99017 - Fundamental Theology (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, students are able to research and critically examine specialized bibliography and documentary sources on fundamental theology, in order to conduct autonomous investigations. They are able to communicate in written and oral form the knowledge they have acquired, using communication methods appropriate to the above contexts and taking into account their udience.They are able to give form to the results of their research in fundamental theology, properly documenting the information on which they base their conclusions, while giving an account of the methodologies of investigation used. They know how to apply the tools of communication and digital data in the editorial and publishing field.

Course contents

The course in fundamental theology is based on the link between biography and theology found in the story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Through his figure some of the junctures of the fundamental theology of yesterday and today will be investigated and some of the link between theological existence and resistance to evil, between theological reflection and prison will be addressed.


In a first phase, the course will give some introductory elements of the theological and historical context of Bonhoffer's experience.


In a second phase it will focus on the evolution of the author's thought and biography through the reading of parts of several of his works, when possible in the original.


In a third phase, some current junctures for theological reflection, political theology and the themes of civil courage will be shown.

Readings/Bibliography

The bibliography - articles and books - will be indicated in the course of the lectures.


For all students - attending and non-attending - it will be necessary to read D. Bonhoeffer, Letters and papers from Prison, in one of the editions available in English.

Teaching methods

The course will take place through some frontal lectures, some with the invitation of experts on specific topics, most of the lectures, however, will be set up in a mixed way: a seminarial part and a part of recomposition and synthesis by the lecturer.


The seminarial part of the lectures will take place through the joint discussion of texts handed over for personal or small group reading and study. There will also be a lecture - in the concluding part of the course - dedicated to a seminar discussion of one of Bonhoeffer's works.

Assessment methods

The exam includes an intermediate seminarial work and a final oral test with a brief paper. The aim is to verify if the student has learned the contents of the texts and if he has reached a global and organic vision of the topics covered. The student must not mnemonically report what he has read on the texts but through a personal linguistic style, and must be able to demonstrate that the topic has been internalized and elaborated. Must demonstrate expressive mastery and use of specific language and professionally correct terms.

Teaching tools

Further material will be made available on the teacher's website during the course.

Students who require specific services and adaptations to teaching activities due to a disability or specific learning disorders (SLD), must first contact the appropriate office: https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students.

Links to further information

https://fter.academia.edu/FabrizioMandreoli

Office hours

See the website of Fabrizio Mandreoli