THEO45930: Catholic Theology Preliminary Tour (DL)

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• To provide an intellectual foundation for the MA in Catholic Studies (DL), and build a cohort of online students who are able to learn from and support one another
• To facilitate students transitions from undergraduate studies in Theology and Religious Studies or in cognate disciplines such as Classics, Philosophy, History or Literature to the academic study of Catholic Theology at an advanced level.
• To provide training in research methods and resources appropriate to the scholarly study of Catholic theology

• This module explores the nature of theology in the Catholic tradition, providing the context for and orientation to the MA in Catholic Theology (DL) as a whole, as well as equipping students with skills necessary to engage in research-informed learning and conduct independent research at Masters level and beyond. Students arriving from other academic disciplines are equipped with a framework for subsequent study in Catholic theology, while those with an undergraduate academic theological background are enabled to think at depth about contested issues relating to the nature and purpose of the discipline. Training in study and research skills is woven through the module. The module is organised into three main parts. It begins with a preliminary exploration of the question What is theology? In the second part students examine certain pivotal doctrines (e.g. Trinity, Christology, creation) and key stages in the development of the theological tradition. In the third part the module focuses on three contested issues in contemporary Catholic theology. Throughout students are enabled to explore and analyse a range of theological styles, from patristic and scholastic to recent liberation and African theologies, and to examine issues about the nature of theological method and the place of authority in the Catholic tradition.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• Critical understanding of contrasting conceptions of the nature, goals and tasks of theology within the Catholic tradition
• An overview of the history of the development of Catholic theology, and detailed knowledge of some key moments within it.
• Knowledge of a selection of significant doctrines and debated issues in Catholic theology

Subject-specific Skills:

• The ability to offer lucid exposition of complex theological ideas and texts
• The ability to explore theological disagreements dispassionately, and to offer critical but fair evaluation of theological positions and arguments
• The ability to reflect on theology in relation to varying contexts and practices, including the students own context and practice.

Key Skills:

• An advanced ability to assimilate information and sophisticated arguments
• Critical evaluation of intellectual positions
• Developing and defending arguments
• Written communication skills
• Expertise in conventions of scholarly presentation and bibliographical skills
• Time-management and independent learning skills

• The module is delivered via online learning, divided into 10 units, with specially produced resources and a structured path leading the student through each unit. Resources vary across units but include video or audio content (supported by the provision of transcripts), directed reading, reflective activities, opportunities for self-assessment, and peer-to-peer learning on tutor-facilitated online discussion forums.
• Optional online synchronous seminars offer an opportunity for students to deepen their engagement with the theological texts and debates in conversation with one another and the tutor.
• Tutorials are designed to ensure early engagement, as well as to strengthen the effectiveness of feedback and build the tutor/student relationship.
• In addition to the two required tutorials, the tutor will provide online office hours on a weekly basis
• Formative assessments, submitted after the 3rd and 7th units of the module, give students the opportunity to practice specific skills in relation to some of the modules key texts, and receive early feedback from the tutor: a first short expository exercise provides the challenge of writing clearly and in ones own voice about the thought of another; in the second formative piece, students write an introductory paragraph and outline for a more substantial essay, in which exposition and critique play a role within a larger argument.
• The two summative essays are normally submitted after a student has completed all the units of the module. The larger summative essay provides an opportunity for students to deepen their understanding and critical analysis of key texts and debates covered in the module. The shorter summative essay is a reflective exercise, in which students explore the significance of the module in relation to their own context and practice. This piece will be directly linked to the discussions which occur on the modules online forums.

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