Module manager: Dr Alistair McFadyen
Email: A.I.McFadyen@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
Prior knowledge and understanding of Christian theology (equivalent to study at Level 3).
THEO5370M
This module is not approved as an Elective
How does and how should Christian theology relate to public life and public issues? This module explores the relationship between Christian theology and public life in a variety of contexts. We will study theological responses to a range of contemporary public issues, and the wider theoretical and methodological issues raised.
This module explores the relationship between Christian theology and public life, broadly understood, in a variety of contexts. It considers theological responses to a range of contemporary public issues, and the wider theoretical and methodological issues raised.
1. Students will demonstrate a critical understanding of the theoretical and methodological issues around public theology, and theological engagements with public life, in diverse contexts.
2. Students will be able to research with limited guidance, and present a detailed critical account of, the literature relating to a specific theme in theology and public life, relating it to wider theoretical and methodological questions.
3. Students will be able to develop an extended critical and constructive response to a specific research question in theology and public life, drawing on and evaluating diverse perspectives.
4. Students will be able to articulate, test and critically evaluate a range of methods for developing theological responses to questions in public life.
Part 1: Approaching Theology and Public Life
- What theology? What publics?
- Public theology in diverse contexts
- Inclusion and exclusion – who’s part of the public?
Part 2: Issues in Theology and Public Life
Indicative list of topics: will vary with students’ interests and to reflect developments in research
- Theology, development and health: HIV/AIDS
- Theology and protest: #BlackLivesMatter
- Finding common ground: Theology and human rights
- Theology, public life and ethics: Nonhuman animals
- Claiming and reclaiming public space: Theology and nationalism
- What next? Theology and the climate crisis
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meetings | 2 | 0.5 | 1 |
| Seminar | 11 | 2 | 22 |
| Private study hours | 277 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 23 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300 | ||
Preparation for seminars: 55 hours
Preparation of assignments: 222 hours
The weekly seminar will be used to monitor the level of understanding of students collectively and individually, as well as their level of work. Tutorials on the literature review and essay will give opportunities for assessing the level of student work and for giving advice and direction.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Literature Review | 2,000 words | 30 |
| Essay | 4,000 words | 70 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 22/01/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team