TRS5602 - Studying Catholic Theology

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

1). Demonstrate knowledge of key teachings and issues in contemporary Catholic theology
2). Identify the sources and distinguish methods of Catholic theology
3). Engage critically with selected documents of the Magisterium and key Catholic theologians
4) Demonstrate awareness of and sensitivity to issues at the interface of the Catholic community and wider society
5). Demonstrate understanding of the dynamics of decision-making in a diverse, global organisation.

Content:

This module will deal with contemporary Catholic theology, considering its sources, main methods and the context of the Catholic Church as an organisation.

Topics will include at least two more from the following:
• Outline of the ecclesiology and organisational working of the Catholic Church
• Study of selected magisterial documents, including from the Second Vatican Council
• Readings from selected contemporary Catholic theologians, e.g. Henri de Lubac, Karl Rahner, Joseph Ratzinger, Hans Urs von Balthasar
• Introduction to Catholic Social Teaching
• Introduction to Catholic worship and sacramental theology
• Selected issues in Catholic theology, e.g. interfaith relations, HIV/AIDS, faith and reason

Learning and Teaching Information:

The module will be taught in plenary sessions which will make use of a blend of teaching and learning methods. These will normally include: lecture-style presentations by the tutor or visiting lecturers; seminar-style discussion of a particular topic; prepared presentations by students, followed by discussion; other exercises as appropriate to material and group. Guidance on reading in preparation for each session and activity will be given; and learning will be supported where appropriate by VLE and other electronic resources. Guidance on research and essay-writing will be embedded in the learning and teaching process throughout the module; and may also be supported by tutorial guidance on essay plans and feedback on the Semester 1 essay

. Lecture
Contact hours: 20
Intended Group size: 10-15

Seminar
Contact hours: 20
Intended Group size: 10-15

Assessment:

001 presentation 10 - 15 mins (sem 1) 20%
002 Review of book or document 1 x 1500 words (sem 1) 30%
003 Essay 1 x 2500 words (sem 2) 50%


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