Theology, Religion, and Ethics BA (Hons)

Foundations in Biblical Interpretation (Core option)

This module provides a foundation of the variety of approaches to the interpretation of the Bible today which are in play in scholarly and popular discourse. It will look at ways in which biblical texts can be interpreted in their ancient contexts and how the history of their interpretation can be understood. It allows you to reflect on your own and others’ reading of the Bible thoughtfully, critically and creatively.

Key Concepts in World Religions (Core option)

This module will introduce you to a variety of religious thought from around the world. It will begin with the Abrahamic faiths: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. It will then turn to the East and explore Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism, before finally exploring Daoism and Confucianism. It will study both the practices and beliefs of each tradition. Each week it will examine either a pre-eminent thinker or a central concept within each tradition in particular detail.

Introduction to an Ancient Language (Core option)

Module description coming soon.

Fundamentals of Systematic Theology (Core option)

The module introduces you to the central themes of Christian theology. It analyses each theme in its Scriptural foundations and doctrinal bases, before introducing an important contemporary discussions drawing on recent theology.

This approach provides an overview of the history of each theme, as well as equipping you with the fundamental terminology of systematic theology and some awareness of its contemporary relevance.

You will also be introduced to different modes of theological reasoning, enabling you to adopt and articulate your own positions on the matters studied. You are encouraged to engage with ongoing theological debates, and begin to engage critically with the interlocutors studied. The module provides a foundation and context for more specialised systematic theology modules of subsequent years.

The Nature of Religion (Core option)

The module offers a detailed exploration of the concept of religion, and the various ways in which leading scholars, both classic and contemporary, have tried to define it. You will be introduced to a foundational, theoretical debate in the study of religion.

The module will centre around the reading, interpreting, discussing, and critiquing a number of primary texts from within the sociology and anthropology of religion. Authors will include some or all of the following: Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, Max Weber, Peter Clarke, Steve Bruce, Irena Borowik, Linda Woodhead, Timothy Fitzgerald, and Christian Smith.

Introduction to Ethics (Core option)

The module will introduce you to ethics. It will include an overview of the main value theories and normative ethical theories, both historical and modern. You will also be taught to think about the status itself of ethical claims and ethical language.

God in Christ (Core option)

This module involves a detailed study of the central Christian doctrines surrounding Christology and the Triune God, focusing particularly on intellectual developments in recent years. The first half of the module works from the Chalcedon Definition, and studies key tensions in Christology as they have affected important discussions in systematic theology, and the second half works from the Nicene Creed to the Doctrine of the Trinity in recent theology.

You learn about the complex theological dynamics involved when the understandings to fundamental doctrines change, and about the interplay with the historical and cultural contexts which stimulate such changes. You will also engage in critically evaluating these developments. The module uses visual theological aids throughout, to provide contextual and culturally-rich understandings of intellectual changes.

Religion and Reason (Core option)

This module will introduce you to the study of religion from the perspective of natural reason. The difference between natural theology and revealed theology will be explained. Key arguments both for and against the existence of God will be explored and you will learn how to critique and evaluate each argument.

Ecclesiology (Core option)

This module examines the historical origins of the Church and its Scriptural foundations. The different theological schools for understanding the significance and character of the Church are also studied, as they have developed in theological tradition. Different images for understanding the Church today are brought into discussion, to evaluate different ways of approaching the Church as a place of belonging for the contemporary believer.

The module also considers the trajectory and possibilities in the light of the culture in which we live at present, encouraging individual application of the module content to differing contexts.

Bioethics (Core option)

Social changes and technological innovations from the late 1960s have given rise to a new area of study: bioethics. This subdiscipline grew out of medical ethics, but has since expanded beyond the professional ethics of medical practitioners to tackle fundamental ethical questions relating to health and society. This module enables you to apply your knowledge of ethics to the fast-moving world of new developments in biology, especially genetics.

Medieval Islamic Thought (Core option)

This module will introduce you to the rich history of Islamic medieval philosophy. The origins, beliefs and practices of Islam will be explored. However, the bulk of the course will focus on key Islamic thinkers, the debates and disagreements they had, and the views they held during the medieval period. Attention will also be drawn to the influence ancient Greek philosophy had on Islamic philosophy, as well as the influence Islamic philosophy had on European Christian philosophy.

Theological Anthropology (Core option)

Theological anthropology seeks to understand the human being in light of theological claims, to explore the ramifications of this understanding for human life, and engage in constructive dialogue with other accounts of being human. The module is focused particularly on claims surrounding creation and creatureliness, redemption and salvation, and also death and ultimate destiny.

Scriptural, doctrinal and historical sources for each of these foci are covered, and particular tensions in systematic theological understanding will be entered into. On this basis, critically constructive encounters with other approaches to understanding humanity will be undertaken, enabling you to discern how theological anthropology can or cannot inform the perpetual uncertainties of the human condition.

Synoptic Gospels (Core option)

The Synoptic Gospels, the Gospels of Mark, Matthew and Luke, are so called because of the apparent similarities between their texts. This second level module engages you in a challenging investigation into the distinctive nature of each Gospel so that from the outset you can identify with the particular ideas and concerns of each Gospel writer. Increasing perspectives into the different literary styles and theological viewpoints present within each Gospel are gained through discussion, the use of scholarly insight, presentation and lecture input. The reality of what the life, death and resurrection of Jesus meant to early believers is conveyed clearly, but differently, by each evangelist.

Liturgical Theology (Core option)

Module description coming soon.

Religion in Contemporary Society (Core option)

Module description coming soon.

Dissertation (Core)

The module will develop your independent research skills and critical analysis through the planning, execution and writing of a substantial piece of independent research on a topic chosen by them in consultation with members of the programme team.

Extended Essay (Core)

The module allows you to research and write on an agreed topic in creative writing under supervision of a tutor. The essay may include a substantial creative component reflecting the themes of the critical discussion.

Hindu Texts (Core option)

Module description coming soon.

Metaethics (Core option)

Module description coming soon.

Theology and Culture (Core option)

Module description coming soon.

Religion and Politics (Core option)

Module description coming soon.

Sacramental Theology (Core option)

Module description coming soon.

Christian Ethics (Core option)

Module description coming soon.

Christian Spirituality (Core option)

This module will provide an introduction to the main themes and developments of the Christian spiritual tradition. This will include an overview of the history of spirituality, the traditions associated with specific writers and religious orders, different methods of prayer and the practice and importance of spiritual direction. The work will be placed in the context of your ongoing relationship with spiritual direction. The place of Mary in spirituality and theology will also be covered.

Gospel of John (Core option)

John's Gospel has been called 'the spiritual Gospel' for much of the history of Christianity, on account of its very different style and treatment of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus from that of the Synoptic Gospels. This third level module investigates the Fourth Gospel from a range of viewpoints – sociological, literary, historical, feminist, theological. It includes close analysis of the Gospel text as well as wider consideration of the Gospel's message in its own day and subsequently. Topics for study include the evidence for a 'Johannine Community' whose experience is, perhaps, reflected in the Gospel text.