THEO46530: Trinity, Incarnation, and Creation: High Medieval Franciscan Theology

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• THEO45630

• To familiarize students with the key features and contributions of high medieval Franciscan theology and philosophy.
• Through engagement with relevant primary sources to understand the contribution made by the early Franciscan masters to key areas of Christian doctrine, such as: Trinitarian theology, the theology of the Incarnation and the atonement, the relationship between theology and philosophy, the doctrines of creation, and the nature and identity of the human person. Figures studied may include amongst others: Alexander of Hales and the authors of the Summa Halensis, Robert Grosseteste, St. Bonaventure, Bl. Duns Scotus, and William of Ockham

• This module will offer an in-depth exposition of the key contributions to Christian doctrine made by the leading Franciscan thinkers of the thirteenth- and fourteenth-centuries. Through an in-depth engagement with the relevant primary sources, it will familiarize the student with the highly innovative theological and philosophical contributions made by the early Franciscan masters. The areas of doctrine studied will include areas such as: Trinitarian theology, the Incarnation, the doctrine of creation, human nature and cognition, the relationship between faith and reason, and purpose and nature of theological enquiry.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• A systematic understanding of key aspects of the thinking of the early Franciscan theologians, through exposure to primary texts and engagement with relevant secondary literature.
• A critical evaluation of the achievements and limitations of early Franciscan theology in light of our contemporary theological concerns and issues.
• A broader understanding of the development of Christian thought in the medieval period (and scholasticism in particular), and of the way the thought of the early Franciscan masters is shaped by its historical context (including their Franciscan calling and setting in the world of universities).
• An insight into the influence of medieval Franciscan thought on subsequent Christian theology and the question of the origins of modernity.

Subject-specific Skills:

• An ability to read, interpret and evaluate critically the thought of the early Franciscan masters on the basis of primary and secondary sources.

Key Skills:

• Development of analytical insight, the ability to engage critically with complex philosophical and theological arguments.
• Ability to grasp, summarize, and critically evaluate concepts, arguments and knowledge in written form.
• Ability to carry out independent research.

• 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. The central component of work in most units will be the guided reading of, and reflection on, Franciscan theological texts.
• Optional online synchronous seminars offer an opportunity for students to deepen their engagement with Franciscan thinkers and theological concepts in conversation with one another and the tutor.
• Formative assessment is designed to ensure early engagement with tutor and feedback to students, and to enable students to deepen their understanding and critical analysis of key texts and debates through written exploration.
• Tutorials are also designed to ensure early engagement, as well as to build the tutor/student relationship.
• In addition to the tutorials, the tutor will provide online office hours on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.
• The summative essay assesses subject-specific knowledge and understanding by engaging carefully with primary texts and secondary literature.The oral examination enables the student to demonstrate the breadth of the knowledge they have gained from the module.

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