CHRISTIAN STUDIES - KEY LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Ms Elaine Cameron

Pre-requisites

None

Notes

This course is not available in session 2003/2004.

Overview

The course explores the contemporary situations and thinking of Medieval, Humanist, Magisterial, Radical, Conservative, and Scottish Reformers.
Fortnightly seminars in addition to private study with learning support materials.
1 two-hour examination (40%) and 2 essays equally weighted (60%).

Credit Points

10

Course Coordinator

Ms Elaine Cameron

Pre-requisites

None

Overview

The course will examine the background, authorship, and literary and theological importance of St Matthew’s Gospel.
Fortnightly seminars in addition to private study with learning support materials.
Continuous assessment: 2 essays equally weighted.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Ms Elaine Cameron

Pre-requisites

None

Notes

This course is available in session 2003/2004 in the first half-session as KL 1004.

Overview

This course is an introduction to the principal faiths of the Near East - Judaism, Christianity and Islam. It is followed by comparisons and contrasts between the worship, doctrines and life-styles of the three principal religions of the Near East.
Fortnightly seminars in addition to private study with learning support materials.
1 two-hour examination (40%) and 2 essays equally weighted (60%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Ms Elaine Cameron

Pre-requisites

None

Notes

This course is available in session 2003/2004 in the first half-session as KL 1007.

Overview

Selections will be studied from the two main types of material in the Book of Exodus - narrative and law - in order to illustrate a variety of approaches to its understanding. Questions to be tackled include: what kind of literature is this? When was it written? Why was it written? What kind of sources were used? What is its relation to historical events? What does it tell us about the worshipping community of Judaism ancient and modern? What importance does it have to Christianity? Has it been legitimately used in modern Liberation Theology?
Fortnightly seminars in addition to private study with learning support materials.
1 two-hour examination (40%) and 2 essays equally weighted (60%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Ms Elaine Cameron

Pre-requisites

None

Notes

This course is not available in session 2003/2004.

Overview

The course will consider each of the main titles used in the New Testament to designate the nature and identity of Jesus: Messiah, Son of David, Son of God, Son of Man, Logos, and Word.
Fortnightly audio-conferenced tutorials with a Course Workbook.
1 two-hour examination (40%) and 2 essays equally weighted (60%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Ms Elaine Cameron

Pre-requisites

None

Notes

This course is available in session 2003/2004 in the second half-session as KL 1509.

Overview

The course aims to introduce students to the art of caring within a spiritual context, and covers issues on bereavement and loss, issues around the family, disability concerns and mental health.
Fortnightly audio-conferenced tutorial of 1 ½ hours each in addition to private study with a Course Workbook.
1 two-hour examination (40%) and 2 essays equally weighted (60%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Ms Elaine Cameron

Pre-requisites

None

Notes

This course is not available in session 2003/2004.

Overview

This course introduces students to the role and contribution of some notable women in the Hebrew Bible. It will examine the relationship of certain key figures to the historical development of Israel, and will explore the relevance of the Hebraic tradition for us today.
6 fortnightly audio-conferenced tutorials, with a Course Workbook.
1 two-hour examination (40%) and 2 essays of 1500-2000 words each (60%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Ms Elaine Cameron

Pre-requisites

None, but it will be an advantage to have taken KL 10/1504.

Notes

This course is not available in session 2003/2004.

Overview

This course is an introduction to the study of Buddhism, Hinduism and Sikhism followed by comparisons and contrasts between the worships, doctrines and life-styles of these faiths and Christianity.
Fortnightly seminars in addition to private study with learning support materials.
1 two-hour examination (40%) and 2 essays equally weighted (60%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Ms Elaine Cameron

Pre-requisites

None

Notes

This course may be available in session 2003/2004.

Overview

The course will examine the background, authorship, literary and theological importance of St Mark’s Gospel.
Tutorials will be via the web, supplemented by private study.
1 two-hour examination (40%) and 2 essays equally weighted (60%).

Credit Points

10

Course Coordinator

Ms Elaine Cameron

Pre-requisites

None

Notes

This course is available in session 2003/2004 in the second half-session as KL 15OE.

Overview

This course introduces students to the person of Jesus; the Old and New Testaments’ witness to Him; consequent beliefs and life-styles; contemporary Christianity.

Weekly tutorials, or audio-conferenced fortnightly tutorials.
Continuous assessment (100%).

Credit Points

10

Course Coordinator

Ms Elaine Cameron

Pre-requisites

None

Notes

This course is not available in session 2003/2004.

Overview

The course includes: a survey of the history, geography and culture of ancient Israel; a study of the united monarchy and of the literature of the exilic and post-exilic periods.
Tutorials will be replaced by a Course Workbook; there will be 6 audio-conferences of 1.5 hours each.
Continuous assessment (100%): one essay of approximately 1500 words, and one assignment of approximately 3000 words.

Credit Points

10

Course Coordinator

Ms Elaine Cameron

Pre-requisites

None

Notes

This course is not available in session 2003/2004.

Overview

The course will consider the study of the life and teaching of Jesus within his first century historical context. It will attempt to shed light on the many questions that arise from the gospels' presentation of Jesus' teaching and activity. It will ask how much we can really know of the course of Jesus' life; what he meant by the "the kingdom of God"; whether he regarded himself as the "Messiah"; and why he ran into such opposition. Material from outside the New Testament will be used to construct a fuller picture of the broad historical and cultural context of Jesus' ministry.
Tutorials will be replaced by a Course Workbook; there will be 6 audio-conferences of 1.5 hours each.
Continuous assessment (100%): one essay of approximately 1500 words, and one assignment of approximately 3000 words.

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Ms Elaine Cameron

Pre-requisites

None

Notes

This course is not available in session 2003/2004.

Overview

The course will consider the range of criticisms advanced against the central elements of Christian belief from the Enlightenment to the present day. Attention will be devoted to criticism of the traditional arguments for the existence of God, historical scepticism, miracles, the problem of evil, the Marxist and Freudian challenges, and the secularisation thesis. Tutorials will study recent attempts to re-articulate belief in light of these challenges faced.
Fortnightly seminars in addition to private study with learning support materials.
1 two-hour examination (40%) and 2 essays equally weighted (60%).

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Ms Elaine Cameron

Pre-requisites

None

Notes

This course is not available in session 2003/2004.

Overview

The course will analyse why people sing; probe why Scotland has not produced a great body of hymns; explore how hymns have slotted into neat categories; identify what makes some hymns resonate; by reviewing the post 60’s hymnody, develop a critique to assess the worthiness of hymns to speak for and to us.

Fortnightly seminars in addition to private study with learning support materials.
1 two-hour examination (40%) and 2 essays equally weighted (60%).

Credit Points

10

Course Coordinator

Ms Elaine Cameron

Pre-requisites

None

Overview

No previous knowledge of Hebrew is required. The schedule of progress is based on an introductory Hebrew Grammar, with step by step instruction which enables sufficient grammar to be covered by the end of the course to begin reading prose passages of the Bible in Hebrew.
Weekly tutorials, or audio-conferenced fortnightly tutorials.
1 one-hour examination (40%) and continuous assessment (60%).

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

RELIGION IN SCOTLAND

Pre-requisites

None

Overview

The course covers the ancient Celtic religion and the adaptation in Scotland of the new faith brought by missionaries; the relations between the medieval church and Scottish political independence; the reformers and the influence of the Covenanters' ideas on Scottish life and thought; the disruptions and reunions of Presbyterianism in the period 1690-1929 with their present day legacy; the development of Episcopal and other Churches in the period 1690-1929, and a study of Christian and Non-Christian religious groups in Scotland since 1929.
Fortnightly seminars in addition to private study with learning support materials.
1 two-hour examination (40%) and 2 essays equally weighted (60%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Ms Elaine Cameron

Pre-requisites

None

Notes

This course is not available in session 2003/2004.

Overview

The course gives an historical overview of the ways in which the church’s worship practice has evolved since the First Century AD. It considers how tradition and doctrine have moulded worship, and will examine different aspects within contemporary worship.
6 fortnightly audio-conferenced seminar workshops with a Course Workbook.
1 two-hour examination (40%) and 2 essays of 1500 – 2000 words each (60%).

Credit Points

10

Course Coordinator

Ms Elaine Cameron

Pre-requisites

Biblical Hebrew 1 or equivalent.

Overview

This course will aim to apply the command of the language obtained in Biblical Hebrew 1 and develop it further through experience in reading the Hebrew Bible and studying grammar, syntax, and problems in translation in context.
Weekly tutorials, or audio-conferenced fortnightly tutorials.
1 one-hour examination (40%) and continuous assessment (60%).

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Ms Elaine Cameron

Pre-requisites

At least one course at level 1.

Notes

This course is not available in session 2003/2004.

Overview

Consideration of the human search for meaning, value and purpose in life; Non-religious forms of the search; the social context of religious questions; characteristic religious questions; single questions and plural answers; child and adolescent questions of meaning; theories of the development of faith; structures for understanding religious questions; approaches to understanding the self and other people.
Fortnightly audio-conferenced seminar workshops with a Course Workbook.
1 two-hour examination (40%) and 2 essays equally weighted (60%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Ms Elaine Cameron

Pre-requisites

30 credit points at level one from the Christian Studies programme or equivalent.

Notes

This course isavailable in session 2003/2004 in the second half-session as KL 2503.

Overview

This course will focus on John’s Gospel investigating the origins of the community which produced the Gospel, uncovering the distinctive Christology and ideas of salvation within it, and looking at the background to some of the best known images in the New Testament.
Tutorials will be via the web, supplemented by private study.
1 two-hour examination (40%) and 2 essays equally weighted (60%).

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Ms Elaine Cameron

Pre-requisites

None

Notes

This course is not available in session 2003/2004.

Overview

The course aims to investigate the beginnings of an institution, which has played a vital part in shaping European civilisation.
Fortnightly 1 ½ hour audio-conferenced seminar workshops with a Course Workbook
2 essays equally weighted (60%) and 1 two-hour examination (40%).

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Ms Elaine Cameron

Pre-requisites

It is desirable that students taking this course should have a minimum of 12 credits within the Programme. Where this is not the situation, please speak to the Programme Coordinator.

Notes

This course is not available in session 2003/2004.

Overview

This course will give students an appreciation of the complexities of Ecumenism both in Scotland and in the wider world; a deeper understanding of their own traditions by examining the historical and other reasons which keep Christians apart; and a development of their critical and analytical skills.
Six fortnightly audio-conferenced tutorials.
1 two-hour examination (40%) and 2 essays equally weighted (60%).

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Ms Elaine Cameron

Pre-requisites

Hebrew Prophets 1: An Introduction.

Notes

This course is not available in session 2003/2004.

Overview

The course will focus on the Book of Isaiah, examining the content, nature and variety of materials it contains, the historical contexts in which the material may have arisen, and the literary and theological significance of its canonical form. The course will include in-depth study of selected passages and sections of the book.
Six 1½ hour audio-conferenced seminar workshops with a Course Workbook.
1 two-hour examination (40%) and 2 essays equally weighted (60%).

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Ms Elaine Cameron

Pre-requisites

60 credit points at level 1 or equivalent.

Notes

This course is not available in session 2003/2004.

Overview

The course focuses on the growth areas of Christianity in the 20th Century, examining the changing balance between Eastern and Western Christianity, the growth of Ecumenism and the new preponderance of Christianity in the Southern Hemisphere.
Six 1½ hour audio-conferenced seminar workshops with a Course Workbook
1 two-hour examination (40%) and 2 essays of 2000 words (60%).

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Ms Elaine Cameron

Pre-requisites

A Gospel Course at level 1.

Notes

This course is not available in session 2003/2004.

Overview

The course is divided into units, covering Luke’s purpose in writing the Gospel, and tracing the main human themes in the plan of God, the nature of salvation, and the identity of Jesus.
Fortnightly audio-conferenced tutorial of 1 ½ hours each in addition to private study with a Course Workbook.
1 two-hour examination (40%) and 2 essays equally weighted (60%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Ms Elaine Cameron

Pre-requisites

Either KL 10/1504, or KL 10/150C.

Notes

This course is available in session 2003/2004 in the second half-session as KL 250B.

Overview

This course will analyse methods used in studying religion, especially those derived from phenomenology, sociology, psychology and anthropology. The comparative approach is central to the course. It will therefore introduce major issues in the world’s major religions including – Christianity, Islam, Judaism and Hinduism, as well as the traditional religions of Africa and the New World.
Fortnightly seminars in addition to private study with learning support materials.
1 two-hour examination (40%) and 2 essays equally weighted (60%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Ms Elaine Cameron

Pre-requisites

30 credit points at level one from the Christian Studies programme or equivalent.

Notes

This course is available in session 2003/2004 in the second half-session as KL 250G.

Overview

The course will consider Hebrew prophecy within its Israelite and Ancient Near East contexts and will survey the books of individual prophets with special studies of selected prophetic texts.
Six 1½ hour audio-conferenced seminar workshops with a Course Workbook.
1 two-hour examination (40%) and 2 essays equally weighted (60%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Ms Elaine Cameron

Pre-requisites

None

Notes

This course is available in session 2003/2004 in the first half-session as KL 200F.

Overview

A study in the accurate interpretation of I Corinthians with an appreciation of its relevance to modern church life. Methods of study of a New Testament epistle will be considered with particular emphasis on understanding problems in the church in Corinth set against their Graeco-Roman background, and Paul's responses to them set against his Jewish inheritance.
Fortnightly seminars in addition to private study with learning support materials.
1 two-hour examination (40%) and 2 essays equally weighted (60%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Ms Elaine Cameron

Pre-requisites

A level 1 Hebrew Bible course.

Notes

This course is not available in session 2003/2004.

Overview

The course examines the cultural heritage of the Psalms, their origin and development, the varieties of Psalms, modern literary criticism and theological issues about the Psalms. There is close study of selected Psalms.
Six fortnightly audio-conferenced seminar tutorials, with a Course Workbook.
1 two-hour examination (40%) and 2 essays equally weighted (60%).

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Ms Elaine Cameron

Pre-requisites

100 credit points including K 10/1509 Introduction to Pastoral Care or equivalent.

Notes

This course is not available in session 2003/2004.

Overview

By exploring the relationship between “health”, “healing” and “spirituality”, this course will challenge our traditional understanding of these areas. It will examine the reason for, and the contemporary interest and growth in, spirituality.
Ten 1½ hour audio-conferenced seminar workshops with a Course Workbook.
1 two-hour examination (40%) and 2 essays of 2500-3000 words (60%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Ms Elaine Cameron

Pre-requisites

180 credit points.

Notes

Students who have not the required 180 credit points, but who wish to take this course, should seek guidance from the Course Co-ordinator.

Overview

The course will examine perceptions of the family within the Christian tradition and their relationship to wider cultural concerns in different historical and contemporary settings. It will seek to understand the specific challenges to family life in Britain today; there will be theological reflection on the church’s role in supporting children and adults in the church and the wider community.
Lectures will be replaced by a Course Workbook. The course will begin with one weekend Workshop at the University of Aberdeen; there will then be 10 audio-conferences of 1.5 hours each, and an optional Workshop near the end of the course.
Continuous assessment – 100% coursework.

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Ms Elaine Cameron

Pre-requisites

20 credits (100 credit points) in Christian Studies, of which 12 credits (60 credit points) must be at level 2 or above.

Overview

This course allows a student to do in-depth study in a specific area in divinity or religious studies agreed upon with his or her supervisor and approved by the Head of Divinity and Religious Studies School.
Each student will be assigned a supervisor, who will make available regular consultation times.
Continuous assessment (100%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Ms Elaine Cameron

Pre-requisites

200 credit points.

Notes

This course will be available in the first half-session 2003/2004.

Overview

The course will introduce the gradual development of Christology in the first five centuries, taking account of both heretical and orthodox perspectives. Students will be expected to read passages from such figures as Tertullian, Athanasius, Arius, Gregory of Nazianzus and Cyril of Alexandria. They will be encouraged to draw connections between early Christian formulations and modern debates.
This course will be web-based.
Assessment: two course assignments (60%) and 1 two-hour examination (40%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Ms Elaine Cameron

Pre-requisites

100 credit points from Christian Studies Programme or equivalent.

Notes

This course is not available in session 2003/2004.

Overview

The course aims to stimulate students to think constructively about the role of women in the Bible, the Christian tradition, and the life of the Church. It includes an exploration of feminism on theology and inclusive language in the Bible and Church.
Nine weekly audio-conferenced tutorials, with a Course Workbook and associated material.
1 two-hour examination (40%) and 2 essays equally weighted (60%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Ms Elaine Cameron

Pre-requisites

Evidence of ability to study at this level.

Notes

This course is designed for students who have completed a number of courses in the Christian Studies Programme, and who have shown in their essay work the capacity for independent study.

Overview

The dissertation topic must be approved as suitable by the academic co-ordinator for the Christian Studies Programme. Each candidate will have a supervisor to offer guidance and support throughout the dissertation course. It is envisaged that the dissertation topic will often have as its starting point some aspect of the material introduced in a taught course, but approved topics will not be restricted to this. A systematic introduction to working on dissertations will be provided.

Seminars and individual contact as and when required.
Dissertation (100%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Ms Elaine Cameron

Pre-requisites

Available to students in Programme Year 4.

Notes

This course is only open to students who have been admitted to the BTh degree by Distance.

Overview

This course is designed to provide advanced study of major themes and figures in Scottish theology from 1560 to the present day. Particular attention will be given to the theology of the Scots Confession and the Westminster Confession and to their subsequent interpretation in Scotland. The latter half of the course will focus on major Scottish theologians of the 20th century.
Twelve audio-conference tutorials of 90 minutes each.
1 three-hour written examination (50%) and continuous assessment (50%).