Marriage and Family
- Arts
- 800 level
- 3 credit units
- 141 pages
- 15 units
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.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 45 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor Marked Assignments
- Final Examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of CRS855, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
CRS855 · UNIT 1: Common Notion of Marriage and Family
The self-assessment exercises at the end of the units are to help you to assess your understanding of the units. Do not neglect them as the way you answer them provides you with a mirror to gauge your performance in learning the course.
What you should be able to do
- Compare secular and religious views on marriage and family.
- Analyze Old Testament and New Testament teachings on marriage.
- Evaluate the contributions of Church Fathers to the theology of marriage.
- Discuss contemporary theological models of marriage.
- Explain the characteristics and significance of Christian family life.
What it prepares you for
- Religious Leader
- Theologian
- Counselor
- Educator
- Social Worker
- Religious Organizations
- Educational Institutions
- Social Services
- Community Development
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module I: The Secular and the Old Testament View of Marriage and Family
Unit 5: Marriage Ethos in the Old Testament
Understanding the nuances of ancient marital customs and their impact on modern perspectives requires careful analysis.
- Module II: Marriage in the New Testament and in the Fathers of the Church
Unit 1: Sacrament of Marriage in the Synoptic Gospels
Interpreting the synoptic gospels' differing accounts of divorce and remarriage necessitates a deep understanding of historical context and theological implications.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 39 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module I: The Secular and the Old Testament View of Marriage and Family
Unit 1: Common Notion of Marriage · 3 hours
Read the introduction to understand the course objectives.. Define marriage from secular perspectives.. Identify boundary markers in marriage..
- Week 2Module I: The Secular and the Old Testament View of Marriage and Family
Unit 2: Marriage as a Gift Creation · 3 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 3Module I: The Secular and the Old Testament View of Marriage and Family
Unit 3: Marriage as Covenant Symbol · 3 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 4Module I: The Secular and the Old Testament View of Marriage and Family
Unit 4: Marriage in the Wisdom Literature · 3 hours
Explore marriage in the Book of Proverbs.. Analyze Ecclesiastes' view on marriage.. Study the Song of Songs and its perspective on sexuality..
- Week 5Module I: The Secular and the Old Testament View of Marriage and Family
Unit 5: Marriage Ethos in the Old Testament · 3 hours
Examine creation and covenant ethos.. Discuss married love and the founding of a family.. Analyze the concept of monogamy as the ideal..
- Week 6Module II: Marriage in the New Testament and in the Fathers of the Church
Unit 1: Sacrament of Marriage in the Synoptic Gospels · 3 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 7Module II: Marriage in the New Testament and in the Fathers of the Church
Unit 2: Paul's Basic Teachings on Marriage and Sexuality · 3 hours
Explore Paul's basic teachings on marriage and sexuality.. Analyze Christian husbands and wives roles.. Study married Christian couples and divorce..
- Week 8Module II: Marriage in the New Testament and in the Fathers of the Church
Unit 3: Expanding the New Testament Theology of Marriage · 3 hours
Examine the image of marriage in the New Testament.. Analyze the bridal page marriage symbol.. Critique the traditional household code..
- Week 9Module II: Marriage in the New Testament and in the Fathers of the Church
Unit 4: Marriage in the Teachings of the Greek Fathers · 3 hours
Study marriage and family as a blessing.. Analyze marriage and sexuality.. Examine the permanence of marriage..
- Week 10Module II: Marriage in the New Testament and in the Fathers of the Church
Unit 5: Marriage and Family in the Latin Tradition · 3 hours
Explore the protection of marriage and family in early centuries.. Analyze marriage as a sacrament.. Study the teachings of Ambrose and Augustine..
- Week 11Module III: Marriage and Family in Contemporary Theology and in the Teachings of the Church
Unit 1: Christian Marriage · 3 hours
Explore marriage as worship.. Analyze marriage as a vocation.. Study marriage as communion..
- Week 12Module III: Marriage and Family in Contemporary Theology and in the Teachings of the Church
Unit 2: Christian Family · 3 hours
Discuss the characteristics of a Christian family.. Analyze the significance of family.. Explore family in social life..
- Week 13Module III: Marriage and Family in Contemporary Theology and in the Teachings of the Church
Unit 3: Modern Theologians and Theology of Marriage · 3 hours
Study Mathias Joseph Scheeben's views on marriage.. Analyze Edward Schillebeekx's perspective.. Explore Karl Rahner's theology of marriage..
Preparing for the exam
- Review key definitions of marriage and family from secular and religious perspectives (Units 1-2).
- Compare and contrast Old Testament and New Testament views on marriage (Units 3-4).
- Focus on the teachings of key Church Fathers like Augustine and Chrysostom (Module II).
- Understand the different models of marriage in contemporary theology (Module III).
- Practice applying course concepts to contemporary ethical dilemmas related to marriage and family.
Questions students ask about this course
What is CRS855 about?
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.
How many units does CRS855 have?
CRS855, Marriage and Family, has 15 units across 3 modules, over 141 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is CRS855?
CRS855 carries 3 credit units, at 800 level in Arts.
Is CRS855 hard?
CRS855 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical work.
How long does CRS855 take to study?
About 45 hours of study, spread across its 15 units.
How is CRS855 assessed?
CRS855 is assessed by Assignments, Tutor Marked Assignments and Final Examination.
What can I do with CRS855?
Religious Leader, Theologian, Counselor, Educator and Social Worker.