Theology, Ethics and Public Issues
| Module title | Theology, Ethics and Public Issues |
|---|---|
| Module code | THEM128 |
| Academic year | 2019/0 |
| Credits | 30 |
| Module staff | Dr Esther Reed (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 5 |
|---|
Module description
This module will focus on the interaction between theology and matters of current social and political importance. Attention will initially be given to introducing students to the range of approaches to this subject currently reflected in research taking place in Exeter. Focus will then be given to developing an in-depth project supervised by one member of staff. Such projects may include examinations of theology’s relationships with criminal justice, international law, sexuality and gender, scientific developments and changing modes of mass-communication.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module aims to examine the place of religion in the public square and the interface between theology and issues of contemporary social and political importance. During the first part of the module the aim is to introduce students to the diverse work related to this topic currently being developed in Exeter. Subsequently, students will be advised on exploring one case study issue that they will focus on in-depth. This project will be supervised one-on-one and will offer the opportunity to look in detail at one aspect of religion’s evolving interactions with modern societies.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. engage with recent scholarship concerned with interconnections between theology, ethics and public issues
- 2. critically assess, in depth, one case study example related to the study of theology, ethics and public issues
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. critically assess the relationship between theology and matters of current social and political importance
- 4. weigh up the place of theological discourse in the public square
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. develop a project that engages contemporary scholarship
- 6. shape detailed information into a clear written account
- 7. show significant originality and rigour in argument
- 8. demonstrate independent and critical research skills
- 9. convey ideas to your peers through oral presentation
Syllabus plan
Whilst the content may vary from year to year, it is envisioned that it will cover some or all of the following topics:
- introduction
- research specialisms at Exeter
- discussion of project proposals
- oral presentation of project focus
- directed research with supervisor
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 291 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | 5 | Seminars |
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | 1 | Oral presentations |
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | 3 | Supervision meeting |
| Guided independent study | 291 | Private study |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annotated bibliography | 1000 words | 1, 8 | Oral |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 90 | 0 | 10 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral presentation | 10 | 15 minutes | 1-5, 7-9 | Written |
| Essay | 90 | 6000 words | 1-8 | Written |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oral presentation | 10 | 1-5, 7-9 | Refer/Defer period |
| Essay | 90 | 1-8 | Refer/Defer period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
- Esther D. Reed, Theology for International Law (T & T Clark, 2013)
- Susannah Cornwall, Sex and Uncertainty in the Body of Christ: Intersex Conditions and Christian Theology (Acumen, 2010); Christopher Southgate (ed.)
- God, Humanity and the Cosmos , 3rd ed. (T&T Clark, 2011).
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
- ELE – https://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=4515
| Credit value | 30 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 15 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 01/02/2014 |
| Last revision date | 25/09/2019 |
