MODULE DESCRIPTION
1. Module Title: Christian Ethics
2. Module Code: QF508
3. Aims: This module aims to:
 develop students’ skills in ethical reasoning, critically reflecting on their own ethical commitments
 develop student’s skills in communicating these in a committed but open way.
4. Summary:
This module will introduce students to the nature, methods and insights of contemporary
Christian ethics. After looking at some main theories and methods in ethical thinking students will go on to apply theoretical knowledge in a series of student-led seminars focussing on a range of key contemporary ethical issues. Typical examples include: embryo research; sexuality; environmental issues; war; and assisted dying.
Key skills to be cultivated will by evaluating and analysing the place of Christian ethical approaches and insights in relation to a variety of social and personal issues in contemporary
Western society.
5. Special Features:
MODULE ADMINISTRATION AND ORGANISATION
6. Module Leader/Coordinator: Helen Stanton
7. External Examiner:
8. Subject Area responsible for the module: Theology
9. Subject Assessment Board that considers the module results: Theology
10. Programme Assessment Board(s) that considers the programme results: :
Foundation Degree Programme Assessment Board
11. Module Size: Single
12. CATS Points: 10
13. ECTS Credits: 5
14. Number of Weeks: 7
15. Total Student Study Hours: 100
Incorporating :
Total contact hours: 17.5
(Made up from lectures: 17.5 )

Directed Learning: 35
Self-directed time: 47.5
16. Availability/where delivered: The Queen’s Foundation
17. Programmes for which this module is mandatory:
18. Programmes for which this module is optional: Foundation Degree in Mission and
Ministry
19. Specific Pre-requisites: None
TEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT
20. Intended Learning Outcomes:
A. Subject Specific Knowledge and Understanding
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1.
Explore and evaluate dominant perspectives upon, and assumptions about, the nature of morality and ethical behaviour within both society and the Church (A3)
2.
Critically reflect upon the role of scripture, tradition and doctrine in informing Christian approaches to ethical issues (A4)
B. Subject Specific Skills and Competences
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1.
Consider and critically evaluate a range of different approaches to Ethics, both historical and contemporary (B6)
2.
Express and evaluate a range of differing perspectives upon a contemporary ethical topic, taking account of the pastoral and ministerial implications of the possible courses of action that each would imply (B5)
C. Generic Transferable Skills
On successful completion of this module, students should have some or all of the
following skills:
Communication :
1.
Write an essay that lucidly discusses several points of view and arrives at a considered conclusion (C12)
2.
Communicate ethical issues in a way that identifies key points and insight into a range of possible responses (C3,C6)
Information Technology :
3.
Locate websites and other electronic resources to inform personal study (C12)
4.
Working with Others :
Participate effectively in small group discussion, evaluation and exploration (C5,
C6)
Improving own Learning :

5.
demonstrate skills in study & reflection that will have practical value in future ministry (C2)
6.
Set goals and deadlines in order to complete tasks and assignments (C11)
21. Professional/Subject Benchmarks and Standards relating to this module:
QAA benchmarks for Theology & Religious Studies http://www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/benchmark/statements/Theology.pdf
5.4(ii,iii,iv,v); 5.6(i,iii,v); 5.8(ii,iii,iv,v,vi)
Church of England Ministry Division (2006)
Publishing
22. Indicative Content:
Shaping the Future London: Church House
The module will seek critically to examine a variety of ethical thinking and methodology in the light of Christian theology and established and developing ecclesial practice. Theoretical material will be brought into dialogue with two case studies arising from recent controversies, for example:
1. The suggestion that those who are identified as ‘bad parents’ should have their children taken from them.
2. The inclusion of Nick Griffin (leader of the British National Party) in a BBC programme.
Question Time
The intention is to enable students to contribute critically and confidently to public and ecclesial debates on ethical issues as an element of their Christian witness and ministry
23. Teaching and Learning Methods:
Lectures, seminars and discussion groups on current issues; reflection on ministerial challenges
23.a) Disability Equality Duty – Are there any elements of the module that could limit access to potential students?
Reasonable adjustments will be made for those individuals with special requirements, based on their personal circumstances and guidance from the Mitigating Circumstances Board and
Inclusion Officer.
24. Method of Assessment:
Component 1: 100 % prepare a 3000 word essay on one of the titles set
This will assess all intended learning outcomes.
Students must obtain a mark of 40% to pass the module
24.a) Alternative method of assessment offered for students with disabilities (if
appropriate) ) Where appropriate, having sought relevant advice, reasonable adjustments will be made using the University College’s processes.
25. Method of Reassessment: Resubmission of essay on a different title from set list
The maximum mark for reassessed work is 40%
MODULE RESOURCES
26. Indicative Essential Reading:

Hauerwas S and Wells S, eds (2004)
Blackwell
Singer,P ed (1990)
The Blackwell Companion to Christian Ethics , London:
A Companion to Ethics , London: Blackwell
A list of appropriate URLs will be included in the Module Handbook
27. Indicative Recommended Reading:
Banner, M (1999),
Press
Christian Ethics and Contemporary Moral Problems
Bash, A (2007)
Benedict XVI (2006)
, Cambridge: University
Forgiveness and Christian Ethics, Cambridge: University Press
Values in a time of Upheaval New York: Crossroad
Aiming to Kill: the ethics of suicide and euthanasia London: DLT
Essential care: an ethics of Human Nature Waco: Baylor University Press
Biggar, N (2004)
Boff, L (2008)
Bratton, M (2009)
Brawley, R (2007)
Knox Press
Brock, B (2007)
Rapids: Eerdmans
Brown, M (2010)
God, Ethics and the Human Genome London: Church House Publishing
Character Ethics and the New Testament Louisville: Westminster John
Singing the Ethos of God: the place of Christian Ethics in Scripture
Tensions in Christian Ethics: an introduction London|: SPCK
Grand
Imitating Jesus: an inclusive approach to New Testament Ethics Grand Burridge, R (2007)
Rapids: Eerdmans
Childs, J (2006) Ethics in the community of promise: faith, formation and decision
Minneapolis: Fortress
De Gruchy, S et al (2008)
Amsterdam: Rozenberg
Eagleton, T (2009),
Elford, R and Jones, G Eds (2009)
Peter Lang
Farley, M (2006)
Glover, J (2006)
From Our Side: emerging perspectives on development and ethics
Trouble with Strangers: A Study of Ethics , London: WileyBlackwell
A Tangled Web: medicine and theology in dialogue Oxford:
Harrod, J (2007)
McCoy, A(2004),
Percy, M (2001),
Continuum
Just Love: a framework for Christian sexual ethics New York: Continuum
Choosing Children: genes, disability and design Oxford: Clarendon Press
Weaving the Tapestry of Judgement: Christian ethics in a plural world
Peterborough: Epworth
MacIntyre, A (1985),
Duckworth
After Virtue: A Study in Moral Theory , (Second Edition) London:
An Intelligent Person’s Guide to Christian Ethics , London: Continuum
The Salt of the Earth: Religious Resilience in a Secular Age , London:
Use will also be made of newspaper articles and web resources reporting on presenting ethical issues
A list of appropriate URLs will be included in the Module Handbook
28. Required Equipment: