Timetabling
Semester:
Second Semester
This unit presents a critical overview of theories of culture as developed within anthropology, theology and the teaching of the Churches. The unit will focus on, though not be restricted to, the anthropological approach of Clifford Geertz. Theological approaches to culture will draw on the development of Bernard Lonergan’s work by Robert M. Doran. The unit will trace the evolution of the approach to culture taken in the Roman Catholic Church since Vatican II, drawing primarily on the important role given to culture in the thought of John Paul II.
Description
Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this unit, it is expected that students will be able to:
Demonstrate a knowledge of the issues involved in discussion of culture
Demonstrate a familiarity with the approach to culture adopted by Clifford Geertz
Demonstrate an awareness of approaches to culture in churches, and particularly in the Roman Catholic Church under John Paul II
Integrate anthropological and theological perspectives on culture
Demonstrate an understanding of Lonergan’s approach to culture and its development by Robert Doran.
Prerequisites:
30 points of Philosophy, Systematic Theology or Missiology
30 points of Philosophy, Systematic Theology or Missiology
30 points of Philosophy, Systematic Theology or Missiology
30 points of Philosophy, Systematic Theology or Missiology
Teaching Methods:
2 hours of lectures and 1 hour of tutorials weekly for 12 weeks
Assessment:
Level 2 2 x 2500 word essays (50% each)
Level 3 2 x 3000 word essays (50% each)
Mode of Teaching:
Semester
Bibliography:
* = set texts recommended for purchase
Please format reading lists according to Turabian
Doran, Robert M. Theology and the Dialectics of History . Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1990.
Dulles, Avery. The Splendor of Faith: The Theological Vision of Pope John Paul II . New York: Crossroads Publishing Company, 1999.
Gallagher, Michael Paul. Clashing Symbols: An Introduction to Faith and Culture. London: Darton, Longman and Todd, 2003.
Geertz, Clifford. The Interpretation of Cultures . New York: Basic Books, 1973.
Geertz, Clifford. Local Knowledge . New York: Basic Books, 1983.
John Paul II, The Encyclicals of John Paul II . Huntington, Ind.: Our Sunday Visitor, 1996.
*Lonergan, Bernard. Method in Theology . London: Darton, Longman, and Todd, 1972.
Niebuhr, H. Richard. Christ and Culture . San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco, 1951.
Schreiter, Robert J. Constructing Local Theologies . Maryknoll: Orbis Books, 1985.
Tanner, Kathryn. Theories of Culture: A New Agenda for Theology. Minneapolis : Fortress Press, 1997.
Unit Fields
Unit Level
