010087 VO Religion at Ground Zero: Theological Responses to Times of Crisis (2016W)

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course introduces students to issues in practical theology and Christian ethics, through an exploration of theological responses to human tragedy and cultural shock. The course focuses on popular reactions to the terrorist attacks on the USA in 2001, but includes attention to the two European world wars and the Holocaust, the Tsunami in South-East Asia, and Hurricane Katrina. Attention will be given to themes such as the theodicy question, the function of religious discourse in the face of tragedy, and the relationship between religion and politics. The course concludes by moving from these analyses to an exploration of the peril and promise of speaking of God in times of terror.

INTENDED AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

To demonstrate how theological expressions arise out of human contextual experience, and how theologians respond to specific historical events. Upon completion of the course, students will:
- understand why contemporary theology is alert to the importance of cultural context
- be familiar with differing theological approaches to theodicy
- be familiar with the general debate over "Just War" theory in Christian thought
- possess an introductory grasp of contemporary debates over identity formation

METHOD

The course is a mixture of lectures and seminar discussions. The class schedule is as follows:
MO 17.10.2016, 9:00-13:00 Uhr (HS 48, Universitätshauptgebäude)
Di 18.10.206, 9:00-11:15 (SR1, Schenkenstraße 8-10)
Mi 19.10.2016, 8:30-12:15 (SR2, Schenkenstraße 8-10)
Mi 19.10.2016, 18:30-20:00 (HS47, Universitätshauptgebäude)
Do 20.10.2016, 8:30-11:15 (SR1, Schenkenstraße 8-10)
Fr 21.10.2016, 8:30-12:15 (SR1, Schenkenstraße 8-10)