Assessment

Classroom Attendance & Participation 10% + Asynchronous Work 30% + Essay 60%

Module Aims

This module is in two parts – The first part is to introduce students to the foundation, aims, and concepts of Religious Education and Catechesis. To provide a study of the various theories and writings on these topics in the Christian tradition and in modern thought. To explore the magisterial documents on these topics and to engage critically on the practical application of this work in the Irish religious landscape. To introduce the syllabus and curriculum of the post-primary school religious education programme.

Indicative Syllabus

• Religious Education – Introduction
• Catholic Education
• Catechesis
• Contemporary Issues and Challenges

Learning Outcomes

• — LO 1: Define the principal terms and concepts associated with Irish education today and specifically Religious Education.
• — LO 2: Illustrate the difference between Religious Education, Catholic Education and Catechesis.
• — LO3: Relate their theological knowledge to religious education methodologies.
• — LO 4: Explain the concepts and current thinking on key topics - Childhood Spirituality / Children with Additional Education Needs
• — LO 5: Outline the current curricula and syllabi for teaching religious education in Ireland.
• — LO 6: Classify the current challenges involved in teaching religious education today.

Bibliography

• — Groome., Thomas (1980) Christian Religious Education
• — McKinney, Stephen & John Sullivan (2003) Education in a Catholic Perspective
• — Pring, Richard (2003) School Culture & Ethos
• — Kieran, Patricia & Anne Hession (2005) Children, Catholicism and Religious Education
• — Kieran Patricia & Anne Hession (2008) Exploring Religious Education
• — Sullivan, John (2008) Philosophy of Catholic Education
• — Irish Council for Catechetics (2015) Catholic Primary Schools in a Changing Ireland
• — Irish Council for Catechetics (2015) Grow in Love (Primary School Religious Education Programme)
• — Congregation for the Clergy (2022) General Catechetical Directory
• — Magisterial Documents from Second Vatican Council, the Congregation for Catholic Education, Council for New Evangelisation, Council for Catechetics of the Irish Episcopal Conference
• — Articles coming from Journals in the areas of Religious Education, Catechetics and Catholic Education