58勛圖

DI4754 Orthodox Christian Tradition

Academic year

2026 to 2027 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 10

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

Thurs 2-5pm

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module Staff

Dr W Hyland

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module opens up a whole new dimension of theological study: the life and thought of the Orthodox Christian tradition. This tradition, representing the second-largest Christian communion after the Roman Catholic Church, is spread throughout the world with historic heartlands in Eastern Europe and the Balkans, Africa, and the Middle East. Long ignored or marginalised within mainstream academic theology, this tradition offers a distinctive understanding of the nature and task of theology that will give fresh perspectives and insights to students of all backgrounds. The course will give an overview of the Orthodox Christian tradition from late antiquity to the present while also allowing for close study of a range of pertinent texts. Particular attention will be paid to the historical context of those texts and to points of contact and contrast with Catholic and Protestant traditions. Texts will be studied in English.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS DI1001 OR PASS DI1003

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 50% Exam = 50%

Re-assessment

Exam = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1 lecture of an hour's length (x 10); 1 seminar of two hour's length (x 10)

Intended learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate a critical understanding of the history, theology, and key concepts of the Orthodox Christian tradition from late antiquity to the present.
  • Recognise and analyse the distinctive theological, liturgical, and mystical dimensions of Orthodox Christianity and their historical contexts.
  • Engage critically with primary texts in English, developing the ability to interpret complex theological arguments and compare Orthodox perspectives with Catholic and Protestant traditions
  • Formulate clear, coherent, and independent arguments in discussion and written work, demonstrating critical reflection on the relevance of Orthodox thought for contemporary theological and cultural debates.