| Unit name | Miracles in the Christian Tradition |
|---|---|
| Unit code | THRS20111 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Willows |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | Department of Religion and Theology |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
Why this unit is important?
Miracles and wondrous events wielded a considerable influence throughout Christian history. Could these incredible, unexplained events be the result of divine action? When, if ever, might such a claim be justified in the modern day?
In the pre-modern period miracles permeated life at every level and were closely woven into the texture of Christian experience. This remains the case, even though the modern world's attitude to the miraculous has changed, with religious experience including miracles now the subject of study in a variety of scientific fields. This unit will examine the place of the miraculous in a historical and religious context and explore accounts of the miraculous from different perspectives. It will trace miracles and miracle workers in Christianity from the New Testament to the twenty-first century.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
This unit will be one of the specialist options available to undergraduates in Religion and Theology as they move beyond first year. Specialist subject options are available to students on Liberal Arts programmes and may be also available to study abroad students, and students on other BA programmes. The portfolio of units available will change from year to year based on staff availability, but it will represent a full range of research strengths across the department, as well as demonstrating our commitment to supporting choice and providing increase.
An overview of content
In this unit we will explore the role of miracles from early Christianity to the present day from a variety of different perspectives. We will look at the history of miracles including topics such as the role of saints as miracle-workers, healing in the medieval period and the way early and medieval Christians approached scepticism and doubt. We will consider arguments about the possibility and nature of miracles – what makes something ‘super-natural’? Does such a concept even make sense? We will look at the reception of miracles in the modern day and the way scientific study has examined claims about miraculous event.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
You will be able to give an account of the history and meaning of miracles in the Christian tradition. You will be able to understand and critically analyse different arguments about the possibility and nature of miracles. You will also be able to draw connections between beliefs about miracles and our wider understanding of the world. You will be able to explain some key areas of study of religious experience and how these might impact on our understanding and reception of apparently miraculous events. You will develop your verbal and written skills in critical discussion and analysis and learn to integrate research from different fields in forming your own view.
Learning Outcomes
1. Recognise and appraise the meaning and significance of miracles in the Christian tradition
2. Present, analyse and evaluate a range of arguments about the role of miracles using primary and secondary sources
3. Adopt an independent approach to designing, researching and completing a project
4. Apply the analytical and practical skills learned in the unit to their written assignments
Classes will involve a combination of long- and short-form lectures, class discussion, investigative activities, and practical activities. Students will be expected to engage with readings and participate on a weekly basis. This will be further supported with drop-in sessions and self-directed exercises with tutor and peer feedback.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
Annotated Bibliography (1,500 words) 30% [ILOs 2, 3 and 4]
Portfolio (2,000 words) 70% [ILOs 1, 2, 3 and 4]
When assessment does not go to plan
When required by the Board of Examiners, you will normally complete reassessments in the same formats as those outlined above. However, the Board reserves the right to modify the format or number of reassessments required. Details of reassessments are confirmed by the School/Centre shortly after the notification of your results at the end of the year.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. THRS20111).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
