Body and Soul: Christian Theological Anthropology (L3)
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| THEO3075 | Philosophy | 3 | 20 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- THEO3075
- School
- Philosophy
- Level
- 3
- 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 3 TRS SH and JH students, Liberal Arts, exchange students and interested students beyond the 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 2,500 words.
- 50% Coursework 2: Essay 2,500 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 and invite critical engagement with the complexity of these backrounds.2. to examine the development of Christian theological anthropology in the light of the doctrine of creation and Christology, and to grasp how these areas of doctrine are treated systematically. 3. to explore the changing understanding of the human person in the modern period towards a focus on the individual and to critique such a development. 4. to explore the ethical issues which arise in relation to different understandings of the human person and robustly construct a theological response to a contemporary dilemma. 5. to develop a precise and nuanced 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, as well as demonstrate knowledge of the work of a number of key Christian theologians and their understanding of the imago dei. They will also be able to reflect critically on the limitations of the theologians under consideration and the difficulties and risks involved in interpreting ancient sources.
Upon completion of this module students will be able to demonstrate a good 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. They will be able to give examples of contemporary theologians working in this area and critically reflect on the success of their work.
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. They will be able to do so with skill and precision, and with a sophisticated and accurate knowledge of the evolution of ideas over time.
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; attend to, interpret and reflect on and interact with the ideas and arguments of others. They will also be able to communicate their learning and arguments to others in oral form using appropriate visual teaching aids.
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. They will also have developed skills in oral communication through presenting their own thinking to a class audience.
Upon completion of this module students will be able to advocate persuasively for the potential importance of theology as a discipline with which to think through contemporary issues, and be able to draw on precise knowledge of recent case studies to make their case. They will have seen demonstrated, as well as actively participated themselves in, the application of theology to a modern day problem.