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DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2024/2025

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DRPS : Course Catalogue : School of Divinity : Divinity

Undergraduate Course: Mission in Contemporary Scotland (DIVI10031)

Course Outline
SchoolSchool of Divinity CollegeCollege of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate) AvailabilityAvailable to all students
SCQF Credits20 ECTS Credits10
SummaryAn in-depth study of the theology and practice of Christian mission in contemporary Scottish society. Particular thematic foci will include: religion and nationalism: institutional church decline; emerging missional ecclesiologies; changing patterns of ministry and mission; and the changing relationship between gospel and culture.
Course description Academic Description:
The course aims to enrich students' knowledge and understanding of the theology, context and practice of Christian mission in contemporary Scotland, set in UK and global context. In order to achieve this, it will consider the interaction of Christian faith with society in words and actions through (a) the history and development of the theology and practice of mission since World War II; (b) present day global mission theology; and (c) present expressions of, and the future potential for, emerging missional ecclesiologies in Scotland and beyond.

Syllabus/Outline Content:
The course will combine missiology, theology, ecclesiology and church/ social history.
Particular themes will include: the meaning and purpose of mission; the Bible and mission (missional hermeneutics); Gospel, 'contextualisation' and culture; current global theologies of mission; the recent history of mission in Scotland since World War II, focusing on its dynamic re-energisation from 1945 to 1970 through such as Tom Allan and George MacLeod above; the current context of secularisation, inter-faith relationships and institutional church decline; and emerging missional ecclesiologies, being 'fresh expressions of church' through pioneer ministry and church planting.

Student Learning Experience Information:
At each seminar, a short video presentation by the relevant student(s) will begin the discussion. Each student will therefore be required to provide a short video presentation on the key reading texts, to be shared at one seminar during the semester. Through participation in the discussion forum, providing the presentation and in seminar discussions, as well as through written work and the examination, students will seek to achieve the learning outcomes. Participation will be assessed on the nature and extent of engagement in the discussion forums and the seminars.
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Students MUST NOT also be taking Mission in Contemporary Scotland 3/4 (THET10017)
Other requirements Students who have previously taken the following course MUST NOT enroll: Mission in Contemporary Scotland 3/4 (THET10017)
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisitesNone
High Demand Course? Yes
Course Delivery Information
Academic year 2024/25, Available to all students (SV1) Quota:  None
Course Start Semester 2
Timetable Timetable
Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) Total Hours: 200 ( Lecture Hours 22, Feedback/Feedforward Hours 1, Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4, Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours 173 )
Assessment (Further Info) Written Exam 50 %, Coursework 30 %, Practical Exam 20 %
Additional Information (Assessment) 10% - Presentation

10% - Participation in online discussion forum and seminars

30% - Essay (2000 words)

50% - Exam
Feedback Not entered
No Exam Information
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  1. Offer a historical appreciation and critical analysis of the dynamic modes of Christian mission exercised in Scotland in the post-war period and their relevance for the present.
  2. Present a critical understanding of theories and tensions in mission theology and world Christianity through the lens of the Scottish context.
  3. Assess the present and potential future state of mission in contemporary Scottish Christianity through an exploration of its present expressions in ecclesiology.
  4. Reflect on their own experience, values and practice to generate insights for their understanding of mission.
  5. Present informed and well-honed arguments in written and oral form.
Reading List
None
Additional Information
Graduate Attributes and Skills - Empathy and imaginative insight, with a tolerance of diverse positions
- Capacity for reflexive learning
- Ability to gather, evaluate and synthesise different types of information
- Analytical ability and the capacity to formulate questions and solve problems
- Writing skills, including clear expression and citing relevant evidence
- Presentation skills, both oral and written, supported by appropriate technologies
KeywordsNot entered
Contacts
Course organiserDr Alexander Forsyth
Tel: (0131 6)50 8970
Email: Alexander.Forsyth@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMr Ross Muir
Tel:
Email: rmuir310@ed.ac.uk
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