Last modified: 05 Oct 2023 08:46
This course will offer an overview of philosophical and theological approaches of atheism, from ancient times to the present day. It will trace the historical development of atheistic thought, beginning with ancient atheisms and pin-pointing key historical texts and developments in this area of thought. The course will explore divergent modern approaches to unbelief, including New Atheism, ‘temperate’ or ‘soft’ atheisms, and Humanism, as well as the more recent phenomenon of ‘godless religion’ and secular churches. The latter part of the course will trace theological engagement with atheism, examining religious responses to unbelief. The module will end with some discussion of how the discipline of theology might engage with atheism in both contemporary and future discourse.
| Study Type | Undergraduate | Level | 2 |
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| Term | Second Term | Credit Points | 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
| Co-ordinators |
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As Western society becomes increasingly detached from religion and religious practice, it is more important than ever to understand the place and function of atheism (and atheisms) in modern thought. This course will explore the historical development of atheistic perspectives from ancient times, as well as more current trends in thinking (including New and ‘Temperate’ atheisms, the phenomenon of ‘godless churches’ and claims that we now live in a ‘post-secular’ society). Discussions will turn towards theological engagement with atheism and religious responses to unbelief. Finally, we will consider the place of atheism in contemporary discourse, and how theology might engage with it in future.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 50 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
1000-1500 word count |
Word Count | 1500 | |
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
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| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 50 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
1500-2000 word case study. Questions to include opportunities for analysis and evaluation, and long-form answers. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
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There are no assessments for this course.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 100 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback | ||||
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
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| Factual | Understand | Students will become familiar with the historical development of atheism, as well as associated key tests and events. |
| Conceptual | Understand | Students will be introduced to various forms of contemporary atheism, and the differences (and similarities) between them. |
| Conceptual | Analyse | Students will critically analyse the functions of various atheisms. |
| Conceptual | Evaluate | Students will reflect upon the place of atheism (and atheisms) in contemporary culture, and be equipped to discuss and evaluate the wider implications of secularisation in Western society. |
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