Module THEO1171: INTRODUCTION TO THE HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY

Department: Theology and Religion

THEO1171: INTRODUCTION TO THE HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To provide an introduction to the history of Christianity and to its relationships with its social and cultural contexts.
• To introduce students to a wide variety of sources for the history of Christianity, representing different periods, different regions, different social groups including historically marginalised groups, and different methodologies.
• To equip students with skills and knowledge for further study of this subject area at level 2.

Content

• This module introduces students to the development of Christianity over 2000 years.
• It explores the interrelationship between the Christian religion and its social and cultural contexts, examining the ways in which Christianity has shaped and been shaped by its environment.
• Students will have opportunities to engage with primary sources.

Learning Outcomes

• Knowledge of the underlying concepts and principles associated with the study of the history of Christianity, and an ability to evaluate and interpret these within the context of that area of study.
• Knowledge of the history of Christianity and of the relationship between Christianity and its social and cultural contexts.

• Basic experience in the handling of primary theological texts and an appreciation of the associated problems.

• Skills in the acquisition of information through reading and research, and in the structured presentation of information in written form.

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

• Lectures convey information and exemplify an approach to the subject-matter, enabling students to develop a clear understanding of the subject and to improve their skills in listening and in evaluating information. They also allow students to engage directly with teachers in relation to the lecture material, and to encounter a variety of academic viewpoints and means by which they can be constructively debated.
• Seminars enhance subject-specific knowledge and understanding both through preparation and through interaction with students and staff, promoting awareness of different viewpoints and approaches and engaging with the use of primary texts.
• Formative gobbets develop subject-specific knowledge and understanding, along with student skills in the acquisition of information through reading and research, and in the structured presentation of information in written form.
• Examinations assess subject-specific knowledge and understanding, along with student skills in the structured presentation of information in written form under time constraints. .

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Formative Assessment (500 words) Michaelmas Term Formative Assessment (1000 words) Epiphany Term

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University