DR355H: GOD AND SALVATION IN THE LETTERS OF PAUL (2020-2021)

Last modified: 24 Jun 2020 14:40

Course Overview

The writings of the apostle Paul have exercised more influence over the development of Christian theology than almost any other writings??, but much scholarship would question whether they have been interpreted correctly. Since the end of the Second World War, there have been significant developments in our understanding of the Judaism of Paul's day and of the socio-cultural realities of the wider Mediterranean world; these have led to the emergence of new readings of the apostle's theology and have demanded fresh accounts of Christian origins. This module will involve some exploration and critique of these new approaches to Paul's theology.

Course Details

Study Type	Undergraduate	Level	3
Term	Second Term	Credit Points	30 credits (15 ECTS credits)
Campus	Aberdeen	Sustained Study	No
Co-ordinators	Dr Katherine Hockey

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

Any Undergraduate Programme
One of () or Certificate in Christian Studies or Diploma in Christian Studies
Programme Level 3

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

DR305H God and Salvation in the Letters of Paul (Studied)
DR405H God and Salvation in the Letters of Paul (Studied)
DR455H God and Salvation in the Letters of Paul (Studied)

Are there a limited number of places available?

Course Description

This module will examine in detail the theology of the writings traditionally ascribed to the apostle Paul, by means of a careful reading of the texts themselves. These letters constitute some of the earliest works of Christian writing and have exercised enormous influence over the development of Christian theology through the centuries. Since the end of the Second World War, there have been significant developments in our understanding of the Judaism of Paul's day and of the socio-cultural realities of the wider Mediterranean world; these have led to the emergence of new readings of the apostle's theology and have demanded fresh accounts of Christian origins. This module will involve some exploration and critique of these new approaches to Paul's theology, but always in relation to the content of the letters themselves. Central to Paul's far-reaching and radical theology and ethics is his particular identification of Jesus, which shapes his distinctive way of speaking about God and salvation and, from this, about the church.

Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

1000 word essay 30%

3500 word essay 60%

Individual Oral Presentation 10%

Resit: 3500 word essay 100%

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge Level	Thinking Skill	Outcome
Factual	Understand	Detailed knowledge of the content of the letters of Paul.
Factual	Understand	Detailed knowledge of the issues of context and background usually held necessary to a responsible reading of Paul.
Conceptual	Apply	Detailed knowledge of the various scholarly interpretations of Paul and their methodological dimensions.
Conceptual	Evaluate	Ability to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the different interpretations of Paul.
Procedural	Analyse	A high level of competency in the complex interpretative skills required for the analysis of the Pauline writings.
Conceptual	Create	An ability to identify areas of future research in the Pauline texts.
Conceptual	Understand	An understanding and practical knowledge of the questions that bear on how Paul is to be read in relation to other early Christian writings.