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Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

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Module Title
Module Code (ITS: TP533)
Faculty School
NFQ level Credit Rating
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.


WorkloadFull time hours per semester
TypeHoursDescription
Assessment Feedback24attending lectures
Independent Study224Reading, notetaking, presentation preparation, research for final essay
Total Workload: 248
Assessment Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Extended Essay / DissertationAn essay of 3000 words on a topic relevant to the course will be submitted80%n/a
PresentationDelivery of presentation on a set reading.2020%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

Comparative Theology as Theological Method

Hermeneutics

Phenomenology and Comparative Theology

Otherness, Alterity and Difference

Case Studies on Buddhism and Hinduism

Empathy in Comparative Theology

Indicative Reading List

Books:
  • 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,


Articles:
None
Other Resources

None

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