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Semester 2

Theology and Contemporary Science (DIVI10030)

Subject

Divinity

College

CAHSS

Credits

20

Normal Year Taken

3

Delivery Session Year

2023/2024

Pre-requisites

Visiting students should have completed at least 3 Divinity/Religious Studies courses at grade B or above. We will only consider University/College level courses.

Course Summary

This course examines a series of twentieth century developments both in the philosophy of science and in natural science itself which broaden possibilities for dialogue between modern theology and modern science.

Course Description

Academic Description: This level 10 course examines the contemporary field of Science and Religion, looking at the current debates and challenges, as well as more constructive areas of dialogue. The course is available to all Honours level undergraduate students in the School of Divinity (including visiting students), and also students in the College of Humanities & Social Science. The course complements THET10010 Science and Christian Theology, which runs in alternate years to this one. Syllabus/Outline Content: The course begins by taking a careful look at the task of science, including some of the contemporary philosophical views that arise from science regarding the nature of 'reality'. Students will not be expected to have any prior scientific expertise, because the material will presented in accessible ways in order to aid theological interpretation. The course will proceed by looking at areas such as theological challenges from quantum mechanics, the cognitive sciences, evolutionary biology and the ongoing Darwin debates, genetic engineering, science and the problem of evil, miracle and the laws of nature, artificial intelligence, and scientific eschatologies. The aim is to enable students to gain a good understanding of the main scientific challenges in the contemporary Science-Religion debate, and the ways in which theologians are responding to them. Student Learning Experience Information: The course is taught by means of eleven classes, each of which includes core content presented by one of the course teachers, a student presentation, and opportunity for class discussion. Most classes will require a schedule of reading to be carried out in advance. Student will give short assessed presentations as part of each class, and they will be encouraged to take part in class discussion. Through participation in the classes, and through the written work and the examination included in the assessment schedule, students will demonstrate their achievement of the intended learning outcomes.

Assessment Information

Written Exam 60%, Coursework 30%, Practical Exam 10%

view the timetable and further details for this course