Theology & Religious Studies BD/MA
Studies in the History and Theology of the Reformation TRS4103
- Academic Session: 2026-27
- School: School of Critical Studies
- Credits: 20
- Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
- Typically Offered: Either Semester 1 or Semester 2
- Available to Visiting Students: Yes
- Collaborative Online International Learning: No
- Curriculum For Life: No
Short Description
This course will explore the theology and history of the Reformation, placing the developments in the theology and practice of the churches in socio-political and intellectual context. It will also explore a range of different historiographical approaches to and assessments of the Reformation.
Timetable
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.
Excluded Courses
TRS3038 Studies in the History and Theology of the Reformation Non Honours
Co-requisites
None
Assessment
The standard assessments for this course are:
■ Essay (2,500 words) - 55%
■ Presentation of 7 minutes accompanied by a one-page A4 handout - 20%
■ Source criticism exercise (750 words) - 25%
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 flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)
■ There is no alternative to the source criticism exercise, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)
■ Can be done to course convener/small group or recorded as an alternative to the presentation.
Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.
Main Assessment In: April/May
Are reassessment opportunities available for all summative assessments? Not applicable
It is the default expectation that all courses will offer opportunities for reassessment or deferred assessment. Where it is not possible to offer this in some assessment components, the grade achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade, and any exceptions for this course are described below.
[No exceptions]
Course Aims
This course will provide the opportunity to:
■ explore developments in Christian theology and church history during the Reformation period;
■ engage critically with primary sources which offer evidence of this development;
■ deepen understanding of the political, religious, and cultural context in the early-modern period;
■ foster awareness of a range of historiographical interpretations of the Reformation.
Intended Learning Outcomes of Course
By the end of this course students will be able to:
■ discuss and analyse the Reformation movements and their causes;
■ offer a critical analysis of a range of primary sources;
■ compare and contrast different interpretative perspectives;
■ present complex arguments in written and oral form.