RT7317: Christian Social Ethics Today
| School | Religion |
| Department Code | SHARE |
| Module Code | RT7317 |
| External Subject Code | 100794 |
| Number of Credits | 20 |
| Level | L6 |
| Language of Delivery | English |
| Module Leader | MR Peter Sedgwick |
| Semester | Double Semester |
| Academic Year | 2013/4 |
Outline Description of Module
This module provides a study of the bases for Christian Ethics in relation (e.g.) to the Bible, tradition, Natural Law or context, together with a consideration of Christian responses to selected contemporary issues such as abortion, euthanasia, sexuality, capitalism war, and the environment.
On completion of the module a student should be able to
Knowledge and Understanding:
- understand the possible philosophical foundations for ethics;
- understand and appreciate the variety of possible foundations for Christian ethics, including appropriate ways of using the Bible, Christian tradition, and key Christian thinkers as sources.
How the module will be delivered
- Lectures with time for questions and for individual reflection.
- Small group discussion following introductory talk and leading into plenary.
- Students preparing short presentations on issues as coursework, leading into small group and / or plenary discussion.
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Occasional use of suitable visual materials such as artwork and video clips.
Skills that will be practised and developed
Intellectual Skills:
- have the theoretical resources to argue for and against Christian ethical commitments in the world of today, and make informed and appropriate use of Christian resources, notably the Scriptures, in relation to contemporary ethical issues
- are able to discuss specific ethical issues and concerns making good practical use of these general Christian and philosophical resources.
Discipline Specific (including practical) Skills:
- have developed their skills of careful ethical listening and discourse, being able to form their own ethical arguments and appreciate ethical arguments that are not their own, in a manner that balances passion and intellect, commitment and tolerance.
Transferable Skills:
- previous outcome –leading to ability to work in a multi-cultural and many valued society with their own integrity
How the module will be assessed
For this module you are required to write two summative essays. Each essay must be no more than 3,000 words. Each essay will be worth 50% of the final moduke mark.
The essays will test knowledge, analysis, argument and presentation in each of the three following areas: discussion of key Christian ethicists; detailed consideration of a particular issue; and consideration of the wider relation between Christian faith and ethical practice.
Assessment Breakdown
| Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written Assessment | 100 | Coursework | N/A |
Syllabus content
1: A history of ethical teaching from Plato through Christian ethicists to modern challenges
2: A survey of the main ways of grounding ethics, and Christian ethics in particular
3: Discussion of a variety of ethical issues
Essential Reading and Resource List
- Neil Messer SCM Study guide to Christian Ethics SCM 2007
- Peter Singer (ed.), A Companion to Ethics, Blackwell, 1991
- David Cook: The Moral Maze, SPCK 1983.
- R. Gill: Cambridge Companion to Christian Ethics, CUP 2000.
- J. Macquarrie and J Childress, eds, A New Dictionary of Christian Ethics, SCM 1986
- P. Wogaman: Christian Ethics, an Historical Introduction, SPCK 1994.
- Peter Vardy and Paul Grosch, The Puzzle of Ethics, Fount, 1999 New Edition