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CRS855 Arts 3 Units intermediate

Marriage and Family

This course explores Christian marriage and family life from theoretical and theological perspectives. It examines the Christian scripture, Church traditions, and teachings on marriage and family. The course covers the origin and purpose of marriage, theological definitions, and the value of marriage and family for individuals and society. It equips students with knowledge to critically evaluate, appreciate, and defend the institution of marriage and family.

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45h
Study Time
13
Weeks
3h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
MarriageFamilyChristian TheologyCovenantSacrament

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Secular and religious views of marriage

2

Old Testament perspectives on marriage

3

New Testament teachings on marriage

4

Theology of marriage in the Church Fathers

5

Contemporary theological models of marriage

6

Christian family life and values

Total Topics6 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

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Educator

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Social Worker

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Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Religious OrganizationsEducational InstitutionsSocial ServicesCommunity Development

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module I: The Secular and the Old Testament View of Marriage and Family

3h

Unit 1: Common Notion of Marriage

3 study hours
  • • Read the introduction to understand the course objectives.
  • • Define marriage from secular perspectives.
  • • Identify boundary markers in marriage.
Week
2

Module I: The Secular and the Old Testament View of Marriage and Family

3h

Unit 2: Marriage as a Gift Creation

3 study hours
  • • Explore the myth of marriage in Ancient Near East culture.
  • • Analyze the demythologization and desacralisation of marriage in the Old Testament.
  • • Understand Eve's role as a helpmate.
Week
3

Module I: The Secular and the Old Testament View of Marriage and Family

3h

Unit 3: Marriage as Covenant Symbol

3 study hours
  • • Examine Hosea's use of marriage as a covenant symbol.
  • • Study Jeremiah's portrayal of Israel's infidelity.
  • • Analyze Ezekiel's marriage imagery.
Week
4

Module I: The Secular and the Old Testament View of Marriage and Family

3h

Unit 4: Marriage in the Wisdom Literature

3 study hours
  • • Explore marriage in the Book of Proverbs.
  • • Analyze Ecclesiastes' view on marriage.
  • • Study the Song of Songs and its perspective on sexuality.
Week
5

Module I: The Secular and the Old Testament View of Marriage and Family

3h

Unit 5: Marriage Ethos in the Old Testament

3 study hours
  • • Examine creation and covenant ethos.
  • • Discuss married love and the founding of a family.
  • • Analyze the concept of monogamy as the ideal.
Week
6

Module II: Marriage in the New Testament and in the Fathers of the Church

3h

Unit 1: Sacrament of Marriage in the Synoptic Gospels

3 study hours
  • • Study the symbol of marriage and the Kingdom of God.
  • • Analyze the background to marriage, divorce, and remarriage.
  • • Compare Mark's, Matthew's, and Luke's accounts.
Week
7

Module II: Marriage in the New Testament and in the Fathers of the Church

3h

Unit 2: Paul's Basic Teachings on Marriage and Sexuality

3 study hours
  • • Explore Paul's basic teachings on marriage and sexuality.
  • • Analyze Christian husbands and wives roles.
  • • Study married Christian couples and divorce.
Week
8

Module II: Marriage in the New Testament and in the Fathers of the Church

3h

Unit 3: Expanding the New Testament Theology of Marriage

3 study hours
  • • Examine the image of marriage in the New Testament.
  • • Analyze the bridal page marriage symbol.
  • • Critique the traditional household code.
Week
9

Module II: Marriage in the New Testament and in the Fathers of the Church

3h

Unit 4: Marriage in the Teachings of the Greek Fathers

3 study hours
  • • Study marriage and family as a blessing.
  • • Analyze marriage and sexuality.
  • • Examine the permanence of marriage.
Week
10

Module II: Marriage in the New Testament and in the Fathers of the Church

3h

Unit 5: Marriage and Family in the Latin Tradition

3 study hours
  • • Explore the protection of marriage and family in early centuries.
  • • Analyze marriage as a sacrament.
  • • Study the teachings of Ambrose and Augustine.
Week
11

Module III: Marriage and Family in Contemporary Theology and in the Teachings of the Church

3h

Unit 1: Christian Marriage

3 study hours
  • • Explore marriage as worship.
  • • Analyze marriage as a vocation.
  • • Study marriage as communion.
Week
12

Module III: Marriage and Family in Contemporary Theology and in the Teachings of the Church

3h

Unit 2: Christian Family

3 study hours
  • • Discuss the characteristics of a Christian family.
  • • Analyze the significance of family.
  • • Explore family in social life.
Week
13

Module III: Marriage and Family in Contemporary Theology and in the Teachings of the Church

3h

Unit 3: Modern Theologians and Theology of Marriage

3 study hours
  • • Study Mathias Joseph Scheeben's views on marriage.
  • • Analyze Edward Schillebeekx's perspective.
  • • Explore Karl Rahner's theology of marriage.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review key definitions of marriage and family from secular and religious perspectives (Units 1-2).

2

Compare and contrast Old Testament and New Testament views on marriage (Units 3-4).

3

Focus on the teachings of key Church Fathers like Augustine and Chrysostom (Module II).

4

Understand the different models of marriage in contemporary theology (Module III).

5

Practice applying course concepts to contemporary ethical dilemmas related to marriage and family.