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    Overview

    An exploration of the role of the arts in expressing, shaping, nourishing and critiquing Christian faith and theology.

    About this paper

    Paper title Christian Theology and the Arts
    Subject Pastoral Studies
    EFTS 0.15
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period Semester 2 (Distance learning)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,040.70
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Prerequisite
    One 200-level PAST paper
    Restriction
    MINS 414
    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

    Academic Liaison: Professor Murray Rae - murray.rae@otago.ac.nz

    Teaching staff

    Professor Murray Rae

    Paper Structure

    The paper will cover the following topics:

    • Doing Theology through the Arts
    • Construing the World through Architecture
    • Inhabiting the World Through Architecture: Theological Considerations
    • Cities of Earth and the City of God
    • Church Architecture

     

    Teaching Arrangements

    The paper will be taught as a five-day compulsory intensive block course in Dunedin from Monday July 7 – Friday July 11, 2025.

    Textbooks

    Murray A. Rae, Architecture and Theology: the Art of Place (Waco, TX.: Baylor University Press, 2017)

    Available as an eBook through the University Library.

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Interdisciplinary Perspective, Global Perspective, Cultural Understanding, Critical Thinking Information Literacy, Research Skills, Self-Motivation.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes

    In order to pass this course, students at 300 level must demonstrate that they have achieved all of the following learning outcomes:

    • Be able to articulate and provide examples of how architecture is an expression of human values and aspirations.
    • Develop an appreciation of the ways in which architecture can contribute to or hinder the flourishing of human life.
    • Understand the contribution that Christian theology has made to the building of cities down through the centuries.
    • Understand the theological features of church architecture.
    Assessment details

    Assessment:

    • Two Essays

    Timetable

    Semester 2

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

    Block Teaching

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Monday 13:00-15:50 28
    Tuesday 09:00-11:50 28
    Tuesday 13:00-15:50 28
    Wednesday 09:00-11:50 28
    Wednesday 13:00-15:50 28
    Thursday 09:00-11:50 28
    Thursday 13:00-15:50 28
    Friday 09:00-11:50 28
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