DI5432 Theological Engagements with the Arts: Methodologies and Critical Theories

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 11

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Not available as an optional module for any other programme, except with the Permission of the Head of School.

Planned timetable

Thur - 14:00 - 17:00

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr G R Hopps

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr G Hopps

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

Theology and the arts is a burgeoning area of scholarly interest, though it can take various forms and proceed in radically different directions. This module will provide an introduction to the field, by questioning taken-for-granted assumptions about the nature, value and functions of art, in light of religious or spiritual concerns, and by exploring a number of theoretical approaches or modes of theological engagement with the arts. Each of these approaches will be examined by means of seminar discussion and private study. Additionally, the module will provide an opportunity for engagement with a wide variety of artistic works (from the fields of literature, music and the visual arts), allowing students to hone their critical skills and evaluate the various theoretical models in relation to a range of different art-forms.

Relationship to other modules

Anti-requisites

YOU CANNOT TAKE THIS MODULE IF YOU TAKE DI5431

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 60%, 3-hour Written Examination = 40%

Re-assessment

Where a student fails the assessment for a taught module, one or more such components of coursework originally graded at less than 7 may be revised and resubmitted. The weighted-mean grade for reassessed components will be added to the weighted-mean grade for original (i.e first) submission-components. This new overall grade will be capped at 7.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

3-hour seminar (x10 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours

30

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

270

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Offer an account of aesthetic significance and the difference theology makes to considerations of art
  • Describe and critically evaluate a range of different theological approaches to the arts
  • Offer theologically informed readings of artworks in a variety of media
  • Develop and sustain an argument in a scholarly fashion, and respond appropriately to critical feedback
  • Engage more confidently in independent interdisciplinary research.