Theology and Trauma
Module title | Theology and Trauma |
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Module code | THEM311 |
Academic year | 2023/4 |
Credits | 15 |
Module staff | Professor Susannah Cornwall (Convenor) |
Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
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Duration: Weeks | 11 |
Number students taking module (anticipated) | 6 |
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Module description
In this module you will engage with and critically analyse Christian theologies of trauma. You will be introduced to material on the origins of trauma theology in psychology, chaplaincy and pastoral care. You will reflect on trauma theologies' interactions with and implications for elements of doctrinal Christian theology such as theodicy and atonement. You will engage in close analysis of writings by key scholars in this area. The module will allow you to reflect critically on theological responses to traumatic events. The module is likely to include discussion of traumatic events and may involve engagement with difficult and upsetting material: students who choose this module are advised to have their own support structures in place.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module aims to extend your knowledge and understanding of trauma theologies through sustained focus on selected scholarly texts, with an emphasis on discussion. The module aims to develop your skills in critical reflection via close analysis, and to help you engage where appropriate with a range of theoretical approaches.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Analyse the implications of trauma and its theorization for Christian theology
- 2. Demonstrate critical reflection on Christian theological responses to traumatic events
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. Deal with complex theological issues systematically and creatively
- 4. Show critical awareness of current discussions and new insights in the fields of theology and trauma studies
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Demonstrate self-direction and some originality in tackling and solving demanding problems
- 6. Act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks
Syllabus plan
The module is likely to include topics such as:
The origins of trauma theology in psychology, chaplaincy and pastoral care.
Trauma and the body.
Theodicy, atonement theologies and the myth of redemptive suffering.
Institutions as abusers.
Institutions as sites and vectors of healing.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
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15 | 135 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
Category | Hours of study time | Description |
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Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 15 | Intensive seminar and reading group activity |
Guided Independent Study | 135 | Working independently and with supervision preparing for seminars and assessments |
Formative assessment
Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
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Oral Presentation | 10 minutes | 1-6 | Oral and Peer Feedback |
Book Review Draft | 500 words | 1-6 | Written |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
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100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
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Portfolio | 100 | 6000 words. At least two pieces, including at least one of over 2500 words | 1-6 | Oral and 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 |
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Portfolio (6000 words. At least two pieces, including at least one of over 2500 words) | Portfolio (6000 words. At least two pieces, including at least one of over 2500 words) | 1-6 | Referral/Deferral period |
Re-assessment notes
Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.
Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 50%) you will be required to submit a further assessment as necessary. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will be capped at 50%.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Stephanie N. Arel and Shelly Rambo (eds.). (2016), Post-Traumatic Public Theology, Dordrecht: Springer
Jennifer Baldwin, 2018, Trauma-Sensitive Theology: Thinking Theologically in the Era of Trauma, Eugene, OR: Cascade
Jennifer Beste, 2007, God and the Victim: Traumatic Intrusions on Grace and Freedom, Oxford: Oxford University Press
Judith Herman, 2015, Trauma and Recovery, New York, NY: Basic Books
Dirk Lange, 2009, Trauma Recalled: Liturgy, Disruption, and Theology, Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress
Karen O'Donnell, 2020, "The Voices of the Marys: Towards a Method in Feminist Trauma Theologies", in Karen O'Donnell and Katie Cross (eds.), Feminist Trauma Theologies, London: SCM Press, 3-20
Karen O'Donnell and Katie Cross (eds.), 2020, Feminist Trauma Theologies, London: SCM Press
Marcus Pound, 2008, Theology, Psychoanalysis and Trauma, London: SCM Press
Shelly Rambo, 2010, Spirit and Trauma: A Theology of Remaining, Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press
Armand Leon Van Ommen, 2019, “Remembering for Healing: Liturgical Communities of Reconciliation Provide Space for Trauma”, in R. Ruard Ganzevoort and Srdjan Sremac (eds.), Trauma and Lived Religion: Transcending the Ordinary, Cham: Palgrave Macmillan, 203-223
Megan Warner, Christopher Southgate, Carla Grosch-Miller and Hilary Ison (eds.), 2020, Tragedies and Christian Congregations: The Practical Theology of Trauma, Abingdon: Routledge
Credit value | 15 |
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Module ECTS | 7.5 |
Module pre-requisites | None |
Module co-requisites | None |
NQF level (module) | 7 |
Available as distance learning? | No |
Origin date | 01/12/2021 |
Last revision date | 27/04/2023 |