Introduction to Moral Theology: The Moral Life as a Call to Discipleship. (DT8000Y)

Postgraduate, 24.0 points

Content

Taking its direction from Scripture, Church Tradition and principles of Catholic Social Teaching this unit explores the essential components for understanding and appreciating Moral Theology as a challenge to a more authentic discipleship. Drawing from aspects of Theology, Philosophy, Church History, Pastoral Ministry, Spirituality and Church law, the unit explores what has, and continues to, contribute to a Catholic understanding of moral living. Particular emphasis will be given to how the Catholic/Christian tradition understands the relationship between morality and discipleship. The unit seeks to examine how our understanding of discipleship offers a framework for making responsible moral choices as a Christian in the context of everyday life.

Unit code: DT8000Y

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Foundational

Unit discipline: Moral Theology

Delivery Mode: Blended

Proposing College: Yarra Theological Union

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Learning outcomes

1.

Describe the development of universal ethics, western moral philosophy and the Judeo-Christian moral tradition
2.

Describe the historical development of the major principles of Catholic Social Teaching.
3.

Analyse the concrete relationship between discipleship and the moral life.
4.

Evalaute the key moral concepts of conscience, conversion and reconciliation.
5.

Critically apply Catholic moral principles to life situations.
6.

Demonstrate critical awareness of selected works across the range of contemporary moral theology

Pedagogy

Lectures PowerPoint presentations Weekly readings with class discussion Group problem solving exercises

Indicative Bibliography

  • Brady, Bernard. Essential Catholic Social Thought. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2008.
  • Curran, Charles E. Catholic Social Teaching: A Historical, Theological and Ethical Analysis. Washington, D.C. Georgetown University Press, 2002
  • Curran, Charles E. The Development of Moral Theology: Five Strands. Washington, DC: Georgetown University Press, 2013.
  • Darragh, Neil, ed. A Thinker’s Guide To Sin: Talking About Sin Today. New Zealand: Accent Publications, 2010.
  • Gula, Richard M. Moral Discernment. New York: Paulist Press, 1997.
  • Gula, Richard M. The Call To Holiness: Embracing a Fully Christian Life. New York: Paulist Press, 2003.
  • Keenan, James, ed. Catholic Theological Ethics in the World Church*. New York: Continuum, 2007.
  • Keenan, James. A History of Catholic Moral Theology in the Twentieth Century: From Confessing Sins to Liberating Consciences. New York: Continuum, 2010.
  • Lamoureux, Patricia, and Paul Wadell. The Christian Moral Life: Faithful Discipleship For a Global Society. Maryknoll NY: Orbis Books, 2010.
  • MacNamara, Vincent. The Call To Be Human: Making Sense of Morality. Ireland: Veritas Publications, 2010.
  • Sedmak, Clemens. A Church of the Poor. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2016.
  • Spohn, William C. Go and Do Likewise: Jesus and Ethics. New York: Continuum, 2007.
  • Wadell, Paul. Happiness and the Christian Moral Life: An Introduction To Christian Ethics, Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers Inc., 2012.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Tutorial Paper/Seminar Paper

20 minute class presentation with 2000 word essay

 2000 30.0
Essay

Essay of 4,000 words Learning outcomes depend on topic chosen

 4000 70.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Maggie Kappelhoff on 31 Aug, 2021

Unit record last updated: 2021-08-31 16:36:11 +1000