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, catechesis, and Catholic Education. 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
• Theological & Philosophical Perspectives
• Methodologies
• Curricula
• 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: Understand the difference between Religious Education, Catholic Education and Catechesis.
• — LO3: Integrate their theological knowledge into religious education methodologies.
• — LO 4: Explain the concepts and current thinking on key topics - Childhood Spirituality / Children with Additional Education Needs
• — LO 5: Understand the current curricula and syllabi for teaching religious education in Ireland.
• — LO 6: Understand and evaluate the current challenges involved in teaching religious education today.

Bibliography

• — Barnes, L. Philip, ed. Debates in Religious Education. London: Routledge 2012.
• — Best, Ron, ed. Education, Spirituality and the Whole Child. London: Cassell 1996.
• — Byrne, Garth & Patricia Kieran. Toward Mutual Ground – Pluralism, Religious Education and Diversity in Irish Schools. Dublin: Columba Press, 2013.
• — Groome, Thomas H. Will There be Faith? Depends on Every Christian. Dublin: Veritas, 2011.
• — Hession, Anne Catholic Primary Religious Education in a Pluralist Environment. Dublin: Veritas 2015.
• — Kieran, Patricia and Anne Hession, eds. Exploring Religious Education: Catholic Religious Education in an Intercultural Europe. Dublin: Veritas, 2008.
• — Lane, Dermot A. Challenges Facing Religious Education in Contemporary Ireland. Dublin: Veritas, 2008.
• — O’Higgins Norman, James, ed. Education Matters – Readings in Pastoral Care for School Chaplains, Guidance Counsellors and Teachers. Dublin: Veritas, 2011.
• — Ratcliff, Donald E., ed. Handbook of Children’s Religious Education. Birmingham, AL: Religious Education Press, 1992.