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THMN45830: The Thought of Dietrich Bonhoeffer in Context

It is possible that changes to modules or programmes might need to be made during the academic year, in response to the impact of Covid-19 and/or any further changes in public health advice.

Type Open
Level 4
Credits 30
Availability Not available in 2023/24
Module Cap None.
Location Durham
Department Theology, Ministry and Mission

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To familiarise students with key features of Bonhoeffers thought and his context
  • Using engagement with Bonhoeffers most significant works, to enable students to reflect critically on the appropriation of his thought, and how it may address ministry and mission today

Content

  • This module will
  • Consider Bonhoeffers historical, social, and theological context in detail
  • Offer in-depth exposition of Bonhoeffers key works as well as some lesser known writings; and
  • Provide students with opportunities to explore significant themes in more detail

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • A systematic understanding of Bonhoeffers thought, engaging with primary and appropriate secondary literature
  • A detailed awareness of how Bonhoeffer interacted with the thought of other theologians and philosophers
  • A critical awareness of how Bonhoeffers thought has been received and interpreted

Subject-specific Skills:

  • Appropriate use of historical and biographical sources to make informed judgements regarding interpretation
  • Capacity to evaluate and critique the achievements and limitations of Bonhoeffers thought in relation to contemporary issues in mission and ministry today

Key Skills:

  • Present detailed findings in a clear and orderly way for specialists and non-specialists
  • Demonstrate initiative and collaborative skills in tackling and solving problems, and in planning and implementing tasks

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Summative assessment - students to propose title and structure, and receive feedback including suggestions for bibliography in tutorial
  • Formative assessment - group seminar exploring theological theme and tracing it over time in Bonhoeffers writings

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Lecturers12Weekly or block1.75 hours20 
Seminars4Weekly or block1.75 hours7Yes
Tutorial1Weekly or block0.75 hours0.75 
Group Work3(online)1.75 hours5.25 
Preparation and reading267 
Total300 

Summative Assessment

Component: EssayComponent Weighting: 100%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Essay5,000 words100

Formative Assessment

Group seminar exploring theological theme and tracing it over time in Bonhoeffers writings

More information

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