TRS5202 - Body: Bio-Ethics and Sexual Ethics

Objectives:

(1) Demonstrate an understanding of key scientific advances and cultural trends, and identify the ethical issues arising from them
(2) Demonstrate a detailed knowledge and understanding of various contemporary debates in theological bio-ethics and sexual ethics
(3) Identify theological resources from scripture, tradition and contemporary writings and bring these to bear in discussion of issues in bio-ethics and sexual ethics
(4) Critically analyse and evaluate the arguments of various parties in these contentious areas

Content:

A range of issues in bio-ethics and sexual ethics will be introduced and discussed, which may include (for example):

• gender, sexual identity and orientation
• the nature of marriage
• the role of the Bible in sexual ethics
• civil partnerships
• ordination of homosexuals
• genetic technologies (food and crops; medicine)
• stem cell research
• abortion
• euthanasia
• disability
• personhood, the status of non-human animals, debates about vivisection

Learning and Teaching Information:

The course 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; seminar-style discussion of a particular topic; informal 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 formative feedback on the Semester 1 essay.

Contact hours:40
Number of Groups:1

Assessment: