| Unit name | Children of Abraham, Pupils of Aristotle: Faith, Nature, and Interreligious Inspiration in Medieval Christian Thought |
|---|---|
| Unit code | THRSM0142 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Sonnesyn |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | Department of Religion and Theology |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
Why is this unit important?
Can religious faith inspire natural science? Can interreligious dialogue inspire devout scientists? This unit provides a new perspective on these long-standing questions through a focus on the study of nature in medieval Christianity. The so-called ‘scientific revolution’ of the Early Modern period was crucial for the development of modern society in what is still referred to as ‘the West’. It has now been established that this ‘revolution’ grew out of developments starting in medieval Christian culture, and that Christian culture in turn was profoundly influenced by Islamic and Judaic learning as well as the pagan philosophy of classical antiquity. Natural science is seen as a modern, ‘western’, and secular phenomenon, but its roots are pre-modern, intercultural, and intertwined with religious faith. This unit explores not only the roots of western modern culture in Medieval Christianity but also the possibilities of sharing knowledge and understanding across cultural and religious borders.
This unit will benefit all students interested in Christian culture and the importance of Islam and Judaism within the development of Christian culture. It challenges established myths about a monolithic medieval Church and a self-contained and self-enclosed European culture. It provides important skills in close reading of primary sources and critical analysis of scholarly literature. For students within Religion and Philosophy Double Honours programme this unit also shows how the religious and philosophical lines of inquiry may converge and mutually benefit one another.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study
Specialist subject options are offered in the final years of the Religion and Theology MArts programmes, and as part of some school and faculty MA programmes. It is standard practice for MArts to take three specialist options, and for MAs to take at least three, d, depending on their programme. The portfolio of units available will change from year to year based on staff availability, but it will consistently represent a full range of research strengths across the English department, as well as demonstrating our commitment to supporting choice and providing increased optionality as students’ progress through their programme.
An overview of content
This unit explores the development of the study of nature in Christian intellectual culture from the 11th to the 14th centuries. We will look at how this development was fuelled by the translation of Aristotelian natural philosophy and Islamicate and Judaic scholarship inspired by the Aristotelian tradition. We will read primary sources in translation, and look at the various ways in which these texts have been interpreted by modern scholarship. Of particular significance will be the ways in which disagreements and religious contradictions were negotiated to allow medieval Christian thinkers to take advantage of the sophisticated learning of other religious traditions.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
As part of this unit, students will gain an in-depth understanding of medieval Christianity and its relation to pagan philosophy and learning from other religious traditions, which will give them a deeper understanding of the complex origins of our present-day culture. They will be exposed to primary sources in translation, key scholarship on the topic, and will refine their writing skills. Furthermore, students will strengthen their critical thinking, textual interpretation, historical analysis, and argumentation in written and oral communication.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Classes will involve a combination of long- and short-form lectures, class discussion, investigative activities, and practical activities. Students will be expected to engage with readings and participate on a weekly basis. This will be further supported with drop-in sessions and self-directed exercises with tutor and peer feedback.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
5000-word essay (100%) [ILOs 1-6].
When assessment does not go to plan
When required by the Board of Examiners, you will normally complete reassessments in the same formats as those outlined above. However, the Board reserves the right to modify the format or number of reassessments required. Details of reassessments are confirmed by the School/Centre shortly after the notification of your results at the end of the year.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. THRSM0142).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
