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    Overview

    An investigation of Christian understandings of what it is to be human and their implications for human well-being in contemporary society.

    About this paper

    Paper title Theology and Human Well-being
    Subject Christian Thought and History
    EFTS 0.15
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period Not offered in 2024, expected to be offered in 2025 (Distance learning)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $981.75
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Prerequisite
    One 200-level CHTH paper
    Restriction
    CHTH 423
    Schedule C
    Arts and Music, Theology
    Notes
    May not be credited together with CHTH215 or CHTH315 passed before 2013.
    Contact

    Professor Murray Rae: murray.rae@otago.ac.nz

    Teaching staff

    Course Coordinator and Lecturer: Professor Murray Rae
    Lecturer: Dr Greg Marcar

    Paper Structure
    1. An essay selected from a range of topics on biblical anthropology.
      1800 words, 30%, 40 non-contact hours.

    2. A group assignment to identify, summarise and theologically evaluate key features of the differing conceptions of personal identity across Western, Māori, Pacific and Asian cultures.
      2000 words and oral presentation, 30%, 30 non-contact hours.

      Distance students will be assigned to a group and will develop their presentation using the Wiki facility on Blackboard. They may also choose to arrange Skype or Zoom meetings to work on the project together. The group work will be presented during Zoom conferences held for Distance students. Campus students will meet face to face at times arranged to suit them and will present the results of their work in class seminars.

      The group assignment will be assessed by the following means: Of the 30% awarded for the project, 15% will be awarded on the basis of the written or wiki document prepared by the group (this grade will be applied to all group members), 5% will be awarded to individuals on the basis of peer assessment by group members and 10% will be awarded to individuals on the basis of their performance in the group presentation and Q&A.

    3. An essay selected from a range of topics involving the ethical implications of selected aspects of the course material.
      2500 words, 40%, 45 non-contact hours.
    Teaching Arrangements

    The Distance Learning offering of this paper is a combination of remote and in-person teaching

    Campus: One two-hour lecture each week.
    Distance: A one-hour introductory videoconference on Zoom, a teaching day, and four two-hour videoconferences on Zoom during the semester. Recordings will be available on Blackboard for students who cannot attend the teaching day live.

    Textbooks

    There is no compulsory textbook for this paper.

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Global perspective, Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Ethics, Information literacy, Research.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes

    On completion of the paper, students should be able to:

    • Describe the distinctive elements of a variety of theological and philosophical understandings of humanity
    • Critically engage with a range of ideas about the nature of persons
    • Work constructively in a team project
    • Competently evaluate the ethical implications of Christian understandings of the human person
    • Engage competently and critically with primary sources
    • Confidently present ideas and arguments in oral and written form

    Timetable

    Not offered in 2024, expected to be offered in 2025

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