THE2152 - Evolution, God and Gaia
2023/4 Module description
Staff | Professor Christopher Southgate - Convenor |
---|---|
Credit Value | 30 |
ECTS Value | 15 |
NQF Level | 5 |
Pre-requisites | None |
Co-requisites | None |
Duration of Module | Term 2: 11 weeks; |
Module description
In this option module you will explore how evolutionary theory developed from the early 19th Century, and what challenges the theory has posed and continues to pose for Christian theology. Key points will include the suffering of non-human creatures, and the nature and vocation of human beings. This will lead to an exploration of human relationship to the planet in the current ecological crisis.
The module has no prerequisites, and is eminently suitable for interdisciplinary pathways.
Module aims
We shall develop an understanding of evolutionary science and use this to explore key challenges faced by the Christian theologian in engaging with this science.
This will draw on research expertise in the department on theodicy, systematic theology, ecotheology, and ethics. We shall go on to look at how the human animal might find its place in a world already hugely shaped by human activity.
In terms of employment, you will learn how to explore finely balanced arguments on extremely difficult problems, respecting contrary views. You will also learn how to present an argument in a seminar, and how to chair a group, valuable transferable skills in a whole range of types of employment.
ILO: Module-specific skills
- 1. Demonstrate, with limited guidance, a general understanding of evolutionary theory, appropriate to discussion of its relation to theological issues
- 2. Demonstrate, with limited guidance, a knowledge and understanding of the challenges evolutionary theory has posed for Christian theology
- 3. Demonstrate, with limited guidance, a knowledge and understanding of how Christian theological ethics addresses the current ecological crisis
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
- 4. Demonstrate with minimal guidance a sophisticated understanding of how theology can engage in critical dialogue with other disciplines
- 5. Articulate in written and/or oral form aspects of this dialogue that are of particular interest to you
ILO: Personal and key skills
- 6. Find and use on-line materials with some guidance
- 7. Demonstrate critical and creative thought, supported by research and clearly communicated
- 8. Participate appropriately in a learning group, showing respect for the views of others
Syllabus plan
Whilst the content may vary from year to year, it is envisioned that it will cover some or all of the following topics:
- Historical and scientific analysis of evolutionary theory
- Consideration of the challenges posed by evolutionary theory to Christian theology
- Theological and ethical responses to the contemporary ecological crisis.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
---|---|---|
34 | 266 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
Category | Hours of study time | Description |
---|---|---|
Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 11 | Synchronous discussion sessions often with student presentations |
Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 22 | Face-to-face lectures if these are possible, or on-line material, including videos and podcasts, to support the seminar programme |
Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 1 | Tutorial with instructor. Typically to include debriefing a seminar presentation, and planning for the summative essay |
Guided Independent Study | 266 | Private Study |
Formative assessment
Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
---|---|---|---|
Seminar presentation | 10 minutes | 1-8 | Email feedback from instructor |
Essay Plan | 300 words | 1-7 | 1:1 meeting with instructor |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
---|---|---|
100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
---|---|---|---|---|
Essay | 50 | 3500 words | 1-7 | BART feedback sheet |
Review of a part of the set seminar reading | 20 | 1000 words | 1-7 | BART feedback sheet |
Podcast of seminar presentation | 20 | 10 minutes | 1-7 | BART feedback sheet |
Participation in seminars/tutorial | 10 | Based on attendance/engagement | 8 | Email feedback from instructor |
0 | ||||
0 |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
---|---|---|---|
Essay | Essay | 1-7 | Referral/deferral period |
Review | Review | 1-7 | Referral/deferral period |
Podcast | Podcast | 1-7 | Referral/deferral period |
Participation | 750-word reflection on engagement with the module | 8 | Referral/deferral period |
Re-assessment notes
Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.
Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to submit a further assessment as necessary. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 40%.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
- N. Messer, Science in Theology (London: Bloomsbury, 2020)
- C. Southgate (ed.), God, Humanity and the Cosmos (London: T&T Clark, 3rd edn 2011)
- B. Sollereder, God, Evolution and Animal Suffering (London: Routledge, 2019)
- C. Deane-Drummond, A Primer in Eco-theology (Eugene, OR.: Cascade Books, 2017)
Module has an active ELE page?
Yes
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
Available as distance learning?
No
Origin date
28/02/2012
Last revision date
03/03/2021
Key words search
Evolution, fall, suffering, theological anthropology, stewardship
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