Course Catalogue

History and Theology of Christian Worship TRS1040

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Critical Studies
  • Credits: 10
  • Level: Level 1 (SCQF level 7)
  • Typically Offered: Either Semester 1 or Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Taught Wholly by Distance Learning: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

This course introduces students to the history and theology of Christian worship. It provides an understanding of the development of current forms of Christian worship, the nature of sacramental distinctions, and new sources and ecumenical confluences in 20th- and 21st-century worship. It provides perspectives which will underpin future study of worship practice and the development of advanced worship leading skills.

Timetable

8 x 2hrs synchronous online lectures with individual and group activities as scheduled on MyCampus

Requirements of Entry

None

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

The standard assessments for this course are:

■ Essay (1200 words) - 60%

■ Reflection on own liturgical tradition (800 words) - 40%

 

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:

■ There is no alternative to the essay, but a flexible deadline can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)

■ There is no alternative to the reflection, but a flexible deadline can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)

 

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.

Course Aims

This course aims to:

 

■ provide an introduction to the history of liturgy and worship in the Western Church, with a particular focus on the Churches of Scotland and England;

■ explore how liturgical traditions can be understood to relate to scripture;

■ offer a critical introduction to different traditions within liturgical and sacramental theology;

■ enable participants to reflect on their own liturgical practice and to gain a deeper understanding of their own liturgical and theological tradition.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

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

 

■ produce an outline account of the development of one or more aspects of Christian liturgical practice;

■ evidence an appreciation of the diverse traditions within the history of liturgy and worship and place their own liturgical practice in this context;

■ identify and assess critically some of the historical and contemporary challenges that have shaped the history of liturgy and worship.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions