Module TMMC2191: Christian Faith and Ethical Living

Department: Theology, Ministry and Mission

TMMC2191: Christian Faith and Ethical Living

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To help students articulate a critical appreciation of the ways faith in God, revealed in Jesus, as Father, Son and Spirit, informs and shapes the moral life of communities and individuals.
• To develop in students a well-informed understanding and critical appreciation of the theological resources available for Christian reflection on ethical issues.
• To help students to reflect critically on their own existing models of moral discernment and on those which are present in contemporary culture.
• To develop in students skills to apply these resources faithfully to particular moral questions, equipping them for teaching, pastoral ministry and Christian living.

Content

• A theological account of the Christian moral life, such as the meaning of baptism as incorporation into the way of Jesus Christ, and of the sources it draws on, such as Scripture, tradition, reason, moral philosophy and experience.
• A theological account of core Christian moral concepts and methods, such as love, justice, natural law, divine commands, virtue and character, etc.
• Moral mind-sets which influentially shape contemporary thinking about ethics, such as individualism, contractarianism, liberalism, utilitarianism, consumerism and the idea of progress.
• Exploration of some moral issues, both personal and social, in areas such as ecological, economic, medical, political and sexual ethics.
• Exploration of how ethics relates to pastoral situations and other ministerial practices – such as evangelism, apologetics and preaching.

Learning Outcomes

• Give a self-critical analysis and account of the ‘state we’re in’: how we are shaped morally and the questions to which this gives rise. • Identify and evaluate the theological resources available for Christian reflection on ethical issues.

• Apply these theological resources appropriately and critically to particular moral issues, including those likely to be encountered in their life / ministry / profession, and communicate these effectively to a range of audiences.
• Formulate different responses to particular moral questions, reflecting in an informed manner on familiar and unfamiliar views, working towards mature judgements.

• • Identify, gather and evaluate source materials for a range of purposes. • Undertake a critical analysis of information and arguments, communicating the results effectively to non-specialist audiences, showing critical awareness of their own beliefs, commitments and prejudices. • Take responsibility for a task that involves independent inquiry; the management of time, resources and use of IT; meeting deadlines, evaluating the task and learning from it.

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

• Teaching methods to be specified by each TEI, selecting from the following:
• Lectures provide content, a conceptual framework and a survey of approaches within a subject area that enable students to locate their learning in a wider context, to make connections with other disciplines, and to evaluate and apply their learning to different contexts.
• Seminars offer students an opportunity to present, evaluate and apply their knowledge to specific contexts, and to engage with teaching staff and peers in debate and reflection.
• Guided reading in conjunction with lectures encourages independent learning and underpins the knowledge and understanding gained in lectures and seminars.
• Small group learning creates an environment where students learn to articulate their knowledge and understanding effectively and in a way that is relevant to the group and its context.
• Case studies offer students the opportunity to apply their knowledge, analytical and problem-solving skills to the kinds of complex, realistic and often ambiguous situations they are likely to encounter in their profession / ministry/ vocation.
• Tutorials enhance learning by offering feedback and encouraging students to reflect on their own response to the knowledge and skills they have acquired.
• Placements and/or work-based learning ensures that students make habitual connections between knowledge, understanding, skills, professional practice and the reality of a specific context, under the supervision of an experienced practitioner.
• Programmed online learning materials guide students through knowledge content, its wider framework and different approaches to its application.
• Virtual discussion forums offer students the opportunity to articulate the knowledge and understanding they have acquired to others and to engage in informed debate.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Students will be expected to demonstrate engagement with the subject matter and the learning outcomes throughout the module by suitable formative assessments that encourage integrative and reflective skills.

■ 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