Overview

The module outlines of some of the basic tenets of the Jewish faith as reflected in the Old Testament and the Christian faith as reflected in the New Testament. Among issues considered will be the contribution to the Jewish faith by the rabbis and the controversies faced by Judaism over the centuries, culminating in a discussion of issues relating to the holocaust. Among Jewish philosophers discussed will be Maimonides and Martin Buber. The modules will then turn to the Christian faith and will examine some of the theological issues arising from the New Testament, with a particular focus on Paul’s theology and the Early Church Fathers, such as Origen and Eusebius. There will also be a discussion of a representative sample of major Christian thinkers over the centuries.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -D- - D +. Submitted work is adequate and shows an acceptable level of competence as follows:Generally accurate but with omissions and errors.Assertions are made without clear supporting evidence or reasoning.Has structure but is lacking in clarity and therefore relies on the reader to make links and assumptions.Draws on a relatively narrow range of material.

-good -Good C- - C +. Submitted work is competent throughout and occasionally distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials. It demonstrates:Good structure and logically developed arguments.At least in parts draws on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student.Assertions are, in the main, backed by evidence and sound reasoning.Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic style.Very Good B- - B+. Submitted work is competent throughout and distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials. It demonstrates:Very good structure and logically developed arguments.Draws on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student.Assertions are backed by evidence and sound reasoning.Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic style.

-excellent -A - - A*. Submitted work is of an outstanding quality and excellent in one or more of the following ways:Has originality of exposition with the student’s own thinking being readily apparent.Provides clear evidence of extensive and relevant independent study.Arguments are laid down with clarity and provide the reader with successive stages of consideration to reach conclusions.

Learning Outcomes

• Attend to, reproduce accurately, and reflect critically on the ideas and arguments of others

• Communication information, ideas, arguments, principles and theories by a variety of means (oral and written)

• Identify, gather and discuss primary data and source material

• Undertake independent study (including time management)

• Use IT and Computer skills for data capture in order to identify source material and support research

• Use library resources in order to identify relevant material and compile bibliography