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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2020 - 2021

Module Title
Module Code
School

Online Module Resources

NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 10
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
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 Assessment% Examination Weight%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable
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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