THEO44630: THE THOUGHT OF THOMAS AQUINAS IN CONTEXT

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• To familiarize students with key features of Thomas Aquinass thought and its context.
• Through the work and influence of Aquinas, enable students to critically reflect on key theological issues, such as the relation between theology and philosophy, creation, salvation, the understanding of God and the human person, the Christian life of virtue.

• This module will offer an in-depth exposition of key aspects of Aquinass theology, such as, for instance, how Aquinas conceives of Sacra Doctrina and its relation to philosophy; the divine attributes and the Trinitarian understanding of God; theory of analogy; creation; the human person as made in the image of God; the Christian life of virtue; salvation in Christ; the active and contemplative lives; sanctification). It will also consider the sources, influence and legacy of Aquinass theology.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• A systematic understanding of key aspects of the thought of Aquinas, through exposure to primary texts and engagement with relevant secondary literature.
• A critical evaluation of the achievements and limitations of Aquinass thought in light of our contemporary theological concerns and issues.
• A broader understanding of the development of Christian thought in the medieval period (and scholasticism in particular), and of the way that Aquinass thought is shaped by its historical context (including his Dominican calling and setting in the world of universities).
• An insight into the influence of Aquinass thought on subsequent Christian thinking.

Subject-specific Skills:

• An ability to read, interpret and evaluate critically the thought of Thomas Aquinas on the basis of primary and secondary sources.

Key Skills:

• Development of analytical insight, the ability to engage critically with philosophical and theological arguments.
• Ability to grasp, summarize, and critically evaluate concepts, arguments and knowledge in written form.

• Seminar-style lectures so as to enhance subject-specific knowledge and understanding through engagement with primary texts, promoting awareness of different approaches and hermeneutical perspectives, improving skills in the analysis of texts, concepts and arguments.
• Summative essays assess subject-specific knowledge and understanding by engaging carefully with primary texts and secondary literature.
• Formative presentation to enable students to summarize, evaluate, and present key topics from Aquinass thought.

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