Module: Comparative Theology

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

All Module information is indicative, and this portal is an interim interface pending the full upgrade of Coursebuilder and subsequent integration to the new DCU Student Information System (DCU Key).

As such, this is a point in time view of data which will be refreshed periodically. Some fields/data may not yet be available pending the completion of the full Coursebuilder upgrade and integration project. We will post status updates as they become available. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Comparative Theology
Module Code	TP533 (ITS) / RET1065 (Banner)
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	Theology, Philosophy & Music
Module Co-ordinator	Joseph Rivera
Module Teachers	-
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	10
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

Coursework Only
A final essay In-class oral presentation

Description

What is “comparative theology” and what is the role of theological analysis in a late modern pluralist context? These questions in recent years are increasingly urgent as western culture’s pluralism grows more complex by way of immigration, globalization, and new forms of media. By engaging some of the recent key texts on comparative theology, this module inquires into ways the interfaith dialogue and pluralism can shape the contemporary theologian. A principal text will be Francis X. Clooney’s Comparative Theology: Deep Learning Across Religious Borders, as well as many recent publications on the topic. In this module students develop knowledge and skills in religious literacy, theological analysis, empathic listening, and attentiveness to diversity. Students will participate in the following learning activities: a weekly seminar-discussion format, lectures that shall serve to orient the discussion, and finally, oral presentations delivered by the students on select readings.

Learning Outcomes

1. 1. Formulate a working definition of comparative definition of comparative theology.
2. 2. Utilize theological and moral reasoning to evaluate pluralism and religious diversity that is inevitable in late modern liberal democracies.
3. 3. To discuss several key theorists in the sub-discipline of comparative theology in the context of interfaith dialogue.
4. 4. Communicate effectively, in both written and oral forms.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Assessment Feedback	24	attending lectures
Independent Study	224	Reading, notetaking, presentation preparation, research for final essay
Total Workload: 248

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

Comparative Theology as Theological Method

Hermeneutics

Phenomenology and Comparative Theology

Otherness, Alterity and Difference

Case Studies on Buddhism and Hinduism

Empathy in Comparative Theology

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Extended Essay / Dissertation	An essay of 3000 words on a topic relevant to the course will be submitted	80%	n/a
Presentation	Delivery of presentation on a set reading.20	20%	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
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Francis Clooney: 2010, Comparative Theology: Deep Learning Across Religious Borders, Wiley-Blackwell, Malden, MA,
Joseph Rivera: 2018, Political Theology and Pluraism: Renewing Public Dialogue, Palgrave MacMillan, London,
Catherine Cornille: 2019, Meaning and Method in Comparative Theology, Wiley-Blackwell, Malden, MA,

Other Resources

None