Module THEO2101: THEOLOGY AND ETHICS

Department: Theology and Religion

THEO2101: THEOLOGY AND ETHICS

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To present basic themes in theological ethics.
• To introduce the elements of Christian moral reasoning.
• To explore some major ethical issues.
• To prepare students for the skills and knowledge needed to undertake a dissertation in the final year.

Content

• The module is an introduction to Christian theological ethics. It pays special attention to the distinctive nature of Christian ethics in a post-Christian world, and to the grounding of the Christian moral life in the worship and practice of the Christian community. The first part of the course concentrates on the shape of the moral life, emphasising the significance of baptism, Eucharist, discipleship, and the relation of church and world. The second part turns to approaches to moral decision-making. Throughout lectures on fundamental Christian ethics are intertwined with sessions on current issues in the fields of bioethics, sexual ethics, social ethics and environmental ethics. The content of these is decided after consultation with students.

Learning Outcomes

• A knowledge and critical understanding of the well-established principles of study and main methods of enquiry in Christian ethics, along with an understanding of the way in which those principles have developed, and an ability to evaluate critically the appropriateness of different approaches.
• A critical appreciation of the distinctive significance of theology for ethical reflection.

• Ability to use critically both theological and non-theological disciplines in analysing specific moral issues.

• 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 opportunity 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 formative essay (2500 words).

■ 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