Institute of Historical Theology

Study Programs

ÄGC = Ältere Geschichte des Christentums und der interreligiösen Begegnungen
NGC = Neuere Geschichte des Christentums
DM = Denominational Studies
EM = Ecumenical Theology and Missiology

ÄCG und NCG

Study objectives Bachelor

The bachelor's degree program aims to impart overview knowledge to students, lead to historical questions and introduce into the methodological functioning. Courses on Bachelor level (basic course, reading course) are supposed to give a profound outline of the history of Christianity from Late Antiquity to present time. Significant events, prominent figures, ways of theological thinking and types of religious practice are subject of the courses. The proseminar provides an introduction into the subject-specific methods and tools of scientific work. Historical sources are on the basis of case studies taken from the field of Ancient and New History of Christianity exemplary reflected. Reading courses give the opportunity to read, interpret and deepen language skills (Greek and Latin) by means of basic texts of Ancient and Modern History of Christianity.

Learning outcomes Bachelor

Graduate students of basic and advanced modul in Historical Theology

- dispose over an overview of eras, important figures and events as well as topics of the history of Christianity,

- are able to state characteristics and connections of each period,

- know the canon of method of the historical-theological interpretation of sources and are able to apply methods exemplary,

- are able to notice and describe historical contextuality of Christian traditions and figures,

- are aware of the historical dimensions of present phenomena in Christendom and society.

Study objectives Master

The Master’s degree program provides the opportunity to deepen competences and knowledge of historical theological connections on the basis of exemplary individual topics. Lecture courses, seminars, reading courses and exercise course enable to examine history and present of church and Christianity.

Learning outcomes Master

Graduate students of MA Theology

- are capable of developing complex historical theological correlations by means of secondary literature,

- are able to acquire source materials relevant to a historical theological subject,

- can handle the historical theological canon of methods in a sovereign way,

- are able to take position concerning historical theological question in research,

- know historical connections and its relevance for the present.

DM

Denominational Studies convey insights into the historical and theological development and current situation of different churches and communities, diversity of doctrine and way of life as well as type and status of relations between certain groups. In this context the subject deals with orthodox, catholic and protestant churches as well as free churches, religious communities and different movements.

The courses introduce into theoretical basis and characteristics in Theology, constitution and piety by reading and studying historical sources. Additional excursions and field trips broaden the view to the practical dimension – such as church services and the conversation with representatives of different churches and communities.

Study objectives Denominational Studies (DM)

The lecture courses of Denominational Studies aims to give an overview of different Christian churches and communities as well as religious movements all kinds concerning doctrine and way of life. In addition, the opportunity is given to reflect and view theological questions and topics from different perspectives and to discuss these issues with representatives of other denominations and groups.

EM

The subject ‘Ecumenical Theology’ combines Ecumenism and Missiology. The purpose is to explore current Christian way of living within the enriching and partly conflictual encounters of cultures, religions and denominations in order to prepare theology and Church for consequential challenges. Scholarship of Ecumenism deals with the relation between unity and diversity of church, the presence of Christianity in different cultures and its ecumenical correlation. Besides, Missiology focuses on the question how and under with self-understanding Christian belief was hand down during the 2000-year history of Christianity. The subject introduces into the extra-European Christendom and its teaching activities relating it to local church life.

Ecumenical Theology is a cross section subject with regards to different disciplines of the study of theology. Especially between Ecumenical Theology and ethics as well as dogmatism are multiple touch points so as to ask and deepen questions from the latter.

Study objectives Ecumenical Theology and Missiology (EM)

Ecumenical Theology provides an overview of history, structure and basic questions concerning the ecumenical movement and mission history. Basic course, overview lecture courses and in-depth seminars offer exemplary insights into the encounter of Christianity with non-Christian religions.