Module: Theological Sexual Ethics

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Theological Sexual Ethics
Module Code	RET1022 (ITS: TP126)
Faculty	Theology, Philosophy & Music	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	7.5

Description

This module explores Christian theological and philosophical understandings of marriage and sexual ethics in the context of the dignity of the human person, drawing from biblical and theological sources, virtue ethics and natural law theory.

Learning Outcomes

1. Develop an appreciation of marriage as a social institution and religious sacrament, and demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a number of key themes and issues in Christian sexual ethics.
2. Argue and reference an informed point of view on sexual ethics supported by relevant theological and philosophical sources.
3. Demonstrate a clear, coherent and sound understanding of marriage and Christian sexual ethics through a written assignment.
4. Reflect critically and creatively upon the dialogue between their own life experience and the Christian tradition’s understanding of marriage and sexual ethics, with a view to developing and maintaining a coherent world view.
5. Engage in personal reflection on marriage and sexual ethics in a manner that is aware of, and engaged with, the contemporary cultural context.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	No Description
Online activity	24	No Description
Directed learning	50	No Description
Assignment Completion	50	No Description
Independent Study	39.5	No Description
Total Workload: 187.5

Section Breakdown
CRN	11512	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	John Murray	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Essay	An essay of 2,500 words (for the main text) on one of a number of optional titles given by the lecturer.	100%	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

Cultural and historical context.

Conscience and religious authority in Christian moral decision making.

The biblical vision of relationships, marriage and sexuality.

‘Theology of the Body’ as a modern approach to the traditional teaching.

Revisionist approaches

Responsible parenthood, NFP, and contraception.

Marriage as a sacrament and community of love and life.

Same-sex relationships

Divorce and remarriage.

Pornography.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Lawler, Ronald, and Joseph Boyle and William E. May: 2011, Catholic Sexual Ethics: A Summary, Explanation and Defense, 3rd Edition, Our Sunday Visitor, Huntington, Indiana,
Curran, Charles E.: 2005, The Moral Theology of Pope John Paul II, 3-5, Georgetown University Press, Washington, D.C.,
Curran, Charles E. and Richard McCormick (eds.): 1993, Readings in Moral Theology No. 8: Dialogue about Catholic Sexual Ethics, Paulist Press, New Jersey,
Ellison, Marvin M. and K.B. Douglas (eds.): 2014, Sexuality and the Sacred: Sources for Theological Reflection, 2nd edition, Westminster John Knox Press, Louiseville, Kentucky, USA,
Farley, Margaret: 2007, Just Love: A Framework for Christian Sexual Ethics, Continuum, New York,
John Paul II, with Michael Waldstein (translator and introduction): 2006, Man and Woman He Created Them: A Theology of the Body, Pauline Books and Media, Boston,
McDonagh, Enda and MacNamara, Vincent, (eds.): 2011, An Irish Reader in Moral Theology: The Legacy of the Last Fifty Years, Volume II: Sex, Marriage and the Family, Columba, Dublin,
Smith, Janet E.: 1991, Humanae Vitae: A Generation Later,, University of America Press, Washington, D.C.,
Wells, Samuel: 2010, Introducting Christian Ethics, chapters 10 and 11, Wiley-Blackwell, Malden, MA,
West, Christopher: 2009, Theology of the Body for Beginners (Revised Edition), Ascension Press, West Chester, Philadelphia,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

Online document: World Council of Churches, 2006, 'Churches' response to human sexuality', http://bit.ly/1ew7mSe