Historical Theology

SYLLABUS HISTORICAL THEOLOGY COURSE

A Postgraduate course of the Jonathan Edwards Centre Africa at the University of the Free State

Scholarly endeavours to reach a more profound and complete grasp of historical truth are crucial to this cause. Faith has nothing to fear from the work of historical research…
Pope John Paul II, Address to an International Symposium on John Huss, 17 December 1999

A. COURSE DESCRIPTION. A comprehensive and systematic examination of primary text, interpretation, theory, and methods in historical theology intended to offer an informed foundation for postgraduate studies in historical theology.

B. EXPANDED COURSE DESCRIPTION. This in-depth course is designed to expose students to the necessary skills, approaches, and resources required for postgraduate study and research in historical-theology. Particular attention will be given to the issues and problems relating to the method of research, including the critical and informed evaluation of “primary” and “secondary” sources, interpretative issues, historical-theological and historiographical trajectories, and the use of (electronic) research tools.

C. COURSE OBJECTIVES. After taking this course, students will be able to:

Critical evaluate historiographical issues and problems.
Assess trajectories of intellectual thought in historical-theology.
Appraise relevant secondary scholarly literature and evaluate critically secondary sources in light of the primary source text and historical context.
Present and communicate their work effectively, using the full resources of an academic discourse.

D. COURSE ASSIGNMENTS

Weekly reading joined with an assignment.
Writing of an essay.

Note 1: All papers should be in accordance with the Chicago Manual of Style
(15th or later edition)

Note 2: The course constitutes of 15 lectures but the length of the course term is 12 weeks. Students are free to divide the course readings and assignment over the course term (12 weeks). Suggested combination of lectures 7 & 8, 12 & 13, and 14 & 15 in one (1) week.

Essay: A 15-20 page (maximum 3,000 words) on a selected topic, including a definite and clear thesis statement, reason and ground for conclusion, demonstrate coherence etc.; formal matter such as proper sentence construction, integrity of paragraphs, punctuation and spelling (reference to rules about copyright, plagiarism-see UFS Library and Information Services. DUE DATE: Within 2 weeks after the completion of the course.

Marks: A total of 100% can be obtained by submitted assignments (40%) and essay (60%)

E. EXPLANATION OF THE COURSE PURPOSE AND DESIGN. The purpose of this course is to offer the student a structured and critical reflection on issues, problems and challenges in historical theology, and models of interpretation. Particulate attention will be given to the reading of a primary text in the multi-facet historical context, and the discerning of intellectual theological trajectories. Furthermore, the course offers an overview of digital research of primary and secondary sources, as well as provides the student an opportunity to communicate in various ways research findings.

The course is structured as follows: