Assessment

Continuous Assessment: 40%; Class Presentation 60%

Module Aims

The aim of this undergraduate module is to introduce learners to Dogmatic Theology in the Catholic tradition and to explore the doctrinal content of the Christian faith to illuminate its place and enduring relevance in society. In this module, learners will be introduced to how Christian beliefs have developed globally over millennia to confront new issues, and how dogmatics remains in dialogue with the wider cultural context in which Christians profess their faith. This class introduces the key doctrinal content of the Christian faith and its vision for human flourishing to assess whether and how it can still be formulated in a pluralistic society. The practices and beliefs of the Catholic tradition receive special attention, such as Trinity, Creation, Jesus Christ, Church, Sacraments, Salvation, Resurrection, and The End of Time.

Learning Outcomes

• — Grasp and explain classic theological concepts and positions to interpret theological ideas using relevant terms, tasks, sources, and methods.
• — Demonstrate comprehension by summarizing the logic and underlying assumptions of theological viewpoints.
• — Apply critical thinking skills during class discussions, written assignments, and group presentations to use the acquired knowledge and skills to assess and analyze theological perspectives.
• — Analyse and evaluate the logic and presuppositions inherent in theological positions to formulate informed perspectives based on course materials and assessments, displaying a deep understanding.
• — Demonstrate the ability to create thoughtful and engaging discussion questions that stimulate critical thinking and deep analysis of theological texts to enhance speaking, writing, and reading skills specific to theological texts through practice and application.

Bibliography

• — James J. Buckley and Frederick Christian Bauerschmidt, Catholic Theology: An Introduction, (Wiley 2017)
• — Bible: https://www.biblegateway.com/
• — Catechism of Catholic Church: https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM
• — Lewis Ayres & Medi Ann Volpe, The Oxford Handbook of Catholic Theology (Oxford, 2019)
• — Thomas G. Weinandy, Athanasius: A Theological Introduction (CUA 2018)
• — Lewis Ayres, Nicaea and its Legacy (Oxford, 2006)
• — Khaled Anatolios, Retrieving Nicaea (Baker Academic, 2011)
• — John Behr, The Mystery of Christ: Life in Death (SVS 2006)
• — Robert Louis Wilken, The Spirit of Early Christian Thought (Yale 2005)
• — Robert Barron, Catholicism: A Journey to the Heart of the Faith (Image Books, 2011)