How is the Course structured?
The course is modular in structure, with six core and two specialist modules. Modules are individually certificated allowing participants the possibility of taking one or two modules at a time and building up to the full certificated. These online modules will allow for greater flexibility in study time by enabling access to modules at any time convenient to yourself.
The participant is expected to complete 3 core modules and 1 specialist module in each of the 2 years of the course.
Each module requires ten hours online study time and includes online learning activities. As modules are individually certificated, an 80% online record will be required for each module and the successful completion of a 1,500 word assignment. The dates for completion of assignments will be given at the beginning of the year.
For those who are returning to study, require only occasional modules to complete their course, or wish to commence the full course, can do so at any time throughout the academic year.
The Modules
An Introductory module guides the participants through the process of the online learning environment.
Introductory Module:
The purpose of this module is to develop participants’ understanding and operation of the various components of the modules and enables the participants to appreciate and experience the sense of the online community and the requirements of the course assessment process.
Specialist Module 1:
INTRODUCTION TO THE CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
The purpose of this module is to develop participants’ understanding and appreciation of the essential and fundamental contents, and the structure of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
Core Modules:
OLD TESTAMENT:
The purpose of this module is to introduce participants to the writings in the Old Testament in order to help them to recognise God’s revelation contained there and its continuing relevance in Christian life today.
NEW TESTAMENT:
The purpose of this module is to familiarise participants with the process through which the New Testament writings came into being and to help them interpret the material presented and understand its significance for the life of a Christian today.
JESUS CHRIST:
The purpose of this module is to deepen participants’ awareness of the significance and centrality of the person and work of Jesus Christ in the daily life of the Christian as well as in the worship of the Church.
CHURCH:
The purpose of this module is to enable participants to reflect on the nature of the Church and its mission in the world today.
SACRAMENTS:
The purpose of this module is to develop participants’ understanding and appreciation of Sacrament in the life of Catholics as a sign of Christ’s continuing presence with the Church.
CHRISTIAN MORALITY:
The purpose of this module is to help participants develop the skills of moral decision-making, to examine Christian teaching in its relation to the universal search for what constitutes “human good”, and to explore the application of Christian understanding to some contemporary moral issues.
Specialist 2 module:
(Students can choose either of the following)
CHRISTIAN IDENTITY IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY
The purpose of this module is to develop participants’ understanding of the teaching of the Church in the Scriptures, Church documents and in the Catechism of the Catholic Church in relation to life and contemporary culture.
CREATIVE APPROACHES TO TEACHING RELIGIOUS EDUCATION IN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
The purpose of this module is to introduce participants to the importance of Religious Education in Catholic schools, to investigate different pedagogical approaches to the teaching of Religious Education and to discover strategies of how to teach Religious Education creatively.
Course Leader
The course will be led by Christine Smith, Course Tutor for the Diocesan Education Service.