University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 2

Availability restrictions: Not automatically available to General Degree students

Planned timetable: Lecture: 12.00 noon - 1.00 pm Mon, Seminar: 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm Thu

This module explores Christian responses to a number of contemporary moral issues. We will compare how various Christian responses differ among themselves over history and how they differ from those offered by non-Christians. Our goal is to better understand the historical and theoretical background to common moral arguments nowadays; often we are familiar with the arguments without perceiving their presuppositions or genealogies. In particular, we will seek to understand how Christian ethics relates to the ethos of liberal democracy, which is oriented toward rights, freedom, and equality. Is Christian ethics fundamentally compatible with, or in tension with, values such as freedom of speech and a secular state? We seek to answer this question by careful study of issues such as abortion, euthanasia, global poverty, the use of religious reasons in public debate, same-sex marriage, and war.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1 x 3-hour seminar.

Scheduled learning hours: 33

Guided independent study hours: 267

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 3-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 50%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 50%

Re-assessment: 3-hour Written Examination = 100%

Personnel

Module teaching staff: Dr J Perry