This module will enable students to analyse and understand the development of Christian theology over the last two hundred years. We will be critically evaluating the significance and contribution of a number of leading twentieth century theologians from a variety of denominational backgrounds and endeavouring to understand to a sophisticated degree the changes in Christian thought and practice in a variety of situations in the twentieth century.
The module will begin by surveying the main strands of post-Enlightenment Christian theology, including the contributions of Kant, Schleiermacher and Feuerbach. There will be a detailed focus of two of the 'Death of God' theologians from the twentieth century, Thomas Altizer and William Hamilton. We will then critically evaluate the significance of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and his influence (with particular reference to Harvey Cox and John A.T. Robinson); Liberal Protestantism and the rise of Neo-Orthodoxy, with particular reference to Paul Tillich and Karl Barth; Rudolf Bultmann and his programme of demythologisation; and an interrogation of the Christian understanding of 'hope' with specific reference to Jürgen Moltmann. The module also involves a study of key theological movements, in particular Liberation Theology, Black Theology and Feminist Theology.
Total Contact Hours: 40
Total Private Study Hours: 260
Total Study Hours: 300
Main assessment methods
Essay 1 (1,500 words) – 20%
Essay 2 (2,000 words) – 30%
Examination (2 hours) – 50%
Reassessment methods
100% Coursework (3,000 words)
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices. The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages: https://kent.rl.talis.com/index.html
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Evaluate the significance and contribution of a number of leading theologians since the nineteenth century from a variety of denominational backgrounds;
2 Demonstrate understanding of the changes in Christian thought and practice in a variety of situations in the last two centuries;
3 Recognise and evaluate key theological developments as particularly evinced throughout the twentieth century, including the emergence of liberalism, neo-orthodoxy, liberation theology, black theology and feminist theology;
4 Analyse the interrelations of Christian theology and contemporary society.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Demonstrate a growing ability to work independently and effectively both in relation to the two written assignments and the examination for this module;
2 Present evidence of an ability to structure scholarly and carefully thought through arguments;
3 Show a readiness to explore alternative perspectives on the efficacy of theological debate and demonstrate a respect for the contrary positions of others;
4 Use electronic media to identify and collate appropriate academic resources from the library material, including primary sources, as well as online journals, and other reliable electronic sources, and reference this material effectively;
5 Deploy a range of IT skills effectively, such as word-processing text with footnotes, basic formatting, searching databases and text files;
6 Demonstrate a capacity to take responsibility for their own personal and professional learning and development.
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