Full course description
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Christology is defined as critical theological reflection on Jesus of Nazareth. A Christology is constituted by the attempt to give a systematic account of the identity and significance of Jesus Christ, of who he is and why he is important. This course offers an introduction to Christology through the examination of the teaching of such leading theologians as Athanasius, Cyril of Alexandria, Anselm of Canterbury, Thomas Aquinas, Karl Rahner, and Jon Sobrino. Among the topics to be addressed in the course are: 1) the formulation in the patristic period of a teaching about Christ that is meant to be normative; 2) the adequacy of the patristic formulation; 3) and, the rise more recently of distinctive forms of Christology that depart, to varying degrees, from the classical formulation while trying to retain its basic insights. Christology: Jesus Christ, Yesterday and Today was created by Dr. Joseph Wawrykow, a Notre Dame Theology Professor, for STEP.
Course Content
Unit 1: Introduction and overview Christological controversies
Unit 2: Athanasius of Alexandria and Anselm of Canterbury
Unit 3: The incarnational Christology of Thomas Aquinas
Unit 4: Christology and the New Testament
Unit 5: Christology and modern theologians
Course Format
- Six weeks in duration; first week for orientation.
- Up to 20 students in each course.
- Video lectures with text transcripts available.
- Supplemental readings are provided to encourage further exploration, internet links provided for all readings.
- Written assignments (200-250) required.
- Facilitator-moderated weekly Zoom sessions with participants.
Participation Requirements
- View or read the lecture for each unit.
- Read assigned texts; keep notes, questions, and comments for class discussions.
- Answer weekly discussion question.
- Respond to weekly unit assignment.
- Attend weekly Zoom for each unit. If you cannot attend, you can still meet the participation requirements.
- Complete the course evaluation.
Time Expectations
3 to 5 hours per week, depending on your learning style and schedule.
Course Certificate
An electronic certificate of completion awarding 30 contact hours will be available in course when completing all course requirements.
Area: Doctrine