THL544 Theology and Spirituality in Contemporary Engagement (16)

This subject considers, at an advanced level, the changing fortunes of spirituality and its relationship with theology. Recently we have seen a significant movement in theology to reintegrate spirituality and theology. A growing body of contemporary theology has emerged from this reintegration. Paradoxically this has coincided with a trend in Western cultures to untether spirituality from religion. This subject addresses: the historical separation of theology and spirituality; the origins and nature of Christian mysticism; questions of experience and theological knowing; spiritual texts and hermeneutical issues; and the integration of theology and spirituality.

Availability

Session 3 (90)
Online
Canberra Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: THL544. 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

Enrolment Restrictions

Master of Theology and Bachelor of Theology (Honours) students only.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the historical roots of the separation of theology and spirituality
  • be able to discuss critically the origins and nature of Christian mysticism
  • be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of and engagement with contemporary issues relating to theology and spirituality
  • be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the epistemological and hermeneutical issues relating to spiritual and/or mystical experience and spiritual and/or mystical texts
  • be able to evaluate critically historical and contemporary theological texts which integrate theology and spirituality
  • be able to demonstrate a capacity for theological reasoning at an advanced level
  • be able to demonstrate research and communication skills in the study of systematic theology at an advanced level

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Contemporary understandings of spirituality
  • Historical separation of theology and spirituality
  • Origins and nature of Christian mysticism
  • Experience and theological knowing
  • Spiritual texts and hermeneutical issues
  • Integrating theology and spirituality: Historical and contemporary case studies

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of THL544 in Session 2 2020. 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
Seminar paper
40
2
Major essay
60

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: June 2022. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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