Modern Theology

The course is given as a freestanding course.

The course can be part of the following programme: Master of Theology (H2RTM)

Degree of Bachelor or completed courses of at least 180 credits at first cycle level, of which at least 90 credits must involve progression in some main field of study that includes a bachelor's thesis of at least 15 credits. Students are also qualified if they have equivalent foreign education or equivalent prior knowledge according to earlier study regulation. Furthermore, knowledge corresponding to English A/English 5 is required.

The modern period is characterized by social, intellectual and political changes that have altered the landscape of religious belief and practice. This course examines how theology has evolved in these changing contexts. The course examines the relationship between theological ideas and developments such as the rise of the natural sciences, the emergence of liberal nation-states, secularism and post-secularism. Students will examine topics such as the nature of faith, the relation of faith to different conceptions of rationality, the interplay between religion, politics and ethics, and changing understandings of topics such as God, creation, Christ and salvation.

On successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

-explain central issues and debates in modern theology and their wider significance

-describe the interaction between theology, society and politics in the modern context

Competence and skills

-express themselves regarding course material both orally and in writing in a rigorous and linguistically correct manner

-discuss critically and constructively different ways of working theologically based on representative works from the modern period

Judgment and approach

-evaluate issues at the intersection of theology, church and society in the light of modern theology

-critically examine different arguments and theological positions

Teaching takes place through lectures and seminars. Attendance is mandatory at certain course sessions, which are specified in the course information that students receive two weeks before the course begins. In the event of absence from a mandatory course session, students must complete a compensatory assignment in accordance with the teacher's instructions.

Language of instruction: English is the standard language of instruction, but the teacher may use Swedish if all students are comfortable with the language. Students' essays should normally be written in English, but if the teacher understands Swedish, Swedish can be used instead.

The course is examined through participation in seminar discussion, and individually written home assignments.

Students are responsible for keeping a copy of written work until it is graded and returned.

Students who submit home assignments after the stipulated deadline do not have the right to have their work assessed, and must instead take part in the regular re-examination or a new examination given at another time.

Students who fail the exam are given the opportunity to retake the exam on a maximum of four occasions.

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course’s intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the local rules regarding RIU students at the University of Gothenburg.

Students taking part in the course receive one of the following grades: Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G) or Fail (U).

In order to receive the grade 'Pass with distinction', students are required to demonstrate knowledge and skills in accordance with the learning outcomes of the course in a highly productive, critical and reflective manner.

The grade 'Pass' cannot be changed to 'Fail' at the student's request.

Students who have passed the exam may not participate in a new examination in order to receive a higher grade.

Students also do not have the right to withdraw a submitted exam to avoid grading.

The examiner has the option of requesting supplementary work in order to make it possible for a student to receive the grade 'Pass'. In such cases, instructions regarding the supplementary assignment must be given to the student in writing, and the assignment must be submitted within the time specified by the teacher.

The department is responsible for ensuring that course evaluations are carried out systematically and regularly, and are compiled in accordance with the guide document for course evaluation at the Department of Literature, History of Ideas and Religion.

The results of the course evaluation and any changes to the course structure must be communicated both to the students who carried out the evaluation and to the students who start the subsequent version of the course.