MOD TITLE: DATED:

NCTR7017 Pastoral Ethics 03/09/2015

LEVEL: CREDITS:

7 20

JACS CODE:

V610

AIMS 

Study the virtue theory in the elucidation and resolution of moral dilemmas



To understand the role of biblical resources in engaging with contemporary moral issues, both theoretically and in practical matters

LEARNING OUTCOMES Upon the successful completion of this module, the student should be able to demonstrate the ability to: 1. Assess critically the roles played by clergy in the community as they address contentious issues of ethical nature. 2. Relate critically the complexity of living with moral tensions to the spiritual resources possessed by the individuals and groups concerned. 3. Reflect critically upon the case study derived from the students’ own experiences.

INDICATIVE CONTENT The module will include, for example: 

Moral approaches of various biblical literatures



Moral theories especially virtue ethics



Moral principles



Personal formation as a decision-maker



Ethics in the Christian tradition



Issues under consideration may include human sexuality, life and death, social justice, rights, marriage, ethnicity, violence, environment

LEARNING AND TEACHING STRATEGY Lectures will introduce the students to the concepts, principles, and practices of the topics studied for the module. Case studies may be used to provide examples and will be used to develop further understanding of what has been learned. Tutorials and seminars are used to support the discussion and critical evaluation of what has been learned, normally in a smaller group size than a lecture. Guided independent study allows students to further their independent learning skills with appropriate support provided by the module tutor(s) (e.g. preparation for lectures and seminars, follow-up work, background reading, revision, completion of assessment tasks). Activity type Coursework TOTAL

Percentage 100 100%

ASSESSMENT Description of each assessment component and its weighting, together with an example for new forms of assessment: Assessment Component 1 - 50% Research project (3,000 words) Exemplar Create a case study about an ethical dilemma facing the members of a faith community, and provide an analysis of the situation based on virtue theory. Assessment Component 2 - 50% Seminar presentation (15 minutes) Exemplar Present a case for against an ethical dilema. Assessment Summary Activity type Research project Presentation TOTAL

Percentage 50 50 100%

EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (ESD) Yes X Does the module contribute to ESD? No

If yes please provide brief details (no more than 100 words): The module contributes to the sustainability agenda in its broadest sense by encouraging students to think about the skills they require to solve their academic problems. These are transferrable skills and assist in nurturing critical and creative thinking. As such the module is focused on meeting the immediate needs of the students while also equipping them to think critically and solve problems in an unknown future.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Essential Bretherton, L. Hospitality as Holiness (Aldershot: Ashgate, 2010) Mahoney, J. The Moral Context of Pastoral Care (Edinburgh: Contact, 2000) Markham, I. Do Morals Matter? (Malden, MA: Blackwell, 2007)

Recommended Adeney, B.T. Strange Virtues (Leicester: Apollos, 1995) Hallett, G. L. Priorities and Christian Ethics (Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 1998) Hauerwas, S, A. Community of Character (Notre Dame, IN: Notre Dame 1981) Wright, Tom. Virtue Reborn (London: SPCK, 2011)

Background Atkinson, D. J. and Field D. H. New Dictionary of Christian Ethics and Pastoral Theology (Leicester: IVP, 1995) Gill, R. Moral Leadership in a Post-modern Age (Edinburgh: Clark, 1997) Hauerwas, S. and Wells, S. The Blackwell Companion to Christian Ethics (Malden, MA: Blackwell, 2004) Russell, Daniel C., (ed). The Cambridge Companion to Virtue Ethics (Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 2013) Van Hooft, Stan, (ed). The Handbook of Virtue Ethics (Durham: Routledge, 2014)

Journals Andrews University Seminary Studies Biblical Theology Bulletin Catholic Biblical Quarterly International Journal of Practical Theology Journal of Biblical Literature Journal of Ecumenical Studies Journal of Pastoral Care & Counselling Journal of Pastoral Theology Journal of Psychology & Theology Journal of Religious Leadership Journal for the Study of the New Testament Journal for the Study of the Old Testament Journal of the Adventist Theological Society Journal of Youth Ministry Journal of Theological Studies Neotestamentica Novum Testamentum New Testament Studies Pastoral Psychology Semeia Tyndale Bulletin Worship Websites www.aarweb.org www.adventistarchives.org www.asmweb.org www.biapt.org.uk www.egwwritings.org www.homiletics.org www.ia-pt.org www.libguides.luc.edu www.ntgateway.org www.practicaltheology.org www.whiteestate.org