Module: Religious Education: Critical Questions

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Religious Education: Critical Questions
Module Code	RET1002 (ITS: HD123)
Faculty	Human Development	School	DCU Institute of Education
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	7.5

Description

The purpose of this module is to explore critical questions in religious education. Students will investigate the long tradition of religious education in the Catholic tradition, and approaches to religious education in other Christian denominations and religious traditions, and by the Irish state. Students will gain knowledge and understanding of the need for adaptation and inculturation in the process of religious education, and will reflect on the place of religious education in the context of changing communities and societies.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate a capacity for in-depth research in the religious education literature of the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
2. Analyse and interpret selected themes in the literature
3. Set out appropriate responsibilities for the work of religious education within a range of professional and pastoral contexts.
4. Investigate and reflect on critical questions in religious education in order to contribute to ongoing reflection and change in faith communities and in society.

Total Workload: 0

Section Breakdown
CRN	20347	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale		Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category		Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Amalee Meehan	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	n/a	50%	n/a
Assignment	n/a	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

The contemporary world: context for religious education

The rationale and aim of religious education today.

Religious education in a multi-religious and multi-cultural world.

Theological, pedagogical and methodological approaches to religious education.

Structures, resources and implementation of religious education planning

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Byrne, Gareth and Patricia Kieran (eds): 2013, Toward Mutual Ground: Pluralism, Religious Education and Diversity in Irish School, Columba, Dublin,
Hession, Anne and Patricia Kieran (eds): 2008, Exploring Religious Education, Veritas, Dublin,
Pope Francis: 2015, Laudato Si: On Care for Our Common Home, Veritas, Dublin,
Parkes, Sharon: 2000, Big Questions, Worthy Dreams, Jossey-Bass, San Francisco,
Irish Episcopal Conference: 2015, Catholic Preschool and Primary Religious Education Curriculum for Ireland, Veritas, Dublin,
Shanahan, Mary: 2017, Does Religious Education Matter?, Routledge, Oxfordshire,
Department of Education and Skills: 0, Leaving Certificate Religious Education Syllabus,
Department of Education and Skills: 0, Leaving Certificate Religious Education Guidelines for Teachers,
Department of Education and SKills: 2019, Junior Cycle Religious Education Specification,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None