Assessment

Continuous assessment: 20% + Class presentation 20% + Research Essay 60%

Module Aims

The aim of this undergraduate module is to introduce learners to the field of Theology Anthropology as an academic subdiscipline, which offers a theological account of the human being from the Catholic intellectual tradition. Learners will be introduced to key classical theologians and their hermeneutical method of theological anthropology, and particularly the notions of creation, sin, grace, and freedom. Learning from influential classical theologians from the Latin and Greek traditions, learners will engage with questions about the core tenets of classical theological anthropology to gain a more informed perspective about how the content of Christian doctrine can be presented in a coherent way.

Indicative Syllabus

The following reflects the indicative content

• Week One: Introduction to relevant topics & issues
• Week Two: Classical Approaches
• Week Three: Creation
• Week Four: Sin
• Week Five: Grace
• Week Six: Freedom
• Week Seven: Christ
• Week Eight: Irenaeus of Lyon
• Week Nine: Gregory of Nyssa
• Week Ten: Augustine of Hippo
• Week Eleven: Thomas Aquinas
• Week Twelve: Review

Each seminar is two hours long. In addition six hours is allocated per week for the preassigned reading and input on a Moodle Discussion forum.

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

• — Hinsdale & Okey – T&T Clark Handbook of Theological Anthropology (2021)
• — 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