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

3.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 1 - Katholische Theologie
Moodle

Details

Language: English

Examination dates

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Monday 17.10. 09:00 - 13:00 (ehem. Hörsaal 48 Hauptgebäude, 2.Stock, Stiege 8)
  • Tuesday 18.10. 09:00 - 11:15 Seminarraum 1 (Kath) Schenkenstraße EG
  • Wednesday 19.10. 08:30 - 12:15 Seminarraum 2 (Kath) Schenkenstraße EG
  • Wednesday 19.10. 18:30 - 20:00 (ehem. Hörsaal 47 Hauptgebäude, 2.Stock, Stiege 8)
  • Thursday 20.10. 08:30 - 11:15 Seminarraum 1 (Kath) Schenkenstraße EG
  • Friday 21.10. 08:30 - 12:15 Seminarraum 2 (Kath) Schenkenstraße EG

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

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)

Assessment and permitted materials

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Assessment:
One essay (100%)

Examination topics

Reading list

Main text:
Christopher Craig Brittain, Religion at Ground Zero. Continuum, 2011.

A selection of other texts such as the following will be included:
Voltaire, "The Lisbon Earthquake"
Rousseau, "Letter to Voltaire"
G.A. Studdert Kennedy, "What is God Like, The Hardest Part", pp. xv-xxi, 1-13
Paul Tillich, excerpts from My Search for Absolutes
Elie Wiesel, Night, trans. Stela Rodway (Toronto, NY: Bantam Books, 1986), 46-62
Emil Fackenheim, God's Presence in History, pp. 67-98.
Bruce Lincoln, Holy Terrors, pp. 19-32, appendices A, B, C, D; pp. 93-107.
Vincent J. Cornell. "A Muslim to Muslims: Reflections after September 11."
Jennifer L. Geddes, "Religious Rhetoric in Responses to Atrocity", The Religious in Responses to Mass Atrocity (Cambridge, 2009), 21-36.
Slavojek, Welcome to the Desert of the Real, chpt 1
Haruki Murakami, After the Quake, pp.1-19, 81-101
Stanley Hauerwas, "September 11, 2001: A Pacifist Response", Dissent from the Homeland, pp. 425-433
Rowan Williams, Writing in the Dust

Association in the course directory

Master Religionswissenschaft 066 800 M3, LV für Wahlmodul I oder II für 011 (11W), (freies) Wahlfach für 020

Last modified: Mo 07.09.2020 15:27