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    Overview

    A critical study of the nature of Christian theology as public discourse: aims and methods, challenges and possibilities.

    What does it mean to talk of doing theology 'in public'? How can theology contribute to current issues?

    About this paper

    Paper title Public Theology: Faith in the Public Square (Advanced)
    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 ) $981.75
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Prerequisite
    One 200-level CHTH or CHTX paper
    Restriction
    CHTH 233, CHTH 413, CHTX 413, CHTX 333
    Schedule C
    Arts and Music, Theology
    Notes
    May not be credited with CHTX 313 or CHTX 411 passed in 2009.
    Eligibility
    Students are welcome to study papers in Theology regardless of whether they have a particular faith commitment or not. Papers in Theology examine the scriptures, history, content, and relevance of the Christian faith, but presuppose no Christian commitment from students. All that is required 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 David Tombs: david.tombs@otago.ac.nz
    Teaching staff
    Professor David Tombs
    Paper Structure

    Topics:

    • What is Public Theology?
    • Public Theology and Scripture
    • Public Theology and the Church
    • Principles of Theological Engagement in the Public Square
    • Making Theology Engage: Globalisation and the Global Economic Crisis
    • Going Global, Going 'Glocal'
    • Theology and #MeToo

    Assessment:

    • Two essays (2,000 words, 30% each)
    • Essay (3,000 words, 40%)
    Teaching Arrangements

    Campus: one 2-hour lecture each week.

    Distance: one 1-hour introductory lecture, and four 2-hour videoconferences throughout the semester.

    Textbooks

    No textbook required. Readings will be provided electronically.

    Course outline

    View the course outline for CHTH 333

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Ethics, Research, Self-motivation.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes
    Students who successfully complete the paper will be able to
    1. Describe what scholars mean by 'public theology' and show how it draws upon the central tenets of the Christian faith
    2. Construct an argument to show that theology has an inherently 'public' dimension
    3. Develop skills in showing the relevance of Scripture and Christian tradition to matters of contemporary public concern
    4. Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the church and public theology
    5. Develop a more critical analysis of the principles underpinning theological engagement around contemporary issues
    6. Demonstrate self-critical reflection on one's own arguments

    Timetable

    Semester 1

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

    Semester 1

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Thursday 14:00-15:50 9-13, 15-22
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