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DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2022/2023

Timetable information in the Course Catalogue may be subject to change.

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DRPS : Course Catalogue : School of Divinity : Divinity

Postgraduate Course: Church, State and Civil Society (THET11001)

Course Outline
SchoolSchool of Divinity CollegeCollege of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) AvailabilityAvailable to all students
SCQF Credits20 ECTS Credits10
SummaryThis course aims to provide a broad overview of some of the most salient developments in the history of the relations between church, state and civil society. It is offered as an option within the MTh (Theology in History) programme, but is also available to other MTh/MSc programmes in the School of Divinity and more widely in the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Science.
Course description Academic Description:
Key episodes in the history of church-state relations are explored in chronological sequence. These range across material from the Hebrew Scriptures to the early 21st century, and seek to show the different theological perspectives adopted towards civil authority.

Syllabus/Outline Content:
The course is taught by Professor Fergusson, and includes the study of primary source material from the early church to the contemporary period. Attitudes towards the state include qualified acceptance, detachment, subservience, fusion, and partnership. These are discussed in their historical context. Attention is given to classic thinkers including Augustine, Aquinas, Calvin and Locke. In the latter stage of the course, there is a focus on contemporary issues including religious pluralism, immigration and political asylum.

Student Learning Experience Information:
Each session will include a short lecture from the course teacher followed by a student-led presentation on a prescribed text. For ease of access, texts are available in electronic form. Essays topics enable students to work on a subject of individual interest from within the syllabus. Students are encouraged to receive formative feedback on their essay outlines and reading lists.
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisitesNone
High Demand Course? Yes
Course Delivery Information
Not being delivered
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  1. Engage critically with selected historical, political, philosophical and theological sources.
  2. Show an awareness of the contextual conditions under which political theologies were advanced and received.
  3. Show an ability to structure an argument, to use correct grammar in expressing historical and theological ideas, and to support claims with reference to specific named primary and secondary texts.
  4. Develop skills in oral communication and participation in group discussion.
Reading List
None
Additional Information
Graduate Attributes and Skills Not entered
KeywordsChStateCivilS
Contacts
Course organiserProf David Fergusson
Tel: (0131 6)50 8912
Email: David.Fergusson@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMs Roisin O'Fee
Tel: (0131 6)50 8921
Email: Roisin.OFee@ed.ac.uk
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