Module: Pneumatology

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Pneumatology
Module Code	RET1023 (ITS: TP127)
Faculty	Theology, Philosophy & Music	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	7.5

Description

This module is a biblical, historical and systematic theological study of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. Students will engage critically a variety of classic texts and themes from both Western theologies of the Spirit rooted in St. Augustine and the Eastern doctrines of the Spirit that begin with the Cappadocian Fathers. Some of the most important themes we will explore in this module include: the Holy Spirit in Gospels, the subjective experience of Spirit, the filioque controversy, the role of the Spirit in the Trinity and modern debates about the significance of the Holy Spirit in systematic theology.

Learning Outcomes

1. 1. Identify and reflect upon the key texts and themes that have shaped Pneumatology.
2. 2. Familiarize students with classic texts and figures within the Christian tradition through careful textual-literary analysis.
3. 3. Facilitate students’ appreciation of the dynamics of theological inquiry and the relationship between theorization, reading comprehension and personal growth.
4. 4. Provide students an extended opportunity to interact with ancient and contemporary voices of reflection as a way to deepen their own faith perspective and humanities education.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	18	No Description
Independent Study	132	No Description
Total Workload: 150

Section Breakdown
CRN	11513	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Joseph Rivera	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Essay	An essay of 2,500 words on topic related to the course will be due by the end of the module.	100%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Spirit in New Testament

Role of the Holy Spirit at the birth of the Church

Nicene-Chalcedonian Creed

Charisms

Augustine on the Spirit

Eastern Orthodoxy on the Spirit

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Congar, Yves: 1983, I Believe in the Holy Spirit, Vols. 1-3, Seabury Press, New York,
Johnson, Elizabeth A.: 1994, She Who Is: The Mystery of God in Feminist Theological Discourse, Crossroads, New York,
Button Prichard, Rebecca: 1999, Sensing the Spirit: The Holy Spirit in Feminist Perspective, Chalice Press, St Louis, MO,
Moltman, Jũrgen: 2001, The Sprit of Life: A Universal Affirmation, Fortress Press, Minneapolis,
Augustine: 1991, The Trinty, New City Press, New York,
Basil the Great: 2011, On the Holy Spirit, St. Vladimir's Press, New York,
Vladimir Lossky: 1997, The Mystical Theology of the Eastern Church, St. Vladimir's Press, New York,

Articles:

Coffey, David: 0, The Gift of the Holy Spirit, Irish Theological Quarterly, 38 (1971), 221-237, 28402
0: A Trinitarian Theology of the Holy Spirit?, Theological Studies, 46 (1985), 191 ff.,

Other Resources

None