Red X iconGreen tick iconYellow tick icon

    Overview

    An examination of the theology of Søren Kierkegaard considering both his account of the individual before God and his profound critiques of Christendom, the Church, and modern culture.

    Brilliant, profound, hilarious and melancholy: all of these are apt descriptions of Søren Kierkegaard, one of the great minds of the Christian theological tradition. The study of his work will require you to engage with the deepest questions of human existence, to wrestle with his profound analysis of modern Western culture, and to reckon with his brilliant account of the offensiveness and of the deep truth of the Christian gospel.

    About this paper

    Paper title The Theology of Søren Kierkegaard (Advanced)
    Subject Christian Thought and History
    EFTS 0.1667
    Points 20 points
    Teaching period Not offered in 2024, expected to be offered in 2025 (Distance learning)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,240.75
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Prerequisite
    One 300-level CHTH or CHTX paper
    Restriction
    CHTH 314, CHTX 314, CHTX 414
    Notes
    May not be credited together with CHTH313 or CHTH411 passed in 2005 or CHTH316 or CHTH430 passed in 2009 or CHTH316 or CHTH412 passed in 2011.
    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
    Professor Murray Rae: murray.rae@otago.ac.nz
    Teaching staff
    Professor Murray Rae
    Paper Structure
    Following introductory classes, which will provide an overview of Kierkegaard's life and context, the paper will consist of a study of three of Kierkegaard's greatest works: Philosophical Fragments; Fear and Trembling; and Sickness Unto Death.

    Assessment:
    • 1,800-word essay (20%)
    • Seminar presentation (10%)
    • 2,500-word essay (30%)
    • Two-hour exam (40%)
    Teaching Arrangements

    Campus: Thirteen 2-hour lectures. Recordings will be available on Blackboard for students who cannot attend live.

    Distance: Thirteen 2-hour lectures. Recordings will be available on Blackboard for students who cannot attend live.

    Textbooks

    Required:

    Fear and Trembling and Repetition, ed. and trans. Howard V. Hong and Edna H. Hong (Princeton: Princeton University Press 1983)

    Philosophical Fragments and Johannes Climacus, ed. and trans. Howard V. Hong and Edna H. Hong (Princeton: Princeton University Press 1985)

    The Sickness Unto Death, ed. and trans. Howard V. Hong and Edna H. Hong (Princeton: Princeton University Press 1980)

    Course outline

    View the latest course outline here

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Global perspective, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Ethics.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes

    Students who successfully complete the paper will have:

    • Developed a sound understanding of the contours of modernity
    • Knowledge of the key aspects of Kierkegaard's critique of modernity
    • Developed insight into Kierkegaard's conception of the Christian faith
    • Developed their skills in research and oral communication

    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
    Back to top