Module: Introduction to Theology

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Introduction to Theology
Module Code	EDU1045 (ITS: CCE502)
Faculty	Human Development	School	DCU Institute of Education
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	5

Description

There are two distinct components to this module - (i) Christian Foundations with an emphasis on scripture and (ii) Religious Diversity. The module is taught online in an asynchronous fashion.

Learning Outcomes

1. Develop an understanding of the fundamentals of the Christian story and vision.
2. Reflect critically upon the revelation of God’s true self in the history and life of Jesus of Nazareth, as told in the Gospels and interpreted through human experience.
3. Interpret the relevance of the Christian vision for his/her personal religious/spiritual quest and search for meaning.
4. Define religious diversity and pluralism in the context of interreligious dialogue.
5. Develop appropriate reflective skills around personal, cultural and religious diversity.
6. Reflect upon religious diversity in the context of religious education and intercultural education.

Total Workload: 0

Section Breakdown
CRN	10455	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	David Kennedy	Module Teacher	Cora O'Farrell

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Essay	1,500 word assignment based on students' choice from a range of topics based on the module content.	50%	n/a
Essay	Students write an essay on their understanding of religious diversity. They should relate the experience to their reading on the subject and to the lectures. Students are encouraged to integrate their learning in the course with their own experience of religious diversity and pluralism in society. Their essays should show some implications of religious diversity, pluralism and inclusion for religious education today in Irish primary schools.	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

In the Beginning

Introduction to Christology
This component of the module comprises an ordered reflection on the foundational religious experience of the Christian faith, namely the revelation of God’s true self in the history and life of Jesus of Nazareth, as told in the Gospels and interpreted through human experience.

The World of the New Testament

The Historical Jesus: teacher, preacher, healer

The Ministry & Mission of Jesus, Passion Death and Resurrection
It aims to introduce students to the fundamentals of Christianity. The Christian faith embodies a vision of the world and humanity that is founded upon the relationship between God and God's creation as revealed in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ.

A New Community
In the light of questions raised by the hopes, fears and longings of the present age, the student is invited to interpret the relevance of the Christian vision for his/her personal religious/spiritual quest and search for meaning.

What is Religious Diversity and Pluralism?

Culture and religious meaning-making

Biblical foundations from a Christian perspective
This element interprets and integrates Christian theological/biblical understandings of diversity and inclusion in relation to contemporary experiences of pluralism and diversity.

Religious and cultural pluralism

Encounter and dialogue with different religions and belief systems
Critically explores religious diversity for interreligious understanding and the need for interreligious dialogue

Strategies/principles for inclusivity in Irish primary schools—Intercultural education

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Mc Verry, Peter: 2008, Jesus- Social Revolutionary?, Veritas, Dublin, 9781847301109
Grenham, Thomas G.: 2005, The Unknown God: Religious and Theological Interculturation, Peter Lang, Bern,
Lane, Dermot: 2011, Stepping Stones to Other Religions: A Christian Theology of Inter-Religious Dialogue, Veritas, Dublin,
Besley Tina & Peters Michael A.: 0, Interculturalism: Education and Dialogue, Peter Lang, New York,
Byrne, Gareth and Kieran, Patrica eds: 2013, Toward Mutual Ground: Pluralism, Religious Education and Diversity in Irish Schools., Columba, Dublin,
Grenham, Thomas G and Kieran, Patricia eds: 2012, New Educational Horizons in Contemporary Ireland: Trends and Challenges., Peter Lang, Bern,
Lane, Dermot: 2013, Religion and Education: Re-Imagining the Relationship, Veritas, Dublin,
Rausch, Thomas P.: 2003, Who is Jesus? An Introduction to Christology., Liturgical Press, Minnesota,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

1: Video Series on Youtube, Franco Zefferelli, Jesus of Nazareth,
418296: 1, Video Series on Youtube, Catholic Schools Partnership, 2015, Catholic Schools Partnership- Sharing Good Practice on Inclusion of All Pupils, Dublin