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Study Christian Thought and History at Otago

Christianity has been a hugely influential force in the development of Western civilisation, helping to shape the world in which we live today. It continues to have a very significant global presence.

Christian Thought and History explores the history, beliefs and values of Christianity – their origins, development and varying contexts.

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Why study Christian Thought and History?

Career opportunities

Graduates develop valuable skills in critical thinking, research and communication. They go on to develop careers in any number of roles: teaching, social work, journalism, librarianship, administration, aid and development agencies, government department work, and church leadership and ministry.

Christian Thought and History at Otago

Christian Thought and History can also be taken as an endorsement (specialisation) option for the Bachelor of Theology (BTheol).

For further information, please see the subject entry for Theology

Background required

All you need to study Christian thought and history is a sense of curiosity about the world and human experience. You do not need to have a faith of your own to find compelling the issues raised by Theology. Students of all or no religious persuasions are welcome.

Requirements

Christian Thought and History as a minor subject for a BA, MusB, BPA, BSc, BCom, BEntr, BHealSc, BACom, BASc or BComSc degree

Available as a minor subject for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Music (MusB), Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr), Bachelor of Health Science (BHealSc), Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom), Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) or Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc) degree

LevelPapersPoints
100-level

Two 100-level CHTH papers

36

200-level

Two 200-level CHTH papers

36

300-level

One 300-level CHTH paper

18
Total 90

Note: This minor subject is not available for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Theology (BTheol).

CHTH papers

Paper Code Year Title Points Teaching period
CHTH102 2024 The History of Christianity 18 Semester 1
CHTH111 2024 Doing Theology 18 Semester 2
CHTH131 2024 God and Ethics in the Modern World 18 Semester 2
CHTH206 2024 The Reformation 18 Not offered, expected to be offered in 2025
CHTH212 2024 Spirit, Church and Sacraments 18 Not offered, expected to be offered in 2025
CHTH213 2024 The Trinity 18 Not offered, expected to be offered in 2025
CHTH217 2024 Special Topic: Theology and Science 18 1st Non standard period
CHTH218 2024 The Person and Work of Christ 18 Semester 1
CHTH224 2024 Theology and the Environment 18 Not offered, expected to be offered in 2025
CHTH231 2024 Christianity, War and Violence 18 Not offered, expected to be offered in 2025
CHTH233 2024 Public Theology: Faith in the Public Square 18 Semester 1
CHTH235 2024 Special Topic: Theology, Money and Markets 18 Not offered, expected to be offered in 2025
CHTH236 2024 Māori Theology and Religion 18 Semester 2
CHTH237 2024 Special Topic: Moana Pasifika Theology 18 Semester 1
CHTH305 2024 The Roots of Public Theology 18 Not offered, expected to be offered in 2025
CHTH306 2024 The Reformation (Advanced) 18 Not offered, expected to be offered in 2025
CHTH312 2024 Spirit, Church and Sacraments (Advanced) 18 Not offered, expected to be offered in 2025
CHTH313 2024 The Trinity (Advanced) 18 Not offered, expected to be offered in 2025
CHTH314 2024 The Theology of Søren Kierkegaard 18 Not offered, expected to be offered in 2025
CHTH317 2024 Special Topic: Theology and Science 18 1st Non standard period
CHTH318 2024 The Person and Work of Christ (Advanced) 18 Semester 1
CHTH319 2024 Reconciliation, Christian Ethics and Public Theology 18 Not offered, expected to be offered in 2025
CHTH320 2024 Public Theology and Social Justice 18 Semester 1
CHTH322 2024 Citizenship, Democracy and Discipleship 18 Not offered, expected to be offered in 2025
CHTH323 2024 Theology and Human Well-being 18 Not offered, expected to be offered in 2025
CHTH324 2024 Theology and the Environment (Advanced) 18 Not offered, expected to be offered in 2025
CHTH331 2024 Christianity, War and Violence (Advanced) 18 Not offered, expected to be offered in 2025
CHTH333 2024 Public Theology: Faith in the Public Square (Advanced) 18 Semester 1
CHTH335 2024 Special Topic: Theology, Money and Markets (Advanced) 18 Not offered, expected to be offered in 2025
CHTH336 2024 Māori Theology and Religion (Advanced) 18 Semester 2
CHTH337 2024 Special Topic: Moana Pasifika Theology (Advanced) 18 Semester 1
CHTH403 2024 The Puritans: Working out the English Reformation 20 Not offered, expected to be offered in 2025
CHTH405 2024 The Roots of Public Theology 20 Not offered, expected to be offered in 2025
CHTH414 2024 The Theology of Søren Kierkegaard (Advanced) 20 Not offered, expected to be offered in 2025
CHTH415 2024 Reconciliation, Christian Ethics and Public Theology (Advanced) 20 Not offered, expected to be offered in 2025
CHTH416 2024 The Theology of Bonhoeffer 20 Semester 2
CHTH420 2024 Public Theology and Social Justice (Advanced) 20 Semester 1
CHTH422 2024 Citizenship, Democracy and Discipleship (Advanced) 20 Not offered, expected to be offered in 2025
CHTH423 2024 Theology and Human Well-being (Advanced) 20 Not offered, expected to be offered in 2025
CHTH490 2024 Dissertation 60 Full Year, 1st Non standard period

More information

Contact us

Email  theology@otago.ac.nz
Website otago.ac.nz/theology

Studying at Otago

This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.

Regulations on this page are taken from the 2024 Calendar and supplementary material.

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