franciscan christology
Franciscan Christology
Module Code: 701FFC Credits: 20 Contact Hours: 20 Level: 7 Lecturer: Tom Herbst OFM
Syllabus
Christology within the broader context of the developing Christology of the twelfth through fourteenth centuries, inclusive of relevant patristic influence. Throughout, this will also be related to modern Christological concerns in terms of a question: Is a specifically ‘Franciscan’ Christology relevant today?
Interpretive, secondary sources will also be used to help in this analysis. Within this broad context, a clear identification will be made between those authors, which may be considered ’seminal’, particularly Francis and Clare of Assisi. In this, and other respects, the difference between ’spirituality’ and ‘fundamental theology’ is noted.
In summation:
An overview of important Christological developments within the theological ethos of the 12th through 14th centuries inclusive of: the rise of scholasticism, interplay between Neo-Platonism and newly dynamic Aristotelianism, Cistercian and Victorine contributions and the pervasive impact of the Gregorian Reform.
The seminal influence of the founders: Francis and Clare of Assisi. The Franciscan ’school’: Alexander of Hales, Bonaventure, Scotus and Ockham- inclusive of the differences found in a Neo-Platonic and/or Aristotelian approach to Christology.Christological ‘polemics’: the Poverty debate, Conventuals vs. Spirituals, Joachimist apocalypticism, problematic philosophy.
Modern applications of Franciscan Christology.
Assessment
5,000 word essay.
Knowledge and Understanding
By the end of this module students will have acquired:
- An advanced and critica; understanding of the context in which the origin of a specifically ‘Franciscan’ Christology occurred, with recourse to specific authors; eg. Bernard of Clairvaux, Abelard, Hugh and Richard of St. Victor.
- Familiarity with and analysis of selected primary texts.
- Familiarity with and use of relevant secondary texts.
- An ability to articulate and differentiate characteristics within the broad context of Franciscan Christology as well as distinguish the unique contribution made by the early Franciscans to Christology as a whole.
- Critical analysis of special concerns and problems within the Franciscan approach to Christology.
- Comparative and critical analysis of the relevance and applicability of Franciscan Christology within the broader context of the Church, particularly in modern times.
Subject Specific Skills
By the end of this module, students should be able to:
- critically and analytically situate unique aspects of Franciscan Christology within the broader context of its particular medieval ethos.
- provide an in depth an advanced analytical critique of important Christological themes within the context of primary documents.
- analyse Franciscan Christological thought within the context of selected major authors such as Bernard of Calirvaux, Abelard, Hugh of St. Victor.
Transferable Skills
Assessed: Communication: identify relevant sources of information, critically evaluate the material and present their own interpretation in a coherent way, showing an ability to understand complex lines of reasoning
IT: use IT effectively to aid efficient searching, evaluation and selection of information and to present work using a format and style to suit the purpose, subject and audience
Problem solving: select information effectively to tackle a particular issue or problem and present information clearly and accurately, with evidence to support their conclusions
Practiced: Working with others: establish and effectively maintain co-operative working relationships and negotiate and develop effective ways of presenting outcomes.
Improving own learning: identify future targets, manage time effectively and critically reflect on what and how they are learning
