INTRODUCTION TO THEOLOGY

 
Background & Context
The word ‘theology’ as it is used today is a very broad term understood as one among a myriad of academic disciplines studied within a university context. Accordingly, for many, theology, at first glance, is all about the study of God, an intellectual inquiry, in much the same way that geology or biology is the study of the earth or life respectively. This course unit will attempt to enquire into the unique nature and method of theology. It will ask questions such as: how is theology similar to the other fields of study that are found in a university? How is it different? To what extent must theology assimilate to the methodologies of these tertiary studies? Or does it have its own?
 
Unit Weighting
9 cps

Type of Unit

Foundational

Prerequisites                

None

Academic Staff            

Dr Philip Kariatlis, BTh (SCD 1995) BA (Sydney 2000) MTh (SCD 2001), ThD (SCD 2010), Senior Lecturer

Curriculum Objectives

This course unit introduces students into the nature and tasks of theology and to theological methodology. It provides a foundation for all future theology course units.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the nature and purpose of theology
2. Identify and explain the doctrinal presuppositions that are the foundation for theology
3. Analyse the writing of several theological thinkers and key theological texts, ancient and modern
4. Make use of an appropriate methodology for particular theological tasks
5. Apply the skills of theological reflection to life in the community of faith

Content

1. The nature and purpose of theology
2. Overview of history of theology
3. Theological method
4. Presuppositions for doing theology
5. Context for theology
6. The vocation of the theologian

Assessment Profile

1. (A) Summary/critical review (750 words). Value: 20%. (B) Notes on tutorial contribution (500 words). Value: 10%
2. Essay (1,500 words). Value: 40%
3. Exam. Value: 30%

Schedule

3hr lecture per week on campus, or via distance education