Undergraduate Course: The Theology of Karl Barth (THET10042)
Course Outline
| School | School of Divinity |
College | College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | This course explores key themes in the theology of Karl Barth, engaging critically with his work and reflecting carefully on aspects of its scholarly reception and contemporary adequacy. |
| Course description |
Academic Description:
The course explores the theology of Karl Barth (1886-1968), the leading Reformed theologian of the 20th century. Attention is devoted to the shape of Barth's theology and its developments from the 1920 onwards, particularly through exploration of selected passages of his magnum opus, The Church Dogmatics.
Syllabus/Outline Content:
The class will explore Barth's early dialectical theology of the 1920s, his involvement in the German Church struggle of the 1930s and the content of his mature theology. Themes will include his account of revelation, the doctrine of God, election, creation and providence, Christology, ecclesiology, and ethics.
Student Learning Experience Information
Each session will comprise a short lecture from the course teacher followed by a student-led presentation of the prescribed text - the Church Dogmatics is available in electronic form via the EUL catalogue as well as in the New College Library. Essays topics will enable students to engage with the leading commentators on Barth through study of a selected theme not covered in lectures and seminars.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | Students MUST NOT also be taking
Karl Barth's Church Dogmatics (THET11026)
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Other requirements | None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | Visiting students should have at least 3 Divinity/Religious Studies courses at grade B or above (or be predicted to obtain this). We will only consider University/College level courses. |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
| Not being delivered |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will have:
(1) understood the key dimensions of the work of Barth: its intellectual context, underlying concerns, and material content;
(2) engaged critically with Barth's work by way of a close reading of primary texts and by judicious use of secondary literature;
(3) considered the implications of the theology of Barth for contemporary constructive work in systematic theology;
(4) deepened their knowledge of an aspect of Barth's work through writing an essay engaging with both primary and secondary literature;
(5) enhanced their ability to present to their colleagues in the seminar and to participate constructively in discussion.
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
- Self- discipline
- Analytical ability and the capacity to formulate questions and solve problems
- Writing skills, including clear expression and citing relevant evidence
- Presentation skills, both oral and written, supported by appropriate technologies
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| Keywords | Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr James Eglinton
Tel: (0131 6)50 8975
Email: |
Course secretary | Mr Jamie Smith
Tel: (0131 6)50 8913
Email: |
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