Postgraduate Course: Church, State and Civil Society (THET11001)
Course Outline
| School | School of Divinity |
College | College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | This course aims to provide a broad overview of some of the most salient developments in the history of the relations between church, state and civil society. It is offered as an option within the MTh (Theology in History) programme, but is also available to other MTh/MSc programmes in the School of Divinity and more widely in the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Science. |
| Course description |
Academic Description:
Key episodes in the history of church-state relations are explored in chronological sequence. These range across material from the Hebrew Scriptures to the early 21st century, and seek to show the different theological perspectives adopted towards civil authority.
Syllabus/Outline Content:
The course is taught by Professor Fergusson, and includes the study of primary source material from the early church to the contemporary period. Attitudes towards the state include qualified acceptance, detachment, subservience, fusion, and partnership. These are discussed in their historical context. Attention is given to classic thinkers including Augustine, Aquinas, Calvin and Locke. In the latter stage of the course, there is a focus on contemporary issues including religious pluralism, immigration and political asylum.
Student Learning Experience Information:
Each session will include a short lecture from the course teacher followed by a student-led presentation on a prescribed text. For ease of access, texts are available in electronic form. Essays topics enable students to work on a subject of individual interest from within the syllabus. Students are encouraged to receive formative feedback on their essay outlines and reading lists.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
| Not being delivered |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Engage critically with selected historical, political, philosophical and theological sources.
- Show an awareness of the contextual conditions under which political theologies were advanced and received.
- Show an ability to structure an argument, to use correct grammar in expressing historical and theological ideas, and to support claims with reference to specific named primary and secondary texts.
- Develop skills in oral communication and participation in group discussion.
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Not entered |
| Keywords | ChStateCivilS |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Prof David Fergusson
Tel: (0131 6)50 8912
Email: |
Course secretary | Ms Roisin O'Fee
Tel: (0131 6)50 8921
Email: |
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