Last modified: 24 Jul 2025 15:16
This course explores the nature of various forms of division and conflict in the contemporary world, and the contribution of theology to community enhancement, peacebuilding and transformation. Grounded in case studies of issues that divide societies, such as race, abortion, social media, and Brexit, the course analyses causes of division as well as (theological) models of protest, forgiveness and transformation, with the question whether reconciliation is possibly or even desirable.
| Study Type | Undergraduate | Level | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | Second Term | Credit Points | 30 credits (15 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
| Co-ordinators |
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This course engages with contemporary issues in society at large that divide groups, communities, regions and nations. Division and conflict impact our daily lives and the choices we make in several ways, be it political, economical or spiritual. This course explores possible causes of divisions and the oft-resulting conflict of difference and division. A variety of case studies serve to look at these causes and of possible ways of transformation. The concepts of protest and forgiveness will be analysed theologically. Furthermore, the question of the possibility and even desirability of reconciliation will be discussed. Theologies of protest, peace, transformation, reconciliation and community will frame the discussions and explorations in this course.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 50 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
3,000-word Primary Source Essay worth 50% of the overall grade. Students will write an essay reflecting on a first-hand account of a reconciliation process (e.g., interviews, sermons, speeches, historical documents etc). They should discuss how their chosen primary source aligns with, challenges, or expands on academic readings used in class, as well as its theological significance. |
Word Count | 3000 | |
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Procedural | Understand | Reflect on the nature and role of division and conflict in contemporary society. |
| Reflection | Analyse | Analyse differing theological understandings of and approaches to reconciliation. |
| Reflection | Evaluate | Evaluate key theological themes and theological approaches to peace and reconciliation. |
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 50 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
Creative portfolio consisting of 2,500-word commentary and 500-word peer review, worth 50% of the overall grade. Students will create a Padlet portfolio on a specific case study or issue related to reconciliation and division with visuals, audio, and narrative (40%), write an explanatory commentary drawing on academic research (40%), and provide peer reviews for two classmates' portfolios (20%). |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Procedural | Understand | Reflect on the nature and role of division and conflict in contemporary society. |
| Reflection | Analyse | Analyse differing theological understandings of and approaches to reconciliation. |
There are no assessments for this course.
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Procedural | Understand | Reflect on the nature and role of division and conflict in contemporary society. |
| Reflection | Analyse | Analyse differing theological understandings of and approaches to reconciliation. |
| Reflection | Evaluate | Evaluate key theological themes and theological approaches to peace and reconciliation. |
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