Module THEO3491: Marriage and Family in Christian Social Teaching

Department: Theology and Religion

THEO3491: Marriage and Family in Christian Social Teaching

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To identify and analyse important aspects of the culture wars over marriage and family in the modern world.
• To survey the history of Christian social teaching on marriage and family from biblical times to the present.
• To engage critically with theologies of marriage and family in current scholarly discourse.

Content

• Reflection on marriage and the family has been central to Christian social teaching from the time of Jesus right up to the present. Recent papal encyclicals and church reports, together with an unprecedented level of international research and current controversies about gay marriage, have made this a significant area of theological and ethical study. After contextualizing the subject in relation to contemporary culture wars, this module explores the foundations of Christian teaching on the subject including how it has changed through the centuries and from one tradition to another.
• One part of the module takes a broadly historical approach and touches on key texts and major developments from the biblical period onwards. Here, attention is given to marriage and family in Scripture and tradition, and to theological paradigms in the major historic Christian denominations as well as developments since the Enlightenment. The other part focuses on responses in theology and the churches to movements and issues which affect marriage and the family in the modern world. Case-studies include: the impact of feminism; artificial contraception; cohabitation; and the debate over gay marriage.
• Alongside lectures will be ten fortnightly seminars that each focus on a significant text, person, movement, or controversy to be considered in the lectures. Within this context students will offer presentations that will constitute part of their summative assessment for this module.

Learning Outcomes

• Knowledge of the history of Christian social teaching on marriage and family from biblical times to the present.
• Knowledge of the major contours of cultural change that have influenced Christian social teaching on marriage and family.
• Knowledge of key theological interpretations of marriage and family in the Christian tradition.
• Knowledge of the contributions of key figures in Christian scholarly discourse on marriage and family.

• Ability to understand relevant biblical and historical texts about marriage and family in their originating contexts.
• Ability to understand developments in Christian social teaching on marriage and family.
• Ability to reflect critically on issues affecting marriage and family in the context of contemporary culture wars.
• Ability to apply emerging insights in aid of a theological understanding of marriage and family in the contemporary context.

• Skills in the acquisition and analysis of information through lectures, seminars, reading and research.
• Skills in the structured presentation of information in both written and oral form.
• Skills in the generation of theological insight through both individual reflection and group discussion.
• The development of key research skills.

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.
• Seminar presentations assess subject-specific knowledge and understanding, along with student skills in the structured presentation of information in oral form under time constraints.
• Examinations assess subject-specific knowledge and understanding, along with student skills in the structured presentation of information in written form under time constraints.
• Summative and formative essays assess 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.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

One 1,500 word essay.

■ 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