Units timetabled for 2013 and 2014 are provisional only, and details of semester and time will change. The official timetable for each year is released on 1 September of the prior year.

Archived unit descriptions for 2011 are available here.

The New Theology: Forerunners to Vatican II

Unit Code: 
CT405
RTI: 
United Faculty of Theology
Unit Value: 
15 points

This unit examines the key writings of the Jesuit and Dominican theologians whose work anticipated and contributed to the reforms of Vatican II. Through close textual study of these theologians, students will explore the critical ferment of the ‘return to sources’ movements in liturgical, patristic and historical studies prior to Vatican II. The unit will focus on the work of Jean Daniélou SJ, Henri de Lubac SJ, M.-D. Chenu OP, and Yves Congar OP.

Learning Outcomes: 

Upon successful completion of this unit, it is expected that students will be able to:

  1. Present a critical study of a text of one of the theologians studied and draw from it relevance to ecclesial concerns today
  2. Evaluate the influence of the theologians studied on the major documents of Vatican II: Lumen Gentium, Dei Verbum, Gaudium et Spes
  3. Articulate and defend a position in the current debate on continuity or discontinuity between Vatican I and Vatican II
  4. Demonstrate a critical, detailed understanding of one theologian’s contribution to Vatican II and the post-conciliar Church
  5. Demonstrate analytical and research skills in theology at postgraduate level
Lecturer/s: 
Janette Gray
Timetabling
Location: 
Centre for Theology and Ministry
Unit Frequency: 
Occasional
Unit Fields
Courses: 
Master of Arts (Theology)
Courses: 
Master of Theological Studies
Courses: 
Postgraduate
Field: 
Field C Christian Thought and History
Disciplines: 
Systematic Theology
Department Name: 
Department of Christian Thought and History
Prerequisites: 

At least 30 points of study in Systematic Theology, preferably including CT217/317 Church: Community for the Kingdom or equivalent.

Prohibited Combinations: 

None

Mode of Teaching: 
Semester
Teaching Methods: 

Weekly seminars

Workload
Number of timetabled hours per week: 
3
Expected personal study hours per week: 
9
Total workload hours per week: 
12
Total workload hours for unit: 
144
Assessment
Assessment TypeWeightingLearning Outcomes Assessed
Assessment Type: 

EITHER:

  • 1 discussion paper presented in class then submitted in writing (1000 words; 20%, learning outcome 1)
  • 1 essay (5000 words; 80%, learning outcomes 2, 3, 4, 5)

OR (MTS students must take this option)

  • 1 x 6000 word essay (100%, learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
Recommended reading: 

* = set texts recommended for purchase

Chenu OP, Marie-Dominique. Faith and Theology. (Dublin: Gill, 1968).

Congar OP, Yves. Lay People in the Church. (London: Chapman, 1965).

Daniélou SJ, Jean. God and the Ways of Knowing. (New York: Meridian, 1957).

Kennedy OP, Philip. Twentieth Century Theologians. (London: Taurus, 2010).

Kerr OP, Fergus. Twentieth Century Catholic Theologians. (Oxford: Blackwell, 2007).

Lubac SJ, Henri de. Catholicism. (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 1988).

Mettepenningen, Jurgen. Nouvelle Théologie / New Theology. (New York: T&T Clark, 2010).

© United Faculty of Theology, 2008-2012.