Registry
Module Specifications
Archived Version 2023 - 2024
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Description This module explores justice and peace, both generally and with regard to selected issues, from theological and philosophical perspectives, from biblical times up to the modern tradition of Catholic/Christian Social Doctrine. Drawing from the Leaving Certificate RE syllabus, it presents a vision of justice as: right relationship, retribution [giving what is owed], fairness, equality, and human rights. Both Old and New Testaments are examined, with particular attention to Genesis 1-3, the Decalogue and Mosaic Law and Covenant, the Hebrew Prophets, as well as the teaching and life of Jesus Christ and the early church. The centrality of the human person as made in God's image and as called to respect God's creation is emphasised. The thought of St Thomas Aquinas is explored, with particular attention to justice as a virtue in the context of respect for the natural law and the common good, and response to the divine invitation to believers to live a Christian life. Social teaching in the more recent tradition is looked at, beginning with study of Leo XIII's 'Rerum Novarum' and looking at developments up to the environmental theological ethics in 'Laudato Si' and the theme of human fraternity in 'Fratelli Tutti' of Pope Francis. The theme of just war theory/doctrine is looked at in some detail, both as an issue in itself and also as an example of how to do sound ethical analysis of difficult moral decisions in which it seems we have to choose to do evil in order to achieve good: the module demonstrates that this is a false understanding of ethics by analysing an adequate understanding of human intentionality and its relationship to the pursuit of true justice as a foundation for genuine peace. The module emphasises that personal and professional commitment to work for justice and peace is a matter of reason, which can be illuminated and motivated also by faith working together in harmony with reason. This commitment is an essential element in good educational policy and practice. Any teacher, and especially a teacher of RE, should be a person working for justice and peace. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate a theological and philosophical knowledge and understanding of the concepts of justice and peace. 2. Identify and reflect upon the biblical and traditional sources of Christian thinking on, and action for, justice and peace. 3. Argue and justify ethical points of view regarding justice and peace issues, supported by relevant theological and philosophical sources. 4. Apply ethical principles and truths from the Christian tradition to specific contemporary justice and peace issues, such as war and human rights. 5. Integrate insights from the theological and philosophical tradition into a coherent, person-centred worldview. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 Philosophical and theological understandings of justice and peace.Justice and peace in the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures.Justice and peace in St. Thomas AquinasCatholic/Christian Social Teaching - history, texts and principles [e.g. human rights, solidarity, etc.].Just War Theory and Pacifism. Environmental Issues. Other selected issues. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Indicative Reading List
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other Resources 52041, Online directory, The Holy See/Vatican, 0, Papal documents full-text links, http://www.vatican.va/offices/papal_docs_list.html, 52042, Website, United Nations, 0, Human Rights page, http://www.un.org/en/rights/, 52043, Website, World Council of Churches, 0, Homepage, http://www.oikoumene.org/, 52044, Website, Aquinas, St.Thomas,, 0, Summa Theologiae, http://www.newadvent.org/summa, 52045, Website, Glendon, Mary Ann, 1998, ‘Reflections on the UDHR’ in First Things April 1998, http://bit.ly/19u4xlc, 52046, Website, 0, Leaving Certificate RE Syllabus, http://www.curriculumonline.ie/uploadedfiles/PDF/lc_religion_sy.pdf, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Programme or List of Programmes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Archives: |
|