Module Descriptors

Scottish Christianity: Celtic Origins to Contemporary Challenges 

This module will explore the way Christianity has played a significant role in shaping the life of Scotland and in turn been shaped by this context. The course will chart the historical development of Scottish Christianity, the impact this has had on Scottish culture, and consider the interplay between socio-political realities and theological and religious development. It will also endeavour to look at these developments in relation to a wider European and global setting. The module will deliberate on the complex nature of mission  and conversion amongst various early people groups; the Celtic monastic tradition of ritual and penance; the place of the church and theology in creating a sense of national identity;  the role of Medieval Catholicism in shaping and consolidating the state; the transformation of society through the Scottish Reformation; and the diversification of Protestant traditions; before turning to questions of British imperialism and Scottish missionary activity; sectarianism and secularisation. This module may, if practical considerations allow, and health and safety requirements are satisfied, include a field trip to a site of historical significance in order to understand better the location of historical events and how events have left their mark on the land.

On successful completion of this module the student will be able to:

L1. Demonstrate broad knowledge and critical understanding of key events, people and debates in the emergence and development of Christianity in Scotland.

L2. Use appropriate research methods to analyse a range of historical sources and demonstrate conversance with the main themes of the subject.

L3. Undertake critical analysis of information and synthesis of ideas relating to the contextualisation of the Christian religion within the Scottish context, and in particular, evaluate how the Christian religion has shaped society and culture in Scotland.

L4. Apply detailed understanding of Christianity in Scotland in relation to contemporary debates about the prospects for the Church in Scotland, using language and grammar appropriate to the level, and with appropriate academic referencing.

Historical awareness as an essential intellectual perspective, demonstrated in a detailed knowledge of particular movements and their historical significance from the point of view of contemporary missional questions.

Discovering the historical context of events and using this information as an interpretive tool in evaluating historical significance and influence.

Historical, theological and sociological research enabling informed and nuanced judgment of the Scottish religious context, its events and movements, their causes and consequences.

Identifying significant and relevant historical material through close reading of secondary literature, and using this argument and interpretation.

Critical analysis of historical and contemporary religious context of Scotland, enabling connections to be made between historical context and missional questions for today.

Respectful and nuanced encounter and historical understanding of traditions other than their own.

Demonstrate analytic and synthetic skills in negotiating intellectual positions in the context of group discussion.

Accessing a wide range of relevant sources and resources, and selecting and organizing them for effective presentation of complex ideas.

Open discussion in which positions are argued and developed with due respect for the opinions and arguments of others where viewpoints are contested.

Working both alone and collaboratively in the process of learning about complex ideas and discussing these in a constructive class context.

The following materials form essential underpinning for the module content and ultimately for the learning outcomes:

In line with the Academic Engagement Procedure, Students are defined as academically engaged if they are regularly engaged with timetabled teaching sessions, course-related learning resources including those in the Library and on the relevant learning platform, and complete assessments and submit these on time. Please refer to the Academic Engagement Procedure at the following link: Academic engagement procedure

Where a module has Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body requirements these will be listed here:
All fulltime students (part-time and distant learning students should check with their programme leader for any queries) are required to attend all scheduled classes and participate with all delivered elements of the module as part of their engagement with their programme of study. Consideration will be given to students who have protection under the appropriate equality law. Please refer to UWS Regulations, Chapter 1, 1.64 – 1.67, available at the following link: http://www.uws.ac.uk/current-students/rights-and-regulations/regulatory-framework/

1.01

1. More than one assessment method can be used to assess individual learning outcomes.
2. Schools are responsible for determining student contact hours. Please refer to University Policy on contact hours (extract contained within section 10 of the Module Descriptor guidance note).
   This will normally be variable across Schools, dependent on Programmes &/or Professional requirements.