Body and Soul: Christian Theological Anthropology (L2)
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| THEO2078 | Philosophy | 2 | 20 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- THEO2078
- School
- Philosophy
- Level
- 2
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
This module will examine Christian theological understandings of the nature of the human person. It will begin by exploring the background to such understandings in the Hebrew scriptures and ancient Greek philosophy, exploring particularly the nature of the soul, the importance of the body and gender. Of central importance will be a theological anthropology focused on the imago dei.
The module will progress to the study of Christ as the true human and the mediaeval concept of the human person as a microcosm of the cosmos. The latter stages of the module will focus on theological anthropology in the context of modern philosophical anthropologies, and contemporary ethical issues surrounding human 'enhancement' via medical technologies.
Target Students
Level 2 TRS SH and JH students, Liberal Arts, exchange students and interested students beyond this department.
Classes
- One 1-hour seminar each week for 10 weeks
- One 2-hour lecture each week for 10 weeks
Assessment
- 50% Coursework 1: Essay 2,000 words.
- 50% Coursework 2: Essay 2,000 words.
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
This module has five aims:1. to introduce students to the Greek and Jewish background of Christian theologies of the human person;2. to examine the development of Christian theological anthropology in the light of the doctrine of creation and Christology;3. to explore the changing understanding of the human person in the modern period towards a focus on the individual;4. to explore the ethical issues which arise in relation to different understandings of the human person;5. to develop students' understanding of the philosophical and theological issues of different periods in the history of ideas concerning humanities.Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this module students will be able to demonstrate a good understanding of the Jewish and Greek background to Christian theological anthropology, particularly the nature of body and soul. They will also have an awareness of the work of a number of key Christian theologians and their understanding of the imago dei.
Upon completion of this module students will be able to demonstrate a sound understanding of modern concepts of the human person centred on the individual and the capacity to apply theological ideas constructively to contemporary dilemmas concerning human personhood.
Upon completion of this module students will have developed the intellectual skill of engaging critically with texts, arguments and debates; and developed their own arguments concerning theological anthropology.
Upon completion of this module students will be able to demonstrate the following professional and practical skills: communicate and discuss ideas and interpretations, and develop critical written arguments; and attend to, interpret and reflect on and interact with the ideas and arguments of others.
Upon completion of this module students be able to demonstrate the following transferrable skills: present their work according to the appropriate academic standards in a timely fashion; use electronic databases and other research tools to enhance their learning and appreciation of key topics; and use appropriate electronic media in the representation of their work.
Upon completion of this module students will be able to advocate for the potential importance of theology as a discipline with which to think through contemporary issues. They will have seen demonstrated, as well as actively participated themselves in, the application of theology to a modern day problem.