THL216 Christian Spirituality (8)

This subject introduces students to the nature and history of Christian spirituality within the context of contemporary interest in spirituality. It focuses particularly on Western spiritual traditions, including the desert fathers and mothers, the monastic and mendicant traditions, Reformation spiritualities and mystical traditions. Orthodox and Pentecostal spiritualities are considered briefly. The subject addresses questions concerning the relationship between Christian spirituality and issues relating to justice, ecology, culture and interfaith understanding. It also requires students to engage with and to reflect upon a range of Christian spiritual disciplines or practices.

No offerings have been identified for this subject in 2020.

Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Theology

Assumed Knowledge

Students are recommended to have prior knowledge equivalent to or studied THL111 and THL113.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of the concept of specifically Christian spirituality;
  • be able to identify major elements in the history of Christian spiritual traditions;
  • be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding and critical appreciation of one strand of the Christian spiritual tradition;
  • be able to demonstrate an appreciation of the significance of the relationship between Christian spirituality and a range of contemporary issues, including justice, ecology, culture and interfaith understanding;
  • be able to reflect critically on a range of Christian spiritual disciplines or practices in the context of their own spirituality and practice; and
  • be able to demonstrate self-guided learning, including sound research, writing and communication skills.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Part I: What is Christian spirituality? Spirituality in contemporary context: Australia and elsewhere. Spirituality in the Christian tradition.
  • Part II: Historical movements: Desert fathers and mothers; monastic paradigms; mendicant traditions; Reformation spiritualities; mystical traditions; Orthodox and Pentecostal spiritualities.
  • Part III: Spirituality in dialogue with contemporary issues: spirituality and justice; spirituality and ecology; spirituality and culture; spirituality in an interfaith context; spirituality, power and abuse.

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of THL216 in Session 1 2019. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Short essay
30
2
Reflective journal on spiritual practices
30
3
Major essay
40

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: October 2020. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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