Objectives: This course introduces students to the nature, structure, and purpose of theological thought while fostering a good understanding of theological method and providing students with the opportunity to integrate insights from other prescribed courses of the First Cycle.

Learning outcomes: Students will be able to: a) understand the nature of theological methodology and its role in analyzing theological texts; b) integrate material from prescribed First Cycle theology course in the context of seminar discussions and weekly essays; c) demonstrate skills in theological inquiry by designing and conducting a research project that uses the theological resources available in the Library and that presents its findings in a final paper that adheres to the typographical norms of the Faculty of Theology.

Contents : The first semester begins by addressing the foundational question, “What is theology?” and proceeds with an exploration of key themes in theological methodology in the context of considering select questions in Christology and soteriology. The second semester builds upon this foundation by complementing the students’ concurrent First Cycle courses while providing them with the opportunity to apply the methodological skills they have learned in researching and writing a final theological paper.

Methodology : I semester: weekly presentation of an integrative paper on a key topic of theology based upon the assigned readings, followed by an in-class discussion facilitated by the professor. II semester: The participative method of the first semester will be augmented in the second with the student’s work on the final research paper.

Means of evaluation : I semester: weekly essays and active participation in the seminar discussions both in class and on the online Moodle platform. II semester: weekly essays, active participation in the class group discussions, and the final paper. Participation in the Library’s user education module is also expected.