Course Catalogue

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Churches have not always explored the theological implications of disability beyond a matter of inclusion, yet  disability theology is not simply a liberation or a systematic theology, but is perhaps better experienced as a way of understanding human personhood. The subject raises questions of value, power and agency as well as issues of suffering and divine and human intervention. This course will use a disability lens to explore biblical and theological ideas about personhood, and it will examine the development of disability theology as a discipline within the history of Christian thought. The difficulties of reading ancient scriptures to inform modern disability awareness, and the pastoral complexities of issues such as healing, suffering and inclusion will be included.

6 x 2 hr lectures, scheduled weekly, plus 4 hrs of seminars.  Delivered as a micro-credential online.

To meet the requirements of the MTh in Ministry, Theology and Practice or to have achieved a Masters level theology qualification elsewhere, or at the discretion of the Head of TRS.

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The standard assessments for this course are:

A choice of one of the following written assignments (3000 words):

■ comparative book review

■ critical reflection on a documentary or film

■ essay on a key theological, biblical, hermeneutical or pastoral issue within disability theology (title to be agreed with the tutor).

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 assessments, but flexible deadlines 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.

This course will aim to:

■ develop students' knowledge and critical understanding of disability theology as an area of theology that exists in critical relation to, but distinct from, liberation and systematic theologies;

■ enable students to evaluate and analyse critically some arguments within the area of disability theology;

■ enable students to develop a sophisticated awareness of disability theology in terms of its connections to theological anthropology, ministry, mission and justice;

■ enable students to bring biblical and theological critical skills to the consideration of disability issues;

■ explore hermeneutical approaches towards scripture that are illuminated by a disability perspective, for example to explore modern cultural understandings of disability and those in the ancient texts.

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

■ Articulate a depth of understanding and knowledge of disability theology as a distinct area of theology.

■ Understand, apply, and evaluate critically some different theological methods and models in disability theology.

■ Research and give a coherent account of some key doctrinal questions and the controversies around them in disability theology (eg healing, embodiment, imago dei), and relate this to today's church and social context.

■ Critically explore some of the hermeneutical issues in disability theology.