Assessment

Formative Assessment: Online Discussion Threads 10% + Formative Assessment: Online Quizzes 30% + Summative Assessment: First Case Study Essay 30% + Summative Assessment: Second Case Study Essay 30%

Module Aims

This module introduces learners to Christian morality and the call to live in right relationships – with self, others and creation. The module explores Christian discipleship with particular reference to issues of justice, both interpersonal and social, human stewardship and Christian witness in society.

Indicative Syllabus

• Introduction to module and the academic discipline: Christian morality
• Sources (Scripture and Tradition) and emphases (conscience, elements of, and steps in, moral decision making)
• The Bible, justice and right relationships
• History and development of Catholic social teaching
• Themes and principles of Catholic social teaching: human dignity, rights and responsibilities, the common good, solidarity, stewardship
• Catholic social teaching and a consistent ethic of life
• Christian morality, violence, war, and peace
• Christian morality, racism, discrimination, and immigration
• Christian morality, ecology, climate change, and environmental degradation
• Christian morality, death, and end-of-life decision-making

Learning Outcomes

• — MIMLO01: Recognise the foundational bases in Scripture and the Christian tradition for the call of discipleship and the duty to live in right relationships.
• — MIMLO02: Recount central themes and principles of Catholic social teaching, including human dignity, justice, solidarity, stewardship, and the common good.
• — MIMLO03: Demonstrate the relevance of the key themes and principles for right relationships for their students and primary school education.
• — MIMLO04: Consider and appraise current scholarship and magisterial teaching about Christian morality and contemporary ethical issues.
• — MIMLO05: Examine and apply central ethical themes and principles to address a contemporary global moral issue.
• — MIMLO06: Embrace and display an accurate and fair account of differing views regarding moral theology and ethical issues in society and the world.

Bibliography

• — Boyd, Craig A. and Don Thorsen. 2018. Christian Ethics and Moral Philosophy: An Introduction to Issues and Approaches. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic.
• — Brady, Bernard V. 2017. Essential Catholic Social Thought, 2nd edition. Maryknoll: Orbis Books.
• — Bretzke, James T. 2004. A Morally Complex World: Engaging Contemporary Moral Theology. Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 2004.
• — Catechism of the Catholic Church. 1994. Dublin: Veritas.
• — Connors, Russell B., Jr. and Patrick T. McCormick. 1998. Character, Choices and Community: The Three Faces of Christian Ethics. New York/Mahwah: Paulist Press.
• — Cuff, Simon. 2019. Love in Action: Catholic Social Teaching for Every Church. London: SCM Press.
• — Hannon, Patrick. 2005. Moral Decision Making. Dublin: Veritas Publishing.
• — Himes, Kenneth R. 2001. Responses to 101 Questions on Catholic Social Teaching. New York/Mahwah: Paulist Press.
• — Long, D. Stephen and Rebekah L. Miles (eds). 2023). The Routledge Companion to Christian Ethics. London and New York: Routledge.
• — McCarthy, David Matzko and M. Therese Lysaught (eds). 2007. Gathered for the Journey: Moral Theology in Catholic Perspective. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.
• — McCormick, Patrick T. and Russell B. Connors, Jr. 2002. Facing Ethical Issues: Dimensions of Character, Choices and Community. New York/Mahwah: Paulist Press.
• — O’Neill, Dónal. “Moral Decision-Making.” In Faith Seeking Understanding. Leaving Certificate Religious Education Syllabus Section D, edited by Micheál De Barra. Dublin: Veritas, 2005.
• — O’Neill, William. 2021. Catholic Social Teaching: A User’s Guide. Maryknoll: Orbis Books.
• — Sparks, Richard C. 1996. Contemporary Christian Morality: Real Questions, Candid Responses. New York: Crossroad Publishing.
• — Thompson, J. Milburn. 2010. Introducing Catholic Social Thought. Maryknoll: Orbis Books.
• — -----. 2019. Justice and Peace: A Christian Primer, third edition. Maryknoll: Orbis Books.
• — Wells, Samuel and Ben Quash. 2010. Introducing Christian Ethics. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell.
• — Winright, Tobias (ed). 2021. T&T Clark Handbook of Christian Ethics. London: Bloomsbury/T&T Clark.