Module THEO3311: CHRISTIAN ETHICS AND CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY

Department: THEOLOGY AND RELIGION

THEO3311: CHRISTIAN ETHICS AND CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To introduce some major theological stances taken within Christian Social Ethics.
• To relate these to some current social, economic and environmental questions.

Content

• This module addresses the question: what form might a Christian social theology for the twenty-first century take? It investigates what theological and ethical resources are available to assist the church's social witness in the midst of current social, economic and environmental malaise.
• A variety of theological perspectives are considered, both historical (including nineteenth and twentieth- century social Christianity) and contemporary (taken from, e.g. Roman Catholic social teaching, evangelical social ethics, post-liberal ethics and radical Angli-Catholic social thought).
• These will be related to a limited number of specific topics (taken from, e.g. market economic, sustainable development, the welfare state or w2).

Learning Outcomes

• a systematic understanding of key aspects, and a knowledge of theological approaches to social, economic and environmental questions.

• Skills in the acquisition of information through reading and research, and in the structured presentation of information in written form.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Lectures convey information and exemplify an approach to the subject-matter, enabling students to develop a clear understanding of the subject and to improve their skills in listening and in evaluating information.
• Seminars enhance subject-specific knowledge and understanding both through preparation and through interaction with students and staff, promoting awareness of different viewpoints and approaches.
• Through small-group discussion, tutorials provide feedback on student work and the oppertunity to discuss specific issues in detail, enhancing student knowledge and writing skills.
• Formative essays develop subject-specific knowledge and understanding, along with student skills in the acquisition of information through reading and research, and in the structured presentation of information in written form.
• Examinations assess subject-specific knowledge and understanding, along with student skills in the structured presentation of information in written form under time constraints.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

One 3000 word essay, one seminar presentation or essay; no collection.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University