humanities & Social Sciences School Theology, Philosophy & Music
Module Co-ordinatorJoseph Rivera
Module Teachers-
NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 10
Pre-requisite Not Available
Co-requisite Not Available
Compatibles Not Available
Incompatibles Not Available
Coursework Only
Description

This module aims to introduce students to classic texts and themes in modern Protestant theology. It explores ways in which a broad range of Protestant theologies are deeply intertwined, sometimes in conflict, and always in need of interpretation. Through a careful study of primary texts, the module is designed to promote classroom conversation and debate as we consider enduring theological themes such as revelation, the human person, sin, creation and reconciliation. By situating the dynamics of modern theology in this way, the module offers an opportunity to reflect upon the meaning of the human condition from a distinctly Protestant perspective.

Learning Outcomes

1. 1. Identify and reflect upon the key figures who have shaped 19th and 20th-century Protestant theology.
2. 2. Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of critical philosophical and theological terms and themes, such as existentialism, being and consciousness, revelation and God, as they advance any particular thinker’s theological agenda.
3. 3. Familiarize students with classic texts and figures in Protestant thought that continue to provide touchstones for contemporary understandings of Christian theology.
4. 4. Show points of tangency and divergence between important thinkers on a variety of theological topics.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture24Attendance of lectures.
Class Presentation26Preparation of presentation material.
Independent Study200No Description
Total Workload: 250

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

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Weekly Topics
1. Luther, Calvin and Post-Kantian Theology 2. Schleiermacher’s Apology 3. Biblical Criticism, Strauss, Life of Jesus 4. The Liberal Era: Albrecht Ritschl 5. Mysterium Tremendum: Rudolf Otto 6. Karl Barth on Revelation 7. Karl Barth on Covenant 8. Karl Barth on Election 9. Ultimate Concern: Paul Tillich 10. Post-Liberal Protestant Thought

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Research PaperA paper of 3,500 words is required. It must reflect on a major theme or a major figure in the Modern Protestant Tradition. Consultation with the module coordinator about the topic is required.80%n/a
PresentationA presentation on a specific primary text is required.20%n/a
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories:
Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module.
Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1
Indicative Reading List

  • Albrecht Ritschl: 1902, The Christian Doctrine of Justification and Reconciliation, T&T Clark, Edinburgh,
  • Friedrich Schleiermacher: 1996, On Religion: Speeches to Its Cultured Despisers, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK,
  • Friedrich Schleiermacher: 2016, Christian Faith, 2 volume set, Westminster John Knox, Louisville, KY,
  • Karl Barth: 1936, Church Dogmatics, Vol.1, Part I, T&T Clark, Edinburgh,
  • George Lindbeck: 1984, The Nature of Doctrine: Religion and Theology in a Postliberal Age, Westminster John Knox, Louisville, KY,
  • Rufolf Otto: 1958, The Idea of the Holy, Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK,
  • Kevin Hector: 2015, The Theological Project of Modernism: Faith and the Conditions of Mineness, Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK,
Other Resources

None

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