TRS5442 - Moral Theology and Catholic Social Teaching

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of, and critical engagement with, key themes in contemporary Catholic moral theology.
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of, and critical engagement with, the development and importance of Catholic Social Teaching.
Demonstrate an understanding of the historical and ecclesiological context in which these themes have developed and a critical engagement with them.
Demonstrate an understanding of, and an ability to assess, the importance of Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium for Catholic Moral Theology.

Content:

This module introduces students to key themes in contemporary Catholic moral theology and Catholic social teaching. Building on the content and skills developed in TRS 4202, students will now focus on ethical themes specific to Catholic Theology. In particular, content will include:
– The role of conscience in Catholic moral theology;
– Key themes in Catholic social teaching: the dignity of the human person, subsidiarity, solidarity and the common good;
– The role of scripture in the Catholic moral tradition;
– The development of Catholic social teaching.
Application of the Church’s teaching will be discussed in relation to some of the following areas: humanity’s role within creation; the ecological crisis; political life and work; family life; business, economics and the ‘universal destination of goods’; and rights and duties.

Learning and Teaching Information:

Learning and teaching takes place in plenary sessions and using blended learning. It may also include group activities and also opportunities for individual help through face-to-face meeting or online means. Scheduled learning activities are varied and include include: lecture-style presentations by the module tutor or occasional guest speaker; seminar-style discussion of a particular topic; informal prepared presentations by students, followed by discussion; debates; and other exercises as appropriate to material and group. Students receive guidance on reading in preparation for each session and activity and learning is supported by the VLE (Moodle) and sometimes by readers and other resources. Guidance on research and essay-writing is integral to the learning and teaching process in each module and may also be supported by tutorial guidance on essay plans if requested.
,br> Lectures
Contact hours: 20
Intended Group size: <15

Seminars/Workshops
Contact hours: 20
Intended group size: <15

Guided independent study
Hours: 160

Assessment: