CHTH111 Doing Theology

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.

Paper title	Doing Theology
Paper code	CHTH111
Subject	Christian Thought and History
EFTS	0.15
Points	18 points
Teaching period(s)	Semester 1 (Distance learning) Semester 1 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD)	$955.05
International Tuition Fees	Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.

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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

More information link

View more information on the Theology Programme’s website

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

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