Theology and Philosophy
Welcome to the Theology and Philosophy Programme
Team
The Theology and Philosophy courses at Newman University are taught by a team of five academics, with specialisms in different areas of the subject, including Philosophy of Religion and Ethics, Contemporary Theology, Biblical Studies, and Religious Education.
You can find out more about us here:
Brief Summary
In your first semester at Newman, you will study three modules:
Methods in Theological and Philosophical Study
This module introduces students to the study of Theology and Philosophy at University level and aims to equip students with the academic skills needed for successful study towards a degree.
Politics and Religion in Britain
This module introduces students to the field of political philosophy, and explores the role of religion and politics in Britain today by examining topical case studies.
Reading Sacred Texts: The Jewish and Christian Bible
This module introduces students to the academic study of sacred texts with a particular focus on the Jewish and Christian bible – its origins, contents, and uses within faith communities today.
You can find a longer summary of these modules, and all the others which will be available to you throughout your degree course, on our website here.
You can expect 10 hours of classes each week, spread over 4 days. The group size will be small (typically between 8 and 15 students). The classes will include a mixture of input from the tutor, discussion, and opportunities to ask questions.
You will often be provided with something specific to read in advance of the class so that you can come prepared to share your ideas.
Pre-Course Reading
Here are some books we recommend you read before you start your course and/or during your first year. You are not required to buy any of these, as copies are available in the University library, and your local library may also be able to obtain some of them for you.
We advise that you start by reading some books in the areas of the subject in which you have least previous knowledge.
General reading to prepare you for a Theology degree:
Astley, J, Brown D. and Loades A. (eds.), God in Action: Problems in Theology (T&T Clark 2004)
Corrywright, D. and Morgan, P. Get Set For Religious Studies (Edinburgh University Press 2006)
Morreall, J. and Sonn, T., The Religion Toolkit: A Complete Guide to Religious Studies (Wiley-Blackwell 2011)
Christian Theology
Anderson, W.P., A Journey through Christian Theology (Fortress 2010)
Kennedy, P., A Modern Introduction to Theology: New Questions for Old Beliefs (Tauris 2006)
Meister, C. and Stump, J.B., Christian Thought: A Historical Introduction (Routledge 2010)
Biblical Studies
Moyise, S., Introduction to Biblical Studies (T&T Clark 2004)
Shillington, V.G., Reading the Sacred Text: An Introduction to Biblical Studies (T&T Clark/Continuum 2002)
Philosophy of Religion
Davies, B., Philosophy of Religion: A Guide and Anthology (Oxford University Press 2000)
Rea, M.C. and Murray, M.J., An Introduction to Philosophy of Religion (Cambridge University Press 2008)
Warburton, N., Philosophy: The Classics (Routledge 2000)
Study of World Religions
Chryssides G.D. and Greaves, R., The Study of Religion: An Introduction to Key Ideas and Methods (T&T Clark Continuum 2007)
Woodhead, L. and Catto, R., Religion and Change in Modern Britain (Routledge 2012)
Introductory Online Resources for Philosophy of Religion
Here are some links to videos and podcasts to get you thinking about philosophical ideas:
The Philosopher’s Zone https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/philosopherszone/
TED talks on philosophy: https://www.ted.com/topics/philosophy
Introduction to philosophy: https://podcasts.ox.ac.uk/series/philosophy-beginners
Philosophy Bites https://philosophybites.com
‘A romp through the history of philosophy from the Pre-Socratics to the present day’ (1.5 hours)
https://podcasts.ox.ac.uk/romp-through-history-philosophy-pre-socratics-present-day
‘Thinking a Pandemic’ https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/philosopherszone/thinking-a-pandemic/12154912
What happens when our computers get smarter than us?
https://www.ted.com/talks/nick_bostrom_what_happens_when_our_computers_get_smarter_than_we_are
What is Justice? Series of recorded lectures by the famous philosopher Michael Sandel
http://justiceharvard.org/justicecourse/
Introductory Online Resources for Biblical Studies
Here are some links to online resources introducing aspects of biblical studies:
https://podacre.blogspot.com/ – a series of podcasts by the contemporary biblical scholar Mark Goodacre; especially useful are the ones on the historical Jesus; the synoptic gospels; the synoptic problem; and Paul
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf6tMd_iJlCfV0kra1yhURQ – a series of short introductory videos on different books of the bible recorded as part of the St John’s Timeline Project
Other articles and videos can be found on two sites:
https://www.bibleodyssey.org/
https://biblicalstudiesonline.wordpress.com/
Introduction to Biblical Studies
Timetable information
Semester 1
Tuesdays 11-1, 2-3 and 4-6Wednesdays 9-11, 12-1Thursdays 2-4
Full details of your individual academic timetable will be available via your university email calendar after you have completed online enrolment and set up your student login.
Subject Sessions
Here are the dates and times during our welcome week when your teaching team will be expecting you on campus for welcome activity. Come to main reception and the welcome mentors will get you to the correct rooms:
Even if your course team are not expecting you to be in during Welcome Week on Tuesday 19th September, we strongly encourage you to come in and participate in our Student Union Fresher’s Fair.
Running between 10am and 3pm, it will give you a great insight into the Student Union, its societies and its engagement with community groups and employers. You can find out more at Newman Students’ Union – Your Voice.