CONT4104 – Childhood - Theological and Socio-Cultural Perspectives
Course content
During the last few decades there has been a marked rise in interest in research on children and childhood, also within Christian traditions. The course will offer a study of central “childhood” texts from the history of Christianity and place them within their theological and socio-cultural contexts. It will also present a survey of historical developments in children’s living conditions and in attitudes towards children up to the present. On the basis of this, emphasis will be given to reflection on children’s situations, roles and rights in the multi-cultural churches and societies of today, and on the implications of this for theological thinking and practice: does a children’s perspective pose new challenges for theology; and is it possible – and even necessary – to speak of a “theology of childhood”?
Learning outcome
The aims of the course are to give knowledge of foundational texts within Christian traditions related to children, contribute to insight into historical changes in children’s living conditions and into different perceptions of childhood, and to further reflection on issues and practices related to children’s place in present-day societies, communities of faith, and theology.
Admission
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Please contact the faculty administration for admission to the course if you are not a student at the program. Use this e-mailadress: info@teologi.uio.no. Please state your personal number, 11 digits and your educational background.
Prerequisites
Formal prerequisite knowledge
Bachelor degree with an area of emphasis in Theology, Religion or Christian studies (80 credits), or equivalent.
Recommended previous knowledge
The language of the compulsory reading is normally English, but German or Scandinavian languages will be accepted for parts of the reading list
Teaching
The course runs throughout the semester, with some teaching periods and some study periods. Active participation and oral and written presentations are required in addition to a term paper, based on independent study with some supervision.
Access to teaching
A student who has completed compulsory instruction and coursework and has had these approved, is not entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework. A student who has been admitted to a course, but who has not completed compulsory instruction and coursework or had these approved, is entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework, depending on available capacity.
Examination
Term paper, approx. 3000-4000 words.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Explanations and appeals
Resit an examination
Special examination arrangements
Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.
Other
The module may also be used in Profesjonsstudiet i teologi, Master i religion og samfunn, Master i profesjonsetikk og diakoni, Master i religions- og etikkdidaktikk (ILS/LAP) and Master i kultur- og idestudier (IKOS/IFIKK).