This course offers an introduction to the life and work of John Calvin, focusing on a critical examination of his theology through study of the Institutes of the Christian Religion, and a consideration of the historical legacy and cultural effects of his life and work.

1x2hr seminar per week over 10 weeks as scheduled on MyCampus.

This is one of the Honours options in TRS and may not run every year. The options that are running this session are available on MyCampus.

TRS4050 John Calvin and his Theology

None

Two x 2500 word essays - 45% each

Source critical exercise (750 words) - 10%

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non-Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

This course will provide the opportunity to:

■ gain a deeper understanding of the life and work of John Calvin;

■ engage in critical reading of relevant theological texts;

■ deepen their understanding of the reception of Calvin's life and work;

■ develop critical self-assessment of their own reading and writing.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ give a critical account of the historical context of John Calvin;

■ analyse the content of Calvin's Institutes of Christian Religion;

■ reflect critically on the theological and cultural influence of John Calvin and his theology.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.