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| Unit name |
Miracles in the Christian Tradition |
| Unit code |
THRS20111 |
| Credit points |
20 |
| Level of study |
I/5
|
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
|
| Unit director |
Mr. Ferzoco |
| Open unit status |
Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None
|
| Co-requisites |
None
|
| School/department |
Department of Religion and Theology |
| Faculty |
Faculty of Arts |
Description including Unit Aims
Miracles and wondrous events, and those who caused such events to occur, wielded a considerable influence in the premodern world. These wonders and wonder workers permeated life at every level and were closely woven into the texture of Christian experience. This remains the case, even though the modern world's attitude to the miraculous has changed with the rise of science. This unit will examine the place of the miraculous in a historical and religious context. It will trace miracles and miracle workers in Christianity from the New Testament to the twenty-first century. Emphasis will be placed on the late medieval period (1200-1500), and especially on the determination of who should or should not be considered to be among the most wondrous people in Christian society: saints.
Aims:
- To provide an in-depth understanding of the meaning and significance of miracles and miracle workers in the Christian tradition
- To provide in-depth understanding of the role of miracles and miracle workers through the use of primary sources
- To develop and further improve written presentation and argumentation skills through essay writing, a written examination and group work
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding of the meaning and significance of miracles in the Christian tradition;
- critically evaluate a range of arguments about the role of miracles through the use of primary and secondary sources;
- present, analyse and evaluate complex ideas and arguments in written form;
- demonstrate analytical skills suitable for level I/5 as demonstrated in their formal assessments.
- demonstrate an independent approach to designing, researching and completing a level-I project.
Teaching Information
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.
Assessment Information
1 x 2000 words portfolio (formative) [ILOs 1-4]
1 x 2500-word summative essay (100%) [ILOs 1-5]
Reading and References
- Jacalyn Duffin, Medical Miracles: Doctors, Saints, and Healing 'in' the Modern World (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2009).
- Michael Goodich, Miracles and Wonders: The Development of the Concept of Miracle, 1150-1350 (Aldershot: Ashgate, 2007).
- Suzanne K. Kaufman, Consuming Visions: Mass Culture and the Lourdes Shrine (Ithaca, N.Y.: Cornell University Press, 2005).
- Howard Clark Kee, Medicine, Miracle and Magic 'in' New Testament 'Times(Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1986).
- Donald Prudlo, Certain Sainthood: Canonization and the Origins of Papal Infallibility (Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 2015).
- Diana Webb, Medieval European Pilgrimage, c.700-c.1500 (Basingstoke: Palgrave, 2002).
