Download LECTURE COURSES IN ENGLISH 2015

LECTURE COURSES IN ENGLISH 2015-2016 / FACULTY OF THEOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF HELSINKI
SUBJECT TO CHANGE (26.3.2015). THE OFFER WILL BE CONFIRMED BY THE END OF MAY 2015.
I PERIOD
LECTURE COURSE
CREDITS
POINT OF TIME
RESPONSIBLE TEACHER
From Captivity to Convenant: Exegesis of Exodus
(BIBLICAL STUDIES)
2 credits
TUE 8.9.-13.10., 14-17:00
Longcare, Drew
Translation and literary analysis of key selected Hebrew texts from the book of Exodus. Methods of completion: Exegetical paper and final exam.
Eusebius of Caesarea’s Church History Text class
(BIBLICAL STUDIES)
5 credits
TUE 8.9., 22.9., 6.10.,
THU 10.9., 24.9., 1.10., 8.10., 10-12:00
Day, Juliette
CONTENT: Student will study the text of the Church History and consider Eusebius' theology of history, his ideas about the growth of the church, the
scriptures, martyrdom and the Roman state. Eusebius is the first 'church historian' and this text is one of the most important sources for the pre-Nicene
church.
LEARNING OUTCOME: By the end of the course students will have a detailed knowledge of the text of the Church History and be able to identify and
interpret Eusebius' theological and political bias. Students will also develop skills to read historical sources critically which can be applied to other texts. They
will learn about the nature of historical writing. Additionally students will improve their communication skills in English in an academic context.
METHOD OF COMPLETION: 1. a preparatory reading and writing task, 2. participation in the lectures and giving a presentation on a section of the text and
3. a final essay which explores a key theme in the text.
Christian Ethics
2 credits
WED 2.9-14.10., 14-17:00
Jenkins, David
(SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY)
CONTENT: In which Christians changed the ethical thought of the ancient period and continued a mode of ethical thought that endured through cultural
periods. We shall also raise the question concerning what is unique in a Christian ethic and differentiates it from utilitarian, Kantian, virtue, and existential
theories of ethics. Development of a knowledge of the origin of Christian ethical knowledge.
Historical perspectives to Religion Conflict and
Dialogue (RELIGION, CONFLICT AND DIALOGUE
MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAMME)
3 credits
MON, WED, FRI 2.9.-14.10, 10-12:00
(excluding FRI 18.9 and 2.10)
Coordinating Teacher
Kahlos, Maijastina
CONTENT: Researchers of the centre of excellence “Reason and Religious Recognition” will provide research based teaching on the insights of their
research. The course will cover history of ideas on religious conflict and dialogue in several historical periods: Greco-Roman tradition, Jewish and early
Christian tradition, Early Christian tradition, Medieval Christian and Islamic tradition, Early modern period.
LEARNING OUTCOME: This module will offer research based approaches historical perspectives to the inter- and intra-religious relations, conflicts and
dialogue between religious groups. The aim is to give an overview of religious conflict and dialogues have been conceptualised by philosophers, theologians
and other writers throughout the human history.
METHOD OF COMPLETION: Discussions (oral) and essays (written).
Introduction to Religion, Conflict and Dialogue
Studies (RELIGION, CONFLICT AND DIALOGUE
MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAMME)
3 credits
THU 3.9.-1.10 and 15.10, 14-18:00
Hallamaa, Jaana
CONTENT: Students will study the history of peace and conflict studies and different methodological approaches in the field. The themes of the module may
include: an historical overview of peace and conflict studies, peace and conflict studies as a practical enterprise and a theme of research, conceptions of
peace and conflict, basic concepts for understanding and analysing conflicts, dialogue and methodological approaches in peace and conflict studies and
scholarly criticism of peace and conflict studies.
LEARNING OUTCOME: This module gives an overview to the history and the current state of conflict studies. The module has three aims: first, to place the
role of religion among the factors leading to and maintaining conflicts, second, to get acquainted with methodological approaches in conflict studies, and third,
to identify a specific conflict that each student will analyse in his/her Master’s thesis during the second year of the RCD programme and to start gathering
material for the study.
METHOD OF COMPLETION: The lecture is completed by writing a lecture diary (8-10 pages). Students will have to undertake considerable amount of
private study to prepare themselves for the lectures.
Religion and New Diasporas
(STUDY OF RELIGIONS)
5 credits
TUE 1.9.−13.10., 12-14:00
Mulki Al-Sharmani
CONTENT: This course will examine how religion and diaspora intersect and interplay from two angles. First, we will explore, through selected readings, how
the two terms have been conceptually and analytically understood and linked to one another in contemporary social science literature on modern migrations
and new diasporas. Second, through a close study of selected anthropological studies, we will delve into how religion features in the life experiences,
choices, and subject formation of individual migrants and their families who form what has been termed as ‘new diasporas,’ in selected cities in Europe,
North America, and Australia. We will read about and reflect on how these diasporas (individuals and groups) interpret and draw on religious norms and
meanings in their lived realities; the ways in which religious norms and practices are differentiated by gender, generation, and other migration-related factors;
and lastly how (and to what effects) religious discourses and knowledge are reproduced or transformed in diaspora.
LEARNING OUTCOME: students acquire a multi-dimensional understanding of the relationships between religion and diaspora, both conceptually and
empirically.
METHODS OF COMPLETION: 1) attendance, 2) classroom participation, 3) 2 two-page (double spacing) reaction papers, and 3) final essay of five pages
(single space)
st
max. 20 cr per 1 period
II PERIOD
LECTURE COURSE
CREDITS
Christianity and the Empire from Constantine to
Chalcedon (CHURCH HISTORY)
5 credits
POINT OF TIME
RESPONSIBLE TEACHER
MON 26.10., 2.11., 9.11., TUE 3.11., 10.11.
Day, Juliette
WED 28.10, 4.11., 11.11., THU 5.11., 12.11.,
10-12:00
CONTENT: The fourth and fifth centuries are arguably the most important period of Christian history. It is whenchristianity was transformed from a minority
religion without legal rights or political power, into the dominant religion of the empire. It is the time when the structures of Christianity were established – the
canon of scripture, the definition of the faith, the hierarchy, moral and social life, the relationship with the state. Such a transformation did not happen in a
straightforward way and inevitably brought about conflict. In this course we will follow the historical development of Christianity from c300 to c450 especially
as it relates to its interaction with the state and Roman society.
LEARNING OUTCOME: By the end of the course students will be able to explain the distinctive approaches of the emperors to the Church and of the
church's changed situation in the empire. They will develop skills in reading and interpreting sources and in assessing the value of modern scholarly opinion.
They will develop their communication skills in English.
METHOD OF COMPLETION: Students will complete a preliminary reading and writing task, they will participate in the lectures and complete the assessment,
and finally they will write an essay which develops their independent approach to one of the themes studied.
The Religious Left in the United States
(CHURCH HISTORY)
5 credits
MON and WED 22.10.-2.12., 14-16:00
Ruotsila, Markku
CONTENT: This course examines the doctrines and historical evolution of theologically liberal and politically left-of-center Christian movements in the modern
United States. It focuses on so-called Mainline Protestantism and its development from the late 1800s, when the Social Gospel movement emerged from its
midst, through the period between the two world wars, when the Christian Realism of Reinhold Niebuhr held sway, and through the civil rights struggles of the
1950s and 1960s when progressive Christians made their still-abiding alliances with ethnic and sexual minorities and the women's and ecological
movements. The course will also investigate US versions of Catholic and black liberation theology and the theologies and politics of contemporary
progressive evangelicals.
LEARNING OUTCOME: By taking part in this course the student will gain essential tools to acquire, analyze and to communicate in English theological and
historical knowledge on the relationship of religion and politics in the cultural contexts of the modern United States, particularly as this relates to left-of-center
public policy advocacy and activism. The student will also gain essential tools to acquire, analyze and to communicate in English theological and historical
knowledge on the relationship of religion and politics in the cultural contexts of the modern United States, particularly as this relates to left-of-center public
policy advocacy and activism.
Death and The Afterlife in early Judaism and
Christianity (BIBLIACL STUDIES)
2 credits
TUE 27.10.-8.12., 14-17:00
Penner, Jeremy
CONTENT: The fear of death and the dread of what comes afterward is part of the human experience, both in the ancient and modern world. This class will
explore and study the variety of ways in which physical death and the afterlife were understood in biblical and postbiblical Judaism as well as in the New
Testament and early Christianity. Among the topics to be considered are the netherworld, immortality, and resurrection, as well as the relationship of these
concepts to issues of faith and morality. We will begin by examining the earliest stories about death and the afterlife, and how these phenomena were
experienced and perceived; as we move forward chronologically we will stay cognizant of the contours and developments of these phenomena and the
factors that influenced´how death and the afterlife were experienced and described.
LEARNING OUTCOME: By the end of the course, students will be expected to have a commanding knowledge of key texts about death and the afterlife in
early Judaism d Christianity, and will be able to discuss them in their historical contexts. Students will learn the theological perspectives inherent in this
development and recognize the various social settings that produced such perspectives and the functions they served. The student will answer such
questions as: “How was death understood?” “Who benefits from belief in the afterlife?” “What function do such beliefs serve here on earth?” “Why are
human beings continually compelled to reflect on life after death?” Students will also learn how key texts and concepts of this ancient period have been
incorporated into the modern world and continue to shape the modern experience.
Biblical Hermeneutics
(BIBLICAL STUDIES)
5 credits
WED 28.10.-9.12., 14-17:00
De Hulster Izaak
CONTENT: Hermeneutics in general provides academic guidelines for finding and creating meaning. Christian theology in its interpretative nature adds its
parameters to the hermeneutical enterprise. Therefore, the aim of this course is to study biblical hermeneutics from an academic point of view with an
awareness of the students’ personal frameworks of reference and mutual respect within a learning community. This course will address hermeneutics – and,
because of its context in Christian theology, biblical hermeneutics in particular – through key concepts such as communication and rereading. The general
topics of ‘land’ and ‘body’ will guide some practical examples working from the interpretation of certain texts towards specific applications with congregations
or society in view. Biblical hermeneutics is not simply about interpretation of the Bible but about theological interdisciplinarity. It engages the questions of (1)
‘why?’ and (2) ‘how?’ in relation to the Bible as ‘sacred Scripture’. (1a) Why is the Bible essential for doing Christian theology? This question picks up on
discussions about canon in Biblical studies, church history (canon formation), and systematic theology (doctrine of Scripture and pneumatology). (1b) What is
the aim of reading the Bible? Usually, ethics is based on certain readings of the Bible, and as such it guides decisions in society and personal life. The
teaching of the church (dogmatics) and preaching take their starting point in the Bible, as does the church’s rites and organization as well as its voice in
society. This brings in issues from practical theology as well. (2) ‘How to read the Bible?’ also involves a vast array of theories from non-theological
disciplines and fields, such as philosophy of language, cultural anthropology, logic and rhetoric, as well as biblical studies proper, with its questions about
methods of biblical interpretation and biblical theology, within in Christian perspective in particular biblical theology including both the Hebrew Bible and the
New Testament.
METHOD OF COMPLETION: Because hermeneutics forms an integration point of the theological disciplines this 2 ECTS course can be followed as
requirement for an English course but also in combination with an additional 3 ECTS of literature study (with the responsible teachers) in Biblical Studies.
Media Analysis
(RELIGION, CONFLICT AND DIALOGUE MASTER’S
DEGREE PROGRAMME)
2 credits
MON 26.10-20.11., 9-12:00
7.12, 9-14:00
Bastubacka, Johan
CONTENT: 1 Introduction – essential concepts and ideas, work assignments and bibliography; 2. Themes of analysis for case studies – students’ own
interests, potential cases and sources; 3. Media history – a glimpse of the past, understanding contemporary: the development and function of
different media; 4. Media as rituals – rituals of violence and atonement, the ritual space of media; 5. Media and the construction of meaning – cultural
semiotics and media analysis; 6. Media and power – media as a space of conflict, as a means of the exercise of power and control, emancipating media);
7. Conclusion – How different media reflect upon, participate in, ignite and impede, interpret and shape conflicts – students’ presentations (a 5 h seminar
session); upon, participate in, ignite and impede, interpret and shape conflicts – students’ presentations.
LEARNING OUTCOME: The course provides students with preliminary skills to analyze the functioning, meaning, and significance of different signs,
symbols, and media in distinctive conflict situations. Central concepts and research ideas will be scrutinized in relation to actual cases and media occasions
according to students’ own interests. Moreover, the course focuses on the different roles used by, projected to, and even forced upon media in conflict
situations and the discourses of presenting conflict, violence, and reconciliation.
METHOD OF COMPLETION: Discussions (oral) and essays (written).
Eschatology in contemporary theology. An
interdisciplinary approach.
2 credits
MON, FRI 7.-11-12., 14-18
Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen
CONTENT: The topics and themes to be discussed include the following, among others: What is the relationship of the predictions of the "end" of cosmos
and life in natural sciences to eschatological visions in Abrahamic traditions, including Christian faith? How to think of the resurrection of the body in light of
contemporary knowledge of neurosciences and philosophy of mind? Is there any place for traditional doctrines of heaven, hell, and purgatory? What about
universalisms of various sorts - or conditional immortality? How to account for various types of milllennialisms, from Christian Fundamentalism to Islamic
Fundamentalism to, say, J. Moltmann's revised millennnial theology? Is there a way to respond to eco-Feminist and Liberationist critiques of the "escapist"
nature of belief in afterlife? The course consists of 20 hours of lectures and focused discussions, supported by a detailed set of lecture notes as well as
parts of the forthcoming manuscript by the instructor made available to students, Community and Hope. A Constructive Christian Theology for the Pluralistic
World, vol. 5 (Eerdmans, 2016).
LEARNING OUTCOME: The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to the latest developments and themes in the doctrine of the "last things,"
eschatology. The discussion of eschatological themes takes place in an interdisciplinary and interreligious environment. The rich and variegated Christian
doctrinal reflection on the "end" of cosmos and human life, particularly as expressed in the 20th Century theology, is put in a critical dialogue with natural (and
behavioral) sciences as well as teachings of other two Abrahamic traditions, Judaism and Islam.
Contemporary Approaches to Recognition and
Reconciliation
(RELIGION, CONFLICT AND DIALOGUE MASTER’S
DEGREE PROGRAMME)
2 credits
26.10, 28.10, 2.11-13.11, 3011.-11.12
MON, TUE, WED 12-14:00 and FRI 10-12:00
Coordinating teacher
Hietamäki, Minna
CONTENT: The module starts with an introduction to the conceptual framework of recognition and reconciliation. This part will include discussion on the
philosophical background of recognition and reconciliation and an analysis of the concept. Writers to be discussed will include Immanuel Kant, John Rawls,
Charles Taylor, Axel Honneth, Heikki Ikäheimo and Arto Laitinen. The latter part of the module treats a number of contem-porary phenomena from the
viewpoint of recognition and reconciliation. These phenomena will include e.g. the psychology of conflicts, religion and conflicts from the viewpoint of
evolution, ecumenical theology of justice and peace, intra-Christian processes of reconciliation and/or interreligious hospitality in humanitarian situations,
moral discernment in the churches and marriage and homosexuality in Lutheranism.
LEARNING OUTCOME: The general aim of this module is to introduce and train the students in conceptual clarity and analytic skills to identify and discern
contemporary phenomena of religious recognition and reconciliation.
Luther, the Bible and the Jews
(CHURCH HISTORY)
2-5 credits
30.11.-4.12.
MON, WED, THU 9-13:00, FRI 9-15:00
Stjerna, Kirsi
2 credits
27.10.-17.11 TUE and THU 14-16:00
To be given later
TO BE GIVEN LATER
World Religions
(RELIGION, CONFLICT AND DIALOGUE MASTER’S
DEGREE PROGRAMME)
CONTENT: The aim of course is to give an overview of world religions (Middle-Eastern religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam, Indian-based religions:
Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Chinese and Japanese religions: Confucianism, Taoism, Shinto, Buddhism, Indigenous religions), and the focus on particular
religious traditions depending on the student’s interests in respect of their Master’s thesis. World religions will be approached from the perspective of religious
dialogue in particular. The course is divided into two parts so that it will first begin with lectures (14h) which are open for a wider audience and then continue
as a seminar. (14h), where the participants consist of RCD students.
LEARNING OUTCOME: The student will familiarize themselves with world religions in general and then deepen their knowledge on some special issue
related to religion and society. The students acquire critical reading, discussion and assessment skills.
METHOD OF COMPLETION: The course is completed with two credits by attending the lectures, second ny attending a seminar and giving presentations on
some topic, and third, by writing an essay (10-13 pages) which is based on the presentation.
Myths and Religion in Cinema
(STUDY OF RELIGIONS)
5 credits
WED 12−14:00, 28.10.−9.12.
max. 35 cr per 2
III
PERIOD
LECTURE COURSE
CREDITS
Byzantine Christianity
(CHURCH HISTORY)
5 credits
nd
Vesa Matteo Piludu
period
POINT OF TIME
RESPONSIBLE TEACHER
MON 8.2, 15.2, 22.2., TUE 16.2, 23.2., WED
Day, Juliette
17.2., 24.2., THU 11.2., 18.2., FRI 12.2, 1012:00
CONTENT: This course will examine the distinctive form of Christianity that developed in the Byzantine empire, first by understanding the narrative of events
from the reign of Justinian (527-65) to the fall of Constantinople in 1453. We will explore the distinctive forms of church architecture and worship, the
controversies over icons and christology, the challenge posed by the rise of Islam, and the relationship with Western Christianity, including the impact of the
crusades.
LEARNING OIUTCOME: Students will gain a detailed knowledge and understanding of the distinctive features of Christianity in the Byzantine Empire through
a critical examination of primary sources and secondary literature. They will develop their communication skills in English.
METHOD OF COMPLETION: To complete the course students will do a preliminary reading and writing task to introduce them to the subject, they will
participate in the classes and prepare a related assignment and finally they will write an essay.
The Body and the Blood: A History of the Eucharist
(CHURCH HISTORY)
5 credits
MON 25.1, 1.2, TUE 2.2, WED 20.1, 27.1, 3.2,
Day, Juliette
THU 21.1, 4.2, FRI 22.1, 29.1
10-12:00
CONTENT: Christians have claimed that they celebrate the eucharist in remembrance of Christ, but what they have meant by that, and how they have
'remembered him' has been very different over the centuries. In this course we will investiage the evidence for liturgical practice, for the context of eucharistic
worship, for the theologies of the eucharist and for popular devotion during the early, medieval, reformation and modern periods.
LEARNING OUTCOME: Students will gain a detailed and critical knowledge of the historical development of eucharistic theology, liturgy and devotion from
the early church to the contemporary era. They will develop skills in analyzing historic textual and visual sources as well as in the critical assessment of
modern scholarship. They will improve their communication skills in English.
METHOD OF COMPLETION: The course is completed by 1. a preparatory reading and writing task 2. participation in the lectures and either a presentation or
a written report, 3. a final essay which explores a key theme
Israel and Iran
(BIBLICAL STUDIES)
2
TUE 18.1-1.3., 14-17:00
Silverman, Jason
CONTENT: One way of understanding a phenomenon is through comparison, and religion is no exception. Zoroastrianism has repeatedly been used as a
comparator for Judaism and Christianity, as a major world religion with a number of apparent similarities. This course will explore the methodology and
practice of comparative religion through the religions of Israel and Iran in the Achaemenid and Parthian Periods (c. 550 BCE–224 CE), with a focus on earlier
periods. Students will study a basic phenomenology of religious traditions in both homelands, and learn methodologies for their comparison. The course will
conclude with a brief introduction to the concept of religious “influence.”
LEARNING OUTCOME: 1) be able to articulate comparative histories and phenomenologies of religion in Iran and Israel in antiquity, 2) be able to compare
and contrast “religion” in Iran and Israel, 3) be able to assess claims of religious interaction and influence between Israel and Iran
METHODS OF COMPLETION: Students will be expected to prepare for each class with primary and secondary readings, and the course will be assessed
through classwork and a final essay.
The Ancient Synagogue; Current Issues and Debates
(BIBLICAL STUDIES)
2 credits
WED 20.1.-2.3., 9-12:00
Bonnie, Rick
(more
credits
possible by
writing an
essay)
CONTENT: The field of ancient synagogue studies today is flourishing perhaps more than ever. Only during the last decade already, already several new
synagogues (Magdala, Kh. Wadi Hamam, Horvat Kur, Huqoq) — as well as some potential ones (Shikhin, Limyra) — have been exposed in Palestine and
the Diaspora. At the same time, however, many aspects regarding the origin and development of these buildings, as well as their role/importance within a
Jewish society set in a wider Roman and/or Christian milieu, remain unclear and are under increasing debate by the scholarly community. The lecture course
“The Ancient Synagogue: Current Issues and Debates” will introduce students to these current scholarly issues and debates. As a result, students will also
get familiar with the physical world of the synagogues in Palestine and the Diaspora, dating from the Hellenistic to the Byzantine periods, including
architecture, art and recent findings.
LEARNING OUTCOME: 1) Use specific information sources to retrieve relevant literature; (2) Describe certain archaeological concepts and general
archaeological methodologies; (3) Explain the major issues and debates on the ancient synagogue; (4) Explain the relevancy of certain archaeological sites
(e.g. Masada, Jerusalem, Nabratein) and materials (e.g. mosaic floors) within these current issues and debates.
METHODS OF COMPLETION: For 2 credits: active class participation, weekly reading assignments & learning diary. For the option of 5 credits, and
additional essay needs to be written after the course.
Religious Conflicts and Coexistence in Greco-Roman
Antiquity (SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY)
2 credits
18.1.-23.2. (excluding 9.2)
MON 10-12:00, TUE 8:30-10:30
Kahlos, Maijastina
CONTENT: Introduction to conflicts esp. religious conflicts in Antiquity from Classical Greece to Late Roman Empire. Discussion on peaceful coexistence
between religious groups (’pagans’, Christians, Jews, different Christian sects). Analysis on ancient primary sources (Latin and Greek sources in English
translations) that discuss religious identity, toleration, intolerance, liberty, freedom of choice, coercion.
LEARNING OUTCOME: Students understand how different ancient people have conceptualised conflict, dialogue, toleration. Student sare able to
contextualize different arguments into their historical development. Students are able to make a difference between the particular abstract ‘religion’ and the
groups and individuals who practice the religion. Students are able to study different ideas and arguments and take into account their inter-connections to
their historical contextual backgrounds. Students are able to contextualise different arguments into their historical development and assess them critically.
Students learn how to see contemporary discussion from historical perspective
Contemporary Philosophy of Religion: the Concept of
God and the Existence of God
(SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY)
2-4 credits
THU 21.1.-21.4., 16:00-18:00
Visala, Aku
CONTENT: The concept of God and argument for and against the existence of God are now the mainstay of analytic philosophy of religion. This course will
introduce the basic debates and issues. The first six lectures will cover various approaches to philosophy of religion as a whole and recent debates on the
attributes of God (e.g., omniscience, simplicity and omnipotence). The rest of the lectures will be dedicated to arguments for and against the existence of
God. Among the antitheistic arguments discussed will be the problem of evil and the argument from divine hiddenness. On the other side, the course will
introduce debates about the ontological argument, the design arguments, cosmological arguments and arguments from religious experience.
LEARNING OUTCOME: The student will understand and is able to explain how different approaches to philosophy of religion see the value of arguments for
and against the existence of God. The student will understand the basic idea behind the theistic concept of God, can identify problems that it produces and
has basic knowledge of the solutions proposed to these problems. The student will be able to recognize arguments for and against the existence of God
from different sources and will be able to critically assess them.
Faith and Globalization
(RELIGION, CONFLICT AND DIALOGUE MASTER’S
DEGREE PROGRAMME)
3 credits
MON and THU 18.1.-11.2., 14-16:00
Coordinating Teacher
MON 22.2, 14-18:00, TUE 23.2., 14-18:00
Päivänsalo, Ville
WED 24.2., 12-19:00, THU 25.2., 14-18:00
FRI 26.2., 12-16:00
CONTENT: Students will study key topics related to conflicts, their preconditions and religion, first, in the history of in ethical theories and theologies. The
authors and contexts to be explored include: Plato and Aristotle on just and harmonious co-existence; Augustine on the earthy and heavenly cities and the
emergence of the just war theory; The crusades and their heritage; Reformation-related conflicts and cuius regio, eius religio; Religion and the Enlightenment
paradigm for peace and justice; Theological perspectives on Colonialism and its heritage. Second, recent theories and theologies will be introduced and
discusses as related, e.g., to: The Nazi Regime; The Cold War; Political Liberalism and its Pacifist critics; Religious Dialogue for Peaceful Development in a
global age; Roles of religion in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict today; Roles of religion in the Bangladeshi and South Asian conflicts today.
LEARNING OUTCOME: This module will provide an introduction to a variety of ethical theories and theologies on religion-related conflicts and their
preconditions in the Western world and beyond.
METHOD OF COMPLETION: Lectures, Open and Internal Symposium and Reflection session.
Philosophy of Religion (or Theology)
(SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY)
2 credits
WED 20.1.-2.3., 9-12:00
Jenkins, David
CONTENT: The course in philosophy of religion distinquishes 5 different ways in which philosophy contributes to or challenges theological thought. The
course centers on the work of Max Charlesworth in this area. The capacity to distinguish various ways in which philosophy interrelates with theology.
th
Luther’s Theology (continues in the 4 period)
(SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY)
5 credits
TUE 19.1.-26.4. excluding 9.2., 12-14:00
Pekka Kärkkäinen
rd
max 32 cr per 3 semester
IV
PERIOD
LECTURE COURSE
CREDITS
POINT OF TIME
RESPONSIBLE TEACHER
Iconographic Exegesis II
(BIBLICAL STUDIES)
5 credits
TUE 15.3.-3.5., 9-12:00
De Hulster Izaak and Saari,
Sanna
CONTENT: Iconographic exegesis studies pictorial material from the Ancient Near East with the question of how these images as cultural background inform
our historical understanding of the Hebrew Bible.This course explores the nexus of Hebrew Bible text and Ancient Near Eastern art. The basic 2 ECTS
course of iconographic exegesis taught in Autumn 2014 is not required. The 5 ECTS advanced course on iconographic exegesis aims at getting more familiar
with the variety of artefacts and monuments from the Ancient Near East (incl. Anatolia and Egypt) and with the fundamentals of iconography and its
interconnections with biblical exegesis.The course addresses Ancient Near Eastern art, image hermeneutics and iconographic exegesis of the Hebrew Bible
proper. Possible topics to be discussed in the course are goddesses, trees, lions, hands, etc. Decisions about the topics are made in collaboration with the
students.
LEARNING OUTCOME: A. Descriptive level: 1. be able to give a few examples of iconographic exegetics, 2. name several important scholars and
publications in relation to iconographic exegeis, 3. describe the most important types of Ancient Near Eastern art, 4. give definitios of key terms, such as
"iconographic exegetis", "image", "metaphor". Practical skills: be able to find (proper) Ancient Near Eastn Images in books and online.
B. Understanding: be able to explain, how pictorial material can lead to a better understanding of a biblical text (and its historical context) and exemplify this.
Building on the parcatical skills: be able to weigh the relevance of ANE images (found),
C. Appropriation: be able to engage in iconographic exegesis and reflect on methodology and relayed issues.
METHODS OF COMPLETION: Students are supposed to participate actively in discussion of the readings and contribute a presentation prepared in pairs.
Readings and the presentation prepare the students to complete the course with an individually written paper. This course and its required readings are in
English but consulting literature in other languages and the Biblical source languages are stimulated. Methods of completion: Attendance on the class,
participation in the discussion, presentation (in pairs), a paper.
Contemporary Philosophy of Religion: the Concept of
God and the Existence of God
(SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY)
2-4 credits
THU 21.1-21.4., 16-18:00
Visala, Aku
5 credits
WED 12−14, 16.3.−4.5.
Essi Mäkelä
See above.
Invented Religions: Parody, Fiction and Faith
(STUDY OF RELIGIONS)
CONTENT: The course explores new religions that have risen from apparently fictitious or parodist sources during the last century. To begin the course and
to give the main subjects some background, we will look at parody within the history of religion. After this, the course discusses quite recent religions, such as
Discordianism, Church of SubGenius, Church of All Worlds, Jediism, Matrixism, Tolkienism and Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. These new religions
often critique traditional churches and have widely been regarded as mere parody and satire. However, some of these religions have survived for decades
and their followers keep growing in numbers and claiming theirs to be a “real” religion. The main object of the course is to go through different categories for
these new religions and how they have been theorized within the past few years by scholars of religion, such as Markus Davidsen, Carole Cusack, David
Chidester and Teemu Taira. The aim is to reflect on the very current study of religions in the third millennium and to recognize discourses of religiosity within
the study subjects, but also within the Study of Religions itself. Attendees will submit two short essays (4-5 pages long) and there will be out of class
activities, such as reading articles and preparing to discuss them in small groups during the lectures.
LEARNING OUTCOME: After the course, students are familiar with several theoretical concepts concerning so called invented religions. They will recognize
discourses of religion used by these religions and will be able to take part in the discussion on new religiosity from a wide range of perspectives. Through
group discussions, the students will get more experience in sharing their ideas and building analytical thinking through cooperation.
METHODS OF COMPLETION: Lectures + two essays 4−5 pages
Society and Community Cohesion
(RELIGION, CONFLICT AND DIALOGUE MASTER’S
DEGREE PROGRAMME)
3 credits
Maija Penttilä
TO BE GIVEN LATER
th
max. 17 cr per 4 period