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    Overview

    What is theology? How do we do it, and why? Exploring Christian thinking on Jesus Christ, God, the Trinity, salvation, creation, and the last things.

    Who is God, and what is God up to? What is the Bible all about anyway? Many smart people have thought about these things. Come and check out their responses. In an age that values easy answers to hard questions, this paper will help students to pursue the truth. It will also enable students to gain new perspectives on the content of Christian faith and to develop their thinking, writing and reflective skills.

    About this paper

    Paper title Doing Theology
    Subject Christian Thought and History
    EFTS 0.15
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period(s) Semester 2 (Distance learning)
    Semester 2 (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $981.75
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Restriction
    CHTX 111
    Schedule C
    Arts and Music, Theology
    Eligibility
    Any student can study Theology, whether they are of the Christian faith, another faith or of no religious faith at all. Theology is an examination of the scriptures, history, content and relevance of the Christian faith, but it presupposes or requires no Christian commitment from students. All it requires is an inquiring mind and an interest in those skills that can be gained through the study of any subject in the Humanities.
    Contact

    Revd Professor Christopher Holmes: christopher.holmes@otago.ac.nz

    Teaching staff

    Course Co-ordinator and Lecturer: Revd Professor Christopher Holmes

    Paper Structure

    This paper is divided into six modules:

    1. What is theology?
    2. Jesus Christ
    3. The Trinity
    4. Salvation
    5. Creation
    6. Last things

    Assessment comprises: An essay (35%), an online discussion (15%), and a final exam (50%).

    Teaching Arrangements

    The Distance Learning offering of this paper is taught remotely.

    Campus: Two one-hour lectures per week
    Distance: Seven two-hour videoconferences on Zoom spaced throughout the semester.

    Textbooks

    There is no compulsory textbook for this paper.

    Recommended Reading:

    Theology: The Basics 4E, 2017 Wiley 9781119158080

    Course outline

    View the course outline for CHTH 111

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Ethics, Self-motivation.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes

    This paper has two broad learning outcomes. Students who successfully complete it will be:

    • Able to articulate the main themes of Christian theology in a way that is responsible and coherent. In particular, this means:
      • Understanding the principal teachings of Christian faith
      • Appreciating some of the contributions of a few leading thinkers in the Christian theological tradition
      • Recognising the principal areas of debate in the study of Christian theology and the interpretation of the Bible
    • Empowered to read Christian theology for yourself and prepared for more advanced engagement with its subject matter. In particular, this means:
      • Being introduced to some of the available modes of theological reflection and to some of its most able practitioners, past and present
      • Acquiring a robust appreciation for solid theological writing and teaching

    Timetable

    Semester 2

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught through Distance Learning
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Semester 2

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Monday 14:00-15:50 29-35, 37-42
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