Module: Systematic & Moral Theology

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Systematic & Moral Theology
Module Code	EDU1041 (ITS: CCE201)
Faculty	Human Development	School	DCU Institute of Education
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

The module explores moral decision-making within a Catholic/Christian context that includes an analysis of secular moral systems and philosophies. The module also aims to introduce students to the theology of the Trinity. The Creeds of the Church contain summaries of the essential doctrines of the Church down through the centuries and have a Trinitarian structure.

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand the difference between moral philosophy and moral theology as well as the common ground between both disciplines.
2. Evaluate the morality of specific acts from both theological and philosophical perspectives.
3. Understand the difference between objectivity and subjectivity in relation to the moral agent and the act carried out.
4. Understand the relationship between psychological health and moral freedom.
5. Critically assess Catholic Church teaching on bioethical issues.
6. Assess the Christian contribution to morality.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of the central beliefs of Christianity in relation to God, humanity, the economy of salvation and role of revelation.
8. Engage in critical debate/discussion in relation to the module’s theological topics.
9. Develop their critical, reflective skills in relation to content of the Christian Tradition.
10. Demonstrate an understanding of the import of and foundational connection between core Creedal affirmations and religious education curriculum.

Total Workload: 0

Section Breakdown
CRN	10451	Part of Term	Semester 1 & 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Colette Maloney	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Essay	An essay of 1,500 words based on one of the course topics.	50%	n/a
Essay	An essay of 1,500 words based on one of the topics from the Creed and Trinity component of this module.	50%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Introduction to Ethics

The Human Act

Conscience

The Natural Law in the Catholic Moral Tradition

Relativism

Special Moral Theology/Assisted Human Reproduction: IVF

The Church and Morality

Christianity and Morality

Articles of the Creed
Faith; God; Revelation; Creation; Incarnation; Redemption; Holy Spirit; The Trinity; Mary; Church

The Economy of salvation
Role of Revelation; Christian Anthropology; Dialogue of Doubt and Faith; Creed / Doctrine and Human Experience

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Hamel, R and Himes, K. (Eds.): 1989, Introduction to Christian Ethics: A Reader, Paulist Press, Mahwah NJ,
MacNamara, V.: 1998, The Truth In Love, Gill, Dublin,
Harrington Donal: 1996, What is Morality?, Veritas, Dublin,
Singer, P. (Ed.): 1991, A Companion to Ethics, Blackwells, Oxford,
Genovesi, Vincent J: 1996, In Pursuit of Love: Catholic Morality and Human Sexuality, Liturgical Press, Minnesota,
Gula, Richard: 1989, Reason Informed by Faith, Paulist Press, New York,
Hanley, A. and Smith, D. (Eds.): 2005, Quench not the Spirit, The Columba Press, Dublin,
Oâ€™Connell, T.: 1978, Principles for a Catholic Morality, Seabury, Minneapolis,
Varga, A.: 1978, On Being Human: Principles of Ethics, Paulist Press, Mahwah, NJ:,
Hession, Anne and Kieran, Patricia (Eds): 2007, Exploring Theology, Veritas, Dublin,
Kuhse, H. & Singer, P. (eds): 2004, Bioethics: An Anthology, Blackwell, Oxford,
Marthaler, B.: 1987, The Creed, Twenty Third Publications, Connecticut,
Pope Francis: 2013, Lumen Fidei, Veritas, Dublin,
Catholic Church: 1995, Catechism of the Catholic Church Part Two, Libreria Editrice Vaticana, Vatican,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None