| Unit name | Christianity and Islam: Viewing the Other |
|---|---|
| Unit code | THRS20203 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Professor. D'Costa |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
none |
| Co-requisites |
none |
| School/department | Department of Religion and Theology |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
This unit looks at a number of key Christian and Muslim thinkers in the twentieth century to examine their attitude to the religious ‘Other’. The responses within each of the religions have some similarities, but there are important differences. Students will learn to discern patterns, identify the ways these approaches are shaped by social, theological and philosophical influences, and see how differing stances are criticised from within that tradition. The thinkers studied are not exhaustive in representing different approaches from each tradition, but they give a good representation and overview. All texts are in good English translations.
On successful completion of this unit students will be able to:
(1) demonstrate a detailed knowledge and critical understanding of the major topics involved in the study of modern Christianity and Islam;
(2) evaluate the theoretical ideas that inform selected thinkers from each tradition regarding religious pluralism;
(3) critically analyse and evaluate a variety of perceptions of other religions and how these are shaped by the religions own configuration of its scripture and tradition and authority figures;
(4) identify and evaluate pertinent evidence/data in order to illustrate/demonstrate a cogent argument.
1 x two-hour lecture and 1 x one-hour seminar weekly
1 x 2500 essay (50%) [ILO 1-4]
1 x two-hour exam (50%) [ILO 1-4]
Ed Paul Griffiths, Christianity through non-Christian Eyes, Orbis, 1990 Eds. John Hick & Brian Hebblethwaite, Christianity and Other Religions, Oneworld, 2001 Sayyid Qutb, Milestones, Kazi Publications, 2007 Eds. William C Chittlick & Huston Smith, The Essential Seyyed Hossein Naser, Wisdom, 2007 Gavin D’Costa, Christianity and World Religions, Blackwell, 2009
