This course offers an introduction to the philosophical and scholastic method of Thomas Aquinas and the development of his theology, focussing on key doctrines and the legacy of his thought.

1x2hr seminar per week over 10 weeks as scheduled on MyCampus. This is one of the Honours options in Theology & Religious Studies and may not run every year. The options that are running this session are available on MyCampus

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The standard assessments for this course are:

■ 2 x 2000 word essays - 50% each

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 essays, 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 aims to:

■ develop students' understanding of the life and work of Thomas Aquinas and his impact on western civilization, including the rise of scholasticism and the development of the university;

■ engage students in critical reading of relevant theological texts;

■ deepen students' understanding of the reception and influence of Aquinas' work;

■ develop students' 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 Thomas Aquinas;

■ assess the interaction of philosophy and theology in the development of Aquinas' thought;

■ reflect critically on the theological and cultural influence of Thomas Aquinas and its impact on the rise of the universities, the scholastic method, and the intellectual architecture of medieval religious culture;

■ engage in constructive and critical scholarly debate with peers.