Major Issues in Contemporary Moral Theology (DT9011Y)

Postgraduate, 24.0 points

Content

This unit aims to build on the introductory unit in Moral Theology by exploring Church Teaching and Pastoral Response in relation to a range of issues currently discussed in social and political forums; for example issues relating to 'a Christian theology of the body', Communion for divorced and invalidly married couples, life and death, bioethics, justice and peace, environment, economics. Consideration will also be given to reflection on what is an appropriate role for the Church in public discourse.

Unit code: DT9011Y

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Moral Theology

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Yarra Theological Union

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Learning outcomes

1.

Understand and explain the nature and purpose of Catholic Church teaching relating to contemporary moral issues
2.

Critique 'secular' and 'church' stances taken on contemporary moral issues in the public forum
3.

Engage in dialogue using Christian ethical methodology in current discussions on contemporary moral issues
4.

Analyse and evaluate complex moral issues arising in particular case situations
5.

Present a cogent and sustained argument for a position taken on a specified issue
6.

Engage critically with a non-academic audience in presenting Church teaching on contemporary moral issues

Unit sequence

One foundational unit in moral theology or its equivalent.

Pedagogy

Input from lecturer (powerpoint / video) class participation through tutorial, discussion, debate, Q&A guest speakers student reading, research, tutorial presentation, essay

Indicative Bibliography

  • Callahan, Daniel, The Roots of Bioethics: Health, Progress, Technology, Death. Oxford Uni press: Oxford / New York, 2012.
  • Kasper, Walter Mercy: The Essence of the Gospel and the Key to Christian Life Mahwah, New Jersey: Paulist Press, 2014.
  • Kass, Leon R. Life, Liberty and the Defense of Dignity: The Challenge for Bioethics. San Francisco, CA : Encounter Books, 2002.
  • Keen, Karen R. Scripture, Ethics and the Possibility of Same-Sex Relationships. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm.B.Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2018.
  • Martin, James. Building a Bridge: How the Catholic Church and the LGBT Community Can Enter Into a Relationship of Respect, Compassion, and Sensitivity. New York: HarperCollins Publishing Inc., 2017.
  • Noonan, John T. A Church that Can and Cannot Change. Notre Dame, IN: University of Notre Dame Press, 2005. (Recommended for purchase)
  • Pope Francis. Amoris laetitia, Post Synodal Apostolic Exhortation March 19 2016.
  • Pope Francis. Laudato Si', Encyclical Letter 24 May 2015.
  • Williams, Oliver F., C.S.C. Editor. Peace Through Commerce: Responsible Corporate Citizenship and the Ideals of the United Nations Global Compact Notre Dame, IN: University of Notre Dame Press, 2008
  • Williams, Oliver F., C.S.C. Corporate Social Responsibility: The Role of Business in Sustainable Development New York: Routledge, 2014

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay

Tutorial Paper 3500 words plus Essay 3500 words

OR

Essay 7000 words

 7000 100.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 27 Sep, 2019

Unit record last updated: 2021-06-07 08:43:49 +1000