Unit information: Newman the Theologian in 2008/09

Unit name	Newman the Theologian
Unit code	THRS20091
Credit points	20
Level of study	I/5
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director	Dr. Kieschnick
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Department of Religion and Theology
Faculty	Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

The unit starts with a study of the religious scene in England at the beginning of the 19th century before tracing Newman's life until 1845 examining the early influences on the development of this thought. The Oxford Movement is then considered with its principal characters. We then examine his major writings both as an Anglican and as a Roman Catholic. Attention is particularly paid to the Parochial and Plain Sermons, the Oxford University Sermons, The Essay on Development and the Idea of a University. His teaching on doctrinal development, faith and certainty, authority and education which have particular relevance to current debates on higher education, science and religion, secularism and faith and reason will be explored. The influence of other writers on Newman is examined as well as Newman's contemporary influence and importance in a postmodern age. There will also be a particular study of his theological method.

Aims:

To introduce and explore key issues in the theology of John Henry Newman, one of the most influential Christian theologians of modern times, that particularly relate to contemporary discussions on education, faith and reason, religion and science, ecclesiology and the nature of theology,.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students will learn how to explore a body of material in depth through reading and discussion. Students will improve their capacity for oral and written expression and develop methodological rigour through interaction with a member of staff.

Teaching Information

After introductory lectures on the historical context, each week, students will be introduced to an aspect of Newmans thought in a one-hour lecture, followed by an hour-long session of guided exploration, exposition and discussion of this material.

Assessment Information

Formative assessment will consist of a short written assignment followed by a tutorial. Summative assessment will be a two hour unseen examination (two questions).

Reading and References

Coulson, J. - Newman and the Common Tradition, Oxford, 1970

• Ker, I. - John Henry Newman, A Biography, Oxford 1990.

• Livingston, J.C. Modern Christian Thought, Vol 1 2nd ed. Fortress Press, Minneapolis. 2006.

• Merrigan, T. - Clear Heads and Holy Hearts: the Religious and Theological Ideal of John Henry Newman, Peeters Press, Louvain, 1991.

• J.H. Newman - Selections from standard edition of his works available on Http://www.newmanreader.org

• Rothblatt, S - The Modern University and its discontents: the fate of Newmans legacies in Britain and America, (Cambridge, CUP 1997).