Module THEO2161: MARRIAGE AND FAMILY IN CHRISTIAN SOCIAL TEACHING

Department: Theology and Religion

THEO2161: MARRIAGE AND FAMILY IN CHRISTIAN SOCIAL TEACHING

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To introduce the history of Christian social teaching on marriage and the family.
• To identify the distinctive theologies of marriage and the family in the various Christian faith traditions.
• To explore proposals for a theology of marriage and the family appropriate for today.

Content

• This module explores the foundations of Christian teaching on marriage and the family and how it has changed and developed through the centuries and from one tradition to another. The module takes a broadly historical approach and touches on key texts and major developments form the biblical period onwards. Attention is given also to responses in theology and the churches to movements and issues which affect marriage and the family in the modern world.

Learning Outcomes

• A knowledge and critical understanding of the history of Christian social teaching on marriage and the family, and an understanding of the contributions of different Christian faith communities to theological reflection on marriage and the family.

• Skills in documentary analysis, historical understanding and theological argument.

• 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.
• Formative essays and seminar presentations 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 oral and 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