Module: Introduction to Religious Education

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Introduction to Religious Education
Module Code	ED1303 (ITS) / EDS1018 (Banner)
Faculty	DCU Institute of Education	School	Human Development
Module Co-ordinator	Sandra Cullen
Module Teachers	-
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

Repeat examination

Description

This module introduces students to the discipline of religious education as the critical encounter between religion and education as well as a faith development activity. The module will provide a historical overview of the development of religious education theory and practice with particular reference to the Christian tradition. Students will consider the challenges for religious education today and draw on the perspective of selected theorists to identify an inclusive, student-centred and holistic rationale for the inclusion of religious education in schools on educational grounds.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of current challenges for religious education today and how these pertain to the teaching of religious education in second level schools.
2. Offer a rationale for the inclusion of religious education in schools on educational grounds.
3. Evaluate the contribution of selected practitioners in the early tradition of catechesis: John Chrysostom, Cyril of Jerusalem, Augustine, Luther, the Catechism tradition.
4. Evaluate key 20th century developments in religious education.
5. Display a degree of independence of thought; together with an awareness of, and appreciation for, the independent thoughts and needs of others.
6. Express a coherent, person-centered philosophy of life in the classroom and beyond, reflecting a generous respect for young people from a variety of social, economic, cultural and religious backgrounds.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	22	Engagement in lecture based activities
Assignment Completion	40	Project
Independent Study	63	No Description
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Situating contemporary religious education in its historical context

The history of Catholic Religious Education - early Christian Catechetical Sources (2nd-5th centuries)

The Catechism Tradition (16th-20th centuries), Official catechetical documents (late 20th century etc)

Introducing the language of catechesis

The educational case for Religious Education in second-level schools

From catechesis to religious education - Ireland: a case study

Implications for the teaching of Religious Education at second level in a variety of contexts

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Essay	1500-2000 word assignment that invites students to make the case, in a creative way, for the inclusion of Religious Education in second-level education on educational grounds.	20%	Week 8
Participation	Attendance and participation in classroom activities	10%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
Resit category for this module is temporarily unavailable

Indicative Reading List

Other Resources

None