Christian Liturgy module information

Core module

Introduction to Liturgical Study

11-14 October 2010 

Juliette Day

In this module, students begin to acquire the skills to examine Christian worship using methods drawn from theology, history, linguistics and the social sciences, as well as exploring the ideas of key scholars.

Enrolment in this core module is open to potential students who are unsure whether they wish to embark on the MA programme.

2010-11 Optional modules

The Liturgical Year

24-27 May 2010

This module will explore the development and contemporary celebration of Christian feasts through an analysis of their historical origins and changes, their theological and ritual meaning, and recent liturgical reforms. The implications for pastoral and liturgical practice in local churches will be drawn out in discussion

Christian Initiation

6-9 December 2010   

The major Western Churches have significantly revised their baptismal liturgies in the last fifty years in response to the changing place of the church in society, the fruits of liturgical scholarship in assessing patterns of the early church and ecumenical exchange. This module will examine key historical periods which provide a context for contemporary rites and the theologies which lie behind them.

Other optional modules in this MA programme are: 

Christian Prayer

14-17 March 2011

This module explores the way in which Christians have prayed, individually and corporately through the centuries with particular reference to daily prayer or offices. It will investigate the role of psalmody, scripture and intercessory prayer in these models as well as other selected prayers such as the Collect, the Lord’s Prayer and the Jesus Prayer. Theological and contemporary pastoral issues will help focus students on forms of liturgical prayer used in their own church context.

Liturgy Mission and Cultures (taught by Dr Thomas Whelan)      

5-8 December 2011

This module will investigate the relationship between liturgy and mission, and attempt to identify the changing understanding of how these two ecclesial actualities interact. And to chart the role of culture in relation to the missionary imperative expressed in the liturgy. Reflection on these issues will be in relation to theological concepts and to the published policy documents of the church and their critics. Students will be encouraged to reflect critically on the pastoral implications of the material discussed.

Music in Christian Worship

23-26 May 2011

Music is a core feature of much Christian worship, whether chanted psalms, congregational hymns, liturgical texts arranged for choirs or contemporary worship songs. This module explores the variety of musical styles in christian worship from both historical and contemporary perspectives and draw upon critical themes in musicology, theology and pastoral liturgy. It will equip students to make informed assessments of music choices in the liturgical events of different ecclesial settings. Musical skills, while beneficial, are not required.

Worship, Art and Architecture
The space in which Christian worship takes place is influenced by the culture of the age and place as well as ecclesiology. This module will investigate the Church buildings and their art in selected and typical historical periods in order to highlight the key interpretative issues. It will consider 20th century and contemporary responses to social and theological change demonstrated in Christian architecture. Students will be encouraged to reflect upon the use of liturgical space in specific contexts.

Guided Reading in Liturgical Studies
This module provides the student with an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the relevant sources and methodologies of Liturgical History or Pastoral Liturgy through independent research and writing. Students will be supported by tutorials and selected relevant reading before identifying their own topic for assessment.

Non-MA prices for modules are:
N £210 S £320 E £365 P £410