Module Specifications..
Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025
Please note that this information is subject to change.
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Description This module will examine the impact of spirituality and religion on health and healthcare organisation. A historical approach will be taken to examine the impact on health and healthcare provision of major world religions like Judaism, Christianity and Islam and more traditional medical systems associated with tribal and Eastern religions. In addition to examining the broad impact of religions, the more personal dimension of spirituality will be explored. This will be examined through the role of prayer and health and contemporary inclusion of spirituality in many alternative health systems. Students will be given the opportunity to reflect on their own views about spirituality and health, whether they see this as large or small. Students will be exposed to basic principles of evidence-based practice by examining research evidence on the question of spirituality’s impact on health. Critical reflection will be encouraging through examining controversial questions like whether prayer brings healing and how relevant ethical dilemmas are resolved. The latter would include cases where Jehovah’s witnesses refuse blood products because of their beliefs and cases where children have died because parents refused to use medical care in preference to relying on faith and prayer. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Learning Outcomes 1. Describe the differences between religion and spirituality in a health context 2. Discuss accurately the approach to health in various world religions and spiritual systems 3. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the way in religion and spirituality impacts health and healthcare in different cultures 4. Critically evaluate arguments made on various sides of controversial aspects of this topic 5. Articulate their own view on the role of religion and spirituality in health | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 |
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Spirituality and religion: exploring definitions and differencesFrom ancient Greece to shamanism: gods and spirits in health and illnessEastern approaches: traditional Chinese medicine and chiShalom in the Jewish tradition: peace and healthEarly Christianity: a new attitude towards the sickHealthcare in Islam: the origins of evidence-based medicineThe Catholic Church and healthcare systems: from admiration to disillusionPentecostal healing: deep faith or deception?Secular spirituality: the power of belief and the placebo effectNew Age spirituality and the move to alternativesUsing science to support spirituality: reviewing the evidenceWhen medicine and religion conflict: ethical dilemmas | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List
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Other Resources None | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Programme or List of Programmes
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