Course Catalogue

Issues in Contemporary Catholicism TRS4095

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Critical Studies
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
  • Typically Offered: Either Semester 1 or Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

This course will explore the structures and teachings of the Catholic Church and their influence at both the religious and the geo-political level.

Timetable

1x2hr seminar per week over 10 weeks as scheduled on MyCampus.

 

This is one of the Honours options in TRS and may not run every year. The options that are running this session are available on MyCampus.

Requirements of Entry

Available to all students fulfilling requirements for Honours entry into Theology and Religious Studies, and by arrangement to visiting students or students of other Honours programmes who qualify under the University's 25% regulation.

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

The standard assessments for this course are:

■ Essay (2,500 words) - 65%

■ Presentation (15 minutes) - 35%

 

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:

■ There is no alternative to the essay, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)

■ Recording of presentation as an alternative to the presentation

 

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.

Main Assessment In: April/May

Course Aims

This course will provide the opportunity to:

■ explore the key features of contemporary Catholicism, including its ecclesiological structure and practices, and its theological, moral and social teachings;

■ assess the legacy of the Second Vatican Council;

■ discuss contemporary controversies within the Catholic Church

■ explore the influence of Catholicism across the world and in international relations.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ outline the main ecclesiological features of contemporary Catholicism, including its structures of authority, and its understanding of papal and magisterial authority;

■ indicate the content and identify sources of other key teachings of the Catholic Church;

■ deploy historical and documentary sources to assess the legacy of the Second Vatican Council;

■ analyse some of the controversial debates on theological, ecclesiological and moral issues within the Catholic Church

■ critically assess Catholicism's influence on and/or contribution to selected issues of contemporary concern.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions