Please note: you are viewing unit and programme information
for a past academic year. Please see the current academic year for up to date information.
| Unit name |
Science and Faith (Trinity and Baptist College) |
| Unit code |
THRSM0075 |
| Credit points |
20 |
| Level of study |
M/7
|
| Teaching block(s) |
Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52)
|
| Unit director |
Reverend Dr. Lucas |
| 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
After an historical introduction considering the influence of religious belief on the rise and development of modern science this unit will provide a critical survey of some of the current areas of debate concerning science and faith, such as: cosmology and the Anthropic Principle, evolution and creation, quantum theory and issues of chance and providence, the brain/mind relationship and consciousness. Different models for the relationship between science and religion will be introduced and subjected to critical evaluation. Care will be taken to explain scientific concepts and theories for the benefit of students with limited previous knowledge of them.
Aims
The unit aims to:
- enable students to understand some of the ways in which religious beliefs have played a part in the rise and development of modern science.
- give students a critical understanding of some of the major issues that have arisen as a result of the impact of scientific discoveries on religious, especially Christian, belief and theology.
- give students a critical awareness of different models that have been proposed for understanding the relationship between science and religion.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On completion of the unit students should:
- have gained an understanding of how religious beliefs have played a part in the rise and development of modern science.
- have gained a critical understanding of some of the major issues raised by the impact of scientific discoveries on religious, especially Christian, belief and theology.
- be able to make informed judgements on these issues in dialogue with competing views.
- have become aware of and evaluated some models that scholars have proposed for the relationship between science and religion.
Teaching Information
The unit will consist of lectures, with set preparatory reading, and some seminars.
Assessment Information
Formative assessment will be through class discussions of prior set reading or of video clips shown in class and through seminars at which the tutor will feedback on the students' level of engagement..
Summative assessment will be through a 6,000 word essay.
Reading and References
- Alexander, D., Creation or Evolution: Do We Have to Choose?, Oxford: Monarch, 2008.
- Barbour, I.G., Religion and Science: Historical and Contemporary Issues. London: SCM, 1998.
- Jeeves, M.A. and Berry, R.J., Science, Life and Christian Belief: A Survey and Assessment. Leicester: Apollos, 1998.
- McGrath, A.E., Science & Religion: An Introduction. Oxford: Blackwell, 1999.
- McGrath, A.E., A Fine-Tuned Universe: The Quest for God in Science and Theology. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2009.
- Weaver, J., Christianity & Science. London: SCM, 2010.
